Special Features - Small Business Month 2013

Celebrating

BUSINESS MONTH

with Fernie Community & Business Excellence Awards Celebrate Small Business Month!

Each October the Fernie Chamber of Commerce celebrates Small Business Month, and more specifically, Small Business Week (3rd full week in October) by hosting the Fernie Community & Business Excellence Awards!

These important annual awards recognize & honour those individuals, businesses, and organizations in our community that truly make a difference and make Fernie a better place to live, work and be, for locals and visitors alike.

This year the Awards Gala will be held on Thursday October 24th, from 5:30pm at The Clubhouse Restaurant, located at The Fernie Golf & Country Club.

The Fernie Chamber of Commerce wishes all Fernie businesses a happy & prosperous Small Business Month! For details on Chamber membership please visit www.ferniechamber.com

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Celebrate Small Business with Fernie Community & Business Excellence Awards 2013

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, October 17, 2013

Welcome 2013 F &B E to the

ernie Community usiness xcellence Awards

I

t’s that time of year again, time to recognize and honour those individuals, businesses and organizations in our community that make a difference, and truly make Fernie a better place to be, for both locals and visitors alike. Many cities, towns, and districts host annual community awards to recognize their special citizens and Fernie is no different.

This year we have a couple new awards we’re excited about! The Volunteer of the Year Award- sponsored by The Free Press, recognizes the accomplishments of those volunteers which contribute to the well- being of Fernie. The other new award this year, the Community Tourism Achievement Award- sponsored by Tourism Fernie, recognizes an organization or individual(s) that has notably contributed to the success of Fernie’s Tourism industry.

Another big addition to this year’s awards gala event will be the presentation of the 2013 Elk Valley Residential Housing Awards. Put on by the Canadian Home Builders Association Rocky Mountain, these awards are completely separate from the Community & Business Excellence awards. Separate nomination process, separate judging process, but they will be presented on the same night, combining two wonderful community awards events into one, and we’re more than happy to have them along.

Please read on to learn more about each award category, the Residential Housing Awards, details of the awards gala evening, the events sponsors and more!

On behalf of the Fernie Chamber of Commerce staff and board of directors, we welcome you to the 2013 Fernie Community & Business Excellence Awards!

Photo submitted by Stephanie Rogers

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Celebrate Small Business with Fernie Community & Business Excellence Awards 2013

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, October 17, 2013

2013 Fernie Community & Business Excellence

Awards Gala together with the 2013 Elk Valley Residential Housing Awards

Thursday, October 24, 2013 The Clubhouse Restaurant Fernie Golf & Country Club Champagne Reception at 5:30 pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm, followed by the Awards and Guest Speaker, Colin Angus

$50 per person

Seating is limited, reserve your spot today by calling the Fernie Chamber of Commerce at 250-423-6868 or emailing members@ferniechamber.com

Come out and celebrate your community!

Guest Speaker: Colin Angus

BIO- Colin Angus

Adventurer | Author | Filmmaker

Colin Angus was the first person to circle the world exclusively by human power. A leading adventurer, filmmaker, bestselling author, and named by Outside magazine as one of the “World’s Top 25 Bold Visionaries,” Colin shares his strategies for achieving the seemingly impossible, increasing efficiency, maintaining motivation, and risk management, while delighting audiences with his thrilling stories of life off the beaten path.

Angus has had a life full of transformative experiences. He spent five years sailing the Pacific Ocean, exploring countries including French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and Papua New Guinea; he and two friends rafted down the Amazon River, braving treacherous white-water rapids and even gunfire from guerilla fighters; he survived being lost in the Mongolian wilderness with no tools for survival while seeking to navigate the Yenisey River; and, in perhaps his greatest accomplishment, he walked, biked, skied, paddled, and rowed more than 43,000 kilometers, crossing three continents and two oceans to complete the first humanpowered circumnavigation of the Earth. Other feats include the fastest human-powered circumnavigation of Vancouver Island in a rowboat; rowing 7,000 kilometres from Scotland to Syria; and, most recently, a National Geographic Expedition searching for the origins of the olive tree.

Angus is the author of five books, and his writing has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Explore, enRoute, and Reader’s Digest, among others. He has also co-produced four documentaries, which went on to collectively win more than ten awards at international film festivals

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Celebrate Small Business with Fernie Community & Business Excellence Awards 2013

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, October 17, 2013

TopNominees 3 ...in each catetory CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

- Sponsored by the City of Fernie Any individual who lives or volunteers in the community; who continually gives back to their community; who helps make Fernie a great place to live, and has demonstrated leadership abilities. Nominee must have resided in Fernie for at least twoyears.

*Kevin McIsaac *Judith Johannsson *Georgina McIntosh ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

- Sponsored by the Community Futures East Kootenay Any individual from business or industry who works in the City of Fernie and surrounding area who has demonstrated good business standards and ethics, holds a strong belief in entrepreneurship, has shown innovation & leadership, and active community involvement.

*Michael Hepher of Clawhammer Press *Erin & Kieran Summers of Giv’Er Shirtworks *Adam Rigby of Rigby Signs Our business is built on a foundation of quality concrete & dependable service!

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Teck Coal

This award is designed to celebrate the success of young Fernie and area entrepreneurs, who inspire others to even greater heights of achievement. This award is open to any Fernie and area entrepreneur between the ages of 19 and 35, nominee must have been in business for at least two years.

*Chantel Souliere of Freyja *Carmen Dunnet of The Green Petal

FERNIE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

- Sponsored by GPI Chartered Accoutants

Open to any business or industry located in the City of Fernie and surrounding area that has demonstrated good corporate citizenship, good business standards and ethics, and contributes in a meaningful way to the community.

*Commit Snow & Skate *Fernie Home Building Centre *Fernie Brewing Company

*Tamara Egan & Zac Barrett of Happy Hounds OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE

- Sponsored by Fernie Alpine Resort This award recognizes and promotes customer service excellence among local business. Open to any business or industry located in the City of Fernie and surrounding area that has demonstrated a strong dedication to customer service practices, satisfaction, customer service or development of an outstanding product, and consistently goes beyond standard customer service practices.

*Spa 901 *Overwaitea Foods *The Gear Hub

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

- Sponsored by GPI Chartered Accoutants

This award recognizes a new business that has begun operation within the last two years, and has made a noticeable impression on the Fernie business community, has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. Nominee must have been in business for two years or less.

*Infinitea T-Bar & Boutique *Crossfit Fernie *Vitality Body & Mind Mention this ad and Buy 3 months and get the

4th FREE!

Offer valid to new members until October 31st

778-519-5019 www.vitalityfernie.ca

Sparwood: 250-425-7772 Fernie: 250-423-7719

TRX / Zumba / Kickboxing / Spin / Yoga / Ball Core

Celebrate Small Business with Fernie Community & Business Excellence Awards 2013

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, October 17, 2013

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TopNominees 3 ...in each catetory COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD - Sponsored by Finning Canada

This award recognizes the accomplishments of those organizations in the not-for-profit sector which contributes to the economic, social and/or cultural well-being of Fernie.

The organization must have an established reputation for delivering a high level of programs and/or services as well as a track record of efficient and effective management.

*Fernie Trails Alliance *Fernie Nordic Society *Fernie Family Housing

COMMUNITY TOURISM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - Sponsored by Tourism Fernie

This award recognizes an organization or individual(s) that has notably contributed to the success of Fernie’s tourism industry within areas of marketing, industry development/ growth, product development, market development/growth, innovation, entrepreneurship or strategic business growth

*Fernie Brewing Company *Island Lake Lodge *Non-Stop Ski

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

- Sponsored by The Free Press

This award recognizes the accomplishments of those volunteers which contribute to the well-being of Fernie. The person must have volunteered in at least two separate non-profit organizations and/or events, and be a steward of volunteerism in Fernie.

*Laura Nelson *Chris & Shelly Moulton *Kaida Wannamaker

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Celebrate Small Business with Fernie Community & Business Excellence Awards 2013

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, October 17, 2013

Grow A real growing enterprise Sometimes a name really does speak volumes.

By Lisa Skubovious

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row, a boutique for expecting parents and children of all ages, has been expanding and developing over the past four years, and is undergoing another growth spurt with the acquisition of a new owner, Alicia Clarke.

“I’m really excited to be part of this growing, amazing community,” Clarke said with a big smile. “My husband, Mike, and I have been in Fernie for six years and can’t fathom living anywhere else. Becoming owners of Grow is a great way to

solidify ourselves in our commitment to the community. Come in and grow with us!”

Clarke’s association with Grow began as a customer when previous owner Melissa Mackay first opened the doors in 2009.

“I was pregnant with my first son when Melissa first opened, so I’ve been a customer since day two,” Clarke, a mother of two boys, explained. “My interest in the store has been huge, and it really relates to my life as I’ve used most of the products we sell and am confident in all of our products.

My family has grown with the store, and becoming owners is a really amazing fit for us. I was looking for a challenge and found it!”

Located in the historic Livery building in downtown Fernie, Grow is a convenient and fun place to stop and shop for products that will take you from pregnancy through to your child’s youth.

The bright and welcoming 3,000 square-foot space is fully stocked with car seats, strollers, outerwear, cloth diapers, toys, games, art supplies and much more. It also has three different play areas to keep children busy while

adults browse.

“We want people to feel like they’re getting a personal shopping experience,” Clarke said. “We take the time to make sure you’re getting the best product for your needs, and welcome customers to come in with or without their children and stay awhile.”

Clarke, who took over Grow’s ownership a month ago and oversees a staff of five, also explained that in addition to providing top quality goods and services, Grow offers the best possible prices to their valued customers.

“We have really worked hard to keep prices competitive. We price match to regular Canadian retail prices and work really hard to bring in brands that provide a competitive price,” Clarke explained. “Another thing a lot of people don’t know is that children’s essentials have no PST, so there’s no need to shop across the border thinking you’re getting a better deal.”

Open 364 days a year, Grow is now stocking top-brand outerwear for youths, as well as more toys, games, and art supplies aimed at ‘tweens’ and youth.

“We choose toys that help your children learn and grow,” Clarke described. “We focus on fun, educational toys, and have a huge selection of art supplies, as well as building and learning games and puzzles.”

For the month of October, all Melissa and Doug merchandise is 25 per cent off the regular price, including Halloween costumes, which Clarke notes are of exceptional quality.

Details of special sales and events are always available on the store’s Facebook page.

“We’re so grateful for the continued support of the community,” Clarke concluded. “We really appreciate all of our customers and welcome new ones. We would love to grow with your family.”

Photos by Free Press staff

Celebrate Small Business with Fernie Community & Business Excellence Awards 2013

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, October 17, 2013

Fernie and District 2013 Residential Awards F

ernie and area will host their first annual housing awards in conjunction with the Fernie Chamber of Commerce Gala on October 24, 2013. The prestigious awards follow the Georgie Awards in Vancouver, the Tommie Awards in Central British Columbia and CHBA’s SAM awards. The Canadian Home Builders Association – Rocky Mountain will be organizing the event and the judges will be staff and past-presidents of the Canadian Home Builders in Vancouver. The New Home categories are open to members of the Canadian Home Builders of BC and the Renovation/Addition category is open to all builders/ renovators. Please go to www. georgieawards.ca/about/ to view these coveted awards, how they work and how the companies and its employees are recognized.

Entry Guidelines Entry Requirements • Must be a member in good standing of CHBARM for New

Home Awards • Entry must be completed between July 1st 2012 and Aug 15th 2013 • Entry must exist and be located in the Elk Valley (Koocanusa to Elkford) • The 2013 Awards Program Committee reserves all publishing rights to the materials submitted • All entries and entry materials remain the property of CHBARM Judging • The judging will be based on digital images of the following housing details: - Exterior finish and detail, Kitchen, Bathroom, Patio, Roof line, Master bedroom, Living room, Family Room, Garage and Landscape - Before renovation (renovation category) • Submissions will be handled in a strictly confidential manner and examined only by judges who are charged with the responsibility not to disclose personal or corporate information

• Judges have the right to eliminate or combine any category where there are fewer than two submissions • Judges are respected by CHBA members and/or professionals from outside of the Kootenay area with experience and expertise in our industry Entry Procedures • EACH application on USB stick and ONE paper copy – properly labelled.

• Each entry submission must be packaged and labelled individually. Indicate company name and category ID Number (Example: NH-1). Package must contain completed and signed entry form, required number of photos, required number of testimonial, images and company logo as well as other materials •Testimonials must be provided without compensation (money or product/service).

Photographs • All photographs must be in col-

When people buy a new home, buy a vacation property, or are relocated for their job – they are actually getting more than a home. They are getting the community and the local lifestyle. The Community Listing Service is a community specific resource site – created to tie together all the elements that make your community – your home.

As a business owner – use this site to market your business. As a consumer – bookmark this site to keep in touch with your community ….. Accommodations, Dining, Entertainment, Events, Education, Finance, Real Estates, Services, Trades, and so much more

www.communitylistingservice.com Email: info@communitylistingservice.com

Est. 1898

is celebrating small business month.

Proud sponsor of the Volunteer of the Year award

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AWARD CATEGORY BEST NEW HOME UNDER $500,000

our format. Photos can be taken horizontal or vertical. See individual categories for details. Each photo file should be clearly named with the category ID number and company name. (EXAMPLE: BG1companynamepic1).

Images on USB Stick • USB required for each entry.

USB can contain entire entry such as forms, photos and other material required. Paper copy and photos must accompany • Images on USB should be a minimum of 300 dpi in JPEG format • New Home category (under $500,000 and over $500,000) - Provide Four (4) images; One(1) exterior and Three (3) interior • Built Green Home Category - Provide Six (6) images; Two (2) exterior and Four (4) interior • Home Renovation / Addition Category - Provide Four (4) images; One(1) before and Three (3) after

- Sponsored by Falkins Insurance * CHBARM member’s only entries -Kootenay Milestone Homes -Parastone Developments -Graceland Ventures Inc

BEST NEW HOME OVER $500,00

- Sponsored by Focus Engineering * CHBARM member’s only entries -Alfred Horie Construction -Larsen Whelan Enterprises LTD -East Kootenay Milestone Homes

BEST BUILT GREEN HOME

Silver, gold or platinum designation - Sponsored by Fortis BC * CHBARM member’s only entries -Parastone Developments -Tyee Homes

BEST HOME RENOVATION LESS THAN $80,000 - Sponsored by Fernie Home Building Centre * CHBARM member’s only entries -Larsen Whelan Enterprises LTD

2014 will be our 30th year in Business!

Design Through Installation Kitchens, Bathrooms, Custom Slate and Tile, Window Blinds, Custom Woodwork.

Total Home Renovations.

Since 1984

Over 100 styles of Cabinets and 5 wood species from KITCHENCRAFT CABINETRY, HERTCO CABINETS AND GREAT NORTHERN CABINETRY

Office: 250-423-7317 Web: www.cabinetsplusinc.com

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Celebrate Small Business with Fernie Community & Business Excellence Awards 2013

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, October 17, 2013

THANK YOU TO THE

2013 FERNIE COMMUNITY & BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS SPONSORS/ 2013 ELK VALLEY RESIDENTIAL HOUSING AWARDS SPONSORS PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORSHIP- Teck Coal, Fernie Real Estate GOLD LEVEL SPONSORSHIP- GPI Chartered Accountants, City of Fernie, BC Hydro, Finning SILVER LEVEL SPONSORSHIP- Best Western Plus Fernie Mountain Lodge, Fernie Alpine Resort, Columbia Basin Trust, Community Futures East Kootenay, Tourism Fernie, The Free Press, Focus Engineering, Falkins Insurance, Fortis BC, Fernie Home Building Centre, Fernie Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Home Builders Association Rocky Mountain BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORSHIP- Island Lake Lodge COPPER LEVEL SPONSORSHIP- Claris Media, Koocanusa Campsite & Marina, TD Canada Trust, Fernie Brewing Co.

REAL ESTATE COMPANY LTD

Est. 1898

Koocanusa Campsite & Marina