October 28, 2015

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, October 28, 2015

www.theprogress.com

HOMETO WN PROU D

The Chilliwack Progress invited locally owned businesses to highlight their history and role in our communities.

These are their stories...

OCTOBER 2015

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015 The Chilliwack Progress

! l a n i F y l e t u l bso

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Murray Honda

LAST CHANCE

“My first car was a 1980 Monza.” Darren Bosch recalled. “They only made it for four years.”

FOR OUR 2015 CIVICS

Model shown: Civic Touring FB2F7FKNX

$

2015 CIVIC

2,500

Features available on select models include:

†

• LaneWatch™ blind spot display • Multi-angle rearview camera • 7” Display Audio System with HondaLink™ Next Generation • Proximity key entry with pushbutton start • Continuously Variable Transmission

Cash purchase incentive on select 2015 models MSRP $17,245** includes freight and PDI.

e r o f e b m e h t t Ge ! e n o g e r ’ y e h t †$2,500 Honda cash purchase incentive is available on select 2015 Civic models (2D LX, 2D EX, 2D EX-L Navi, 2D Si, 4D DX, 4D LX, 4D EX, 4D Touring). Honda cash purchase incentive will be deducted from the negotiated price after taxes and cannot be combined with special lease or finance offers. **MSRP is $17,245 based on a new 2015 Civic DX FB2E2FEX including $1,495 freight and PDI. Prices and/or payments shown do not include a lien registration fee of $30.31 and lien registering agent’s fee of $5.25, which are both due at time of delivery and covered by the dealer on behalf of the customer. Offers valid from September 1st through 30th, 2015 at participating Honda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details.

44954 Yale Rd. West, Chilliwack Ph: 604-792-2724 TF: 1-866-HONDA-88 www.murrayhonda.ca

Darren Bosch Dealer Principle

Paul Tulloch Sales Manager

Steve Loeppky Assistant Sales Manager

Justin Mallard

Zoie Bailey

Jared Quaroni

Business Development Manager

Finance Manager

Finance Manager

Derek Kennedy Sales

OUD

WN PR OMETO

Tracee Kentala Sales

Randy Pohl Sales

Jill Hodgson Sales

Kevin Kew Sales

Brittany Schultz Sales

SALES HOURS: MON & THURS 8:30AM - 8PM • TUES, WED 8:30AM - 7PM • FRI, SAT 8:30AM - 6PM

Of course, as dealer principal at Murray Honda, Bosch drives a Honda now. But that 1980 Monza is what made him appreciate a reliable car.

You can spot the Honda showroom catching the light off the mountain horizon from the highway, near the Evans Road roundabout.

Bosch first joined the Murray Auto Group as a salesman in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 2001. He steadily worked his way through sales and management until, in 2012, the Murray Auto Group presented him with the opportunity to run a new dealership in Chilliwack.

The sales, finance, parts and services departments have grown over the years, but are solidified by a strong core of committed employees who work hard to ensure that their customers have an amazing car-buying experience.

“The car business has a lot of moving parts. We’re not perfect. But we always strive to get better and better,” Bosch explained. The staff try to keep a light, fun vibe in the dealership. They want you to walk in and feel comfortable, without any pressure.

And Murray Honda has a fifty-fifty mix of men and women working on the sales floor and in the finance department.

“That’s rare,” Bosch said. “But women influence over fifty per cent of car buying decisions, so it makes sense that we have that.”

Scroll through the Murray Honda Facebook page and you’ll see plenty of happy men and women proudly holding the key to their new car, decked out with balloons and a bow.

Being active in the community, online and offline, is essential for any car dealership, and Murray Honda does it well, all year round.

They run charity barbecues through the summer, donate cars to deserving grads at the end of the school year, and work every day in between to make sure that their efforts have a massive impact for Chilliwack’s youth.

In the fall, Murray Honda works under the radar with Staples Chilliwack to run the We Got Your Back Program, providing over 1,000 backpacks full of school supplies to any student in the district who needs it.

Project Warmth heats up in the winter. The dealership provides new winter boots or jackets, in alternating years, to ensure that every student is cozy and dry on their walk to school.

“Kids are vulnerable,” Bosch explained. “This is something we can fix, so why wouldn’t we?”

As they begin early plans for Project Warmth, the 2016 line-up is rolling into the lot.

“It’s an amazing year for Honda. The HRV is a brand new car.

The Pilot got completely redesigned. There’s a brand new Civic. The Accord got a refresh,” Bosch enthused. “These cars are all game-changing in their class.”

Bosch drives a Pilot, and it’s the technology that impresses him the most. “There’s almost like an iPad in my dash. I can control all of my car’s functions through it.”

Visit Murray Honda to check out the new vehicle line-up, the used inventory, or even to get those winter tires put on.

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, October 28, 2015

www.theprogress.com

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Local business keeps the hometown economy humming It’s no secret that small business is the engine of the Canadian economy.

And Chilliwack is no different.

Although major industries like resource development draw a lot of attention, businesses with fewer than 50 employees are the fuel that keeps local economies firing on all cylinders.

In B.C. last year there were 382,600 small businesses, employing more than a million people.

Not surprisingly, most are located in the Lower Mainland. But their impact is felt across the provinces, generating more than a third of the province’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Not only are these businesses important to the current economy, they are also important to the future. Last year, 80 per cent of all new private-sector jobs in the country were created by small business.

A recent report by CIBC found that small business in Canada has played a critical role in keeping the national economy afloat while many other countries have taken on water.

Statistically, most small businesses in B.C. are in the service sector.

But these businesses are more than statistics.

They are our friends and neighbours, providing the products we want and the services we need.

They provide jobs at home, helping Chilliwack become one of the few urban municipalities where most commutes are within the city boundaries.

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Every dollar earned locally has the added bonus of fueling other businesses, paying more salaries and aiding other businesses.

Businesses also add to the local tax base, easing the burden on residential rate payers.

But there is another impact. Where would local sports teams, charities and community groups be without the support of local business? From the smallest silent auction to the largest fund-raising gala, local businesses are there, offering their products, their services, and even their staff to help.

“ But these businesses are more than statistics.

They are our friends and neighbours, providing the products we want and the services we need.”

Of course, all of this can’t happen without a very important ingredient: the consumer.

Small business can only thrive with community support.

In the following pages, the Chilliwack Progress has brought together just a few of the businesses – large and small – that play such an important role in the hometown economy.

Get to know them. They are proud to be here, and we’re proud to support them.

Friendly Mikes Pub

Friendly

8247 Young Rd. Chilliwack

604.792.7717

Iconic Chilliwack pub gets an entertainment overhaul

A change of leadership at Friendly Mike’s means that great food and service will be elevated by amped up entertainment.

Opening in 1976, Friendly Mike’s Pub on Young Road is coming up on its 40th birthday, and they’re making some changes. Long time owner Mike Yakamovich has passed the business on to his daughter Diane and son-inlaw John.

Serving in the pub since she was 21 years old, Nicole McRae has been officially promoted to manager, and she’s thrilled to bring more interaction, dancing and fun to the pub.

As primarily a karaoke pub for many years, McRae is excited to continue Karaoke on Fridays, but offer different forms of entertainment throughout the rest of the week.

McRae has brought in DJ Peter ‘All-Request’ Graves to host a bit of friendly competition with an interactive trivia bingo on Thursdays.

Each week, larger crowds show up to have dinner and play a few rounds.

The DJ gets people out of their seats on Saturday nights for the country dance party.

Sunday’s from 3 to 8 p.m. are going to be filled with live jam sessions. McRae

recalled the reaction of an excited patron, “Friendly Mike’s is one of the last iconic pubs in Chilliwack that has not had live entertainment. Everybody wants to get in and play here, because they never have!”

Despite the changes, the great food and drink specials will stay the same.

And by combining the great long-term staff with a bit of fresh blood, McRae’s hoping to provide even better service.

Loyal customers will continue to enjoy the regular charity dinner events, like the upcoming Nov. 28 B.C. Children’s Hospital fundraiser, featuring rock band Black Max. McRae has organized a Heavy Metal Halloween and is already planning exciting events for New Year’s Eve and beyond.

“Yes, we’re doing this. And it’s going to be awesome.”

WEEKLY SPECIALS MONDAYS:

THURSDAYS:

BEER BATTERED FISH & CHIPS

TALL CANS: $5.10 EA BEER BATTERED FISH: 1 PC $6.99 • 2 PC $9.99 PEEL & EAT PRAWNS: .45¢ EA

1 PC $6.99 • 2 PC $9.99 BOTTLED BEER: $3.50

FRIDAYS:

TUESDAYS: MUGS OF MIKE LAGER: $4.40 EA WHOLE CHICKEN WINGS: .75¢ EA

WEDNESDAYS:

STEAK DINNER: $9.99

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS: BREAKFAST: $4.95 (STARTING AT 9AM)

CORONA: $4.25

SATURDAYS: STEAK DINNER: $9.99 SUNDAYS:: SUNDAYS

CHEESEBURGER & FRIES: $3.99

CHEESEBURGER: $3.99 (2PM - CLOSE)

HAPPY HOUR SPECIAL (3PM - CLOSE) HIGHBALLS: $3.50 EA • TALL CANS: $5.10 EA / 7 DAYS A WEEK

HAPPY APPIES

BOOKING FUNDRAISERS & CHRISTMAS PARTIES NOW!

THURSDAYS: MUSIC BINGO TRIVIA 6PM

FRIDAYS: KARAOKE 9PM

SATURDAYS: ALL REQUEST DJ 8PM

SUNDAYS:

HEAVY METAL HALLOWEEN WITH COASTAL ASSAULT - 7PM TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

OPEN MIKE JAM 3PM - 7PM

WWW.FRIENDLYMIKES.COM

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015 The Chilliwack Progress

Hometown Business by the numbers

Thank You

CHILLIWACK BUSINESS LICENSES

To our community heroes for making Chilliwack such a great place to work, shop, eat, live, and play.

YEAR

TOTAL LICENSES

NEW LICENSES

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

2,771 2,764 2,915 3,649 3,006 3,640 4,350 4,459 4,900 5,392 5,925

482 485 468 734 688 634 710 643 441 492 775 Source: City of Chilliwack, 2013

- John Martin, MLA for Chilliwack

MAJOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE EMPLOYERS

p: 604•702•5214 t: @JohnMartinMLA

w: johnmartinmla.ca e: john.martin.mla@leg.bc.ca

10/15HTP_JM28

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EMPLOYER

EMPLOYEES

Baker Newby Wedler Engineering MNP LLP Langbroek, Louwerse & Thiessen KPMG Omega & Associates Engineering Waterstone Law Group

55 34 30 28 25 21 20 Source: CEPCO, City of Chilliwack, 2012

YOU’RE AT HOME HERE Twenty white cylindrical petroleum tanks stand tall at Otter Co-op’s new location in Chilliwack, each holding 132,000 litres. That’s 2.6 million litres of fuel.

Greg Hallett has been managing the petroleum division at Chilliwack’s Otter Co-op since they opened their pumps in December of 2014 on Progress Way and Lickman Road.

“I started my career as a pump attendant at Calgary Co-op in high school,” Hallett said. And through training and advancement opportunities, he never looked back.

More than just a bulk petroleum plant, the Chilliwack location has a 24-hour card lock with nine pumps and ten lanes for commercial customers, a gas bar for your average customer, a convenience store and a range of oils, lubricants, fuel tanks and tank accessories for sale.

Otter Co-op, soon to celebrate its 93rd anniversary, employs over 300 people and offers competitively-priced, quality products throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.

Prior to opening in Chilliwack, Otter Co-op already had a good core of fuel and feed customers here that they’d deliver to.

“We’re expanding into businesses that we have strength in, and right now,” as part owners of a refinery in Regina with the Co-op Retailing system, “petroleum is probably our biggest strength,” Hallett explained.

Otter Co-op is a business owned by its member-customers. With just a $10 membership fee that lasts a lifetime, customers share in the company profits based on their patronage to the Co-op.

“You don’t have to be a member to shop here, but why not share in the savings at the end of the year?”

Hallett asked.

On the annual day in September, leftover profits are distributed back into the communities they serve. Hallett himself has delivered some “nice big checks.”

As Otter Co-op increases their integration into the Chilliwack community, through events and sponsorships like the recent Cold Barn launch at the UFV Agriculture Centre, they are looking for local business partnerships and, of course, new Co-op members and customers in Chilliwack.

Worry Free Warmth Our professional drivers, fleet, and attentive office staff ensure our customers in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley are taken care of.

Not only do Otter Co-op members receive an annual rebate on their grocery and petroleum purchases, they also enjoy a rebate on their home heating oil.

Sign up for automatic delivery and receive a $25 credit/year for the next five years (some conditions apply). That’s a $125 credit to you! With automatic delivery there is no need to call in, we will make sure your tank is full during the winter season.

Let Otter Co-op keep you warm this winter.

Sign up for Autofill & receive

150

$

44046 PROGRESS WAY, CHILLIWACK, BC

00

•

John Wheelhouse, Bulk Petroleum Manager

• $25 credit per year for 5 years • $25 BONUS if signed up by January 1st, 2016

604.793.8400

MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-6PM

Aldergrove 604-607-6912 Chilliwack 1-855-668-2667

|

SATURDAY 8AM-5PM

| ottercoop.com

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, October 28, 2015

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The Royal Cafe Homemade deliciousness for visitors and locals www.theroyalcafe.ca • www.facebook.com/RoyalHotelCafe

The Royal Hotel on Wellington has been the temporary home of our city’s visitors and newcomers since 1908.

Having a place for hotel guests to get a late-night bite or a fresh breakfast before check-out is integral to the success of any hotel.

Devika and Graydon Gillette have found a home in the hotel’s Royal Cafe since September of 2011.

“I’d found that the place had closed, and I thought that was really sad,” she explained.

At the time, Devika was running her catering business Devika’s Dynamite Catering from an RV resort at Bridal Falls. She invited the hotel owner to stop by and try her food, and he said “you can start anytime.”

Devika came from the islands of Fiji, but

“I love cooking for large groups of people and seeing their faces light up,” she plays up all kinds of international dishes on her menu. “People don’t like simple food anymore. They get bored.”

Devika has learned the majority of her versatile cooking techniques from observation. Over the years, she worked her way up from fast food to

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fine dining, learning valuable lessons at each step of the way.

You’ll find all kinds of flavour-packed dishes and famously delicious pies at the Royal Cafe. But there are a few things you won’t find, like recipe books or processed foods.

Cooking since she was eight years old, Devika has long since reached the point where she doesn’t need direction.

And she’s constantly reinventing dishes in her head, giving them a new twist.

Everything in her kitchen is freshly made from scratch, and you can taste the benefits of a homemade meal from the first bite. She’ll take special orders too, and make an incredible concoction from locally sourced ingredients.

Devika follows the same principles when catering weddings and parties, or at the many annual holiday buffets in the Cafe. “I love cooking for large groups of people and seeing their faces light up,” Devika enthused.

Her Mother’s Day buffet is particularly popular, the line-up of relieved husbands and their families goes out the door.

Next time you’re shopping or strolling downtown, pop in to the Royal Cafe and try one of their sweet or savoury breakfast items, which Devika has recently decided to serve all day.

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B5

THE ROYAL CAFE BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR OF OUR FRESH

HOMEMADE CUISINES AND OUR FAMOUS HOMEMADE PIES

Weddings • Anniversaries ANY OCCASION OR EVENT Call Devika | FRIDAYS • Prime Rib | | SATURDAYS • St Louis Ribs |

45886 Wellington W llllii t Ave A |6 604-392-9355 04 392 9355 Sun - Tues • 8am - 3pm | Wed - Thurs • 8am - 8pm Fri & Sat • 8am - 9pm

Chilliwack Decorating Centre

The Chilliwack Decorating Centre on Young Road makes tackling any painting project fun and easy. between those elements and the homeowner’s preference.

“You get a lot of bang for your buck with paint. A simple colour change can make a huge difference” she explained.

When she first started in the business, Janet had no idea how much she would grow to love her work. She now enjoys the rapport with the customers equally as much as the actual decorating.

“When you get goosebumps for someone else’s home,” which Janet often experiences, “you know that you’re on the right track.”

If you’re planning a DIY refresh or a renovation overhaul, the Chilliwack Decorating Centre can provide the paint, wallpapers, stains and network of professionals you need to tackle your residential or commercial project.

Discover Aura ® Discover Aura Colour Lock Colour Lock® technology ®

®

Delivering truer hues and richer colour with exceptional durability. Quite simply the finest paint we’ve ever made™.

technology tec ology

Delivering truer hues and richer colour with exceptional durability.

Quite simply the finest paint we’ve ever made™. benjaminmoore.ca

Chilliwack Decorating Centre 108 - 8645 Young Street, Chilliwack • (604) 792-1544 ©2010 Benjamin Moore & Co.,Limited. Aura, Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks, licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co.,Limited.

3-10T CD23

The authorized Benjamin Moore retailer, part of the Coast Paint Group owned by Gary Brown, is proudly run by a small group of friendly and knowledgeable staff.

“I’ve done this for 37 years,” says Janet Riediger, Interior Decorator in the store.

“We’ve got great people in this town.

They are awesome,” Janet enthused.

She’s spent years building that trust with the community, helping people love their homes.

Janet splits her time between in-home consultations and working in store, bringing out the potential in every home. “A lot of people know what they like, but they want to be guided,” she said.

Whether she’s refreshing an old character home, or bringing warmth and depth to a new home, every project is exciting. Janet helps clients to better understand their sense of style in order to transform their home into a haven.

She will first look at the elements that are most difficult to change, like flooring, big furniture pieces, or the home’s lighting. She’ll then find colours that reach a complementary balance

www.theprogress.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 The Chilliwack Progress

STEP INSIDE...

FOR BEAUTIFUL THINGS FOR 9 YEARS. HOME DECOR, G I F T S , B A B Y, LADIES WEAR & ACCESSORIES

10-15W I28

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9369B Mill Street,

D O W N T O W N C H I L L I WA C K | 6 0 4 - 7 9 5 - 2 4 9 2

thebuttonbox.ca

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Phone: 604.795.5725

Mon -Sat 10am-5pm

Canadian Liquidation

Since 2008, Canadian Liquidation has been providing quality products at discounted prices, often 50 to 90 per cent off.

From time to time, Canadian Liquidation will get a phone call asking, “Do you have a location in Toronto?” or “What are the hours for your Vancouver store?”

Owners Shazia and Wicky Shahid will kindly inform them that they are located right here in Chilliwack.

They previously operated out of an Eagle Landing location that, while spacious, was tucked away and tough to find.

The recent move to Vedder Road provides the great exposure and drive-by traffic that they were looking for.

They renovated what were three small shops next to Windsor Plywood into one and settled in.

“Everybody wants to save money, on anything and everything,” Shazia explained. Canadian Liquidation carries lines of brand new products and scratch or dent pieces as well.

Shazia and Wicky had both worked in retail, but a desire for a new challenge lead them to open the liquidation centre. They started out primarily selling appliances, mattresses and furniture pieces.

While those remain their biggest sellers, Canadian Liquidation now carries discounted products of all sorts. Small and large home appliances, great toys from

45831 Hocking Avenue, Chilliwack, BC

Melissa & Doug, electronics, seasonal items and much more.

With new shipments coming in every week, you truly never know what you’re going to find. And if you see something that you like, Shazia recommends that you purchase it right away. “That’s not being pushy, it’s actually true!” she laughed. With lines changing so frequently, something there today might be gone tomorrow.

They also offer delivery, removal, financing, certified technician service, parts, and extended warranties on their products.

“Chilliwack is a great place for our store.

Everybody’s family-oriented, and so friendly.” Shazia and Wicky even have their young kids helping out in the store on occasion, teaching them the value of a dollar.

If you want to get more for your dollar, visit Canadian Liquidation at their new Vedder Road location. 7164 Vedder Rd, Next to Windsor Plywood.

WE HAVE GREAT DEALS!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Store Hours

Y in ONL ACK LIW CHIL

Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm Sunday 11am - 4pm

PROUD TO BE CANADIAN OWNED & OPERATED

NEW LOCATION 7164 Vedder Road

Appliances

Furniture

Mattresses

AND SO MUCH

MORE! WE DELIVER

WE FINANCE

Y in ONL ACK LIW CHIL

7164 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, BC ( next to Windsor Plywood )

PH: 604-393-7242 Toll Free: 1-888-323-7242 info@canadianliquidation.com www.canadianliquidation.com

WE REMOVE

WE INSTALL

Limited quantity on all products. Products / colours may not be exactly as shown. Prices subjected to change without notice. sale ends Oct 31, 2015 L Li

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Jacqueline Tait Notary Public

The best decisions are informed decisions All of life’s toughest transitions are made better with the help of a friend.

And when it comes to transitions involving real estate and personal planning, then it’s best to seek out information from a professional friend.

A friend like Jacqueline Tait Notary Public, who thrives on helping people navigate the ins and outs of both life and business.

“I enjoy helping people,” she said. “Helping people through stressful, transitional times in their lives, and helping to educate them about what’s important. Really, helping to protect them.”

After a successful, 20-year career with a local firm “behind the scenes,” Tait searched her heart and realized it was time to up the ante.

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, she was well-equipped to take on the challenge of starting her own business. She threw herself into a master’s program at SFU, emerging two years later with top marks.

She opened her own practice in 2013, with the goal of creating an intimate, friendly office space .

“I didn’t want to have that large-firm feeling,” she said. “I want people to feel at ease and comfortable.”

So her offices are warm, inviting, and allow for personal, one-on-one discussions, where Tait can work with clients. And for her, that really means teaching her clients about their own situations.

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“I feel passionate about that,” she said. “Not just helping but teaching. I take the time to talk to people.”

While the bulk of her work is centered on real estate, her office also handles estate planning. And she thrives on steering her customers clear from the many dangers surrounding wills and estates.

“It’s about choice and planning,” Tait said. “It’s peace of mind for your family, and it’s really a kind thing to do for your loved ones. It’s essential.”

When walking clients through the process, she takes her time to explain different scenarios that could arise. It’s often through this discussion, she said, when people realize estate planning is not a task to take on alone.

The best decisions are informed decisions, and Tait presents all the information needed for her clients to come to their own conclusions.

“My core values of honesty, integrity and reliability will be applied to each and every transaction and I will treat it with same care as if it were my own,” she said.

Jacqueline Tait NOTARY PUBLIC

MOST UP-TO-DATE EDUCATION OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY • • • • • •

PROPERTY PURCHASES/SALES MORTGAGES WILLS POWERS OF ATTORNEY STATUTORY DECLARATIONS AFFIDAVITS

102 - 8645 YOUNG RD, CHILLIWACK Hours: Mon - Fri - 9am - 5pm | Sat: By Appointment Only

jackie@taitnotary.com

What started as coffee and conversation on the street has transformed into a multi-facility, well used and much appreciated organization.

What started as coffee and conversation on the street has transformed into a multifacility, well used and much appreciated organization.

Established as a society for the past twelve years, Ruth & Naomi’s Mission is transforming our community one life at a time.

Executive Director Bill Raddatz explained that while Ruth & Naomi’s (RAN) is a faithbased organization, poverty, addiction and homelessness are community-wide problems.

“We’ve had a great increase in volunteerism, particularly in this past year,” Raddatz enthused.

Their well-known Adopt a Night dinner service brings local groups in to prepare and serve up to 250 meals. Fortunately, the mission has scheduled a group for every night until the end of the year.

But the mission provides far more than a great meal.

Ruth & Naomi’s Step Up residential recovery program currently has more participants than ever before. For Raddatz, “there’s nothing better than seeing people get a stable lifestyle… to walk away from here with a job, ready to start being productive members of society.”

The Step Inn program facilitates a variety of drop-in community services, including pastoral, clothing and food, laundry, showers,

EXCELLENCE YOU CAN TRUST

604-792-2848

Ruth and Naomi’s Mission and a safe space to relax and socialize.

Raddatz stressed that “we want to give people a hand up, not a hand out.” That’s why RAN has started to charge 25 cents for a cup of coffee.

The initial backlash turned to support when RAN revealed that coffee funds will finance Christmas boxes for Samaritan’s Purse.

“Gift to Give. That’s our slogan for Christmas fundraising. Folks gift us money, we give it back to the community. It’s the same with our residents, who are giving back to children in need.”

As the holiday season fast approaches, Ruth & Naomi’s encourages people to donate to ensure that everyone gets a Christmas hamper. Most needed winter items include socks, toques, new underwear, shoes, gloves, scarves and blankets.

In addition to their recovery housing facilities and community garden, RAN is building a “Wearhouse” clothing storage area and plans to provide counselling and medical services.

B7

if nothing changes...

NOTHING CHANGES. You can help your community

DONATE TODAY www.ranmission.ca

• Feeding 250+ people everyday • Offers clothes, hampers, laundry, showers • 30 day Shelter Program & Residential Recovery Center

serving people every day in downtown Chilliwack

604-795-2322

10/15_JT28_HTP

PROUD N W O T HOME

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015 The Chilliwack Progress

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Payton & Buckle Fine Footwear

EVERY GREAT

JOURNEY BEGINS

WITH A

STEP 90

Serving Chilliwack for over

years

Payton & Buckle FINE FOOTWEAR

45930 Wellington Ave Downtown Chilliwack 604.792.2375

102 - 32883 S. Fraser Way Abbotsford next to KFC 604.859.2330

380-19800 Lougheed Hwy Pitt Meadows 604.457.3375

www.paytonandbuckle.com

“I remember getting called on a Friday, and I started on the following Monday,” John Laanstra recalls.

He started full-time at Payton & Buckle shoe store that day in 1981 and hasn’t stopped since, for 34 years.

“It was really foreign,” he says of his first day in retail.

“I grew up as a farmer, and I was in construction just before.”

But over the years Payton & Buckle has steadily grown to become more and more a part of John’s life. He became the full owner of the store in 2007.

“Payton & Buckle has always been a staple in the community. It’s been around for so many generations, almost 100 years, that everyone knows who we are,” John explains. And what they’re famous for.

An extensive inventory and great service are primary concerns at Payton & Buckle.

The front-store may be small, but it’s packed with a plethora of fine footwear for men and women of all ages. Just catch a glimpse of the enormous inventory in the back and know that you won’t walk away empty handed.

“We’ve continually maintained our classic service.

We sit and fit,” a process that John says is becoming increasingly rare.

Great service is essential for John, who says that he’s always been a people-person. “I want to go to work to be up front, that’s who I am. I thoroughly enjoy it.”

Evidently, customers can sense that.

Payton & Buckle is very much return destination.

Generations of customers come back again and again over the years. John often greets customers who have moved away, but will stop by the store for some fresh footwear when they’re home for the holidays.

While the look of the Chilliwack store and the quality of service haven’t changed much over the years, John and the management staff have certainly kept up with the trends.

“Now whether we follow or lead those trends, I don’t know. It depends who you ask,” John says.

Compared to a chain shoe store, John reveals that he has more freedom and insight when selecting inventory. “For us, the people who are picking [the shoes] are actually the ones who work on the floor.”

They’ve heard first-hand everyday what people are asking for, which isn’t always the case for head office leadership teams in a chain.

Payton & Buckle carries a mix of unique and common shoe brands. Their core inventory are the shoes that people will get the most use out of, rather than the pair that might look great on a shelf, but you’ll only wear once. They have great longevity as well, many are European leather.

As fall has fallen upon us, you’ll see more boots than shoes in Payton & Buckle. “It used to be that everyone just wanted a black boot,” John explains. Although black remains a staple, people have widely accepted and embraced the boot in many other colours as well.

After decades of experience, John’s mastered the ability to quickly pick up on who prioritizes style, who prioritizes comfort, and the many who are looking for something in between. It helps having a customer base that you’re already familiar with, too.

The success in Chilliwack allowed John the opportunity to expand. He opened a store in Abbotsford in 2009 and Pitt Meadows in 2013.

While John enjoys the challenge of extending Payton & Buckle’s reputation into new markets, the little store on Wellington will always be home.

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, October 28, 2015

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www.theprogress.com

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Budget Blinds

Karen Bennet was delivering parcels for the woman in Chilliwack who ran the local Budget Blinds franchise when she found out that the business was for sale.

After many years of work and continued interest in the home improvement industry, Karen and husband Ron decided to purchase the well-known franchise in 2007.

Serving Chilliwack and the eastern Fraser Valley, the sales and installation duo provide a rich selection of window treatments to new home start-ups and residential renovation customers.

“We have the buying power of 1,800 franchises,” Karen explained. Meaning that Budget Blinds is able to provide the widest range of high-quality window treatments for any price point.

During an in-home consultation, Karen and Ron look at the configuration of the windows, the style and colours in the home, and they ask a lot of questions.

Do you open the windows every day? Is privacy a concern? Are there heat issues?

Might some blinds be too heavy? Do you worry about children reaching them?

And they’re able to provide stylish solutions that complement every style preference and lifestyle.

“Everyone has a busy life. We work around their schedules,” Karen said.

Big box department stores don’t have

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Class A Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd.

Although it has changed dramatically over time, Chilliwack has always been home for Brent Devlin of Class A Heating.

His father Omer Devlin managed ICG Liquid Gas Ltd. on Yale Road West for decades. He was actually one of the first to be hired in the B.C. propane industry.

“I was dad’s little helper from birth,” Brent laughed. “I’ve been on service calls from as early as I can remember.”

“We treat our customers the way that our families raised us to treat people,” Since officially joining ICG with his father at age 15, Brent did everything from sweeping the floors to managing a territory over 18 years. “I understood the business as a business,” he explained, which prepared him to venture off on his own.

Brent established Class A Heating in 2004.

“My dad actually named it,” Brent said, based on the fact that Brent has achieved the ‘Class A’ Gas License.

In the heating and air business, customers trust technicians to enter their residences with the expectation that they will do more than just great work, they’re expected to show respect and courtesy to the homeowner and their home.

That’s why Brent holds his family values

at the heart of his business, and hires staff who do the same. “We treat our customers the way that our families raised us to treat people,” Brent explained.

Over ten years running the business, Brent has narrowed down a great group of employees like Kevin, Bhal and April who carry on the family reputation by being reliable, respectful, friendly and exceptionally skilled in the field. They are always looking for more technicians with the right skills and a true commitment to great customer service.

The Class A Heating team is well-prepared to provide expertise to the influx of calls they receive after particularly hot weekends in the summer or a bitterly cold one in the winter.

“We always come through for our customers,” Brent assured. His team works hard to keep our community comfortable in their homes and businesses.

To all of his loyal customers in Chilliwack, Brent would like to thank them for their trust over the years, and for allowing the Class A Heating team to live up to their name.

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that enhanced customer focus or niche expertise like Karen and Ron. “This is a small community, we get to know our clients. We figure out their wants and needs and fulfill them as best we can,” Ron explained.

Karen thoroughly enjoys providing advice that helps a customer feel comfortable and happy with their decision. And the fiveyear no questions asked warranty helps with the comfort, too.

Budget Blinds Chilliwack has won numerous consumer’s choice awards thanks to their willingness to ensure a customer is happy, both with the product and the service.

“Customers just love Ron. He’s got a way with people.” Karen enthused. “If he doesn’t make someone laugh or smile, it’s not a successful day for him.”

SERVING CHILLIWACK AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES SINCE 2004

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PROUD N W O T HOME

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 The Chilliwack Progress

Embassy Restaurant & Lounge

LOCAL • FARM • FRESH • FOOD

Chilliwack’s unofficial meeting place goes local “Other hotels are primarily geared toward tourists. We’re a hotel that is almost solely driven by the community,” says Deanna Johnston, general manager at the Best Western Rainbow Country Inn. It’s been the meeting place for Saturday night fundraisers, post-game hockey dinners, rotary club Sunday brunch gatherings, business parties, stay-cations and more for years.

In the midst of prepping for the Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society volunteer appreciation dinner, Chef Dan Cool and Deanna sat down to discuss the fresh dining options at the hotel.

They’ve combined what were three restaurants, the Coffee Mill, JD’s Lounge, and the Atrium Restaurant, into one: The Unofficial Fraser Valley Embassy.

The Embassy, for short, offers a “fresh, local menu that is made 100 per cent from scratch,” Deanna enthused. The local focus is reinforced by the Embassy logo, designed by Dustin Hamel from Ace signs, featuring Mount Cheam.

“We’ve made the decision to feed our guests the way we feed our families,” Deanna said. So that’s what they’ve been doing since January.

They get veggies from the Local Harvest Market, meat features from Johnston’s, poultry and eggs from Rossdown Farms,

cheese from Smits & Co. and breads from Sardis Bakery.

“The goal was to reflect everything that Chilliwack has to offer, in food,” Deanna put simply.

Stop by The Embassy for Friday night carvery and the famously fresh salad bar to meet great staff like Smilin’ Jack, as he proudly presents the prime rib.

Chilliwack’s own Chef Dan Cool has brought 30 years of cooking experience to the Embassy kitchen. With the help of sous chef Roni and fellow kitchen staff, Chef Dan developed the menu, decked out with green hearts to highlight locally sourced Chiliwack dishes, like the Fraser River salmon.

You can even pop by the liquor store next door and choose from 600 wines to pair with your meal.

“After 29 years, making change is hard,” Deanna said. “But we were ready for it.

We’ve reaped the rewards all year for the changes we’ve made.”

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The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, October 28, 2015

D N PROU W O T E HOM

Simpson Notaries

www.theprogress.com

FOR EVERY EVERY FAMILY FOR FAMILY

The Simpson family has been serving Chilliwack’s non-contentious legal needs since 1968.

It all started with Bob Simpson, the man who built up the reputation that his sons carry on today. “He was one of the first in the province to become a full-time sole practicing notary,” said son and part owner Scott Simpson.

Prior to his recent retirement, Bob spent over 40 years building an incredible network of clients, and a great relationship with the realtors, lawyers, and bank agents in town.

Simpson sons Dean and Scott carry on the tradition of trust in the local community and beyond, with the same approachable, down-to-earth style of business that their father introduced.

Due to success in Chilliwack, Simpson Notaries have expanded to an additional office in Abbotsford, lead by Dean, and to provide service in Hope as well.

Since Bob’s retirement, Simpson Notaries have brought in new notary public Aatif Nanji. “He’s fit right into the community, we’re really lucky to have him,” Scott enthused.

To become a notary public, you need to be accepted to The Society of Notaries Public in B.C., who are very careful about who they accept. They look at education, community service, and character, only

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accepting about 25 per year in the province.

“Trust is all we have. You’re trusting us with your money, with your home, your will,” Scott explained. Simpson Notaries builds that trust with transparent communication and working client relationships that cross generations.

People have important choices to make when buying a house, writing a will, and assigning power of attorney.

“Clients need to be informed about what these things mean,” Scott says. Simpson Notaries specialize in translating complex legal jargon into straightforward, digestible information.

As an indication of the Simpson’s prosperity in the community, the Society recently awarded Scott with the rare Presidential Award of Excellence. The award recognized his contribution to their board, his philanthropic endeavours, and his involvement with community projects, including Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association trail building.

Scott was incredibly surprised, yet very proud to receive the award. “It’s really humbling. I feel like I have to live up to it!

It’s a great motivator.”

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Making his father proud, now more than ever.

Mike Wettig has been serving up authenticity and affordability at Multi Pack Deli & Foods in Chilliwack for 17 years now.

Thanks to some major additions to the delicatessen, Mike’s been able to pump up the in-house production, providing an even better quality product, and address customer requests on a whole new scale.

“We were originally buying most of our sausage from other suppliers,” Mike explained. But a new smokehouse and a real-deal German vacuum stuffing machine have allowed them to bump up sausage production from 10 to 80 per cent.

“Little guys like me are always looking for the newest technology” “Little guys like me are always looking for the newest technology,” Mike said.

The new double-wagon smokehouse holds and cooks up to 700 pounds of meat at a time. “Now we can make our pepperoni, beer sausage, smokies, beef jerky and more, all in-house,” Mike enthused.

Making his own sausage has allowed

Mike to personally accommodate customer requests for low-sodium, gluten-free and no added MSG meats.

“They’ve been a big selling g feature,” Mike said. “But a lot ot of people still don’t know that at we make these specialty products. ducts.”

He and his family and staff ff are also able to experiment with new recipes, like Screamin’ Hot jerky.

“My dad was a master sausage maker in the old country,” Mike said. Mike was only three years old when he first started learning the tricks of the trade in his father’s delicatessen in Germany.

His father passed away before Mike brought in these new developments but, after years in sales, “my dad would be proud that I’ve carried on with the sausage-making end of it,” he smiled.

He recalled peeling onions at age 14, across the table from university students that he worked with at Freybe Sausage.

Mike had purposefully stood with his back to the air conditioner.

“We’d have to peel 50 pound sacks, and I wasn’t crying. But they were bawling their eyes out!” he laughed.

“That’s my boy,” his dad had said to him.

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015 The Chilliwack Progress

Christmas AT CREEKSIDE

Come Home for Christmas Home Decor • Candles • Primitive • Rustic • Vintage

Taking care of business in Chilliwack LABOUR FORCE BY INDUSTRY Total experienced labour force Agriculture and other resource-based industries Construction Manufacturing Wholesale trade Retail trade Finance and real estate Health care and social services Educational services Accommodation and food services Professional, scientific and technical services Other services (except public administration)

44,725 2,265 4,155 3,435 1,585 5,430 1,990 4,910 3,170 3,165 1,830 2,360

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 Census, Chilliwack

MAJOR FINANCIAL EMPLOYERS COMPANY

EMPLOYEES

Envision Financial Royal Bank TD Canada Trust Prospera Credit Union CIBC Scotiabank Bank of Montreal HSBC Vancity Savings Credit Union Coast Capital Savings

108 53 44 39 32 31 27 21 20 14

MAJOR MANUFACTURING EMPLOYERS COMPANY

EMPLOYEES

Tycrop Manufacturing IMW Industries Visscher Lumber / Westform Masonite International Langley Concrete Hi-Pro Feeds Westeck Windows

320 280 115 106 100 95 85

Source: Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO), 2012

Source: Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO), 2012

Cultus Lake Golf Club

Cultus Lake Golf Club

Bringing sustainability to Cultus Lake As the need for change in the Cultus Lake community emerges, it’s crucial that this growth is responsible, sustainable and comes from within the community.

Jeff Bahnman, a principle operator of Cultus Lake Golf Club, has a plan that will allow Cultus Lake businesses to achieve year-round vitality, while also providing economic and environmental relief to the park community. Those demands include imminent upgrades to the septic and water treatment systems, as well as a needed solution for the contamination of the lake itself.

“Cultus Lake is more than just a park, it’s a community” Change is nothing new for Bahnman and his business. Jeff and parents Rob and Iris initiated Cultus Lake Golf Club in 1990. What began as only a driving range expanded to an 18-hole executive course in ‘95, with a putting course addition and clubhouse renovation taking place over the following ten years.

Now, at a time when the ever-changing game of golf brings new business challenges, Bahnman is looking to make

improvements that will benefit the broader community.

This plan began to unfold after a community hall meeting back in 2013, when the FVRD asked attendees if they favoured residential growth in the park and, if so, to place dots on a map to represent where they’d like to see it.

“There were more dots than you could count, all around the golf course,” Bahnman revealed.

The well-rounded plan suggests a golf course improvement with a natural, meandering residential “golf cart community” that works around big buffers of existing trees. It also includes a network of trails connecting the park’s amenities, and consideration for a new sewer treatment system under the fairways to help combat eutrophication in the lake. An assessment and replacement plan for the trees will ensure that Cultus Lake replaces a tree for one that is lost.

“Cultus Lake is more than a park, it’s a community.” The businesses in the park support the community, and the residents need to support those businesses. If you recognize the social and economic potential of residential growth in Cultus Lake, and would like to voice your input, visit the clubhouse open house beginning November 16.

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The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, October 28, 2015

www.theprogress.com

NATIONAL

MONTH

OPEN HOUSE

ENDS OCT 31ST

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Five Star Motor OPEN HOUSE Sports SAT. OCTOBER 31

BLOWOUT PRICES ON SLEDS, ATVS, SXS & FOX APPAREL

45750 Yale Road, Chilliwack

604-792-8804 www.fivestarmotorsports.com

Five Star Motorsports has a great home here in Chilliwack.

Surrounded by mountains, backcountry trails and riverbanks, our city offers great riding. You can take full advantage of everything that Polaris ATV’s, side-by-sides, or snowmobiles have to offer, whether that’s quadding up to beautiful look-outs, hunting or fishing destinations, or anywhere else your vehicle will take you.

Five Star Motorsports owner Kevin Prachnau knows that first hand. “I think I bought my first quad in ‘93,” he says. “I’ve bought more than 20 of them over the years.”

While the Prachnau family and the majority of Five Star Motorsports staff ride for recreation, utility vehicles and ATV’s are huge in the professional world as well. They’re used for search and rescue operations, patrolling the back roads, perimeter security, and even for clearing or checking on power lines.

They certainly make it easier to haul loads or groups of people across 100 acre Chilliwack farms, too.

When it comes to customizing your Polaris, “you can change pretty much anything,” Prachnau explains. Pick your wheels, tires, and colours, add on roll bars, winches, windshields and wipers, heaters and more. Five Star in Chilliwack will build it according to your preference, simple or souped-up.

As one of the nicest Polaris dealerships in the province, there’s a great layout and a massive selection of wall shopping in store. Check out the helmets and safety gear, riding apparel, and vehicle accessories from Polaris and other brands like FXR, Motorfist, and Fox. If you’re interested in purchasing a quad or snowmobile but haven’t been able to make the jump, Prachnau would remind you that you only live once.

“It opens you up to the backcountry and the greater outdoors. There’s a huge social aspect to it too,” he explains.

You can join ATV clubs that host regular events and meet-ups.

Prachnau and Five Star staff will regularly take their quads out to do river clean-ups, making sure that our outdoors are beautiful and safe for everyone to visit.

Come down for a test drive, you’ll be impressed.

“They’re the nicest riding quad out there,” Prachnau says.

With the best suspension and power steering, you’ll easily smooth out the roughest trails.

That first test drive is “a pretty neat experience for people who’ve never been on them, especially the side-by-sides,” Prachnau explains.

The Ranger utility vehicle has the capacity you need for hunting or hay bales, while the sport RZR utility will take you through dunes or rivers with insane power.

Polaris snowmobiles pack the tread and suspension to get you through the deep powder and make the high mark, if that’s what you’re after. They also have a range of trail performance sleds.

If you’re interested in what makes Polaris unique, which model is right for you, or the best riding in Chilliwack, just ask any of the knowledgable staff at Five Star Motorsports.

“I hear all the time what a great, helpful crew we have. That makes me really happy,” Prachnau reveals.

“We give good service, I make sure of that.” At the bottom of every work-order that goes out the door, you’ll see Prachnau’s phone number to call if there’s anything they can do to make your service better.

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D N PROU W O T E HOM

Hiscoe Jiu-Jitsu Self-defense above all else at Hiscoe Jiu-Jitsu

Steve Hiscoe, owner and head instructor at Hiscoe Jiu-Jitsu, has been involved with martial arts since he was seven years old.

“My parents wanted me to learn something productive, and to learn how to protect myself,” he said. Today, as an 8th degree black belt, Hiscoe provides those same skills for his students in the dojo.

For kids, Hiscoe Jiu-Jitsu brings the HEET, meaning Hiscoe Escape and Evade Tactics. Each of the four age-specific kids programs instructs in a way that makes sense for that age group. “I think we’re one of the only schools in the Valley that takes that approach,” Hiscoe said.

The adult program has really taken off as well, including people of all shapes and sizes from all walks of life. And for those who are uncomfortable with the throwing or falling, they can still learn self-defence in the low-impact class.

“Everybody should be able to protect themselves,” Hiscoe stresses.

If people are nervous about getting started, Hiscoe encourages them to take that step onto the mat. Watching, he says, is actually more intimidating than participating.

While self-protection is the number one priority, people join for all sorts of reasons, and jiu- jitsu has benefits

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015 The Chilliwack Progress

that extend into all aspects of your life.

For kids and adults alike, you develop confidence, self-discipline, fitness, a community of belonging, and so much more.

Each kids class will focus on a particular theme. One class might target teamwork, another might challenge balance or perseverance.

Hiscoe consistently sees his students break out of their shell or overcome personal barriers in class.

“It’s great to see them progress,” Hiscoe explained. “Sometimes parents will tell me ‘my kid is not the same kid he was two years ago. He’s so confident now,’ and those are amazing stories.”

The dojo at Hiscoe Jiu Jitsu is a welcoming, non-competitive environment where anyone can learn modern, real-word self-defense. Classes book up fast, so give Steve Hiscoe a call.

SPECIALIZING IN AGE-SPECIFIC PROGRAMS

HISCOE JIU-JITSU

17-8635 Young Rd | 604-793-6107 | www.hiscoejiujitsu.com

Lakeside Beach Club at Cultus Lake

Year-round community meals at Lakeside Chris and Christy Ovens are committed to making Lakeside Beach Club a yearround destination where friends and family can get homemade food at a great value.

As they took a break from preparing the tomato basil marinara sauce for Thursday evening’s $10 unlimited pasta dinner, Chris, Christy and manager Sean McLeod relaxed by the crackling fireplace to chat about their plans for the off-season.

Lakeside is known as a great spot for a burger and a beer after a visit to the waterslides in the summer. Now that winter is on they way, they are catering more toward the handcrafted comfort food that people crave in the colder months, with great seasonal cocktails to go with it.

They’ve also recently introduced their $10 lunch menu, providing fresh, handcrafted dishes at a value that can’t be beat.

Coming from a corporate restaurant background, Chris and Sean are excited to be independently serving the community where they grew up. “We’re getting to know people’s names and their stories,” Chris enthused. “They’re stopping by to chat even if they’re not

JIU-JITSU

Self Defense/Martial Art School

here to eat.”

Around the corner for the locals, and a five-minute drive from south Chilliwack, Lakeside is a place to push tables together and join your neighbours for a great meal and bottle of wine.

Lakeside is looking to host more special events, like the surprise party they recently held for Sean’s birthday.

“Everyone from the party had great feedback and loved every second of it.

We want to make that work for other people, too!” Sean enthused.

They welcome private functions, anniversary or birthday parties, familyfriendly community fundraisers, and already have plenty of Christmas parties booked. Guests will stay cozy by the fire or on the patio where there are gas heaters and plenty of blankets to go around.

“We’re here to stay,” Chris assured.

“We’re open all year round. And we’re gonna have fun with it.”

OPEN YEAR ROUND

FEATURING $10 LUNCH MENU ALL YOU CAN EAT PASTA NIGHT & SPECIAL EVENTS!

Host your next event or fundraiser at the Lakeside Beach Club!

Christmas party dates are booking up quickly!

www.lakesidebeachclub.ca

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, October 28, 2015

D N PROU W O T E HOM

Wagner Appliances Ltd.

Mom and Dad’s business is now on new owner Mark Blessin’s front burner.

John Blessin and wife Carol purchased Wagner Appliances on First Avenue in 1981 in an effort to settle down from his life on the road as a Maytag district representative. They wanted to be able to spend more time at home with their then young kids.

Although big box department stores have made their way into the area, Wagner Appliance prevails.

“We’re definitely a rare breed out there,” Mark explained. As a one-stop shop that provides the sales, service and parts for all of the core appliance manufacturers, they’re unique in the industry.

When shopping in a department store, “usually there’s a third party delivery company that’ll drop the appliance off at your driveway,” Mark pointed out. “And if service is required, you’ll call an off-shore 1-800 number.”

When you phone Wagner, by contrast, you’re usually talking to the person who sold it to you, or someone in the back who will pull up your info and remember your face.

Mark has worked in the store part-time ince middle school, helping out wherever needed. He entered sales full-time in 1997, but being part of a small business, he

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It was the way that the treatment made her feel that inspired Undine to learn the practices of aromatherapy, and later, reflexology as well.

After years of working in a Harrison spa and running a small one out of her home, Undine now operates a beautiful spa on Airport Road.

As clients walk from the massage room to the curtain-lined pedicure station, freshfaced and cozy in their robes, soft music and trickling water provide the ambiance we all need from time to time.

Large capacity ovens make it easy!

SINCE 1969

45855 First Ave. (across from the library)

604-792-8061 Ray Wolbers Store Manager

Mark Blessin President

w w w. w a g n e r a p p l i a n c e s . c a w w w. w a g n e r a p p l i a n c e s . c o m

Remember when you shop.... we service what we sell.

Undine’s Retreat has been home to many furniture pieces that Undine Miller brought over from Germany, like her grandmother’s clock.

“In a hands-on business like this, it’s critical that the staff are passionate about their work”

B15

n o r e n n i d y a olid Cook your h ! e c n a i l p p a y t a new, quali

had the opportunity to learn about every aspect of the company from early on.

Store Manager Ray Wolbers has been with the company for 38 years. He actually worked with the original owner Ken Wagner back in the day, and he probably knows more about appliances than anyone else in town.

Mark and Ray were excited to show off the coolest technology in the store, the magnetic induction range. It uses magnetic energy to actually transform the pot or pan that you’re using into the element. If water spills over or tomato sauce splatters out, it won’t burn onto the cooktop.

It boils water in no time, it’s controllable like gas, and you can even cook with paper towels between the range and the cookware, if you want.

Visit Ray or any of the other helpful and friendly Wagner Appliance staff in store for a demonstration and a good laugh.

Undine’s Retreat Day Spa Inc.

“The clock didn’t work anymore. I had affixed a little sign that said ‘Not Actual Time,’” Undine began. But that broken clock inspired the tagline that the spa still strives to re-create, Undine’s Retreat…where time stands still.

Undine was working as Beauty Advisor at Pharmasave when she tried her first aromatherapy treatment. “I come from Europe. I’ve had massages before. But this was something totally different,” she enthused.

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“The main reason for a person to come to a spa is not only to look good, but to take care of the inside,” Undine explained. Your body relaxes, you de-stress, and your mind rejuvenates.

The welcoming and passionate staff at Undine’s Retreat know that clients may have been waiting a long time for a treat like this.

“We have to be on our game. This isn’t a job where staff can say, ‘I’ll put this off ‘til tomorrow,’ we always do our best,” Undine pointed out.

In a hands-on business like this, it’s critical that the staff are passionate about their work. “Otherwise, the client can feel that,” Undine explained.

If you or someone you care about could use a little time to relax, talk to the spa to find out which purifying facial, detoxifying massage or soothing treatment is best for you.

“When you’ve finished with a service, you’ve poured them the water, given them the little chocolate, and they leave with a smile on their face… you know instantly that you’ve done your job.”

Where time stands still Enjoy Undine’s Head To Toe Services...

• Hand & Foot Care • Nail Programs • Hair Removal • Brow Tinting

• Make-Up Application • Relaxation Massage and Body Treatments

604-703-1344 www.undinesretreat.com #101 - 45935 Airport Rd., Chilliwack

Follow Undine on

urspa and

/undinesretreat

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4 star Hotel

Motorhome

Fancy Job

Fine Dining

HOMELESSNESS IS NOT A LIFESTYLE CHOICE Your donation provides assistance to...

- Food Bank - Homeless Outreach - Soup Kitchen - Emergency Disaster Services - Emergency Shelter - Clothing Vouchers

THANK YOU! It is an honour to have been re-elected to serve you as Your Voice in Ottawa.

Giving Hope Today

To donate visit us at:

www.salvationarmychilliwack.ca

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10/15HTP_SA28

The Salvation Army

MARK

STRAHL

www.markstrahl.com | mark.strahl@parl.gc.ca | 604-847-9711

102 - 7388 Vedder Road, Chilliwack, BC, V2R 4E4

MP

Downtown BIA Mobilizing your local pride

“We want the community to be better for everyone,” says Kyle Williams, Executive Director of the Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association. In order to do that, we need to mobilize our neighbourhood power.

That’s what the BIA is all about.

After large community events like Party in the Park or Fortins Village Classic Car Show, people will often approach the organization and say, “That event was great! When’s the next one?”

Williams will often respond by asking what they would like to see, or how they could get involved.

“We’re always looking for people who are passionate about making Chilliwack better and willing to engage,” Williams says. “Even if all they have is an idea, we’ll take it.”

The BIA is in the process of launching a program to help downtown businesses combat a rather unfortunate expense.

“There are graffiti problems all over Chilliwack,” Williams said. The City will remove graffiti from public spaces as much as they can, but when private businesses get tagged, the responsibility falls on the property owner to clean it off or paint over it in a timely fashion.

That can be very difficult for a small business owner who may be running the shop on their own.

The BIA’s graffiti removal program brings

engaged community members together to reclaim the city’s walls, and they’re looking for some more hands.

“Our organization takes pride in the efforts and strengths of our neighbourhood and those around us.

We’re asking for our neighbourhoods to take pride in what’s happening downtown,” Williams explained.

And if painting isn’t necessarily your forte, there are many other ways to make a difference. As long as you have a genuine passion and skill-set to bring to the table, you can get involved.

If you, your friends, or neighbours are willing to step up, contact the BIA office, talk to your favourite downtown merchant, or reach out through Facebook.

“Small business is important to every community.” Local business owners have made the choice to invest in our city, and they need to be supported.

“Without that, it’s difficult to get a sense of pride in your community.”

downtownchilliwack.com

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, October 28, 2015

D N PROU W O T E HOM

Rococo Unique, eclectic, inspiring.

All of these words spring to mind when describing Rococo Home Decor. There isn’t one defining style within the Vedder Road shop, but somehow all the home decor, fashion accessories, furniture and florals all pulls together in a style distinctly their own.

But don’t mistake the wonderfully-eclectic atmosphere as some lucky accident.

Owners Peter and Millie Killer have 50 years of experience retail decor and giftware, becoming experts in sourcing out just the right pieces. They have a knack for anticipating trends, and are keen to what customers are seeking.

And with the help of store manager Gayle Johnson, they pull all those pieces together in an ever-changing, bustling display of the beautiful, the unique, and the extraordinary.

“You can’t really define us,” says Johnson, and that’s the way they like it.

They’ve been in the same location for more than six years now, after the Killers tried out a brief retirement. They craved the work they’d love for decades, and have put their heart and souls in Rococo.

But it’s not even about the items on the shelf, they say. It’s about helping the people who take the time to walk through the doors, and support local business.

Despite an economic downturn, they are

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ROCOCO

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Giftware • Home Decore • Fashion

seeing new customers coming in on a daily basis. And they don’t see that trend ending anytime soon.

They’ve also just added to their online shopping experience, with a custom website that highlights products in the store through a full catalogue.

Items can be added to a wishlist, or shared on social media, making gift giving all that much easier.

Not that finding a great gift is difficult at Rococo to begin with. With Johnson’s keen eye for detail, putting together a gift basket is a breeze. And for those who are really stuck, they even offer gift certificates.

As the weather gets a bit chillier, the summer items in the store are slowly making way for more seasonal items for fall and Christmas. And true to the store’s unique style, there is everything from elegant crystal snowflakes, to quirky and fun figurines.

Visit Rococo Home Decor in the Vedder Village Centre at 5725 Vedder Rd. or, visit them online at www.rococohomedecor.com.

#16 5725 VEDDER RD. VEDDER VILLAGE CENTRE 604-858-3452

WWW.ROCOCOHOMEDECOR.COM

KeyWest Asphalt

Paving our community one road at a time.

Goal to “Serve the Chilliwack Community with the best quality work”, KeyWest Asphalt, originally a Surrey based company has been smoothening the City of Chilliwack streets since 2009, under the “Asphalt Rehabilitation and Shoulder Paving Project” for the past 5 years.

With KeyWest’s new eco-friendly Asphalt mix plant operation in Chilliwack, you’ll start seeing KeyWest Asphalt trucks and equipments

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traveling and working around our city more often.

After years of conducting the “Asphalt Rehabilitation Paving Program” and various local community paving work, the KeyWest Asphalt team have gotten to know our city and the generous people living in it.

KeyWest team appreciates the support and cooperation of Chilliwack local community in their various projects.

Proud to be City of Chilliwack’s paving partner

for 5 years.

Full paving & Utilities Services • Quarry Gravel Supplies

20 YEARS IN SERVICE

604.402.0505 keywestasphalt.com

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015 The Chilliwack Progress

Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce MAKING YOUR BUSINESS WORK FOR YOU...

YOUR VOICE COUNTS!

Business Excellence Awards The Chilliwack Business Excellence Awards honours local businesses and individuals who have demonstrated a passion for excellence in the following categories: ca ategories:

21ST ANNUAL

Professional Service Employee of the Year Agriculture Excellence Development Excellence Retail Excellence Chamber Award Directors Award Sustainability Award Manufacturing Award Not-for-Profit/Service The Stan Rogers Legacy Dining Excellence Young Entrepreneur New Business of the Year Business of the Year Aboriginal Business of the Year Inclusive Employer Award Recreation, Leisure & Hospitality Excellence Award

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NOMINATE ONLINE AT www.chilliwackchamber.com NOMINATE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE! Nominations close on October 30th MEDIA SPONSORS

2014/15 Business Excellence Award Recipients honoured at the Gala event.

Convergys (Stream) You haven’t heard of Oculus?

Well, you will soon.

And when people inevitably have questions about the virtual reality that Oculus provides, the phones will ring in Chilliwack.

For over 14 years the Convergys call centre, directed by Mike Robinson, has been the workplace of over 600 employees, 85 per cent of whom live in Chilliwack.

Prior to March of 2014, it was a Stream centre. When a competitor twice their size decided to acquire the company, there was a lot of uncertainty. “But the outcome has been really powerful.

It’s really strengthened us,” Robinson explained.

The acquisition has opened up exciting new relationships with clients at the leading edge of technology.

Oculus, purchased by Facebook for $2 billion, completely alters your reality.

Parrot, of France, makes drones that take you to new heights. FLIR transforms your phone into a thermal imaging camera

PRESENT THE

using the infrared technology in border patrol cameras.

The Chilliwack call centre is in the process of hiring 150 more people to prepare for what is likely coming next: big sales.

Clients will sometimes ask Robinson why the call centre works so well in Chilliwack.

“This is a caring community,” he’ll say.

“At the heart of what we do, whether it’s technical support or customer care, is caring about other people and wanting to help them.” And they don’t have to train that part. The local labour pool has compassion built-in, it seems.

Convergys employees have helped some of the best known brands in the world become more successful.

In order to trouble-shoot effectively, they will recreate the customer’s environment in the office among the cubicles. They’ll fly drones in various conditions, test out high-powered virtual reality laboratories, and operate sonar devices in real-time while connected to the customer via phone or live chat.

A lot has changed in Chilliwack, and the world of technology, since 2001. You can’t deny that this innovative call centre has had an instrumental role in that development over the past 14 years.

Opportunities. Advancement.

Skill Development.

Your career starts here!

150 New Full Time Opportunities Available. Customer Service and Technical Support.

• Competitive Wages • Monthly bonuses • Monthly sales commissions • Excellent benefits package • MSP coverage • Group RRSP Program

now a part of

YOUR FUTURE IS CALLING www. stream.com/careers 7955 Evans Road Chilliwack, BC V2R 5R7

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, October 28, 2015

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Hometown Proud for 124 Years!

Chilliwack residents have welcomed The Chilliwack Progress into their homes since 1891.

Delivered each Wednesday & Friday and available online every day.

Read your copy today.

604.702.5550 theprogress.com

45860 Spadina Ave. @TheProgress facebook.com/chilliwackprogress

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Jim’s Pizzeria & Spaghetti House YOUR FAVOURITE

HOMETOWN PIZZA PLACE!

SARDIS LOCATION #2 - 7301 Vedder Road

604-858-8611

DOWNTOWN LOCATION 9218 Young Road

604-793-9333

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK / 11 AM - LATE / www.jimschilliwack.com

One big family together again, the two Chilliwack Jim’s Pizzeria and Spaghetti House locations are working together better now then ever.

Heather Currie, with her husband and parents, purchased the downtown location in 2007. They had also purchased the Sardis location, which they’ve since sold to current owners David Williams and Wayne Zetchus.

“They seemed like the perfect fit,” Currie said. Williams and Zetchus had worked in the pizzeria for years before stepping into the ownership position.

“I have pizza sauce in my veins,” Zetchus laughed.

Jim’s is considered a Chilliwack tradition. It’s a place where people return again and again. Long-time residents introduce their kids to the pizza that they’ve always loved.

Visiting families will stop by every time they’re in town.

“We’re very fortunate to live in a community with a lot of ‘Mom and Pop shops,’ and a community that supports them,” Currie said.

“We deliver to our neighbours, friends, nearby schools and businesses,” Williams said. Which provided him and Zetchus with a great understanding of what Jim’s means to the community.

Customers love the toppings at Jim’s. “We load our pizza’s,” Currie stated. They consistently hear comments about the great quality of the meats and the cheese that they use.

Being independently owned allows them the freedom to experiment or add a little extra, too.

“I think people really like what Jim’s stands for as well,” Williams explained. The owners all live in Chilliwack, and they buy their ingredients locally, too. They bring in meats from Meadow Valley Meats and produce from Heritage Produce, to name a few.

Voted best pizza in Chilliwack for 19 years, “it means a lot to be embraced by the community that we embrace and love so much,” Zetchus said. “We’re completely together on the ingredients and sauces that we use, and what we want customers to get out of the pizza,” Currie explained.

You can go to either location and get the same quality pizza for the same price.

Jim’s knows how to keep up to date with their customers.

Currie revealed that they were the first pizza joint in Chilliwack to offer gluten-free crust and dairy-free cheese.

But they take it seriously when they add new menu items.

All of their sauces are homemade, like their most recent addition of jalapeño ranch, which took Currie’s father Norm Melanson a year and a half to perfect.

Jim’s is always involved in at least one community program or fundraiser.

As part of the Super Reader program, they donate a small one-topping pizza for every student who reads for a certain number of nights. “It’s cool because kids are getting as excited about our food as they would for a huge franchise,” Currie enthused.

And every year, Jim’s puts on a fundraiser for breast cancer in October and for prostate cancer in November. Two dollars from every sale goes towards local cancer research and support.

“I’m sad that we have to do it, but I’m really grateful that we’re in a position where we can make a difference that way,” Currie explained. “It’s my favourite thing about owning Jim’s - to be able to help others.”

Visit Jim’s for a pie or a pasta, either in the heart of downtown, just off the highway in Sardis, or on Facebook where they host contests weekly.