March 31, 2013

There’s

No Place Like Home 2013 Business Review & Forecast

A special supplement of

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U3

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

North Okanagan building momentum GLENN MITCHELL Morning Star Editor

We know we have it good here in the North Okanagan. The weather, the lakes, the mountains, the easy access to all nature has to offer in what many consider one of the most desirable places to live in the country. And, of course, then there’s the people who call it home. We try not to take our good fortune for granted as we build our lives in this community and find a way to grow our businesses while also contributing to what makes this place so special. It also never hurts to get recognition from our peers that we’re not only on the right track but proving to be world-class in our endeavours. That’s why it’s heartening to hear of Okanagan Spirits’ recent victories at the 2013 World Spirits Awards in Austria, winning not only distillery of the year and spirit of the year awards, but also earning world-class distillery designation in the process. “I had previously stated that we needed to dream big to achieve success at an awards event of this calibre and I guess that big dream came true, placing us directly on top of the world stage of craft spirit production,” said Peter von Hahn, master distiller. Well done, Okanagan Spirits, and an accomplishment that the entire North Okanagan can at least share a little bit in, because we also call this great community home. And we share it with other success stories that are homegrown: like Kal Tire and its beautiful new corporate office on Kal Lake Road, and Tolko which recently announced it’s re-opening its mill in Slave Lake, Alta. and is actively hiring personnel, and

Peter von Hahn, master distiller, checks on a batch in a copper still at Okanagan Spirits in Vernon. Okanagan Spring, among so many others big and small. Throw into the mix the fun side of life in these parts – Funtastic, Vernon Winter Carnival, the Interior Provincial Exhibition, Creative Chaos among so much more – and it’s no wonder life in the North Okanagan is something we can all feel good about. Certainly it takes hard work, skill,

and good business sense to succeed in these challenging economic times but not only is it being done in these parts, companies are literally conquering the world. Success breeds success and optimism and dreaming big brings its own rewards, so momentum is clearly on our side as the turning of the season brings everything to life, includ-

OKANAGAN SPIRITS PHOTO

ing a spring in our collective step. And just as the city of Armstrong gets set to celebrate 100 wonderful years, along with the Vernon Golf and Country Club, so too should we look forward to the future with confidence as we strive to do our best to be good stewards of our community. The North Okanagan truly is a wonderful place to call home.

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2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast

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richard rolke/morning star

Robert Foord, Kal Tire president, says the new headquarters on Kalamalka Lake Road has improved employee satisfaction and bolstered efficiency.

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There’s a lack of offices at Kal Tire’s headquarters and the few that do exist have glass walls. That means that gatherings — even among just one or two employees — frequently occur in the 22 designated meeting rooms. “We want to get people out from behind their desks to collaborate,” said Robert Foord, president. Canada’s largest independent tire dealer moved into the Kalamalka Lake Road building last October because the former 48th Avenue office was too small. “It’s improved everyone’s spirits. There is more bounce in their step,” said Foord. “It’s improved communications because you’re running into people as you go from point A to point B.” Departments that used to be spread across several buildings have now been consolidated. “It has made us more efficient having everyone under one roof,” said Foord. “You don’t have to put a jacket on, go down the street and around the block to see someone.” There are currently 300 employees in the building and the original seven-year capacity of the structure has already shrunk down to four years. “That’s all dependent on growth. Once we’re at capacity, we will consider our options,” said Foord. The fact that the headquarters is already filling up is a sign that business keeps rolling along. “We are continuing to expand in Canada and internationally with the mining industry,” said Foord. “We are bringing people on at every level of the

business.” Ten new retail stores opened in 2012, bringing the total to about 250. Future sites could be in Ontario as well as across Western Canada. Beyond Canada, Kal Tire operates in 18 other countries, including in Africa and South America. Resource extraction is the goal. “Commodities will continue to see a strong run and it will be a big part of what we’re involved in,” said Foord, adding that the company has partners on the ground in these nations. “They understand how to set up a business and how business is done there. The management of the business is left to people in the field.” Kal Tire has 5,000 employees globally, with 3,300 of them in Canada. “We have the best people in the industry from a customer service standpoint,” said Foord. “The amount of time we spend training our people is important.” There is centralized training at the head office and upwards of 60 people can be in a classroom at a time. “It facilitates our ability to communicate a lot better,” said Foord. “Our ability to find people is one of the biggest challenges we have. The profile of the person we’re looking for, we’re quite particular about.” This year marks the 60th anniversary of Kal Tire being launched by Foord’s late father Tom. “It’s a huge milestone,” said Foord, adding, with pride, that the company has remained in Vernon all of those years. “Part of us staying in Vernon is the attachment we have to the community. It’s part of our company culture.”

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U5

2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast

Armstrong turns 100 RogeR Knox

Morning Star Staff

Patti Noonan has a hundred things to do. Literally. One of the main focuses in 2013 for the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce’s executive director is Armstrong’s 100th birthday. “It’s going to be a really busy year for us,” said Noonan. “We’re preparing for our bi-annual trade show (Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hassen Arena) and the theme is going to be ‘Business Through The Decades.’ “We’ll look at how things have changed and how we’re looking forward to the next 100 years.” Businesses in Armstrong have started to embrace the city’s centennial. “Lots of businesses are coming on board for sponsorships of centennial events and the trade show,” said Noonan. “We’ve got people starting to ask whether they should wear a costume at work. Instead of a costume, because it gets hot in the Okanagan in summer, we’re talking about doing

an Armstrong 100 T-shirt day every week.” Some businesses have jumped on the centennial train by incorporating the Armstrong 100 logo onto their products for sale. “Our chamber of commerce is not like anyone in the valley,” said Sandra Starke, president of the chamber’s board of directors. “Yes, business is important but the community is really important. We have an incredible board.” The first business in Armstrong is believed to have been the Armstrong Advertiser newspaper, which is still in existence, and is more than 100 years old. Among the businesses that got their start in Armstrong in the 1913 era included a Chevrolet dealer, butchers, grocery stores and loading docks at places such as Buckerfields. “The co-op has been here forever and there have been a lot of agriculturally based businesses,” said Noonan.

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Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce executive director Patti Noonan hopes all local businesses celebrate the city’s 100th birthday in 2013.

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History highlighted We Fix Panes! Continued from U5 The chamber, located on Bridge Street off Pleasant Valley Boulevard in downtown Armstrong, is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (and closed for lunch). Hours change July 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the chamber – which also serves as the visitor information centre – stays open seven days a week. In Spallumcheen, said Noonan, the chamber continues to try and highlight the township’s agricultural history plus its famed roads which are a hit with cyclists. “We’re working on a farm map again for people that have farm sales,” said Noonan. “Cycling is the other

thing. Every day, once April hits, we have anywhere from two-to-12 cyclists looking for a route map. “They’ll park their cars here because we have free parking, unload their bikes, go out for a ride, come back, have lunch, load up and go home.” The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, in 2012, won the B.C. Chamber Executive Communications Award. This year, the chamber, along with the Lumby, Enderby and Vernon chambers, will host the 2013 B.C. Chamber annual general meeting. It will run Sept. 13-15 at the Vance Creek Hotel and Chilcoot Conference Centre at Silver Star Resort.

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Erin Kennedy (left), Pamela Burns Resch and Sigrid Ann Thors are preparing for an active season at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.

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Fulfilling the cultural needs of the North Okanagan means staff and volunteers at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre are never sitting still. New concepts are constantly being pursued to draw residents into the theatre. “We always strive for artistic excellence and diversity of performance,” said Erin Kennedy, artistic director. “We enjoy finding the tried and true shows and introducing new approaches.” This fall, an inaugural chamber music series will be launched, and unlike previous evening engagements, this one will be held in the morning. “There are certain parts of the community that are under-served and for some people, an 8 p.m. show is too late,”

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said Kennedy. A morning performance also utilizes the facility at a time when it normally sits quiet. Also on tap this coming season are performances directed towards elementary school students. The goal is to introduce the students to the arts and perhaps encourage a lifelong passion. “To foster the arts with children helps sustain our artistic community. They are the artists of tomorrow,” said Kennedy. And even if they never pick up an instrument or slip on dancing shoes, they can pursue employment behind the scenes or they can become patrons, corporate sponsors or volunteers. The VPAC hires students during the summer.

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2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast Continued from U8 “We can provide a training ground for young people interested in technical theatre,” said Pamela Burns Resch, executive director. Beyond promoting creativity, the theatre plays a role in fostering discussion. An example of this was the recent production, This is Cancer. “It was a brave performance and it really deepened the understanding of the topic,” said Kennedy. VPAC will also be hosting an allcandidates forum April 29 as part of the provincial election campaign. There is also an economic factor to culture. “The arts bring business to the community,” said Burns Resch. “People are working and employed in the arts and they spend their money here.” Theatres, art galleries and museums are also some of the amenities people and investors consider when looking for a community to move to. “People gravitate towards communities with a strong cultural base,” said

Kennedy. And there is a tourism spin-off as Sigrid Ann Thors, VPAG president, points out that people from across Canada have been known to travel to Vernon for shows. “It brings in actual money besides the admission tickets,” she said of accommodations and restaurants. As part of the current season, VPAC will host Intergalactic Nemesis. “It’s a match-up of a radio play and a comic book. It’s a neat mix of a newer art form with an older art form,” said Kennedy. Intergalactic Nemesis features three actors who voice dozens of characters, one Foley artist creating hundreds of sound effects and one keyboardist performing a score of thousands of notes while more than 1,250 individual, full-colour, hand-drawn, comic book images are projected on to a two-storey high screen. Next February, will be the return of the highly popular Ballet Jorgen. “They will perform a full-length Romeo and Juliet,” said Kennedy.

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Car dealers lend a hand It started out as a way to give back to worthy community organizations in the North Okanagan. Twenty years and more than $300,000 later, and the Vernon New Car Dealers Association is still teeing up for charity with its Fun in the Sun golf tournament. The 20th annual event last September at the Spallumcheen Golf and Country Club raised $15,000, which was split between Brian Westwell the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club of Vernon and Upper Room Mission. “It’s very important for us to give back to the community and to the less fortunate,” said Brian Westwell, general manager of Vernon Nissan and association president. The eight-member association – Watkin Motors, Vernon Toyota, Vernon Nissan, Hilltop Subaru, Vernon Hyundai, Bannister Honda, Bannister GM and Vernon Volkswagen – marked the milestone tourney by inviting the tournament’s founders and past dealers. And while charity recipients change every year, the association, which employs 350 people, usually selects ones that support youth and health care. Past recipients include North Okanagan Community Life Society, Parkinson’s Society of B.C., KidSport, B.C. Special Olympics, Vernon Hospice House, Vernon Teen Junction Literacy & Youth Centre and the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation.

The Boys and Girls club plans to use the funds to build a climbing wall, while the Upper Room Mission is putting their portion towards its Fresh Start program. Kirstie Blanleil, centre director for the Vernon Boys and Girls Club, is excited to incorporate the climbing wall into its youth programming once it is built. “We have over 500 members and many of them can’t afford to do sports,” said Blanleil. “For kids that shy away from team sports, this will be an opportunity for them to be active. Kids can gather at a safe place and build friendships.” Blanleil noted that because the New Car Dealers Association contributes to the community as a whole, it will be important to make the climbing wall available to other community partners. The Mission’s Fresh Start program helps clients move forward in their lives by working one-on-one with outreach staff to focus on health, finances, relationships and life goals. Meanwhile, for the new car industry, 2012 brought changes to the North Okanagan region in the form of two dealership changes. Vernon Volkswagen (formerly Royal Volkswagen) was taken over by Alberta’s Cole Swendseid, while the Bannister GM group bought the Honda dealership from Peter Dubetz. With hints of an economic recovery starting to take place, Westwell is anticipating increased sales for 2013. “Everything is on the up-and-up; we’ve seen a definite increase in new car sales,” said Westwell. “There’s a surge in new car leasing and there’s been a flood of new fuel-efficient vehicles from all manufacturers.”

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Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U11

2013 Business Review & Forecast 2013 Business Review & Forecast

Art needs a new home Kristin Froneman Morning Star Staff

According to American economist Richard Florida, the No. 1 reason people choose to move to a community is due to its arts and cultural amenities. With that in mind, The Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) continues its goal to bring a new purposebuilt facility to Vernon, and the process continues into 2013. “Many people are unaware of the positive economic impact that arts and culture has on a community. This project has the potential to broaden the cultural tourism, bringing in outside money to our community and businesses,” said Dauna Kennedy Grant, VPAG executive director. “If we want to expand our tax base to lessen the burden on current taxpayers, then according to Richard Florida, arts and culture is where we need to look.” The need for a new building came to a head in January when four cases of water leakage at the

gallery’s current space under the Vernon Parkade came close to putting a travelling exhibition from Québec at risk. “We are entrusted with artwork from other galleries and artists and if we can’t ensure the safety of this work, it will not be available to us, the citizens of the North Okanagan,” said Kennedy Grant. “We’ve had leaking before in our back storage space, where we house the permanent collection, and now that it’s in our exhibition space, it could jeopardize our ability to receive and display exhibitions.” Besides proper storage and a climate-controlled space, a new location would give the VPAG better visibility, attracting visitors and potential residents who stimulate the economy, said Kennedy Grant. One challenge has been met with confirmation by the city to allocate the space where the former Vernon Flower Shop was located as a potential site for the new gallery.

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2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Art gallery still pursuing goal of new facility Continued from U11 “There is potential for an L-shaped space, where the parking lot is now, which could be used for future expansion or for an outdoor sculpture garden,” said Kennedy Grant, adding there had been some confusion as to why the Coldstream Hotel site was not considered. “For so many reasons, that site is not viable financially as it has been identified for development. To put a public facility there means future loss in tax revenue for the city. And we like the current site as it’s an ideal location. It’s across from (Cenotaph) Park, provides visibility as it is in an open location and it’s near the new bus terminal.” The next challenge has been to get public approval with a referendum to borrow funds for the construction of the estimated $6-million facility. That challenge hit a bump when the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC) deferred putting the gallery on the same referendum as the sports complex in April. “They wanted to focus their attention on the sports complex at this

Kristin Froneman /morninG star

Dauna Kennedy Grant, executive director of the Vernon Public Art Gallery, shows some of the work from this winter’s travelling exhibition at the gallery, The ‘70s, from the collection of the Musée du Bas St. Laurent in Rivière-du-Loup, Que. time,” said Kennedy Grant. “We feel it’s an important project that should not be stalled in favour of other projects. Both are important to our community and both should be given

equal priority. Also in jeopardy is the approximately $1.5 million in provincial and federal grants that had been identified for the project.” GVAC’s recent decision to further

delay any discussions regarding a fall referendum has also baffled supporters of the project, added Kennedy Grant. “In any event, the VPAG has done its homework, and made the product of all its research and plans available to GVAC staff and committee members,” she said. “We have highly qualified professionals volunteering on our steering committee, providing their professional services in effort to streamline the process.” The VPAG staff and its board members are also happy to answer any questions from the public about the need for a new gallery. “We really want people to ask questions. We are open to sit with businesses and individuals and tell them how a new facility will impact them,” said Kennedy Grant. “Membership is another way to show support and we encourage our current members to bring in new ones.” The VPAG is launching a new website this month with a link to its blog page on the new proposed facility. Visit vernonpublicartgallery.com for more information.

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Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U13

2013 Business Review & Forecast 2013 Business Review & Forecast

Vernon ready to kick-start careers richard rolke Morning Star Staff

Starting small could have some big results. While it’s long been thought that Vernon’s economy will only prosper if large manufacturers set up shop here, economic development manager Kevin Poole is counting on grassroot, technological start-ups. “Technology is a better fit for us in the long run because of the (restricted) land base,” said Poole, adding that high-tech firms don’t need large buildings. As an example of how there is demand in that sector, Poole points to Kal Tire and its 70 people in its information technology department. “HootSuite in Kelowna is a prime example of success,” he said of the social media management system. “You never know when a start-up will go. We want to kick-start their careers.” But, Poole insists that the community must offer more than just sunshine and beaches if it’s going to get the 30-something tech crowd with young families. “They are not looking for a night life. They want cultural and sports amenities.” That’s why Poole believes it’s important for the community to continue to

invest in art galleries, sports fields and running tracks because a lack of those services can send investors elsewhere. He is also pushing for alternate transportation so residents can bike to work. Networking for tech-savvy people is also critical. “We’re trying to support the entrepreneurial side,” said Poole of special events. In terms of creating high-tech opportunities for existing residents, Poole believes Vernon is well situated because of Okanagan College and the nearby University of B.C. campus in Kelowna. “When you look at demographic trends (aging), the availability of labour will create challenges,” he said, adding providing higher education will counter that trend. There is also the hope that foreign businesses will consider the North Okanagan when looking to move to Canada. “Education will drive investment from foreign markets,” said Poole. “They are interested in bringing their families here if high-quality education is available.” Beyond the high-tech sector, Poole’s department continues to focus on more traditional markets and particularly supporting businesses already here.

“We want to ensure existing businesses stay here,” he said of their need to access labour and land. Along with Kal Tire, Poole says another local firm growing is Aspenware, which constructs wooden utensils. One challenge is the limited land base in Vernon so any development is likely to occur in adjacent communities like Coldstream, Enderby, Lumby and Spallumcheen. Poole and regional staff are currently creating an inventory of vacant commercial and industrial land in the region.

richard rolke/morning star

Kevin Poole, Vernon’s economic development manager, looks to the world to bolster local opportunities.

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www.franksautobody.ca It is now official, Darren has completed his studies at the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business (with a specialization in Real Estate Management). The official graduation ceremonies will be at the UBC Vancouver campus in May. This qualifies Darren for full membership at the Real Estate Institute of British Columbia. He also qualifies as a Broker. For your information, these studies included the

Two big-name Canadian rock bands will follow Canada Day fireworks at the DND grounds as part of the 29th annual Funtastic Summer Festival. Theory of a Deadman, a Delta group, and Big Wreck, a Boston band formed by Toronto’s Ian Thornley, will headline the July 1 extravaganza. Wrist bracelets will be $30. Jim McEwan, in his fifth year as execuJim McEwan tive director, also announced retro rock stars Honeymoon Suite and The Sweet for the weekend. Honeymoon Suite, making a second trip to Funtastic, play Friday night, while The Sweet and Heart tribute band Barracuda, out of Vancouver, perform Saturday. It’s country night Sunday featuring popular Aaron Pritchett (Hold My Beer) of Terrace and opening act Julian Austin (Little Ol’ Kisses) of New Brunswick. “We have a little bit of everything, something for everybody,” said McEwan, who had to sweeten the pot to secure the Canada Day bands. “We’ve got bands doing songs from the ‘70s and ‘80s and something for us country fans.” Theory of a Deadman have a total of seven top 10 hits on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, including two No. 1 hits, Bad Girlfriend and Lowlife. Big Wreck disbanded in 2002 and Ian Thornley went onto a successful solo career with his own band,

practical application of acquiring, managing, leasing, holding and improving real estate, then reverting (selling) in prescribed holding periods to maximize returns for the client. These studies have been a substantial time and financial commitment; however, it is Darren’s opinion that it was money and time well spent. Darren encourages anybody, despite their age, to pursue their education.

Thornley. In 2010, Ian Thornley and Brian Doherty reunited for a cross-Canada tour, playing both Big Wreck and Thornley songs. In 2012, under the name Big Wreck, the band released their third studio album, Albatross. They play hard rock, heavy metal, neo-progressive rock, post-grunge and progressive rock A&W returns as the major sponsor of the entertainment. Bracelets for the opening three nights will soon be available at the restaurant for $50. Some 300 slo-pitch teams show up for the follies and frolics and they inject $4.5 million into the North Okanagan each Canada Day weekend. “We can’t grow it anymore,” said McEwan, of the slo-pitch tournament, run in Vernon, Armstrong and Enderby. “We can just make it better.” Telus is sponsoring free wireless internet in the bavarian gardens and McEwan said a Funtastic cell phone app will be in place come the long weekend. “Out of town teams will be able to check their schedules and see maps on how to get to the fields and tourist sites.” Okanagan Spring Brewery has come on board as a major sponsor so McEwan expects “you will see a lot more exposure in your favourite liquor store or pub on Funtastic.” The society has tossed $1.5 million back into the community, including almost $100,000 last year. “We’re still Canada’s biggest slopitch tournament,” beamed McEwan. “We’re now seeing teams coming in where their kids are now playing. Our furthest player is coming from Iqualit in Nunavut and we have a lady from Nova Scotia who has been coming for 10 years to play.”

If you have any questions regarding commercial leasing, residential rental agreements, marketing of real estate, property management, commercial/ residential and valuation etc., feel free to contact Darren anytime, and it would be his pleasure to help you in any way he can. Come stop by his office for a discussion regarding the program or any other real estate queries. His door is always open.

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Mother’s Day lunch among the blooms proved to be a popular item in 2012 at Davison Orchards. The Vernon farm will again host the lunch among its numerous activities.

Davison marks milestone RogeR Knox Morning Star Staff

Hey apple pie lovers, has Davison Orchards got great news for you. To help celebrate a milestone year for the popular Vernon farm, Davison Orchards will be giving away an apple pie a day for 80 straight days in honour of the farm turning 80 in 2013. “We’ll be kicking that off on the May long weekend,” said Tamra Davison, marketing director for Davison Orchards. “We’ll have a mini contest every day and that will bring us to the August long weekend. “From August on, we’ll have 80-cent specials. We’re going to spend the whole year (May 1 to Oct. 31) celebrating.” Bob Davison – Tamra’s father-inlaw, whose parents began the farm in 1933 – celebrated his 80th birthday in November 2012, and Bob and his wife Dora will mark their 60th wedding anniversary this year. Bob and Dora are still part of the

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farm’s operations, as is their son, Tom, and Tom and Tamra’s three children, Leah, Lance and his wife, Rachel, and Laura and her husband, Kevin Shaw. “We’re in rarified air,” said Tom Davison of the success of his family’s farm, now running into the fourth generation. “Only 30 per cent of family farms survive from first to second generation, 12 per cent survive from second to third, and three per cent survive from third to fourth.” “Ours kids are the next generation and they’re an integral part of the management,” added Tamra. “They’re not just working for us, they’re working with us. They’re very involved in the decision-making, and driving a lot of the decisions.” One of the things the Davisons want to do in 2013 is tell the family story a bit better, and they have a lot of history and stories to share.

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U18 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Business Review & Forecast

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Mead or Honey Wine, the oldest alcoholic beverage known to man, is made from fermented honey and water. By using unique British Columbia floral sources of honey, by adding specific fruit concentrates, herbs and spices, mead can be finished in many delightful ways. photo submitted

Three generations of farmers work the fields at Vernon’s Davison Orchards including (from left): Bob Davison, his grandson Lance Davison and son Tom Davison.

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Tom and Tamra learned about this on a recent marketing expedition to the United Kingdom and France. “We were all over mostly looking at what they call farm shops, and looking for new ideas and marketing ideas,” said Tom. “We had the opportunity to meet with a guy who has orchards in France. He grows a lot of apples and he has a farm store. It was good to get outside the box.” “There’s a huge emphasis there on buying local,” added Tamra. “But probably the common denominator was more and more people are wanting to know where their food comes from, how it’s grown and having a relationship with their local farmers. “People are telling the story of who they are and how they produce their food.” “We’ve been passionate about that from the get-go,” said Tom. “It started when we did school tours.” “And that’s the whole idea behind our farm tours,” said Tamra. “We show people we’re not just a tourist attraction,

we’re a working farm.” While the public gets to see the fruits (and vegetables) of the farm’s labour from May to October, Davison Orchards has been busy in the off-season preparing favourites such as apple juice and apple and pumpkin butter for sale in the orchard market. On Mother’s Day, Davison Orchards will again host its popular Picnic Lunch among the blossoms. “We tried it last year and it was very successful, people loved it,” said Tamra. “You order ahead the picnic lunch, pick it up at the farm, take it anywhere in the orchard, sit in the blossoms and have a picnic lunch for mom. It makes it really easy for dad.” From a growing standpoint, Davison Orchards is in the midst of planting 15,000 new apple trees and focusing attention on what customers have told Tom and company they like. “Our testing shows people like the honey crisp and ambrosia apples, or the unique variety like mutsu (Japanese),” said Tom. “We’ll have new fuji apples coming out in the spring.”

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Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U19

2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast

Falkland shows heart VERNON LOCK

Kristin Froneman Morning Star Staff

Anyone who has ever been to Falkland knows it is a community with a huge heart, as big as the giant Canadian flag that hovers above the town. And it’s with that heart, along with the townspeople’s fighting spirit, that came out in full force this past year when Falkland came close to being part of a different federal electoral riding. In July, the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission announced that it was looking at the possible removal of the community from the OkanaganShuswap riding. The proposal was to place Falkland into a new riding that would include downtown Kelowna, Summerland, Merritt, Logan Lake and Princeton. “Moving out of the OkanaganShuswap didn’t hold water,” said Stacia Gladish, president of Falkland’s chamber of commerce. “Most of us travel to Vernon to do our business. Our older kids go to school in Armstrong. We have no ties to Merritt or any of the other communities they were proposing. Many of us felt it was impractical. It would have been a long distance call to contact our constituency office.” As Falklanders made their thoughts known through a yellow and red ribbon campaign, Falkland’s electoral area representative Rene Talbot met with the federal commission in Kelowna to protest the move. They made their case, and in January, Falkland won the right to stay in its current electoral district. With Falkland’s political boundary once again secure, the town, which is part of the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District, has recently been working with BC Transit to start a bus service that would make return trips to Vernon at least once or twice a week. “There are quite a few seniors without cars in Falkland, so there is a need,” said

Gladish. Local business owners along Falkland’s main street on Highway 97 have also been coming up with ways to attract drive-by motorists to stop and stay awhile. “With different businesses making improvements, people are pulling over more and taking a peek,” said Gladish, citing some examples. The Petro Can station has been upgraded with a new canopy over its gas pumps, while across the road, Johnny Java has increased its kitchen and menu with more food options, said Gladish. The hub of the community, the Falkland Community Hall, which was built during the Second World War, has recently seen some interior upgrades. “The anniversary for when the hall was finished back during the war is in March and every year we have a big bean feed to celebrate,” said Gladish. “Back then, the only thing people had in their cupboards was beans. So we continue the tradition with the bean feed and a community potluck.” Another business that has seen business boom is HR Sheet Metal, which has changed hands and is doing well with its dust control systems, a growing necessity around the province due to recent explosions at some B.C. sawmills, said Gladish. The Falkland Pub has also been attracting more entertainment, and is bringing locals back downtown. “They just had a successful snopitch tournament in February that attracted teams from throughout the region,” said Gladish. Freewheeling Biker Clothing and Accessories also attracts the many motorcyclists who come through Falkland. Local businesses are getting ready to roll out the welcome mats once again with Falkland’s annual I Care Day on April 1, when locals are encouraged to wave the Canadian flag, as well as for the 95th annual Falkland Stampede on the May long weekend.

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U20 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

Progress Briefs Protocol celebrates 20 years

Protocol Technologies is celebrating its 20th anniversary in style by moving into a new location. An IT services and support specialist since 1993, Protocol provides access to network support, digital imaging, workflow management, surveillance and other services from its new location at 101-1325 Polson Drive. The company’s client base ranges from the Southern Interior to across North America.

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With a variety of medical and dental services under one roof, along with an on-site pharmacy, the new Sterling Centre on 25th Avenue is a one-stop shop for people with healthcare needs. The four-storey mixed-use commercial building features about 30,000 square feet of medical/professional office and retail space. The recent addition of Remedy’s Rx adds greatly to customer convenience.

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A new name wasn’t the only change implemented when dealer principal Cole Swendseid took over the local Volkswagen dealership on the Auto Mile last June. Vernon Volkswagen, formerly known as Royal Volkswagen, increased its staff numbers from 12 to 19 to offer a higher standard of customer service. Swendseid, a 37-year-old father of three, moved with his family to the Okanagan from Drayton Valley, Alta. where he co-owns the Stetson GM dealership with family.

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The local franchise, located at 4200-32nd Street, is a member of the Flaman Foundation, which donates more than $1 million in gym equipment annually to shelters.

Phoenix burns bright after 10 years As the name suggests, the Phoenix Steakhouse can cook up a mean slab of beef. The Vernon restaurant has been perfecting the art of grilling for 10 years on 30th Avenue, where it blends an urban setting with wood and leather to imbue a traditional, yet chic, steakhouse feel. Those wanting more of a big-city atmosphere can venture upstairs in the heritage building to the Level II lounge, which offers a tantalizing selection of cocktails.

Royal LePage celebrates centennial The real estate game has changed plenty over the last century, and Royal LePage Realty has been there for it all. The nationwide firm, which has Downtown Realty franchise offices in Vernon and Armstrong, is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. It will be hosting cross-country celebrations, including a series of events scheduled for July 2, which is believed to be the date Royal LePage was born. Royal LePage is also releasing a book midway through the year that will chronicle the past 100 years.

Parnell’s furnishes new building

Parnell’s TV and Appliance began 2013 with a major shakeup, undergoing both a change in ownership and location. After more than two decades at The Shops At Polson Park, Parnell’s moved into its own building in late January under new owner Susan Hamilton. They took over the old Blockbuster site on 27th Street.

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2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast

Keeping bees a priority

BOLD BREWS • TASTY EATS SWEET TREATS

Jennifer Smith Morning Star Staff

There’s increased buzz at Planet Bee over expansion, despite a recent sting after the loss of some of the little pollinators. It’s still too early to tell how the majority of his bees are faring, but Planet Bee owner Ed Nowek has lost close to 20,000 bees this year. At the first sign of warmth, bees in the small hive outside the educational room, flew the hive. But they didn’t return. “It’s puzzling,” said Nowek, who is sending a sample of some of the fallen pollinators to the Ministry of Agriculture for testing. He suspects the hive may have contracted a virus, but since the remainder of his hives are not in the same vicinity they could be fine. “Just because this one has it doesn’t mean that all the others do,” said Nowek, adding that last year was a good season for the bees. Planet Bee has 300 hives in production (with each consisting of approximately 50,000 bees), therefore the small colony lost only represents a small portion of his workforce. But the loss is still significant and Nowek worries there’s not enough concern for the bees. “Imagine if a cattle farmer woke up one morning and found most of his cows were dead...It would be a national catastrophe.” It is hoped more people will take the livelihood of bees into consideration, especially when it comes to spraying pesticides and insecticides (which can actually kill bees up to a year or two later). If you must spray crops, Nowek suggests doing so in the late evening after the bees are done flying or early in the morning, before the sun draws the bees out. Honey bees are an important part of B.C. agriculture and are critical to the

Jennifer Smith/morning Star

Ed Nowek, owner of Planet Bee, checks on the honey crew in the Bella Vista shop. crops that we rely on for food. In fact, Nowek points out that approximately $200 million in agricultural production is dependant on honey bee pollination each year in B.C. May 29th is national Day of the Honey Bee and Planet Bee encourages everyone to consider the little flighted friends on this and every day of the year. Despite the loss, Nowek’s goal is to increase his fleet of worker bees to 500 hives this year. Another major expansion taking place is a new 2,000 square foot mead manufacturing and warehouse building – which will be ready for tours in July. “It’s taken off so well that we wanted to expand,” said Nowek. A gazebo will also be built outside the warehouse, where visitors can take in the valley views from the Bella Vista shop. Planet Bee’s produces nine meads, which have increased in sales 35 per cent over the first year. “We’re shipping to other parts of Canada now,” said Nowek, thanks to interprovincial shipping regulations that were recently loosened. “We’ve now got product in five liquor stores in Vernon and two in Salmon Arm.” And of course, there’s the honey and the myriad of honey-related products available: from candles to health-boosting pollen, royal jelly and propolis products.

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Resort a Star attraction Kevin Mitchell Sports Editor

Actress Nicole Kidman and her country-singing star husband Keith Urban had a second straight winter vacation planned for Silver Star Resort booked, but changed their plans at the last minute. Celebrities aside, just about everybody else visited the world-class, family playground just 25 minutes from downtown Vernon. At press time in mid March, the resort was reporting a five per cent increase on its total of 340,000 skiersnowboard visits in 2012. “We had really good snow conditions from start to finish,” said general manager Michael Sherwood, in his 12th year at Silver Star. “It was the best snow I’ve seen since 2005-06. We had some really good deep-snow ski days.” Norm Kreutz, who heads snow sports at the resort, said the new My One Pass, an all-inclusive season ticket for downhill and nordic skiing, boarding, Tube Town and outdoor skating and hockey on Brewer’s Pond, helped boost numbers. Well known for its strong, early snowfall and 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, along with a progressive ROCKSTAR Snowboard Park, the resort relies heavily on its 10,000 season-pass holders while also welcoming the world. “B.C. was No. 1 for our visitors,” said Sherwood. “We also saw lots of people from Australia, Alberta and Ontario, and we seemed to get back more visitors from Washington State.” New to the recreation base this year was a tenpin bowling centre – Pinheads – with four alleys. “People are loving it,” said Sherwood. “Our staff have a championship tour-

nament every Tuesday, I’s a really neat venue and it will be open year-round.” Each lane comes with automatic bumper rails for the kids, 70-inch LCD screen entertainment, lighting displays and touch screen automatic scoring pads. There are 600 full-time winter employees and 100 for the summer months, where the mountain biking business is seeing steady growth. There are now 200 people living on the mountain year-round. “We went into the U.K., Sweden and Bulgaria to find new employees so we got a better mix this season,” said Sherwood. “We’re very fortunate to have so many good, young people working for us.” A friendly staff, intimacy of the village and the ski-in and ski-out capability create a wonderful culture where the 1900s mining town theme – full of vibrant colours – gives the village a quaint and unique feel. The ROCKSTAR SNOW X terrain park and rail garden consists of 16 acres, complete with a table top, step up jumps and spines for all levels of boarders and freestylers. Silver Star closes its winter season Sunday, April 7 with the crazy 16th annual Dummy Gelunde, a Silver Star classic featuring the true showing of grace and beauty on snow. Entries will be judged for Best Dressed, Best Air and Best Crash & Burn. There will also be a season-pass appreciation barbecue. Sherwood heads to ski shows in Australia and New Zealand in May and June, trying to expand the Silver Star brand and talking to travel partners. The summer season includes the return of the wine festival, a B.C. Cup mountain bike race, drumming festivals, family reunions and weddings.

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February marked a year since tekmar Control Systems joined the Watts Water Technologies family of companies. As a world leader in the manufacture of innovative products to control the efficiency, safety, and quality of water within residential, commercial, and institutional applications, Watts Water and its family of companies has opened the door for tekmar to see new opportunities to develop controls. With a main focus still on control solutions for the North American hydronic heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) industry, tekmar continues to push forward with developing quality products focused on temperature control in radiant heating and cooling systems, geothermal and air source heat pump control, multi-stage boiler plants and automatic snow melting systems. tekmar Recognized In May of 2012, tekmar was honored to be the recipient of the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals (OESP) Manufacturer of the Year award. Tekmar, a designer and manufacturer of energy-saving electronic control solutions for HVAC systems, was recognized for its outstanding contributions to the oil and energy industry. Award recipients are members who have made a significant impact in the areas of education, training development, and technical support in the field. Promoting Knowledge Through the years, more than 10,000 contractors, designers, installers, and engineers have attended tekmar training courses promoting a system approach to how a building is heated and cooled. In 2012 alone, the company trained over 500 profession-

Submitted photo

Jason Nelson, tekmar Control Systems account co-ordinator, accepts the OESP manufacturer of the year award from George Perrelli (right), awards committee member. als across North America. This commitment to training is aligned with the OESP’s mission of promoting education and working with their membership and industry to deliver programs of interest and quality. Through this award, tekmar’s efforts in training and on-site technical support were also acknowledged. It’s a team approach that Greg Leupin, sales and marketing manager of tekmar, says is due to the hard work and dedication of its employees and local manufacturer representatives located across North America. “We continuously share our knowledge and are proud of the world-class technical support we offer to all our customers,” said Leupin. “We’d like to thank our employees and representatives for their commitment to promoting education and customer support. This award is dedicated to them.”

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U24

Farm Bonding Business Life

2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U25

Same Great Staff, Same Great Service, Fantastic

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Greater Vernon MuseuM Photo

Gordon Allard, golf pro at the Vernon Golf & Country Club, instructs a group of young golfers in 1958.

Vernon Golf Club celebrates centennial Kevin Mitchell Sports Editor

You won’t find Julie Knobloch atop the leaderboard in any Interior Pro Golfers Association Tour stops. And you won’t catch her striking balls on the driving range on her lunch hour. The 53-yearold knows the game but business comes first as she begins season one as general manager at Julie Knobloch the Vernon Golf & Country Club. Knobloch is the first female GM in the club’s 100-year history. Born in New Westminster, the daughter of a “jack-of-all-trades” father who has moved 37 times, Knoblach was hired in mid October after 16 years at the Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club in Sechelt. She takes over from Cec Ferguson. “It was a real team approach there,” she said. “I was manager the last four years. I have an open door, approachable (philosophy). I want to move away from the ‘old boys club.’ I see a course which is smoking-hot busy and I want to work hard getting known and be the face of the club.

I have joined Rotary and Women in Business. “I look forward to playing a larger role in the community which I believe is important. I golf a little bit, but my strong points are my business sense and accounting background. “I heard about the job through the Canadian Society of Managers and I called Cec. I happened to be in Kelowna for a club manager conference at the time so I did an interview then.” The Vernon club will mark its centennial June 22-23. “We have a committee still working on the specifics, but we will open the celebration up to the community,” said Knobloch. “We will be showcasing the club to the whole community. There will be a birthday cake and the B.C. Golf Association and B.C. Golf Museum will be involved.” Knobloch has three grown daughters and three grandchildren. She has a diploma in golf course operations from Selkirk College and is a thirdlevel Certified General Accountant. The Vernon course, which is well known for its towering lombardy poplars and majestic weeping willows, will play host to the 2014 B.C. Senior Ladies Championships.

See PREDATOR on U26

U25

U26 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast UNDER

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Shannon Glenesk, head pro, and Ray Popoff, superintendent, head the support staff. The course does more than 44,000 rounds a year. The Nor th Okanagan Community Life Society (NOCLS) tournament goes May 3, followed by the Baron Insurance Ladies Open, June 1, and the Ladies Capri Cup, Aug. 6. The biggest golf event in the area for 2013 will be the Canadian Senior Ladies Royal Cup, Aug. 19.22 at Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club. The Spall Cup is July 6-7. Spall will be in prime shape by then after taking tee times March 2. “That was our second earliest opening ever,” said head pro Al Pisch, in his 26th year. “The guys are out mowing greens already (as of March 12) so the course is in good shape. It wintered really well.” Associate pro Myles Johnson and superintendent Jimmy Simms lead the support staff. The 36-hole Predator Ridge Golf Resort will open in April for its third season with the new Ridge holes. Rod Cochrane, in his sixth year as GM, is stoked about the new and improved practice facility, scheduled to open in May. The tee is 50 yards deep and 130 yards wide so it can comfortably cater to 135 players. “We will have defined targets and the entire practice facility will be more attractive,” said Cochrane. “It will be three times larger than it is with multiple targets where the player can see their ball. It will look just as amazing as the rest of the

golf course. We want it to be a great warm-up for the golf course.” Predator looks to increase its 2012 numbers of 51,000 rounds, with loads of visitors from Vancouver and Alberta leading the vacationdestination foursomes. Former PGA Tour player Dick Zokol returns for his second year as Executive Director of Golf Development, while LPGAer AJ Eathorne is back at the academy. Cameron Craig is operations manager for his second season. Five tees on each box and breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake makes the Fred Couples Signature Course at The Rise a must-see-andplay. The nines were reversed last year, much to the delight of members and green-fee players. “It’s been fantastic,” said head pro Lee Ranger. “It was very positive. It’s a nice start to the golf course instead of facing the toughest holes right off the bat.” The fifth annual Founders Cup goes Saturday, Aug. 10 and second annual Vernon Vipers Alumni Charity Tournament is Sunday, Aug. 25. Men’s night has been moved to Wednesdays. Jeff Wills returns as assistant pro. The Rise opens April 12. The challenging nine-hole Royal York in Armstrong, and nine-holers Coldstream and River Ridge, in Cherryville, are nice options. The 18-hole executive Hillview is a huge local favourite, while the nine-hole Highlands Short Game Excellence in Coldstream and the par-3 Birchdale in Grindrod are also very popular.

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Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U27

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

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Doug Ross, Greater Vernon recreation services manager, believes the aquatic centre and other facilities play a significant role in the community.

Local parks in play richard rolke Morning Star Staff

It’s difficult to imagine life in the North Okanagan without the trails, parks and vast opportunities recreational facilities provide. They have become deeply ingrained in who we are as a community. “People move to a community because of the lifestyle it offers and parks and recreation plays a role in that,” said Doug Ross, Greater Vernon recreation services manager. Among the most popular attractions in Greater Vernon are the Vernon Recreation Complex with the aquatic centre and Priest Valley Arena, Polson Park, the Grey Canal trail, the Lakeview Park wading pool and Kal Beach. In Armstrong-Spallumcheen, activities gravitate around Memorial Park, the swimming pool and the skateboard park as well as Nor-Val Sports Centre. Lumby is looking towards a major year as a new children’s spray park and

outdoor exercise equipment for adults are expected to be unveiled in May. “It’s been years in the making,” said Tannis Nelson, community development co-ordinator, of the widespread public support for the Lumby projects. Enderby’s Barnes Park can be busy during the summer as crowds flock to the outdoor pool. Other highlights are the trail along the Shuswap River and Riverside Park’s ball diamonds, Lions Gazebo and recreation complex. There are social, economic and physical benefits from parks and recreation, but to maximize the potential, program offerings must evolve. “Programmers are always looking at trends and they do exchanges with other recreation departments,” said Ross. The schedule at the Vernon Recreation Complex shifts to meet the needs of residents.

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U28 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Lakers proves popular Continued from U27

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“There’s zumba and aqua fitness and in a few months, there’s something else new,” said Ross. Added to the mix is the Lakers Clubhouse in Okanagan Landing, Vernon’s newest community centre. “I’m hoping people at that end of town will take advantage of the facility. It’s a wonderful setting,” said Ross. “My phone rings every day from people looking for rental information.” Demand is growing at Greater Vernon’s Wesbild Centre. “With public skating and drop-in ice activities, we are up 30 per cent from last year,” said Stan Mitchell, arenas manager. “We are averaging 100 skaters on a Sunday night and during the Family Day skate, there were 200 people.” The most popular activity at Wesbild Centre is people keeping in shape by walking around the concourse. “It never slows down. It’s a nice safe environment and it’s weather controlled,” said Mitchell. Efforts are underway to try and book more special events into Wesbild.

Lisa vanderveLde/morning star

The Grey Canal trail is among the popular attractions in the region. “There will be a couple of announcements shortly — one for July and one for August,” said Mitchell. Mitchell believes the facility has a lot of potential for sports and cultural activities, as well as trade shows and conventions. “It’s such an open space. No matter where you are, you can see what’s going on,” he said. “The facility has Internet hard-wired which helps with production and the lighting is second to none.”

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Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U29

2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast

Diggin’ it downtown Kristin Froneman Morning Star Staff

Rejuvenate, recharge, revitalize, reawaken. These are just some of the buzz words the Downtown Vernon Association’s (DVA) new executive director Louise Delaney uses as she looks down the road, quite literally. Delaney started her job with the DVA in late October, and just five months later, the long-time Vernon resident is about to witness the face of downtown’s main street change once again as revitalization of the last remaining section of 30th Avenue moves ahead. Known to be the “unfinished” end of town, the 3300 and 3400 blocks that extend to the Downtown Safeway are about to be spruced up with widened sidewalks, benches, landscaping, lighting and other improvements to meet the look of the rest of 30th Avenue that has already undergone revitalization. Delaney credits the downtown merchants and property owners from that end of town for spearheading the

project with the city. “It’s rare for business owners to spearhead revitalization, but they did because they wanted it. It’s fortuitous for everyone,” said Delaney, who before taking on her role at the DVA was director of Salmon Arm’s Downtown Improvement Association. “This will see uniformity through 30th Avenue. One of the big issues was lighting, and now we can ensure adequate lighting, wider sidewalks and a refreshed look.” During the construction phase, which is expected to continue into late June, the DVA is working with its members to present the “Diggin’ it Downtown” campaign. The campaign promotions will encourage everyone to support all merchants during the construction phase, said Delaney. “Construction time is no time to forget about your downtown. We want to make sure businesses are supported through the construction phase. All businesses will be open as usual, and will be accessible during this time.”

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U30 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Business Review & Forecast 2013 Business Review & Forecast

Drive to thrive remains in downtown Vernon Continued from U29 As advocates for the downtown core, the main thrust of the DVA, which is run by a dedicated volunteer-based board of directors, is to bring new businesses, residents and visitors to downtown. “With continued revitalization, it’s always easier,” said Delaney. “Many individual businesses continually invest in downtown by updating their premises.” The DVA continues to work with various stakeholders to ensure that downtown continues to grow and attract new businesses. One of the other projects the DVA is focusing on, as part of the Partners in Action group, are improvements to the Justice Court Park area. “There are several new buildings surrounding the park, so the usage interest is there,” said Delaney. “It’s a beautiful park waiting to blossom again.” This past year has seen the DVA advocate for increased parking, revitalization and tourism opportunities, along with many other downtown issues. “Many of our board members sit on various citywide committees,” said Delaney. The association has also put its support behind the Sunflower Project, which will see the first mural painted by artist Michelle Loughery, based on Vernon’s Eastern European internment camp during the First World War, on the Sutton building downtown. “The DVA is always looking at its events to see

how they can bring the best value to downtown,” said Delaney. A new endeavour this past year included the pilot project Sights and Sounds, which introduced street performers and artists to perform downtown on Friday nights. “We are looking at it again for this year,” said Delaney, adding the Civic Sounds free summer outdoor concerts in front of the museum had more than 500 attendees. The concerts also raised food and funds for the local food bank. Community social responsibility extended to the successful Winter Carnival broomball tournament, which the DVA, along with its co-sponsor Funtastic, raised $1,500 for the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club and Camp Arrowflight, while the KissFM Chili Cook-off event, which saw 300 participants, raised $588 through passport sales donated to the Vernon Community Dental Access Centre. The Festival of Christmas Traditions also saw one of its biggest turnouts ever, with more than 5,000 people enjoying the festivities and warmer winter weather, said Delaney. “The DVA feels great if it can give back to the community during events,” said Delaney. “Our main function is to see downtown businesses prosper, through revitalization, beautification, eventing and promotions. Having a downtown that functions well, is safe, prosperous, attractive and full of life is the approach we strive for.”

Kristin Froneman /morninG star

Louise Delaney, executive director of the Downtown Vernon Association, is about to see the face of downtown change with the revitalization of the 3300-3400 blocks of 30th Avenue.

Serving our Community “Small in Size but Big on Service” is Hogarth’s Pharmacy slogan and they put themselves out in our community in a large way.

Todd Dew

Todd Dew was recently recognized by the BC Pharmacy Association in 2012 for promoting pharmacy in our community by doing presentations for the public. Another way two of our pharmacists, Todd Dew and Jamie Nicholson, provide outstanding service to our community is by being Certified Diabetes Educators.

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Also … all three of our pharmacists are authorized to give immunizations. Flu shot anyone? At Hogarth’s Pharmacy, we realize taking a variety of medications can be confusing. With your consent and that of your physician, we can arrange to have your medications prepared in a Blister Pack. Call if this service interests you.

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FREE IN TOWN DELIVERY is another service that Hogarth’s Pharmacy offers. This is very popular with those who have trouble getting out to pick up their prescriptions.

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Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U31

2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast

College connects cara brady Morning Star Staff

North Okanagan residents look to Okanagan College for everything from starting their university careers to computer classes, trades programs, taking personal interest courses, or certificate programs that can get them job-ready in as little as seven weeks. “We are continuing to connect to the community in so many ways,” said Okanagan College regional dean Jane Lister, looking out over the Demonstration Garden which is now in its third phase. Irrigation and fencing are in place and the paths are cut. The southfacing slope has space for a community garden, insect garden, butterfly garden, a food forest with a variety of trees, bushes and plants, some native

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OC offers diversity Continued from U31 “It’s a good partnership. The students in our Residential Construction Program worked on the Kindale Lydia Boss Centre,” said Lister. There are plans for construction students to work in the community at the Vernon Firefighter Training Centre and the Okanagan Crossing Project. “We have some new initiatives with the school district to assist with student transition and the Young Entrepreneur Project. We also have a new printshop on campus for the Writing and Publishing Program.” Continuing Studies has new programs developed in response to labour market needs. The Oil and Gas Training certificate program has people ready for entry level jobs in seven weeks. This program is free for students who qualify. The Fast Track to Office is a 12-week program with the emphasis on office procedures and accounting. The Esthetician Program has been revised to meet industry needs with a nail technician component and a spa component. These services by students are open to the community. “We are always in contact with people in the job market to be able to prepare people for employment,” said Lister.

The college keeps a strong emphasis on academic courses with university transfer courses. The new course, Introduction to Indigenous Studies 100, has attracted a lot of interest. Students can complete a diploma or degree program in Business Administration at the college. There are international students in existing programs with some coming for short study tours. First Aid and Safety programs are always well attended. The Science Speaker Series, in partnership with the Okanagan Science Centre, brings in speakers for the community. There were 770 students registered in short and long-term programs, about the same as last year. Approximately 86 per cent of Okanagan College students come from the North Okanagan with others coming to take specific courses. “Our trades are really rocking and rolling,” said Lister. “The electrical program is always filled and we had to put a second intake for welding. The aircraft maintenance fills quickly and we will have the Human Services Worker program starting in the fall.” The cafeteria is being renovated, including a new sound system, and the space is available for community events. “We are here to serve the community.”

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U34 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast

Lumby brings Jack to life RogeR Knox Morning Star Staff

The official village mascot will soon have a larger presence. At present, Lumby Jack is a large wood carving of a lumberjack that greets guests at the entrance to the Lumby Chamber of Commerce and visitor’s centre. Soon, Lumby Jack will be walking around at village events, handing out promotional material and greeting visitors. “It’s similar to what a lot of chambers do,” said Stephanie Sexsmith, executive director of the Lumby Chamber of Commerce. “Lumby Jack will be giving out tattoos with our logo on it, and we’ll be using him on promotional material. Our businesses will be represented through him.” Lumby Jack will make his official debut in Calgary, greeting guests and promoting the village at the Calgary Outdoor Adventure Show. He will be present at the Lumby Salmon Festival and Lumby Days later this year, but Lumby Jack makes his home debut on Saturday, April 6, at the Lumby Curling Club when the chamber hosts its Showcase event, spotlighting village businesses. “We had close to 1,000 people come through the door last year,” said Sexsmith.

“We’re excited to have new vendors taking part this year.” It’s also an exciting time in the village as a number of new businesses have opened.. Those include Fox Signs, a custom sign business. Earth Elements, which includes products like soy candles and tattoo potions made and sold on-site. And a business Sexsmith described as a great idea for the region, Accu-Tech Specialties, a mobile RV repair service. The new businesses have all joined the chamber. “Being a chamber member has its benefits,” said Dwayne Hackett, a village chiropractor and a director with the chamber who chuckles when he says he has served “10 one-year terms.” “You get everything from inclusion in Showcase, the website and the visitor guide, even things on deals like debit machines. Even if you don’t have it, an extended health program is available. The membership is well worth it.” The future looks good in the village as the chamber believes several of the bigger employers will be expanding operations in 2013, and they also point to the construction of Monashee Mews, a 46-bed seniors residential facility being built on Norris

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Avenue. When completed, the Mews is expected to employ close to 80 people. In the fall, the Lumby chamber will team up with chambers from Vernon, Armstrong and Enderby to host the annual B.C. Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting at Silver Star Resort. “We haven’t worked out the final details, but the Friday night is for the host community to showcase itself, so by having the four chambers come together, we hope to showcase a little bit of each community at the resort.” Sexsmith and Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce executive director Patti Noonan serve on the provincial chamber of commerce executive.

lumby chamber illustration

Legendary Lumby Jack is coming alive and will soon be making promotional appearances at village events such as Showcase and Lumby Days.

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U36 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Changes lift Okanagan Spirits Graeme Corbett Morning Star Staff

Like a fine single malt maturing in an oak cask, business is improving with age at Okanagan Spirits. The Vernon craft distillery entered its 10th year of operation on a high note thanks to recent changes in provincial liquor laws. Since 2010, Okanagan Spirits has been lobbying Victoria to ease distribution regulations on small-scale distilleries. The province finally responded in February by making their products eligible for markup exempt direct sales. The new regulation requires distilled liquor products be distilled in-province and contain 100 per cent B.C. agricultural materials. “It’s an opportunity to get access to the market,” said Rodney Goodchild, Okanagan Spirits’ operations manager. “We’ll still have our taxes and excise, which is fine. We were never asking for that, but we’ll no longer be imposed by that markup.” Okanagan Spirits produces more than 25 varieties of liquor – including fruit brandies, liqueurs, grappa, aquavit, gin, vodka, whisky and absinthe – in tradi-

tional copper-pot stills. Their fruit-based spirits are derived from produce sourced from Okanagan orchards. The Vernon company is about to introduce a new addition to the lineup – a single malt whisky called Laird of Fintry. It will be the first ever in B.C. It is named in honour of captain James Cameron Dun-Waters (1864 to 1939), a Scotsman who inherited a family fortune and ended up setting up his estate in what is now known as Fintry (he renamed it after his Scottish hometown), near Kelowna. Dun-Waters, who is said to have given himself the title Laird of Fintry, started importing single malts and putting his own label on them. Okanagan Spirits wants to honour his story by tying it in with their new product. They are even going to style the label after the one originally created by Dun-Waters. The only problem is, Okanagan Spirits started the whisky as a trial five years ago, with a total of one barrel produced. “Nothing really happened with it for a good two years; it wasn’t very good,” admitted Goodchild. “It wasn’t until just after three years that we had a product

that actually worked.” Because of the small batch production, Goodchild estimates there will be a little over 100 bottles from the first batch. There will be a lottery to see who gets to buy one. “We weren’t left with an awful lot,” he said. Okanagan Spirits put their product up against world-calibre competition earlier this month at the World Spirit awards in Klagenfurt, Austria. The event featured 70 producers of spirits from 30 countries. “We chose to enter the competition out there because of the nature of our product,” said Goodchild. “You get a lot of distilleries doing our style of products – liqueurs, fruit-style brandies.” He added the competition is a good way to see what other distillers are up to and what the Vernon company can do to stay relevant. “We’ve always been one step ahead and we want to see if we can maintain that.” One of Okanagan Spirits’ latest initiatives is to offer $4 off a purchase when a customer returns an empty bottle of the distillery’s vodka, whisky (rye) or gin. The exquisitely designed bottles are pro-

Graeme Corbett/morninG Star

Peter von Hahn (left), Okanagan Spirits’ senior distiller, and Rodney Goodchild, operations manager, raise a glass to the Vernon company’s ongoing success. duced by Vernon’s Universal Packaging. Okanagan Spirits recently celebrated the first anniversary of its new location in downtown Kelowna. “I’m keen to be upbeat about the opportunity this is bringing me as a business,” said Goodchild.

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U37

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Buyer’s market continues in the region jackie pearase

“The HST has really held back new construction.”

For The Morning Star

Looking for a house in the North Okanagan? Now might be the time to get looking. Home purchases in the region have taken a slight dip this year after 10 months of stronger sales, creating more of a buyer’s market. “We haven’t had a strong start to the year but I think we see 2013 as being a year of some small improvements. But a relatively stable market – still a buyer’s market,” explained Rob Shaw, past president of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB). “Buyers are really in control so far but we hope to move toward a more balanced market this year and by next year start to see more of an increase.” Shaw attributes the slow start to poor weather, a continued lack of consumer confidence and the delayed impact of the federal government’s changes last June to mortgage lending. He said changing the amortization period from 30 to 25 years left first-time home buyers, a crucial component of the market, with less money to spend. Shaw agrees with the general consensus of economists that it will take until 2015 for the housing market to rebound but he doesn’t expect prices to

— Rob Shaw

drop too dramatically either. “Definitely prices have come down. And when a market slows down, prices are sticky and they have dropped slowly. When you have a rising market, prices tend to rise rather faster.” Growth in the residential market may result from the commercial side, which is currently active. Because when commercial sales translate into jobs, the residential market will follow, noted Shaw. “It would be great to see even more clean industry, good-paying jobs and educated people who demand services and cultural amenities – all the things the community has been working and continues to work on to attract people.” The elimination of the HST on April 1 is also expected to boost residential sales by encouraging people to undertake large renovations in preparation for sale and kick-starting new construction.

“The HST has really held back new construction,” Shaw said. “People don’t want to pay extra taxes.” People looking to buy are often more informed than in the past, using Internet sites like www.realtor.ca to narrow their housing search and come up with a short list before calling a realtor. Shaw said technology also helps realtors better serve their clients, offering online contracts and email updates on new listings and price changes. Add to this OMREB’s dedication to ongoing professional education and development, and realtors are a sensible choice. “I think there are always pluses for the public – buyers and sellers of property – because of the things we do to raise the bar professionally,” Shaw explained. “At all levels we’re organizing to be nimbler, to be responsive and to be able to adapt to changing markets.” Shaw said the average home is on the market here for about five months but a realistic view of the market can assist with a quicker sale. “There’s many prices out there – what I’ve got in it, what I want to get out of it, what I need to get out of it – but, quite frankly, there is only one price that matters and that is the price a willing buyer wants to pay.”

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U38 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Building connects people with the right place Katherine MortiMer Morning Star Staff

Home to 16 non-profit agencies, the People Place is the North Okanagan’s one-stop resource centre, where clients can access a wide range of services while keeping some degree of anonymity. People Place manager Elaine Collison said agencies frequently share resources and information with each other, with one agency referring a client to another as the need arises. “Whatever program they need is in the People Place and we are well-established now in the community,” she said. Fundraising for the building is ongoing throughout the year. The annual event Through the Garden Gate, a tour of local gardens, takes place June 8, and Collison is pleased to announce that she has already booked five gardens for the tour, with more to come. The annual garage sale takes place April 27, with the annual clothing sale set for September. For longtime tenant Independent Living Vernon, its ground-floor office at the People Place is ideally situated. “We are the first door you see when

Katherine mortimer/morning Star

Community Access Program youth intern Rob Perryment (left) shares a laugh with Lisa Kongsdorf, employability manager, and executive director Laura Hockman at Independent Living Vernon in the People Place.

you walk in the building, so people come in and ask us questions, and we can answer them — that has always been our

niche in the disability jungle,” said ILV executive director Laura Hockman. “We are trying to direct people as to where to go, and in that way our services are highly unique and it would be hard to do that without the People Place.” But Hockman said ILV has been told that instead of automatically receiving core funding from Human Resources and Skills Canada, it will now compete with other groups for the same pot of cash, making it difficult for the agency to continue delivering the same programs and services. The core funding helps pay rent on the office, salaries and other expenses. “I’m a very lucky executive director in that I still do a lot of front line work. One minute I’m doing crisis intervention with a family and another minute I’m doing office work. Now we won’t have that flexibility. A lot of the things we do we won’t be able to do anymore.” The problem, said Hockman, is that the ability to apply for that funding is now being opened up to for-profit groups with a disability focus rather than non-profit organizations only.

ILV provides a community access program, designated parking signs, employment planning, crisis intervention, information and peer support. As well, there is phone and Internet access and the centre is often the first place a person turns when they are newly diagnosed with a disability or are having difficulties navigating bureaucracy. “This is the gap that we fill for people. Disability can be someone who has been injured, someone with chronic fatigue, chronic pain, someone who is ill with cancer — we help them all,” said Hockman. “But I have had one staff person cut to one day per week, and we will have to look and see how we can do things differently.” The agency’s other sources of revenue include gaming, fundraising and small contracts, but funding from Ottawa is critical. “One of our mottoes is, ‘The buck stops here.’ And when people say I’ve been to six different places and no one can help me, we say all hands on deck and we will get you the answer. That’s the part I’m really afraid of that’s going to suffer.”

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Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U39

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast • Drapes Free Estimates & Free Installations • Roller Shades • Roman Shades • 1”& 2” Aluminum Venetians • Verticals Featuring • Pleated Shades 3M • Shutters Window • 2” Wood Venetians Film • 2” Faux Wood Venetians up to • Retractable Screen Doors Lisa VanderVeLde/Morning star

Ruth Edwards, executive director of the North Okanagan Hospice Society, stands in front of Hospice House.

The heart of hospice cara brady Morning Star Staff

From its beginning in 1984 providing services at home to the 12-bed house with high-level service, the community has always been at the heart of the North Okanagan Hospice Society. “There were more than 14,000 volunteer hours reported last year and probably much more than that actually done,” said Ruth Edwards, executive director. “We have 75 volunteers who are active weekly and maybe 75 more we can call on as needed, as well as the many people and organizations in the community who support us with special events and donations throughout the year. Our programs rely very heavily on volunteer support.” While the society has received the bulk of its funding from the provincial government since 2001, it still needs community funding and volunteers to be able to continue to provide its high quality service and programs. The volunteers supplement the care provided by the specially trained medical staff by working with clients or at other things like gardening. Prospective volunteers can help in an auxiliary capacity in the house before deciding if they want to take the in-depth volunteer training that takes place twice a year.

The nine-member board of directors of the society, with president Ron Allen and vice-president Jennifer Harry, is also made up of volunteers. “With our staff and volunteers and community support, we can offer clients the highest level of care and family support,” said Edwards. “The population of the North Okanagan are the owners of the society. We ask them about our services, how we can steward what we have and look to the future. There are ways we can expand our services without a capital campaign.” The Hospice House provides endof-life services for approximately 200 people each year and there is sometimes a wait list. The average stay is 17-21 days with some people staying as long as three months. When space allows, people can also come into the house for medication and pain stabilization or respite and then go home. “People in the community who haven’t had a personal experience with Hospice are sometimes a bit tentative when they first come in but they soon realize that this is a comfortable, safe place where they will be well cared for. The care staff we have is second to none,” said Edwards. “The community can expect us to be here for a long time,” Edwards said.

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U40 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Business Review & Forecast 2013 Business Review & Forecast

Vernon Chamber leading the way Jennifer Smith Morning Star Staff

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is literally changing the face of the business world. The chamber, which represents 609 local businesses, is not only adjusting its own look, with a re-design of its logo, but continually works to change policies and improve conditions for businesses. “Even if you’re not a member and you have some concerns, we’re still here to help,” said president Ingrid Dilschneider. “People don’t realize what the chamber can do for them until they need it.” One recent example is the struggle Okanagan Spirits was facing as a small craft distillery. Government policies forced the local company to send its product to the Vancouver Liquor Distribution Branch and then buy it back – a costly venture for both the business and consumer. “We were instrumental in changing that,” said Dilschneider, adding that the policy changes benefit not just Okanagan Spirits but distilleries across the province. The chamber has also made headlines with trade technologies, spurred by a request from Tolko. Chambers are responsible for issuing certificates of orientation for goods transported to ports – which have been paper until now. “They approached us last fall with the idea of going from a paper document to a digital document,” said George Duffy, general manager of the chamber. Now the Vernon Chamber is one of only three in Canada (Vancouver and Ottawa) which has the ability

to issue digital certificates for not only local companies, but any exporting business across the country. The change saves time and money, which comes at a time when many businesses are erring on the side of caution, said Dilschneider. “I would say people are still very cautiously optimistic, staying within their means. We can definitely feel the pinch of economic activity in Vernon.” One area businesses need to focus on, says Duffy, is succession planning. “Up to 20 per cent of all businesses in Vernon are probably going to be for sale or turning over in the next 10 years.” With that in mind, Duffy adds: “We really need to get some younger entrepreneurs coming into town and re-inventing the downtown area.” That is something the chamber, along with other groups and councils are working on. “We’re trying to take the economic development to the next level and attract people and businesses to Vernon.” In doing so, the chamber is working on a relocation guide, targeting major market areas such as the Lower Mainland, Calgary and Edmonton. The chamber is also undergoing some re-imaging of its own and has come out with a new design for its logo. Aside from monthly Business After Five networking events and the Business Excellence Awards, the chamber also has an interest in other aspects of the community. Along with hosting an all-candidates forum April 24 at the Schubert Centre, the chamber is looking at devel-

Jennifer Smith/morning Star

Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce general manager George Duffy and president Ingrid Dilschneider show off the new chamber logo. oping different events that will attract younger people. Membership numbers are down from last year’s 665 to 609. The majority, 80 per cent, of the membership is small business or home-based business so the decline is attributed to the number of baby boomers retiring, along with small independent contractors relocating. “There’s a significant amount of attrition in the business world,” said Duffy. But ongoing recruitments are underway and Duffy says larger businesses are seeing the benefits of becoming chamber members.

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Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U41

2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast

’ eimers R

Tolko re-opens Alberta mill RogeR Knox Morning Star Staff

The timing could not have been better for Vernon-based Tolko industries. Weeks after announcing it would reopen its Athabasca mill in Slave Lake, Alta. in 2014 after a five-year shutdown, Tolko was one of 11 provincial employers awarded funding from a newly created $1.2 million Immigrant Employment Council of B.C. Employer Innovation Fund. The Tolko project, which received nearly $96,000 from the new fund, will involve developing a multilingual recruiting website targeted at immigrants, and the creation of an inclusive program to support immigrant integration with the company. “Basically, we’re putting together a best practices program for attracting foreign workers,” said Heather Press, Tolko’s manager of recruitment and organizational development. “The website will make it easier and more attractive for foreign workers to understand about our industry and opportunities in our industry. We’ll do the research and make recommendations for best practices for attracting,

retaining and integrating immigrants into the forest industry.” Part of that attraction will be getting the word out in the larger centres, where newcomers have arrived in Canada, and letting workers know there are opportunities with Tolko in the Okanagan and northern B.C. Tolko will also focus on recruitment when it reopens its Athabasca mill in Slave Lake, Alta. They will tap into former mill workers they’ve kept in touch with and see if they can hire them back, they can recruit the immigrant workers to Slave Lake or they can look internally with transferring employees to northern Alberta. “It’s a pretty exciting time,” said Press. “We know we need to fill our recruitment pipeline with skilled workers. We’ll look locally and throughout Canada first, but we know we will not have enough people to meet the retirement bubble and the growth of our industry, which has turned a corner and is taking off.” In October, 2012, Tolko filled 27 salaried positions locally and throughout the company.

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U42 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast

Community support key to foundation success RogeR Knox Morning Star Staff

Sue Beaudry is a confident woman. Confident in her community helping the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation raise $2.5 million for equipment for two floors in the Polson tower, and acute care beds. That confidence comes after Beaudry – director of development for the foundation – watched the community contribute $7 million over three years to help build the new Polson tower, then contributed more money to help with renovations for the McMurty-Baerg Cancer Centre in the old portion of VJH. “We’re looking at it (raising the funds) over a three-to-four-fiscal year period,” said Beaudry. “Our fiscal year starts April 1. We’re not going to be ready that quick. The first year won’t be a full year of campaigning. “Depending on how responsive the community is will depend on whether it’s just three fiscal years or jumps into the next year. That’s what our thinking is.” On average, when not in heavy

roger knox/morning star

Terri Manke (left) and Sue Beaudry (right) help fellow Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation staffer Andrea Egan size up a sari for Bollywood Bang, one of many fundraising events held in the North Okanagan for the foundation. campaign mode, said Beaudry, the foundation raises in the neighbourhood of $1.2 million per year. And she credits the North Okanagan region for opening its hearts and wal-

lets, not only for the foundation, but for other charities and organizations. “When you talk about donors, we have a very strong donor base that continues to support the hospital and the North Okanagan,” said Beaudry. “People will continue to do that and have continued to do that after the (tower) campaign. “This campaign will not be as big as the one for the tower, but we want to make sure the money is in place to give us those wonderful beds.” Helping out are organizations such as JCI, which hosts its annual gala to raise money for the foundation. The Longhorn Pub hosted its fifth Rock For Care, 12 bands in 12 hours raising money for the foundation. Wentworth Music teamed up with Interior Savings Credit Union to have music students play and sing the songs of legendary Canadian rock band Trooper during a one-night concert with all proceeds going to the foundation. And one of the biggest fundraising events – the annual charity golf classic at Predator Ridge – has two major

changes this year. “The date has been changed from August to May 26, and it will be a oneday event because Predator has donated the course,” said Beaudry. “And Kal Tire has come on as event sponsor. So it’s called the Kal Tire Charity Golf Classic.” Those are just a few of the many events organized in support of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation. Information can be found on the foundation’s website, vjhfoundation. org, which is maintained and organized by Beaudry and co-workers Andrea Egan (development officer) and Terri Manke (development assistant). The foundation is still on the main floor of the old VJH, but they are in new digs in what used to be the auxiliary gift shop, right across the hall from their old office. “I don’t feel like I’m in a storage closet anymore with lots of boxes around me,” laughed Beaudry. “It’s better for donors coming in, particularly ones with mobility problems or those in wheelchairs.”

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Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U43

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Economy improving Jennifer Smith Morning Star Staff

From the small local shop to big business, optimism appears to be spreading. According to Community Futures North Okanagan, economic uncertainty is behind us as business continues to stick to a steady course. “Things are improving, perhaps not as rapidly as liked,” said Larry Hogan, loans manager. “So a lot of businesses are in a cautiously optimistic frame of mind.” Such optimism leads to business confidence, which, Hogan says, leads to hiring. Unlike the uncertainty that struck the business world several years ago, Hogan says the future looks predictable. “What slows business decisions down is uncertainty about the future,” said Hogan, who expects the current situation will remain unchanged for several years. “I don’t think there’s going to be any huge swings in economic activity either way, up or down.”

Last year’s business activity at Community Futures is one indication of consistent growth. The 10 new business startups assisted in the past 12 months are on average, according to Hogan. “That doesn’t include existing businesses that have been restructured and re-financing,” he said of the additional 10 to 12 companies assisted. The assistance Community Futures provides is invaluable, says Andy Dalglish, owner of Lavington Superette. The local convenience store/gas station/post office/liquor store recently sought financial assistance from Community Futures to help with some upgrades at the store. Working with the banks, CF helps businesses acquire loans, but Dalglish says they go above and beyond to help out local businesses. “They’re more than just a bank, they give you really good advice,” said Dalglish, who employs five to seven staff at the store. “They were really helpful.”

See COMMUNITY on U44

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U44 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast

Community Futures lends businesses a hand Continued from U43

Dalglish admits that the past year was tough at the store and doesn’t know where it would be without Community Futures’ help. “We would have been suffering big time.” So with some major advice and financial help, the Superette is able to upgrade its tills, coffee area and will also be resurfacing the parking lot this year. Now Dalglish, who has owned the store for 15 years (which is home to a 100-year-old post office), is optimistic about the future. “Once our ice cream machine gets going we’ll be busy,” he smiles. Community Futures provides consulting services to approximately 30 to 40 businesses a year, whether it’s help with marketing strategies or succession. But it’s not all about business at CF. Community economic development is also a priority, as CF works with Vernon’s economic development advisory committee, the Greater

Vernon Chamber of Commerce and others on various projects. For example, support is being looked at for alternative medicines in the area – such as naturopathy, Reiki and more. CF is also the host group for Vision North Okanagan – a group of residents and professionals who work on various initiatives. “What Community Futures stands for is to partner with the community to ensure it gets the supports it needs,” said Norm Metcalf, CF general manager. “We like to play in that sandbox with people.” Employment services are the other facet at CF. Along with individuals coming through the doors looking for work, CF assists agencies such as NOEES, Kindale and the John Howard Society. “We’re busy,” said Metcalf, noting that even though there are currently 120-130 job posting on their board, sometimes the positions don’t fit what people are looking for. “We

Jennifer Smith/morning Star

Community Futures North Okanagan general manager Norm Metcalf in the community boardroom at the agency which provides business services, employment services and community economic development. see upwards of 200 people a day come through our doors.” Youth, particularly those at risk, are also assisted through the employ program. “It is a program for youth having trouble attaching to the labour mar-

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Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U45

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Science made fun, easy Katherine MortiMer Morning Star Staff

With a master’s degree in biology, Ryan Jameson understands science. His goal is to make sure those without advanced degrees can also understand the subject. As the new program coordinator at the Okanagan Science Centre, Jameson’s goal is to make science accessible. “When I finished my master’s on climate change and ecology, I could have done my PhD, but I really enjoyed communicating results and teaching people about science,” said the graduate of Memorial University in Newfoundland and native of Nova Scotia. “I did a year-long program in Sudbury, Ontario on science communication, translating jargon and making it not scary. “There are some misconceptions about science that starts in high school, and parents tend to pass their fears on, but science is as accessible as anything else. It’s finding answers to questions and how it’s presented. I’m a big believer in getting the science into the community.” OSC executive director Sandi Dixon said it’s all about creating a culture of science for people of all ages.

“Even as adults, there are issues we are faced with and we want people to make better informed choices based on scientific information,” she said, referring to the centre’s vision of a culture where scientific inquiry, discovery and innovation is embraced by all members of the community. Founded in 1986 as the Vernon Science and Discovery Society, the OSC is governed by a board of directors with varying backgrounds. With a staff that ranges anywhere from six to 10 people, depending on the time of year, the OSC’s volunteers are also integral to keeping the centre running, putting in 6,000 volunteer hours per year. “It’s a real coup for us that we are attracting people like Ryan to work here, we have such a high calibre of staff and we are really growing as an organization,” said Dixon. One of those staff members familiar to anyone who has spent time at the OSC is of course Kevin Aschenmeier, known affectionately as the centre’s resident “mad scientist.”

See CENTRE on U46

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U46 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

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Centre one of a kind one location 2 great stores! Continued from U45

“He is our local pop star and Kevin is an icon in the community, and contributes to our vision of celebrating the culture of science,” said Dixon, adding that the OSC has also been pleased to recently welcome new staff member Wendy Wright, as operations coordinator. Housed in a registered municipal heritage site that was built as a school in 1893, the OSC rents the space from the City of Vernon for an annual fee of $1, with the centre responsible for all building maintenance, repairs and upkeep. “One of the benefits of being a smaller centre is that we can turn on a dime,” said Dixon, of the travelling exhibits the OSC brings in every year, such as the recent Water Works exhibit. “We are the smallest community in Canada to have a science centre.” Both Dixon and Jameson are determined to have teachers throughout the North Okanagan consider the OSC for their field trips. “I’d like to focus on high school kids because it’s when kids can fall out of love with science, whereas elemen-

tary kids are naturally drawn to it,” said Jameson. “It doesn’t have to be complicated: for my master’s degree I don’t think I worked with anything more technical than a petri dish and a scalpel.” The centre is divided into exploration galleries including the Activity Room, Sound Gallery, Main Hall, Electricity Room, Space for Space and Planetarium and is home to 75 permanent exhibits which are rotated regularly in addition to the travelling exhibits that are rented every year. As with all non-profit organizations, the OSC is on a constant mission to bring in funding. As it receives no core funding, it relies on earned revenue through admission fees, memberships, birthday parties, spring break and other holiday camps and special events such as the annual and very popular Halloween Haunted House. An application has been made to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee to be included in its annual budget in the arts and culture/recreation category, as there are a number of non-profits currently receiving core funding from GVAC.

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2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Women find fellowship cara brady Morning Star Staff

Vernon Women in Business members look back on their silver anniversary with fond memories. The group continued to serve and encourage women who work in their own businesses, for other businesses and in a variety of professions. A highlight was presenting Mary Williamson with the Woman of the Year Award for her lifetime of serving the community as a nurse, friend and volunteer. “There really is a feeling of fellowship with other people in business here. The women understand each other because we are all women who are balancing business, home life and community support,” said president Krista Harris, a chartered accountant. “There are so many advantages to being a member. It’s a great place to network, to get support and information and to be mentored and be a mentor.” Harris said that people who own a small business may work relatively solo and need the chance to connect with others and keep up on things. “I know sometimes I get discouraged about things not being the way

I envision them and being with other people allows me to get some perspective and be more gentle with myself. We have to keep on doing what we do well and things will work out.” VWIB has about 85 members, with new ones coming all the time, who meet for lunch twice a month to hear speakers and network. “If you want to be encouraged and inspired and meet like-minded women, this is a great organization,” said Harris. Sherry Lukey, owner of S&E Bookkeeping, and treasurer of VWIB, joined this year. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to get out into the community and meet people. It’s a really, really supportive group,” she said. She also makes, sells and teaches pottery through Sherry Lukey Pottery. “What is unique about meeting with other women in business is that we all have similar demands on our time and understand what each other is going through. It’s a very comfortable place.” Women who work with non-profit agencies also find many benefits to being a member of VWIB.

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U47

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U48 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Business Review & Forecast 2013 Business Review & Forecast Town & Country Retail

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Casino deals 25 years Jennifer Smith Morning Star Staff

Since the first card was dealt at Vernon’s first casino more than 25 years ago, the tables have changed in the gambling world. The first casino, atop the Goon Hong restaurant in Vernon’s old Chinatown, opened March 24, 1987 by Great Canadian Casinos. The small, smoke-filled gambling hall had people lined up to try their luck. “It started with table games only,” said Clay Riley, general manager of Lake City Casinos Vernon. “There was even a time back then when they used to actually charge patrons to enter the casinos.” While they may not operate quite like they used to, there are still a lot of familiarities at the casino – including some long-time employees. In fact Jim Uzick dealt that first hand at the first casino, and he still works at the casino today – he is the longest serving of the current 120 employees. After moving to the old Legion building in 1990, the casino introduced slots. “They were coin machines then, you could only play loonies and quarters, there were no penny machines,” said Riley of the machines that eventually switched to tickets. It wasn’t until 1998 that Lake City Casino took up space in the Village Green Hotel before landing a brand new facility in 2009 on Anderson Way. With the latest move came the elimination of live tables. Virtual dealers now entertain players on the classic games, like poker, blackjack and roulette. The move also allowed the casino to expand its slots to 400 – there were only 50 machines in the Legion location and 219 at the Green. “Slots are more popular.” Depending on what you play, the odds are also in your favour.

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U48

Jennifer Smith/morning Star

Jim Uzick, 51, dealt the very first card at Vernon’s first casino in 1987, above the old Goon Hong building, and he still works at the local Lake City Casino. According to GameSense, the odds of winning a top jackpot on a red, white and blue slot are one in 373,248. Compare that to the odds of winning the Lotto 6/49 or the Lotto Max: one in 14 million and 28 million, respectively. No matter what you play, part of the money casinos make is turned back to communities. The revenues from the casino are split between B.C. Lottery Corporation (gaining the largest share which is delivered to healthcare, education and community groups), the service provider and the host city. The casino shares approximately $2 million annually with the City of Vernon (since July 1, 1999 the casino has contributed $21 million to Vernon). Last year the Vernon casino also donated $15,000 to charities just from winning vouchers left behind by players. “We all live here and we all want to help our own community,” said Riley.

Armstrong is 100! We think we look pretty good for our age... but visit us and see for yourself.! Shop. Dine. Sleep. Play. Visit. Stay.

Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre 3550 Bridge Street, Armstrong 250-546-8155 aschamber.com

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U49

s t n e v E e im T t s Survey targets trends Fir Exciting

at…

richard rolke Morning Star Staff

Homework is required if Vernon is to prosper competitively in the tourism sector. The city has initiated a survey that involves 10 accommodations properties in the community. “It will tell us who is coming to Vernon and why they are coming here,” said Michelle Jefferson, tourism manager. “We will be able to say, ‘The reason we are up is because of...’” The need to quantify details came after it was determined accommodations room revenue from January to October 2012 was up 17 per cent over the year before. “For the Okanagan, we’re No. 1,” said Jefferson. “We believe Sparkling Hill and Predator Ridge are driving room revenue but they’re not the only factor.” An analytic survey of tourism-related websites will also be conducted. “What are people looking for when they look up Vernon on the web?” said Jefferson, adding that the survey details will allow her office to build upon marketing. Like other sectors, tourism has noticed a major shift to social media when people are seeking destination information. “The power of social media is huge. It allows us to engage with our customers,” said Jefferson. A visitor may post a video of their holiday on YouTube or provide comments on Twitter. That evolves into discussion from acquaintances and loved ones who may be looking to book a get-away. “People believe the recommendations of their friends,” said Jefferson. “We are what we are and that’s what people want. They don’t want a false image.” The advent of the Internet has turned

20

%

richard rolke/morning star

Michelle Jefferson, Vernon’s tourism manager, is looking to highlight trends in the tourism sector. virtually everyone into a hands-on researcher and people are more involved in searching where they are going. “You may have a particular interest or hobby and you can go online and find out what there is in Vernon related to that hobby,” said Jefferson. “You may be interested in geology and you can find out about Okanagan Opal.” There’s significant potential with sports tourism, and while the B.C. Winter Games were a major draw recently, smaller tournaments are also welcome. “There’s oldtimers’ soccer and the doctors’ hockey tournament. They generate a lot of revenue,” said Jefferson of participants using local motels, restaurants and shops. With the number of methods of marketing growing — from traditional brochures to Facebook — considerable financial resources are needed to increase a community’s profile. What has helped in Vernon is a tax on each accommodations booking. It’s forecast that the tax revenue in 2013 will be about $300,000. “We haven’t had that kind of money to invest (in marketing) before,” said Jefferson. “We are able to spend money in areas that give us benefit.”

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EXCITING times at O’Keefe Ranch! This year the ranch is hosting so many new FUN events … something for everyone (adult, seniors, family and youth). We are very happy to have with us on board this year Sandi LaFleche. Sandi is the new Events/Marketing Coordinator; she has 13 years’ experience working in the community with Vernon Winter Carnival. She is busy putting together some great NEW events like “Movie Night on the O’Keefe Hill”. The movie nights will be on Thursday nights, June 20th, July 4th, July 18th, August 1st, and August 15th. These movie nights are FREE for everyone. They take place outdoors, so bring your chairs, blankets and get comfortable on the hill. Once again we will be opening on Mother’s Day, May 12th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Mothers and grandmothers will enter for FREE. This year make your mom that special handmade gift right here at the ranch … like a beaded bracelet, a painted canvas picture or get that old fashion photo in historic costume. For all you dad’s waiting for mom to get her handmade gifts … we will have some lawnmower racing up on the track, a train display, pioneer tractors running, vendor booths set up … and much more. Some other NEW activities that are planned at the O’Keefe Ranch this year include, a Children’s Summer Youth Camp which is being booked through the Greater Vernon Summer Parks Guide, this fun filled camp will allow children ages 7-12 to experience the ranch as a pioneer. They will learn how to cook on a wood stove, make butter, make ice cream, learn to spin and weave sheep’s wool, knit, tint cottons with natural dyes, work with leather, take part in farm yard chores, garden and participate in old time fun and games. Another NEW and exciting project that is planned for the O’Keefe Ranch is the introduction of a Community Garden. The opportunity to construct a Corporate Sponsored Community Garden on the ranch would allow corporate involvement with a food awareness program within the local community. Anyone interested in participating in this program is asked to contact Glen Taylor, General Manager. Hold on! We’re not done yet … we will be planting the corn crop again this year and adding a corn maze which will allow the public to find their way through the maze. A NEW Corporate Partnership program has been put together to help with the operations of the O’Keefe Ranch, in order to assist in the maintenance of the property and all the historic buildings.

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U50 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Business Review & Forecast 2013 Business Review & Forecast

Rogers a staple supplier cara brady Morning Star Staff

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Rogers Foods has been supplying nutritious grain products locally and to national and international customers for more than 60 years. While the company has always responded to customer requests and needs, there is some concern about the recent trend for glutenfree products. “We have seen some decrease in sales of whole-grain products. People are attacking gluten as being bad for you while in reality science shows that whole-grain products are very healthy and have sustained people for thousands of years. There are many nutrients that people don’t necessarily get if they go gluten free,” said Rogers Foods president Vic Bell. “We keep up on what’s happening and we hope that people will educate themselves on what is healthy for them.” Bell said that celiac disease, an inherited disorder where people cannot eat any gluten, is a serious concern, and that there are other people who are allergic to or intolerant of gluten. Rogers Foods has products without gluten ingredients, like Large Flake Oats but can’t say that they are gluten free because they are produced in a facility that processes wheat. Bell urges people to consider individual levels of gluten intolerance and think about how they can still get the benefits of whole grains in their diets. He also advises reading labels carefully to make sure that gluten-free products are not higher in sodium and fats. “A gluten-free diet is not inherently healthier than a well-balanced diet and whole-grain foods can help you lose weight if that is the reason for trying a gluten-free diet. We will help people who come into the store to find the products they need,” said Barb York, manager of Rogers Bulk Foods Store at the plant in Spallumcheen. Bell is proud of the variety of products in the store. “Our knowledgeable store staff helps serve all customers with their specific needs. We have a lot of different specific products, for example, those that are guaranteed to be nut-free. I’m really happy that Barb and her staff have spent the time to educate themselves on these nutritional issues and that they can share with our customers what to expect from the different products, including how to bake with them,” he said. York said many people want to make a gluten-free loaf of bread, a difficult task as the success of bread depends on the gluten in the flour.

U50

Cara Brady/Morning Star

Barb York, Rogers Bulk Foods Store manager, with the more than 30 kinds of flour in the store and other ingredients. “Another thing we get a lot of questions about is how to add more fibre to diets and that’s something we can help with,” said York. One of Rogers Foods new products this year, Steel Cut Porridge Oats, is proving to be very popular because of its increased fibre. “We have not forgotten our roots. Our founders believed in providing healthy grain products and we still maintain that focus. We have had phenomenal success with our oat products in the past six or seven years. There is a lot of interest from across Canada and the products are now sold through to Ontario,” said Bell. The oat products are so popular that customers from as far away as Chicago and the west coast of the U.S. order them by mail. The Steel Cut Porridge Oats, which make a higher fibre cereal that keeps people feeling full longer are popular at home too. Bell has them for breakfast every day, cooked with cranberries, and York does hers with raisins and seeds in her rice cooker, saving some to have with yogurt for lunch. The sales manager makes Steel Cut Porridge Oats muffins for his family every Sunday morning. York is happy to provide information on how to cook with the steel cut oats, and all of the other products in the newly remodeled store. New product development underway includes flours suitable for Asian noodles for use in Asian and North American markets. “As Canada has become more multicultural, eating habits have expanded and we have expanded our products to match. There is a lot of interest in healthy eating now,” said Bell.

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U51

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Paper marks 25 years Kevin Mitchell Morning Star Staff

She’s the first to organize a potluck luncheon for a departing employee, put out napkins and plates on Birthday Pizza Wednesdays, order flowers for somebody’s special moment, clean the lunchroom, line up the Christmas party or solve a computer problem. Officially, Deb Moore is the longest-serving creative consultant (aka graphic designer) at The Morning Star, in its silver anniversary year. Unofficially, she is the Director of Fun and Stuff. “If we need something done, we just find Deb,” said senior news reporter Richard Rolke. “She goes the extra mile to make this office run smoothly and helps us have a little fun.” Moore and managing editor, Glenn Mitchell, are originals with the thrice-weekly community paper which started in June, 1988. “I never dreamed, after 25 years, I’d still be working here,” laughed Moore, who moved to Vernon in

Lisa VanderVeLde/Morning star

Managing editor Glenn Mitchell and Debbie Moore, in production, have been with The Morning Star since its first issue 25 years ago.

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See STAR on U52

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Kekuli Bay Cabinetry has the technology, modern equipment and expertise to see your individual kitchen unfold before your very eyes. By applying unique methods and materials gathered from years of experience in furniture fabrication and finishing, Kekuli has developed a system of quality unmatched in the industry. Nothing is too difficult or impossible for this company to make. By leading the way in style, trends and process, Kekuli is one of the few!

Stop by the showroom located at Huber’s Furniture (North of Swan Lake), or call to book an appointment with one Steve Manning and Matt Hofsink can help you design your dream kitchen. of the designers: Steve at 250.983.6016; and Matt Hofsink at 250.241.0036. With a combined total of over 20 years experience in the kitchen industry they Its handcrafted cabinets are manufactured right here in the Okanagan will help make your dream kitchen become a reality.

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U52 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

Celebrating 100 years

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Public Welcome Banquets and meetings

Star up for top honours Continued from U51

ANNOUNCEMENT The Vernon Golf and Country Club is proud to announce the appointment of Julie Knobloch as their new General Manager. Julie comes from the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club in Roberts Creek and is looking forward to getting to know Vernon! Membership opportunities are available for Juniors, Intermediates, and Full Play. Check the website www.vernongolf.com or give us a call for more information!

Moore worked in production at the Innisfail Province in Central Alberta, using chemicals to develop film in a darkroom and using an Exacto knife to cut and paste copy on a paper flat. She also used the knife to cookie cut ads. Everything today, is done through pagination on a souped-up Apple. Moore enjoys the positive feedback she hears about the newspaper. “We work hard to try and keep the community image. It’s rewarding work and it’s still a team-work approach here after 25 years.” Moore and Colleen Hadland were the two creative consultants when the paper first began out of Wayne Porter’s tiny Real Estate Weekly office above the Vernon Credit Union. Wayne’s wife, Joy, helped set ads. Kathy Rooke ran circulation. The paper was formed by Wayne Porter, Don Kendall, Bill Allum and Ken McCluskey, leaving the Vernon Daily News to jumpstart The

Morning Star. Mitchell, a father of two teenage boys, recalls the early days of the paper. “We were all watching the first edition come off the press at VIP (Vernon Interior Printers) and it felt like having a baby,” said Mitchell, a 1978 VSSS grad. “Watching it was pretty cool; it was a highlight of my life for sure. We had all worked for what seemed forever to get it out. My second thought was: ‘Oh my gosh, we gotta do it again.’” “I still think we’re making a difference and we’re connecting with people, and that’s what life is all about. We’ve made mistakes, but we do our best to get it right. Our brand is pretty respected. You can tell by the number of letters to the editor we get.” The Morning Star, which is printed at its adjacent Black Press plant, is a top-three finalist for overall excellence in the B.C.-Yukon Newspapers Association awards (25,000-plus circulation) with the Surrey Leader and Surrey Now.

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800 Kalamalka Lake Road, Vernon Golf Shop 250-542-9126 Administration Office 250-542-0151

www.vernongolf.com

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INSURANCE INSURANCE • INVESTMENT • MORTGAGES • LEASING

BRONZE SPONSOR

Since 2010, over $460,000 net has been raised for equipment needs at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. The 2013 Charity Classic will purchase medical equipment to complete the sixth and seventh floors of the Polson Tower at the Hospital. For information about how you can participate, go to www.vjhfoundation.org or call 250-558-1362

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U53

proud to be a part of Vernon Shop Local

Buying local is a great choice for our community

Voets Coffee, our featured local producer Voets Coffee was established in 1929 in Krefeld Germany. In 1983 Max Voets relocated the family business to Vernon, BC. The company remains today a BC owned and operated family business directed by Marion Voets. Our business success can be attributed to combining tradition with technology. Traditional master roasters are given complete freedom to develop roast profiles and then technology is used to capture and recreate these recipes focussing on consistency. Our roasting facility can produce 3000+lbs daily of fresh roasted gourmet coffees. Marion Voets is best known for her latest addition Tribal Java. This Fair Trade and Organic coffee is selected from the finest 100% Arabica Beans sourced from sustainable environmental practices and is roasted and packaged in the sunny Okanagan Valley, Vernon BC. We would like to thank our customers and Save On Foods for the many years of support and opportunity. It is this support that has allowed us to do what we are passionate about. Producing that next delicious batch of fresh roasted coffee!

Enter to win! Bunn Velocity Brew 10 cup coffee maker Value $20000

*Purchase a 454 g Tribal Organic Voets Coffee at the 4900 - 27 Street Vernon Save On Foods using your Save On Foods card to be entered in the draw. Draw date Wed, May 1, 2013

Tribal Organic FT coffee 454 g

9

$ 99

Offer expires April 30, 2013

saveonfoods.com • 4900 - 27 Street, Vernon

U54 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Business Review & Forecast

2013 Business Review & Forecast

★ Noon Game guaranteed $100.00 ★ Sunday Evening Games guaranteed $100.00 ★ Wednesday Evening Games guaranteed $100.00

EASY TO LEARN … FUN TO PLAY • Paper Play • Electronic Play • Jet Tabs on electronic

Jennifer Smith

★ Hidden Riches ★ 333 ★ Odd/Even ★ Pick “8” ★ Bonanza HOURS:

Sunday thru Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm Friday, 11 am to 11:45 pm Saturday, 10 am - 11:45 pm Open one hour prior to play.

FAIRWEATHER BINGO ✗

11TH AVE.

HIGHWAY #6

FAIRWEATHER ROAD

STRIP MALL

KALAMALKA LAKE ROAD

1015 Fairweather Road, Vernon 250-558-6919 Prize Line 250-558-1599

Spring toasts hometown Morning Star Staff

SPECIAL GAMES to play!

MAP TO FAIRWEATHER BINGO

Jennifer Smith/morning Star

Okanagan Spring head brewmaster Stefan Tobler next to the fermentation tanks, where the ‘liquid gold’ is made at the Vernon brewery.

Okanagan Spring is tapping into its roots. The local flavour recently announced that it will be the official beer sponsor of Funtastic – the June 28 to July 1 slowpitch tournament and music festival. “That’s our backyard,” said Rosy Atwal, Okanagan Spring national brand manager. “We appreciate where we’re from and who we are.” It’s a fitting combination as both the event and brewery were first established in 1985. “When we first started it was just a small microbrewery and we were just selling in the Okanagan,” said head brewmaster Stefan Tobler. From one of B.C.’s original craft breweries, Okanagan Spring has grown substantially, becoming a favourite taste locally, provincially and more recently, nationally. “We’ve been in Alberta for a while,” said Atwal, noting that they’ve also been trading in Ontario. “The Okanagan is the backyard for a lot of Calgary people.” But the brewery’s heart remains in B.C. – where 90 per cent of its business is. “We’re a brand that really focuses on supporting communities,” says Atwal, adding that the company makes a significant annual contribution to Rugby B.C. and also supports Special Olympics. Today, the plant employs approximately 130 staff and also produces Sleeman. “In B.C., we’re the third largest,” said Tobler. This year is already proving to be

U54

no exception, with an increase in sales even during the typically slower months of winter. “It seems to be already extremely busy for this time of year. “There’s a bit of a change – more people start drinking ‘better’ beer,” said Tobler of Spring’s ‘liquid gold.’ Spring offers eight varieties, including some of its popular seasonal varieties such as the apricot flavoured Summer Weizen – which was so successful last year that it will be on the shelves again this summer. “That recipe is golden,” said Atwal. But Pale Ale and 1516 remain the most popular beers, along with the craft variety packs (which are up 20 per cent year after year). While the local plant has grown, the brewing process is still based on a nearly 500-year-old tradition, established in 1516. All natural ingredients include: malted barley (from the prairies as well as a local malt house in Armstrong and some specialty malts from Germany and England), hops (majority of which comes from Germany) and yeast. “The yeast is my secret,” said Tobler of the ingredient that is specialized to the Okanagan Spring brand. The eight-brewing process, fermentation and aging all takes place at the Vernon brewery before it is packaged into bottles, cans and kegs for thirsty consumers. One noticeable change in the industry is a switch from glass to aluminum. “The trend is more and more to cans,” said Tobler. “Over the last 12 months in B.C. canned production increased by 2.2 per cent, bottles shrunk by 6.2 per cent.”

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2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

U.S. retail giant on Target for Vernon Katherine MortiMer Morning Star Staff

The big news at the Village Green Centre is all about the iconic red and white bullseye that is Target’s logo. The massive U.S. retailer has been busy with renovations to the old Zellers store and will open its doors in May. “We’re very excited to officially welcome Target to the Village Green Centre this spring,” said Scott Adam, the centre’s general manager. “We anticipate increase in traffic throughout the centre as shoppers visit the new anchor.” Target’s expansion into Canada began when it purchased leasehold interests from Zellers. It expects to open between 125 and 135 new stores in Canada from coast to coast in 2013 and 2014. And Adam is thrilled to announce that Vernon’s newest restaurant will be a big draw not only for shoppers to the centre, but for people throughout the North Okanagan, with next month’s opening of Brown’s Social House. “This will soon be the place to dine out in Vernon and we’re very excited to be able to offer our shoppers a full service restaurant to enhance their shopping experience,” he said. Developed by Scotty Morison in North Vancouver, Brown’s Social House was designed to offer guests

Lisa VanderVeLde/Morning star

The Target sign now adorns the building at the Village Green Centre with the opening date within reach. an experience that bridges the gap between upscale casual dining and neighbourhood pub. It’s the place for diners to enjoy tasty appetizers and beverages while socializing in a fun and stylish setting.

In addition to Target and Brown’s, Things Engraved will open this spring, and Adam said the leasing team is continually speaking with potential retailers.

See GROWTH on U56

Dedication to

QUALITY

Landing

and

CRAFTSMANSHIP … setting us apart as a leader in home construction.

CONSTRUCTION

phone 250-542-3245 • cell 250-308-7500 • www.landingconstruction.ca

Providing renovations, general contracting and project management services for residential or commercial construction.

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U56 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Growth remains steady at Village Green Centre events occurring in the centre.” Soft seating areas will be renovated in 2013, and new furnishings and LED lighting will be added. The Village Green is known for its fundraising initiatives and in an average year plays host to more than 150 non-profit groups, providing free space and tables to help them fundraise and to increase awareness of their cause. This month, those groups include The Okanagan Boys and Girls Club, Red Lion Squadron Air Cadets,

Continued from U55 “We always want retailers that will further strengthen the fashion mix and offerings to the families in our trade area,” he said. “One key use we will be looking for is another quality shoe retailer.” Things Engraved is an established Canadian company with a long history that dates back to the mid-’60s, with more than 100 stores operating in every Canadian province, employing more than 500 people across the country. The store is known for its ability to personalize gifts through engraving, foiling, embroidery, etching, and lasering. Open since 1975, the Village Green Centre is home to more than 68 shops and services, including a large food court offering everything from Greek food to Japanese. Last year was a good one for the centre, with sales up 3.2 per cent from the previous year. “We’re very pleased to see this moderate but steady growth year over year,”

Kalamalka Fly Fishers Society, the Okanagan Humane Society and the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary, to name just a few. For the younger set, the Kids Club offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year, from breakfast with Santa to the Easter event. “The Kids’ Club is growing daily in membership, and watch for special events throughout the year including Earth Week and Mother’s Day,” said Adam.

Morning Star file photo

The Village Green Centre helped Save On Foods raise more than 30,000 lbs of food for the Salvation Army last year. said Adam. Other changes at the Village Green will include a new pylon sign on the property complete with a reader board. “This will provide us with a great opportunity to give exposure to community groups who are situated within the centre and inform the public on

“enhancing the quality of life in our communities”

Make a lasting difference in our community. Give to the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan.

Call us at 250-542-8677 … we’ll show you how! www.cfno.org

Helping you balance your family commitments with confidence At We Care, we provide the support your loved ones need and the peace of mind you need – for a few hours a month or around the clock, at home or in a long-term care or retirement community. Our services include: Personal Care, Home Making, Nursing, Accompanied Visits, Caregiver Relief, Help with Meds and Foot Care. We’re specially trained to help with Alzheimer’s and dementia, diabetes, acquired brain injury and end of life care.

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Call today to learn how we’ve helped families like yours since 1984.

Helping you. Live your life.

TM

Vernon 250-542-9717 Salmon Arm 250-832-0393 Kamloops 250-851-2911 Cranbrook 250-426-9066 Administration Office 3907 - 27th Avenue, Vernon BC Email: wecare@telus.net www.wecare.ca

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U57

2013Business Business Review & Forecast 2013 Review & Forecast

Enderby backs business jackie pearase For The Morning Star

The Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce started the new year off with a new focus. “We’re going back to what the chamber mission is,” said general manager Corinne Peard. “We will be working for our members.” Recent staff changes altered Peard’s role from office coordinator to GM and a strategic planning session with the board of directors brought the chamber’s role into focus. “(We found) that our members were falling further and further down the priority list. And it was time to bring them back as the top priority,” Peard explained. “There were a lot of boards that the chamber sat on that were not business related. So we scaled it back and in the future we’re looking to our members and doing what we should be doing. Which is working with them so they can do what they do best in their businesses.” A customized membership package has already resulted in feedback from members and Peard is looking forward to a busy year of networking opportunities. Presentations on Enderby’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan and succession planning are two upcoming lunch-and-learn sessions, with tourism and agri-tourism also being considered as topics. Graham’s Eye Tech Optical, Deep Creek Tool Museum and Enderby & District Community Resource Centre are all confirmed for Business After Business events. The lunch-and-learn and BAB events will alternate each month, giving members a choice of attending during the day or night. Focusing on membership advocacy and education does not mean the chamber has abandoned its role in local rec-

reation. Recreation services manager Madison Giesbrecht is busy wrapping up the winter season while preparing for the spring and summer seasons. A new recreation guide is expected by early April, the pool schedule is underway with last year’s supervisor returning, and some new fall programs are in the works. “I’m hoping to extend some things as well as create some new programs that are more family-orientated and work well at the same time with the user groups that already exist,” Giesbrecht noted. She is considering a sticks and pucks program for kids and extending Sunday public skates where possible. There is also work being done to establish a fall ball league. “It will be running from July to September and we’ll be holding a tournament at the end of September. It will give us extra usage of our ball diamonds on weekends as well as during the week because I know it is often lacking on weekdays during the summer.” The chamber continues to oversee the River Ambassador program during the summer months and host BC Rivers Day in the fall, but it is stepping away from its organizing role with Canada Day celebrations. The chamber is helping with this year’s event to ensure a smooth transition but a new organizing committee will be responsible for hosting the event from now on. Giesbrecht said the chamber really wants to focus on doing those activities more within its purview. “We really need to get back to our roots, back to the businesses,” she said. “We are under-resourced to be able to do everything we were doing and, therefore, not committing the time we should have been committing to everything. And that’s not right.”

A Growing Nursery in the Okanagan Annuals • Perennials • Fruit Plants • Fruit Trees Shade Trees • Evergreens • Flowering Shrubs • Vegetables

r Open Foson! The Sea

DAILY

Food &Drink Specials!

Mon - Sat: 8am - 5pm Open Sundays (thru June only): 10:00am - 4:00pm

1871 Pleasant Valley Road, ARMSTRONG www.bluemountainnursery.ca ‘Like’ us of Facebook

ALWAYS

Great Food & Good Times!

Nightly Entertainment &

SATURDAY NIGHTS

AT VERNON’S ONLY COUNTRY SPOT!

Your Neighbourhood Liquor Store Where the Beer’s always

-2 C O

VERNON’S ONLY DRIVE-THRU Great Selection of Cold Beer, Wine & Liquor

4513 25th Ave Vernon • 250-542-9222

Open June - Sept. 2, 2013

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250-546-8181

LIVE DJ Frida

y Saturday & Night

U58 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Business Review & Forecast

Warm & Inviting

2013 Business Review & Forecast

Trades busy at Wesbild Kristin Froneman Morning Star Staff

Sleek, Artistic Styling

Exceptional fire, custom elegance and controllable heat.

Wood Fireplaces

Classically styled wood stove in small, medium or large sizes with renewable, clean burning and efficient heat.

INTRODUCING THE REVOLUTIONARY INFRA-RED GRILL • 30% less natural gas or propane • This BBQ will make you a better cook • Voted #1 BBQ - Money Back Guarantee

Looking up to the grasslands and rocky outcrops of Vernon is one of the area’s fastest growing neighbourhoods. The Wesbild community of Turtle Mountain has grown in leaps and bounds since development of the site began in 2005. Existing streets, lined with wrought iron light standards, landscaped yards and finely-styled craftsman homes, each uniquely different from the other, show the commitment that Wesbild has already brought to the community. And that commitment continues, not only to the residents of Turtle Mountain, but to Vernon as a whole. Wesbild not only builds residences on a home-by-home basis, it keeps local trades active by providing product on an ongoing basis. And this can be seen with the launch of a whole new street on one of the top tiers of the site. Started in spring, an unprecedented eight new homes will be move-in ready on Terrapin Place.

Free Standing Stoves

Kristin Froneman /morninG star

Trevor and Shane McMorran, sales team at Turtle Mountain, enjoy the views from the development’s newest homes being built above Vernon.

“We are working hard to respond to what buyers have been asking us for,” said Trevor McMorran, who, is part of the sales team for Turtle Mountain with Shane McMorran. (The two also run a busy realty business out of Re/Max Vernon.) The new street offers a range of product, pricing, finishing and size, and the homes are being built on only one side of the street for optimal views.

See TRAILS on U59

Award Winning Photography Serving the community for over 22 years

Provides rustic ambiance & traditional style and designed to provide powerful efficient heat.

Portraits for all Occasions Family, Children, Grad Business, Pet Portraits

WE ALSO SELL GAS, WOOD & PELLET STOVES / FIREPLACES, AIR CONDITIONERS & PELLET BBQ’S.

Framing & Matting

Passport and Visa Photos Photo Restoration

Brenda Hala

7155 Meadowlark Rd. Vernon • 250-558-1668 WE INSTALL & SERVICE WHAT WE SELL

MPA, F/PPOC-BC Brenda Hala is Nationally Accredited by the Professional Photographers of Canada and holds the designation of “Master of Photographic Arts” by the PPOC and “The Fellowship” designation by the Professional Photographers Association of BC

3001 - 30th Avenue, Vernon (Corner of 30th Ave and 30th St)

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250-542-3010

www.brendahalaphotography.com

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U59

2013 Review & Forecast 2013Business Business Review & Forecast

Trails attract community Continued from U58

And with all Turtle Mountain development, the homes are built to be lived in. Having market-ready availability has paid off, as Turtle Mountain has approximately 80-to-90 per cent occupancy with its existing homes. “It’s becoming a community up here. We have a Block Watch where neighbours are looking out for each other,” said Shane, adding that being part of a Wesbild community

has other advantages. Turtle Mountain residents can enjoy golf days at Wesbild’s sister community of Predator Ridge, as well as special rates on various goods and services at the resort. And the community also attracts other Greater Vernon residents. “A lot of residents and people in town, come up to walk the trails that are part of the Gray Canal Pathway and Rocky Ridge Park,” said Trevor.

Predator more than golf Kristin Froneman Morning Star Staff

Nestled in the grasslands and Ponderosa Pine-lined hills of the Commonage, Predator Ridge is not just a golfer’s paradise, it has become a place more and more people call home. With a series of established neighbourhoods surrounding the resort’s two championship 18-hole golf courses, and overlooked by the internationally renowned Sparkling Hill Resort, Predator Ridge is now its own community with approximately 600 yearround and vacationing homeowners. A lot of the resort’s popularity has to do with its postcard picturesque beauty, where homes blend in with the natural surroundings. “It’s at the point where Predator Ridge has tipped as a community,” said Jason Koverchuk, a property specialist at Predator Ridge. “We are seeing more buyers coming from the Vernon and Kelowna areas because it’s become a viable and active community. There is such a variety of real estate offerings here, it’s so much more than a second home.” The landscape continues to expand as Wesbild, which owns Predator Ridge, is scheduled to begin work on its latest planning area, with the announcement of the new Whitetail Crossing neighbourhood. “The development team is planning to get this started this season,” said Koverchuk. “We will be holding a preseason get together with the homeowners at a town hall meeting so they can hear what is going on firsthand.” Another new neighbourhood that has just opened is Birdie Lake Place, featuring 11 south-facing home sites. The quality of workmanship can be seen with the awards Wesbild picked up at the recent Tommie Awards, sponsored by the Central Okanagan

OSC MEMBERS EARLY BIRD SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!

MEMBERSHIPS

Annual OSC member benefits include: • FREE admission to the OSC for a full year to attend a year-long calendar of intriguing exhibitions and programs! • Discounts on all OSC programs including Summer Science Camps; Christmas, Pro D Day, and Spring Break Camps; Birthday Parties; and special events! • FREE admission to 28 other Science Centres and Museums in Canada 1 YEAR 3 YEARS Individual membership $35.00 $70.00 Family Membership $50.00 $100.00 Supporting Membership $100.00 Minimum

Kristin Froneman /morninG star

Predator Ridge property specialist Jason Koverchuk watches as builders work on the new custom home, The Preston. chapter of the Canadian Home Builders Association. Wesbild received the Builder of the Year award in the large-volume, singlefamily homes category and also picked up a gold Tommie for Excellence in Kitchen design, as well as seven silver awards. One of those silver awards went to the townhouse development The Tips, which opened last summer, as well as for the Ellison showhome, located in the resort’s Longspoon community. The contemporary home’s floor plan was engineered by Aspen, Colorado’s POSS Architecture and Planning, while Kelly Deck, host of HGTV’s Take It Outside, did the interior design. With three more resort-ready homes under construction within the Longspoon neighbourhood as well as two new show homes expected to open in early summer, Predator Ridge is also adding to its amenities with a brand, new general store expected to also open this summer. Homeowners and visiting golfers will also be able to work on their swing at the resort’s new practice facility, being overseen by two-time PGA Tour champion and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee Richard Zokol, Predator’s executive director of golf development.

U59

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE TAX

For more information, or to register, call (250) 545-3644, visit us in Polson Park

www.okscience.ca

Council and staff of the City of Armstrong take great pride in welcoming you to experience one of Canada’s rural jewels. Whether you stay for a day or a lifetime, your Armstrong experience will inevitably include a rich blend of agricultural heritage, a “can do” attitude and a keen desire to make you feel welcome! We invite you to join us as we celebrate our centennial. We are home to the famous Interior Provincial Exhibition, world famous for our cheese and a national winner in the Communities in Bloom and Winter Lights programs. There is no place like home when you live, work and play in the Heart of Country, Armstrong, BC. Come and experience the “Pride of our Past, Spirit of our Present, and Vision of our Future” Chris Pieper Mayor PO Box 40, 3570 Bridge Street, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0 Tel: 250-546-3023 Fax: 250-546-3710 Email: info@cityofarmstrong.bc.ca • Web: cityofarmstrong.bc.ca

U60 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

Roll 2013 Small business is the backbone of our community.

CENTRAL TARP & AWNING Ray Waddell

Your Shade Specialist since 1983

v

Patio & Window Shades Retractable Awnings EZ Snap ‘DIY’ Shades

Est. 1983

t u s at isi www.centraltarp.com

250.549.5251

These businesses all started small, built themselves up and continue to provide quality service to Vernon and area.

www.ezsnapdirect.com 104, 1710 Kosmina Road

- ‘ framing to flooring ’ Licensed & Insured | Ron 250.309.0435 Est. 2007

30 Years of Service

Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd.

Complete Renovations | Repairs | Decks | Fences

READY MIX LTD. READY

nulookhomeworks.ca

6 Years of Service

Celebrating 86 Years!

Serving the North Okanagan since 1976

• Form Rentals • Accessories

Pumping Service • Free Estimates •

Leading the way in on Time Delivery and Product Quality

Est. 1927

TOM NOLAN

IAN JOHNSTONE

SUSAN CARRIE

Kerry, Phyllis & Daryl Heidebrecht

CHRIS SHIDELER

Vernon’s Only Full Service, Family Owned Funeral Chapel

250-542-1187 5605-27 Street th

(beside Re/Max Realty)

Est. 1989

24 Years of Service

(250) 545-7238 (250) 542-8253

MARCIA BELEY

(evenings)

www.mandk.ca 650 Waddington Drive, Est. 1976

Vernon BC V1T 8T5

37 Years of Service

ard to w r o f k o o l e W patronage! Have Your Prescriptions Filled With Us…

KYLE BREWER

NOLAN’S

We take a personal interest in your health

3101 - 30th Avenue, Vernon • 250-542-4181 “Your Locally Owned Compounding Pharmacy”

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U61

Roll 2013 Small business is the backbone of our community. Single ? You Will Meet Someone. Amazing New Friends. No Sense Waiting. Fun Activities and Events.

Serving B.C., Alberta & Yukon

Valley Monuments

DODDS AUCTION & Appraisal Service

PROFESSIONALISM - HONEST - INTEGRITY COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • PERSONAL

Certified Appraisers • On-Site Specialists

MEMORIALS OF DISTINCTION

Personal Property - Machinery & Equipment We Buy & Sell Estates - Antiques - Foreclosures

First Quality Granite • Bronze Markers Locally Owned & Operated Computerized Design System • Restoration Final Inscriptions • Delivery at your request

Wednesday Auction 6 P.M. PICKUP SERVICE 3311 - 28Avenue, Vernon

Call Keith or Evelyn Franklin • valleymonuments@shaw.ca

250-545-3259

250-542-6411 • Toll Free 1-877-511-8585 Est. 1968

4316 29th Street, Vernon, B.C.

Est. 1973

45 Years of Service

VERNON PAV I N G LTD. “SINCE 1969”

Commercial • Industrial Municipal • Residential Highways - Roadways - Parking Lots Road Buildin g& C o ncrete Aggre Free gate tes Supplier Estima

These businesses provide vital employment in the development of the progressive community we are today! S.P. SEYMOUR LTD. Your

Dealer

www.doddsauction.com

40 Years of Service

56

GOT POTHOLES? INFRARED PAVEMENT REPAIR TECHNOLOGY

PERMANENT - FAST - AFFORDABLE

1506 Blattner Road, Armstrong BC

Est. 1969

250-542-8601 250-546-3163 Fax: 250-546-6565

Over 44 Years Serving the Community

• Lennox Dealer • Heating • Plumbing • Service • Air Conditioning • Sales

Asphalt Repair • Crack Sealing • Line Marking

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1893

Call Today For A Free Pavement Analysis & Estimate

4217 - 25th Ave., Vernon Est. 1893

Vernon 250-542-1127 Kelowna 250-826-8709

250-542-4122

120 Years of Service

Est. 1998

www.advancedpavetech.com

15 Years of Service

U62 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

Roll 2013 Small business is the backbone of our community.

OK

BUILDERS SUPPLIES LTD.

• Brick • Block • Pavers • Retaining Walls • Stucco Supplies • Cements Grouts • Cultured Stone • Rock • Drywall • Precast Concrete • Glass Blocks • Mortar • Colour • Spec. Tools • Slabs • Sand • Wood Stoves

& GRAVEL TRUCK SERVICE LTD. REAL ESTATE & REVENUE PROPERTY SPECIALISTS Marvin Friesen • Peter Hill • Margo Wells • Brian Bell • Residential, Commercial, Industrial Property Managers • Apartment & Strata Management • Licensed & Bonded Qualified Agents

T hank you to all of our loyal customers! Est. 1980

2805 - 35th Street, Vernon • 250-542-5313

33 Years of Service

- General Excavating Best deals for ! - Ditching, Drainage moving earth - Foundations & Backfill - Wildfire Interface Zones www.skullyshoe.com

Call Noel 250-260-6756 Est. 2008

25 Years Experience

24 HOUR EMERGENCY 1.888.665.6775

MASONRY CENTRE

READY MIX CONCRETE

4403 - 25 Avenue, Vernon

2800 - 37Avenue, Vernon

Please continue to visit these fine businesses to show your support and commitment to their success.

250-545-0667 250-545-3371 www.okbuilderssupplies.com Est. 1953

SMOKE

MOLD

B&E

Other Location in Kelowna & Penticton www.okrestore.com

21 Years of Service

ROKO SERVICE LTD.

• Sand • Gravel • Screened Topsoil

Auto Electric Specialists

• Deep Lake Shale Landscape Rock

S R.E. POSTILL & SON

• General & Basement Excavation • Residential & Commercial Site Preparation

Est. 1944

WIND

VERNON 250.542.3471 Est. 1992

60 Years of Service

• Delivery of All Products

WATER

FIRE

LTD.

CONTRACTORS

9245 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC

Celebrating 69 years in Business

• ONAN • BRIGGS & STRATTON • YAMAHA • MITSUBISHI • YANMAR Portable, RV, home standby generator. Sales & Service.

Your Complete Automotive Electrical & Air Conditioning Service Center

250-542-5344

2901 43rd Avenue, Vernon Est. 1958

Thank you to all our valued customers for a great 55 years!!

55 Years of Service

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U63

STERLING CENTRE N NOW TOHPAEVE! ON 25

FEATURES

• New state of the art facility completed Fall 2012. The Vernon Sterling Centre is located in close proximity to Vernon Jubilee Hospital as well as major public transportation routes • Floor by floor heating and air conditioning • 9-11 foot ceilings with abundant natural light • Fully sprinklered and fully handicap accessible • The building is served by a 24/7 security system and keyless exterior door entry system • Ample parking and local property management

VISIT THESE BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS IN THE NEW STERLING CENTRE Y 2013 A M G IN N E G OP LING BUILDIN

IN THE STER

We’re here to help. Full service pharmacy including:

• Sleep Apnea Centre • Home Oxygen • CPAP Treatment and Follow Up • Catheter Supplies • Wound Care • Scooters • Power Chairs • Wheelchairs • Hospital Beds • Stair Lifts • Platform Lifts • Bracing • Walkers • Bath Lifts • Walk-In Tubs • Compression Stockings • S.A.D. Lighting • Bathroom Safety Products and so much more

TWO LOCATIONS: 245 - 5th St SW Salmon Arm • 250-832-2431 104 - 3210 - 25th Ave, Vernon • 250-542-2425

Call Toll Free 1-877-777-2431 ICBC, WCB, DVA & all Insurance Companies

Curtis

Pharmacist / Owner

Anastasia Pharmacist

Randy

Front Store Manager

Vaccinations Medication advice Diabetic supplies Breast pump supplies and rentals Specialty Custom Compounding Including: •Bio-identical hormones •Pet Medications •Discontinued or N/A medications

For your convenience: FREE Rx delivery After-hours pharmacist available

Seniors’ Day Everyday It’s a great time to pick up the things that you need at a price you’ll like.

Store Info

Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:30pm • Saturday: 10:00am - 2:00pm Sterling Centre Remedy’sRx 102-3210 25th Ave., Vernon, BC V1T 1P1 Tel: 778-475-7600

MEDICAL AND PROFESSIONAL OFFICE FOR LEASE Contact Meghan O’Mara • (250) 861-8112 • meghan.omara@colliers.com

U64 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Business & Forecast 2013 Business ReviewReview & Forecast

Flair for natural health Graeme Corbett Morning Star Staff

Experience our

Alexa Monahan’s father, Rick, started Nature’s Fare in 1994.

Graeme Corbett/morninG Star

SPA SERVICES

• BIO SCULPTURE GEL NAILS • EMINENCE FACIALS • WAXING • NOVALASH (coming soon) • PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP APPLICATIONS • PEDICURES AND • MANICURES … JUST TO NAME A FEW.

Carly Tammy Katie Caleenda

Best place for a Mani / Pedi

#115 5100 Anderson Way, Vernon • 250-260-3656 Email: merlenormanvernon@shaw.ca Website: www.merlenormanvernon.com or Follow Us on FaceBook @ Merle Norman Studio & Spa

Nature’s Fare Markets have been around long before the alternative health boom took flight. They were selling antioxidants and omega oils to the hippy crowd well before they became everyday buzzwords. These days, more and more people are turning to vitamins or supplements, and most people know of someone who follows either a dairy-free, gluten-free, yeast-free or organic diet. “There a lot more people eating healthier foods and are really understanding what they’re putting in their bodies and the effect that has on their bodies and the planet,” said Alexa Monahan, the daughter of Nature’s Fare owner Rick Monahan. Alexa got her start with Nature’s Fare at age 11, working in the back cutting vegetables after school. A commerce degree later, and she is now head of marketing, and is also in charge of the fresh food bistros at each of the company’s six locations. “I came back every summer and worked in the deli,” said Alexa. “My sister (Claire) and I have both worked in every department in the store.” Now that the health food industry has gone mainstream, Nature’s Fare, whose head office is in Vernon, is reaping the rewards for its pioneer spirit. Since opening the first location in Kelowna’s Orchard Plaza in 1994 (the Vernon store opened just over a year later), the company now boasts three other Okanagan locations – Penticton, West Kelowna and Kamloops – plus a new store in Langley. Having longevity in a relatively new industry has helped Nature’s Fare develop a loyal following in an increasingly competitive market.

“Back when I was 11, it was more of a hippy industry,” said Alexa, who serves as a board member with the Canadian Health Food Association. “Now, everybody and anybody comes into the store. We never used to see people dressed in suits coming into the store.” By expanding to Langley, Nature’s Fare is going up against regional heavyweights like Whole Foods Market, Choices Markets and Capers Community Market. With a larger push towards organic foods, even corporate giants like Wal-Mart want a slice of the health food pie. Alexa said it was difficult at first to gain traction as an unknown brand in a new region, but added Nature’s Fare is already establishing a niche. “We’re a little bit different; we’re a little bit smaller. We have great staff and we create the relationships.” Nature’s Fare is facing further competition from online stores, who, because of lower overhead costs, try to sell cheaper than storefronts. The company plans to restructure its website to offer online sales, but Alexa said that is only part of the solution. “Because so many other companies are offering the same products, we’ve had to differentiate ourselves in other ways,” said Alexa. “We’re really educating the customer and getting involved in the community.” One thing that sets Nature’s Fare apart from any online retailer is its fresh food bistros. “We have a very busy lunch crowd,” said Alexa. “People are looking for a healthy lunch when they’re at work. There aren’t a lot of options that are fast and healthy.” “They come in here and they know it’s organic and that we make it ourselves. It helps get them introduced to the lifestyle.”

• For all Your Business Computer Needs • Photocopiers/ Printers

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• Computer Network Support

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Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star U65

Rejoice & celebrate with us each week in His love and vision for humanity. St. John’s Lutheran Church (LCC) Welcomes you to worship with us Sundays 9:00am Traditional 10:30am Contemporary 10:30am God’s Kids

On the 4th Sunday of every month there is an integrated service at 9:30am 250-549-2244

www.stjohnsvernon.com

5151 Alain Rd. Vernon (off Silver Star Road at Stussi Sports) You’re always welcome at the

CHURCH OF GOD

4312 - 25th Street, Vernon • 250-542-7894 Pastor Gary Glanz

SUNDAY SERVICES

10:00am English Worship Service

(Sunday School for the children & Adult Bible Fellowship to follow) 7pm Evening Service Wednesdays 7:30pm Prayer Meeting & Bible Study

Vernon Canadian Reformed Church

Worship Services every Sunday

10am & 2pm

5600 MacDonald Road, Vernon 250.545.1536 www.vernoncanrc.com

Peace Lutheran ELCIC

10am Worship Holy Communion & Sunday School

Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays 1204 - 30th Avenue, Vernon | 250-545-5787

www.peacelutheran.ca

Vernon Full Gospel Church building bridges in our community

Sundays 10am or 6pm 5871 Okanagan Landing Road Vernon BC 250-542-8011

A service for the whole family. sundays @ 10:00a 3605 12 Street, Vernon, BC

www.easthillcommunity.com

U66 Sunday, March 31, 2013 - The Morning Star

2013 Business Review & Forecast

2013 Business Review & Forecast

Polson shops transformed Katherine MortiMer Morning Star Staff

Open May tO SepteMber

One hour from Kelowna • 22 minutes from Vernon and Salmon Arm on Highway 97A, just south of Enderby.

www.starlightdrivein.ca Join the people who get things done.

• Advocacy • Benefits • Connections

Call for Membership Information

#102 - 2901 32nd St, Vernon 250-545-0771 info@vernonchamber.ca www.vernonchamber.ca

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Drive by The Shops at Polson Park and you’ll see a busy shopping centre that is home to a diverse range of tenants. Galaxy Cinemas, Shoppers Drug Mart and Coopers are all in the mix, along with newer tenant Great Clips and longtime tenant Kirby’s Kiosk, where you can get your lottery tickets, pick up a newspaper or have some new keys cut. Owned by Sunstone Realty and managed by Colliers International, The Shops at Polson Park underwent extensive renovations several years ago, transforming into an outdoor shopping centre and turning over much of the inside space to offices. Inside the mall, The Red Barn has closed its doors, but there is still no shortage of places to eat, from a relaxing meal over a glass of wine at Original Joe’s, to a quick bite at Wok Now or Extreme Pita. “Both Wok Now and Extreme Pita are doing very well,” said Patricia Davies, general manager for commercial property management at Colliers. And, while there have been empty storefronts since the grand opening of The Shops, Davies has confirmed that Dollarama will take over a 6,500-squarefoot space. “We have signed off on the deal, so construction begins in April and it will open late summer,” said Davies. “We’re very much looking forward to that, as it’s very much a draw. It’s right at the front, and big enough to generate the traffic, so it will create a much better impression than having an empty store front, so now we are full in the front.” Parnell’s TV and Appliances recently pulled up stakes for a new location elsewhere, but original tenant Unicorn Hair Design is still going strong. “But mainly we want to go to more offices, such as medical and dental in the back,” said Davies. The newest tenant is Bosley’s Pet Food Plus, and Davies said the store has been a great addition to Polson. “They are doing great, and it’s just a beautiful store with a new manager who has really organized things,” she said. That new manager is Spike McKinley, who arrived at the store in December and has wasted no time in helping to put the store on the map. “Bosley’s is all about holistic food and nutrition for pets, and all of the staff who work here become pet nutritionists through online courses offered by (University of California) Davis,” said McKinley. Started on the Lower Mainland in

Katherine MortiMer/Morning Star

Store manager Spike McKinley greets customer Dom outside Bosley’s Pet Food Plus at The Shops at Polson Park. 1979, Bosley’s is known for its highquality food for pets of all sizes, from hamsters to great Danes, fish to felines. The Polson location opened in June. “We are known for high quality food for your pet, working with companies that have more control over the production of the food. We work with people who are careful with where their food comes from,” said McKinley. “And we are looking at our footprint, so using as many local suppliers as possible or those that aren’t too far away.” And, while the store does not sell pets, it does have its own mascot: a betta fish in a tank on the front counter. He is currently without a name and McKinley is encouraging customers to come up with a moniker for him. “This has been a good location for us,” she said. “We service a lot of the Coldstream, Middleton and East Hill areas.” The store is a veritable treasure trove for those who love their pets: raised feeders for cats in the shape of a fish; for dogs, in the shape of a bone. Themed picture frames just perfect for a photo of Fido or Fluffy. Coats and sweater in all shapes and sizes. Cozy blankets, beds and toys of every description, from stuffies to indestructible chew toys. On one shelf is food for ferrets, rabbits and other small animals; one wall of shelving is devoted to dog food; there are natural products to use for cleaning and for keeping cats off the furniture. McKinley has plans to host monthly events, incorporating local rescue and humane societies for fundraisers and adopt-a-pet events. “Bosley’s is very community minded and we want to be a neighbourhood store and want to ingratiate ourselves with the neighbourhood. “A lot of people are discovering us, especially with Shoppers and Coopers here, as they are big draws.”

C E

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Celebrating

40 Years … serving the North Okanagan Beachcomber Home Leisure’s motto is “100% satisfaction guaranteed. That’s our commitment to our customers.”

Dennis and Barbie Melvin, along with their three sons, have owned and operated Beachcomber Home Leisure since its conception in 1989.

We spend a great deal of time researching, shopping for quality, detail and uniqueness when purchasing our inventory so that we may offer the best of the best to every customer.

Our family has numerous years of retail experience and what sets our company apart from others is our commitment to customer service.

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2457 Hwy 97

250-763-8847 Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5:30 pm

BEACHCOMBER

Home Leisure www.bhleisure.com

VERNON

5309 - 26th Street

250-542-3399

Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5:30 pm