Business Examiner Thompson/Okanagan - June 2016

» FOCUS ON MANUFACTURING

JUNE 2016

–PAGE 10

VERNON Appraisal Company Doesn’t Shy Away From Difficult Assignments

Thompson/Okanagan WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA

PAGE 6

KAMLOOPS Enduring Principles, Enduring Success

PAGE 18

INDEX News Update

2

Summerland 3 TOTA 3 Vernon 4 Kelowna 5 Kamloops 8 Community in Focus 11 Salmon Arm

19

Movers and Shakers 20 Opinion 22 Greensheet 23 Sales 23 Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

OUR 8TH YEAR

A Specialist In Specialty Foods Okanagan entrepreneur expands into Penticton

BY ANDREA TEJHKUSUMO

K

elowna-based Olivia’s Oils & Vinegars, under its enterprising new management, is celebrating the finer things in life with a new location in Penticton.

The premier oil and vinegar retailer’s third location – after Orchard Park Mall and Guisachan Village Centre in Kelowna – is housed cozily at the Farmers Market 100 Block on the Penticton Main Street, where it is now selling a selection of its finest oils, vinegars, pastas, and chocolates.

“We are happy to cater to our existing as well as new customers in Penticton and its surrounding areas,” said Tanya Peters, owner and managing director of Olivia’s Oils and Vinegars. She also runs a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Kelowna.

Peters noted that previously, loya l customers a rou nd t he Okanagan have had to travel to Kelowna for Olivia’s extensive selection of fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs), Infused Oils, Fused Oils, and aged Balsamic

Vinegars. Olivia’s products are sourced from around the world and stored in stainless steel fustis which make up the store’s “tasting bar”: each selection can be sampled directly, then bottled

and sealed in store.

From November to January, the oils are sourced from Spain, Greece, Italy, and California, while from May to July they are sourced from Chile, Australia,

Peru, and South Africa. Olivia’s two-hemisphere solution guarantees the freshest oils at time of harvest, be it during winter or SEE SPECIALIST | PAGE 9

Thompson Rivers University’s Building Update Wins 2016 Wood Design Award TRU’s Old Main Academic Building addition named best “Institutional Wood Design: Large” at 12th annual industry award show

K Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

It’s a team effort - From left: Operations Manager Clarissa Belgrove, Owner Tanya Peters, and Candy Chef Kylie Carlson at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Orchard Park Shopping Centre.

A MLOOPS—On Februa r y 29, 2016, Diamond Schmitt Architects were recognized for their magnificent update of Thompson Rivers University’s Old Main building at the 12th annual Wood Design Awards.

The industry event, which attracted over 350 desig n a nd

building professionals, named the work best “Institutional Wood Design” for a large-scale project. Judges called it a “dramatic achievement.”

The Wood Design Awards is an event organized by Wood WORKS!, an initiative of the Canadian Wood Council. The award

show is designed to be a multisectoral event that supports leadership and innovation in the use of wood and wood products.

For its 2016 edition, the Wood Design Awards presented 13 categories. Across these categories, there were a total 103 nominations for leaders and innovators

in wood construction and design.

T he competition was stiff; nominees included professionals from all over British Columbia, as well as several national and international contenders. So was the “Institutional Wood Design” honour a happy surprise for the SEE WOOD DESIGN AWARD | PAGE 8

Canada’s Leading Group Benefit Plan For Firms with 1-50 Employees.

Kevin Flynn

Salmon Arm Financial

Tel: 250-832-1088

www.salmonarmfinancial.com

For more information contact us, or your local Chamber office.

NEWS UPDATE

2

coming weeks.

KELOWNA Downtown Kelowna Hotel Site Undergoing Reclamation The salvage of historicallysignificant bricks on Westcorp’s new downtown hotel site has b e g u n . R e c l a m at ion of t h e bricks on the existing Water St. building is being undertaken by locally owned Folio Building Group.

In preparation for demolition, a hazardous materials investigation of the existing building on Water St. revealed that the concrete stucco on portion of the exterior contained asbestos.

Removal of the stucco revealed brick wa l ls wh ich Westcorp has learned from Amanda Snyder, Curatorial Manager with t he Kelow na Museu m, were sourced from Knox Mountain in the late 1800’s.

After discussions with the City of Kelow na a nd t he Kelow na Museum, Westcorp sought the help of local resident, Shane Styles of Folio Buildi ng G roup and h is masons to oversee and reclaim the bricks. A portion of the bricks will be used on the Kelly O’ Bryan’s building (has the same brickwork in its structure), a small portion will be used by the Folio Group on some infill buildings in South Pandosy, a portion will be donated to the Kelowna Museum, and the remainder will be donated to the City of Kelowna for use in various other loacations in the downtown core.

“While demoltion activities have been delayed as a consequence of the discovery, Doug Gilchrist (City of Kelowna) and Shane Styles have reacted very quickly coming to Westcor p’s assistance with this, and we are very pleased that plans are now i n pla c e t h at w i l l e n s u r e t he preservation and reuse of these historically significant bricks,” said Gail Temple, Westcorp’s VP Stakeholder Management.

Once the brick reclamation has concluded, demolition of the building will commence.

New temporary pay-parking stalls will be available in the

KELOWNA Orchard Ford Makes Community Contribution A lo c a l automot ive de a ler wants to help rev up the learning environment for trades students at Okanagan College in Kelowna, carrying on his father’s legacy of supporting education and the community.

O rch a rd Ford a n d K elow n a Ford L i ncol n D e a l e r Principal Dan Assam has pledged $100,000 to assist the College in outfitting a new student lounge in its renovated and expanded trades training facilities in Kelowna. To the delight of automotive students and car buffs, the lou nge will feature a mural depicting a Ford GT50 – a nod to Assam’s father Norm who owned a classic GT40 and for whom the lounge will be dedicated.

The valley’s automotive dealers and collision repair shops have been among the strongest supporters of the renovation and expansion project, contributing more than $850,000 to the Okanagan College Foundation’s Bright Horizons fundraising campaign since it launched in October 2014.

Fo u n d e d i n 19 83 b y Nor m Assam, Orchard Ford remains a family-owned and -operated dealership (as is Kelowna Ford Lincoln) with Assam’s son at the helm carrying on his father’s legacy of supporting skilled training. The two dealerships currently employ 20 Okanagan College-trained Red Seal Automotive Service Technicians, with another six on staff who are currently completing their apprenticeship training at the College.

Existing shops across a host of t rades, f rom automot ive to weld i n g, h ave now b e en completely re-vamped at the College’s Kelowna campus. Upgrades were made to match the same LEED Platinum-targeted standard as the new building, as a testament to the College’s commitment to sustainability.

T he Automotive Ser v ice

JUNE 2016

Technician (AST) shop was one of the first new shops to come online for students in late 2014, and features new and emerging tech nolog y i n the i ndustr y.

Feedback from students and instructors on the new space has been overwhelmingly positive according to the College’s Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship Steve Moores.

Okanagan College recently t ied its best-ever resu lts at the provincial Skills Canada BC competition in Abbotsford, e a r n i n g 11 m e d a l s o v e r a l l .

Automotive Service Technician st udents f rom the College dominated the podium, taking h o m e g o l d (A a ron Sch m it), silver (Dale Blumhagan), and bronze (Hugo Beaumier-Martin) medals.

The new complex will allow the College to accommodate more than 2,700 students each year and comes at a critical time for training as BC faces a potential shortage of skilled labour over the next decade. It is projected that more than 160,000 job openings will exist for trades and technical workers by 2022, with more than 10,000 needed in the Thompson Okanagan region alone by 2024.

To date the Bright Horizons Building for Skills campaign has raised more than $6.2 million toward its $7 million goal, which includes $5 million for capital construction and $2 million for program and student support through awards, bursaries, and emergency funding.

visitors to British Columbia.

Visitors from the first three months are coming from a number of key markets: France up 51.6 per cent Mexico up 45.2 per cent U.S. up 20.1 per cent Japan up 13.3 per cent South Korea up 10.1 per cent China up 7.8 per cent Germany up 6.2 per cent Australia up 4.7 per cent India up 2.5 per cent United Kingdom up 1.1 per cent Provincial tourism growth is helped by a number of factors including the low Canadian dollar, Destination BC’s new international marketing strategy, more direct flights to BC and outstanding conditions at the province’s ski resorts.

The new flights are thanks in part to a 2012 jet fuel tax eliminated by government to reduce costs for airlines and give travellers more choice.

KELOWNA Top BC Chefs Sizzle at Earth Wind Fire Fundraiser The top culinary talent in the Okanagan will join with Vancouver chefs for the a n nua l Okanagan fundraiser, Earth Wind Fire, at the Delta Grand Okanagan in Kelowna on Saturday, June 18 to mark 45 years of land conservation by The Nature Trust of BC. More t h a n 250 g uests w i l l savour the extraordinary food at 14 chef-attended stations, pairing of Okanagan wines and the musical talents of awardwinning jazz singer Anna Jacyszyn as well as the acclaimed Cover-2-Cover band.

A portion of the funds support the development of junior chefs in the province, providing much needed support to attend competitions, a key part in their education says Chef Klassen.

Proceeds from the event will benefit The Nature Trust of BC’s land conservation efforts in the Okanagan including the antelope-brush conservation area, Vaseux Lake complex and parts of Okanagan Mountain Park, as well as fund the Conservation Youth

BC 2016 Tourism Numbers Show Significant Growth The first part of 2016 brings more good news for BC tourism.

The latest international visitor numbers show that tourism visitation is up 16.8 per cent during the first three months of 2016 with 121,306 more visitors to the province over the same period last year.

The number of international visitors in March is up 19.6 per cent over March 2015, representing an additional 50,299

Crew. Each su m mer, you ng people are hired for restoration work on Nature Trust properties.

Tickets are $175. Those wishing to help conservation efforts, in lieu of attending the event ca n ma ke a donation to T he Nature Trust of BC. To donate or purchase tickets call 1-866288-7878 or go online at www. naturetrust.bc.ca.

THOMPSON/ OKANAGAN Kamloops Economic Indicators (via Venture Kamloops) EMPLOY MEN T: T he number of people employed in the Thompson Okanagan Region increased slightly from 238,600 in March 2016 to 2 42,300 in April 2016. Simultaneously, the number of people in the labour force rose slightly from 263,300 in March 2016 to 265,100 April 2016.

Overall, the employment rate increased slightly from 55 per cent in March to 55.8 per cent in April. Last month, employment rates were 59.7 per cent in BC and 60.2 per cent in Canada, while the Thompson Okanagan Region was slightly lower at 55.8 per cent. The unemployment rate in the Thompson Okanagan Region change slightly from 9.4 per cent in March to 8.6 per cent in April.

AIRPORT PASSENGER VOLU M E S: 2 4 , 43 4 p a s s e n g e r s moved through the Kamloops Airport in April 2016, which is on par with numbers from April 2015. An increase in tourism related travel helped to offset the reduced number of migrating workers that were traveling to northern Alberta in previous years.

REAL ESTATE: In April 2016, a total of 355 residential units were sold in Kamloops, up from 253 total units in April of the previous year. New listings were also up from 639 in April 2015 to 682 in April 2016, and the total SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

COMMERCIAL LENDING SERVICES • Access to a full range of Lenders including Banks, Credit Unions and Private Lenders • Put our 30yrs+ of lending experience to work for you Andrew Macrae Mortgage Broker

D: 250.878.8609

E: amacrae@dominionlending.ca

Marcey Dion Mortgage Broker

D: 250.864.6536

E: mbarber@dominionlending.ca

Kris Gibbs

Mortgage Broker

D: 250.864.6536

E: kris.gibbs@dominionlending.ca

Kelowna Office: 101-591 Bernard Avenue (downtown)

NEWS UPDATE

JUNE 2016

CELEBRATING TOURISM IN OUR ECONOMY

SUMMERLAND CHRISTINE PETKAU

S

u m merl a nd i s joi n i ng communities, cities and reg ion s a rou nd Br it i sh Colu m bi a to re c og n i z e National Tourism Week – M ay 29 – June 4. This is well deserved recognition as BC’s visitor economy has been one of the province’s top performing business sectors over the past two yea rs, generati ng $14.6 billion in revenue in 2014, expanding faster than the economy at l a rge a nd outpaci ng t ra d it ion a l s e c tors s u c h a s agriculture and fishing.

T he Okanagan is a very popular tourism destination i n t he prov i nce, generat i ng approx i m ately $1.7 bi l l ion / year according to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. Here in Summerland, Mayor Peter Waterman joined us at the beginning of Touri s m We e k to re c o g n i z e t h e achievements of local tourism operators, employees, our destination marketing organization - Tourism Summerland, a nd other sta keholders by personally welcoming guests to t h e Su m m erl a n d Vi sitor Centre.

Tou rism i n Su m merla nd is managed by the Chamber and is closely tied to our business

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

value of residential units sold increased from $76,930,894 (2015) to $115,752,000 (2016). The average home price in Kamloops was $385,000 in April compared to the BC average of $761,860, and the Canadian average of $508,097. According to statistics released by the Canadian Real Estate Association, national home sales in April 2016 rose to their highest level ever, rising by 3.1 per cent from March to April. BC Real Estate Associations’ Chief Economist indicated that housing demand was exceptionally strong across the southern regions of the province, with consumers particularly active in the Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, and the Thompson/Okanagan regions.

HOUSING CONSTRUCTION: T here were 30 new housi ng sta r ts i n K a m loops i n Apri l

retention a nd ex pa nsion responsibilities. As the numbers above show, tourism is an economic juggernaut, both in our community and our region and while it often looks like ‘fun’, it’s far more than that. Events, beaches, w i ner ies, cu ltu ra l a nd agricu ltu ra l attractions all serve as a funnel for economic activity, investment and resident attraction in our communities, and often capture a key demographic that is very important to us.

Between the Visitor Centre a nd ou r 80+ tou rism sector businesses, we estimate that i n 2015 m ore t h a n 10 0,0 0 0 people v i sited Su m merl a nd a n d e njo ye d a u t h e n t i c a n d memorable experiences. We d id n’t have the opportu n ity to serve all these guests at the Visitor Centre, so this year we are expanding our scope and our presence to also offer visitor serv ices 5 days/week i n downtown Summerland. Our Chamber members as well as our tourism sector members welcome this new initiative.

While the BC tourism industry experienced both summer and winter seasons of record setting numbers last year, the trend is conti nu i ng as businesses and destinations across BC have already enjoyed a busy first quarter and are anticipati ng more record resu lts th is summer. We invite everyone to visit us in Summerland –‘ the locals pick for an authentic Okanagan experience’.

ROUTE 97 TOURING PROGRAM LAUNCHED

THOMPSON OKANAGAN TOURISM GLENN MANDZIUK

T

he T hompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in pa rtnersh ip with The North Central Washington Economic Development District (NCWEDD) announces a milestone to promote their respective areas known as the Interior Cascades of Route 97.

The project has been underway for the past three months with the development of the Route 97 map guide now in circulation and re-developed website Route97. net.

T he g u ide map a nd re-developed website will showcase the unique area with a focus on the routes, loops and corridor experiences visitors can have under the brand tag line…Drive

Curious.

A poster size map accompanies the new marketing materials and next steps are to create awareness of the website through a content strategy, targeted digital advertising campaign, website optimization and tracking capabilities that will capture leads, increase conversion, and generate direct referrals to partner businesses.

Seasonal campaigns will include relevant messaging to promote partner products, including compelling video and digital display ads on social media.

Discover Route 97 is a joint partnership between the T hompson Oka naga n Tou rism Association (TOTA) and the North Central Washington Economic Development District

(NCWEDD). This partnership has the full and active support of elected officials from three counties and their cities in Washington State (Okanagan, Chelan, and Douglas), the elected officials from the three Regional Districts and their communities in British Columbia (RDOS, CORD, NORD), the Colville confederated Tribes and the Okanagan Nations Alliance. Part of our mission is to promote this unique region, with particular emphasis on the Interior Cascades section of the Highway 97 corridor and all its tributaries, for the benefit of all its varied communities.

Glenn Mandziuk is President and Chief Executive Officer of Thompson Okanagan Tourism Region. He can

Selling to Homeowners Sales Bootcamp Sa

Christine Petkau is Executive Director at the Summerland Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at cpetkau@ summerlandchamber.com.

2016. T h is is i n compa rison to 42 starts in April 2015. The 30 housing starts represented $7,37 7,61 2 i n c o n s t r u c t i o n value, compared to $9,585,564 in construction value for the 42 housing starts in April of the previous year.

BUILDING PERMITS: In April 2016, t he City of K a m loops issued 53 residential building permits valued at $8,213,097 up from the 40 permits issued in April of the previous year at a value of $9,944,070. A total of 8 commercial building permits were issued in April 2016 with a value of $636,000, down slightly from the 14 permits issued in April 2015. However, the overall value of permits in April last year were valued at $3,162,100 due to industrial and institutional projects.

Business Licenses: Kamloops received 66 new business license applications in April 2016, up from 62 the previous year.

3

This kind ki of selling applies to dozens of industries, from remodeling to insurance. It is profoundly different from businessremode to-business selling and requires a different approach. This to-busi bootcamp offers principles that improve performance especially bootca for the business-to-consumer in-home setting, with any product or s service. erv If you sell in living rooms this is for you.

When:

Wednesday, June 22, 2016 8:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Where:

Sandler Training Center Kelowna, BC

Details:

www.glennon.sandler.com

1-866-645-2047 www.glennon.sandler.com

®

*Unfortunately seating is limited, you must pre-register and pre qualify to attend.

VERNON

4

JUNE 2016

BUSINESS IDEAS SHINE AT 2016 ENTERPRIZE CHALLENGE The Chamber recently joined with Community Futures in staging the competition which started with fifteen entrepreneurs pitching

VERNON

ideas to a panel of judges

DAN ROGERS

S

ome may view the North Okanagan as a fantastic vacation spot away from hustle and bustle of the major metropolitan centres but below the surface young entrepreneurs are getting creative and bringing their passion to life. That dynamic and energetic spirit was on clear display as Community Futures North Okanagan hosted the 2016 Enterprize Challenge.

The Chamber recently joined w ith Com munity Futures in staging the competition which started with fifteen entrepreneurs pitching ideas to a panel of judges. Through the judging process, seven did a final presentation, and the top three were chosen.

Matt Parks w it h Parks

Sustainable Design Build was awarded third prize for his business that offers design and construction of high performance, sustainable, and energy efficient new homes and renovations.

Second place went to Diane Kelm who developed an online directory for holistic practitioners.

Top prize was given to Jaye Coward, owner of Farm Bound a small business that connects people w ith orga n ic a nd local food, offering customers throughout BC organic produce, artisan cheeses & meats, as well as organic, dried and processed goods. Farm Bound has partnered with local farms and producers to provide and deliver specialty boxes each week. As the grand

prize winner, Jaye received business capital and business services worth over $17,000.

A big “way to go” also goes out to Community Futures for coordinating the event which is expected to return next year.

••• In other news, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce was pleased to join other business leaders in Kelowna in late May for the BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and Conference.

“We attended the event to ensure our local businesses’ views were understood and to help shape the BC Chamber’s business advocacy agenda,” says Tracy Cobb Reeves, president, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce who was joined at the event by Chamber VP Dauna Kennedy Grant, Pa st President Jaron Chasca, and the Chamber’s GM Dan Rogers.

Each year member Chambers across BC develop and submit policies for the consideration at the AGM. If the policy is supported it will become official BC Chamber policy, and the BC Chamber will advocate it to the appropriate level of government.

The Greater Vernon Chamber had joined with a number of other Chambers in calling on the Province to do what they can to help small wineries and cideries who face a la rge

Ashton’s Got Your Next Great Hire! is doing so well, Your candidate n to explain how I can’t even begi with re it is to work much of a pleasu us r fo r of fresh ai her. It’s a breath d fin to led so long as we’ve strugg e es th e r to manag someone like he u! k yo locations. Than ort Ltd.

CUSTOMER VENTING IS ANNOYING (BUT NATURAL)

It cleanses the right

CUSTOMER SERVICE

I must say that you are the benchmark for me for rec ruiter satisfaction. You covered the entire country and found the rig ht candidate in an industry with very few experts in Canada. It was certainly a pleasure to work with you.

LUCY GLENNON

C

Canada

Barbara Ashton

800-432-6893 BC’s #1 Executive Search firm serving the Okanagan Interior.

www.ashtonassociates.com

Dan Rogers is the General Manager at the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at manager@vernonchamber.ca

emotional catharsis.

sp er, Devon Tran

Charles Hurtubise

seeking a cycle tour along one of the most beautiful lakes in all of BC. Our Chamber has long supported this initiative because of the regional economic development opportunities that it presents. The Chamber appreciates that a lot of work and fund raising has yet to be done but we are happy to see the project moving forward.

A n econom ic impact study completed for the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative indicated that the proposed trail which would stretch from Kelowna to the north end of Kalamalka Lake along the old CN rail line would generate tens of millions of dollars every year in additional tourism spending in the Okanagan.

T he acquisition of the corr idor wa s f i n a nced by local governments in the region in combination with funding from the province, and private organizations.

••• And, finally, a big Chamber welcome goes out to our newest members including Family First Optometry, Crescent Falls Vet Hospital, Pinnacle Communication & Media Inc., BX Press, Let’s Go Transportation, and Spinners Sound Centre.

“Venting is an

ag – Regional Man

– HR Manager, Lafarge

property tax hike if they expand their alcohol related production operations. The policy was one of fifty-five up for debate at the AGM. Information on the outcome of the convention and some of the policies that may impact businesses in the Okanagan will be detailed in next month’s column.

••• The Greater Vernon Chamber along with a half dozen of its members took part in the annual Valley Wide Chamber Trade Expo. This year it was staged at the Cove Lakeside Resort in West Kelowna and hosted by the Westside Board of Trade. The venue was fantastic and next year promises to be even bigger as Oliver/Osoyoos hosts the event. It draws nearly 100 different vendors from throughout the valley and crowds of close to 400. If you’re interested in reaching out across the valley and participating in the trade show in 2017 just give us a call.

••• The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce was pleased to see the launch of a local fund raising campaign to raise much needed funds to pay for the development of the region`s Rail to Trail Initiative (okanaganrailtrail. ca) that will eventually see the abandoned rail line from Vernon to Kelowna converted into a multi use trail primarily for cyclists. When completed it will be a global destination for tourists

omplaining, whining, bitching, and even sometimes shouting. Venting is a tool often used by upset customers to get their point across. When something goes wrong with their delivery, their account, their products or services, they get upset. Their natural tendency is to call you to compla i n /ex pla i n, but when their emotions get up, they often vent those emotions all over you.

Venting is an emotional catharsis. It cleanses the rig ht side of the bra i n of p e nt up e m o t ion ...

side of the brain of pent up emotion... particularly anger, frustration, hurt, and is perfectly natural. particularly anger, frustration, hurt, and is perfectly natural. The result is a calmer, more reasonable, analytical interchange with your customer. Without the emotional outburst, there is no catharsis (cleansing) and the negative emotions stew and grow more potent. Listen carefully to them and make sure they know you’re listening and you care. Venting is good for customers.

Don’t a l low people to

make it personal to you.

Keep it where it should be – on the mistake, on the behaviour (correctable), on what happened. Don’t take it personally but take responsibility yourself.

Even if you didn’t cause the situation.

“I am so sorry this happened to you.”

“I will put this right immediately. “ “Let’s get the information down to see what I can do to right this situation for you.”

Make the apology and retribution by the company heartfelt and sincere. They can spot a self-serving fake immediately. Can’t you?

Don’t worry about customers venting. Stay calm and carry on.

Lucy specializes in customer service training and recruitment and hiring. She can be reached at 866-6452047 or lucyg@hireguru.com www.hireguru.ca

KELOWNA

JUNE 2016

5

ONCE THE TRADITIONAL START TO SUMMER By the way, our May 25th golf tournament – our 31st annual – sold out three weeks in advance of the date this year, both golf foursomes, and sponsorships

KELOWNA CAROLINE GROVER

T

his June, at the Kelowna Chamber, it feels like we aren’t even p au s i n g to c atc h o u r bre at h , before forging ahead with more new members, more new programs, more celebrating the conclusion of another successfu l yea r’s progra m m ing i n a range of areas.

We try to work around the end of the school terms, as we know how busy parents and families get: on top of running their businesses or reporting for work, they are attending school sports days, attending graduations, going to arts and culture celebrations at their children’s schools, and volunteering in the schools just before the educational system pauses for its six- to eight-week summer break.

May saw us host or co-host fifteen events for Chamber membership. In June, we are hosting nine events, an all-time June high for us. Our luncheon features Helmut Pastrick, Chief Econom ist for Central Credit Union 1, the central financial facility and trade association for the BC and Ontario credit union systems.

We are co-hosting, with the City of Kelowna, what promises to be a fasci nati ng pa nel d iscussion on how businesses can achieve marketing objectives through support of the arts – making arts a key part of their business pla n. Pa rticipa nts i nclude the Okanagan Symphony, artsVest, and a local member and business supporter of the arts, Source Furniture.

We’re also wrapping up another successful year of our BDO Top Forty Under Forty program; hosting a new member reception at Cactus Club; joining with the Uptown Rutland Business Association for an after-hours networking event; hosting a Women’s Leadership Network Inspire Series keynote speaker event; and more.

we can happily turn our attention to some special one-time-only projects ranging from web refresh to looking at ou r outb ou nd com mu n ic at ion s, from member needs to new Chamber programs.

T here have been ti mes th is w i nter when we’ve felt more like a 24/7 events marketing company than a Chamber.

It’s important for all of us to maintain the balance among events (connection), serving our members, advocacy, and all the great work that we are privileged to do year round.

Membersh ip conti nues to g row as we head into our traditionally quieter summer. Once we’ve celebrated our

110th, staff will start to enjoy their annual vacations with family and friends, and it will be all hands on deck as we pitch in and cover for each other.

All in all, just another (busy) time at the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce – in the most beautiful city in Canada.

New statistic just in: Kelowna has more restaurants per capita than any city in the country. Hmmm. I know what I’l l be doi ng for pa rt of my su m mer staycation!

Caroline Grover is the CEO of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached by email at caroline@kelownachamber.org

Oh, by the way, our May 25 th golf tournament – our 31st annual – sold out three weeks in advance of the date this year, both golf foursomes, and sponsorships. A new record, welcome, in this our 110th year. Business really appears quite bullish in Kelowna right now.

Speaking of being 110 – we will celebrate that significant milestone in early July with an open party for all our members, our staff, board and volunteers, and all of our fall Business Excellence Award nominees. We’re planning an outdoor party at one of Kelowna’s bestloved, and best-sited wineries, Vibrant Vine at Okanagan Villa Estate. Fingers crossed for a sunny afternoon.

It’s been a significant year for us in so many ways, as we prepare to undertake particular tasks over the summer. With fewer events on the horizon to manage,

• Hire the RIGHT PERSON the FIRST TIME Powered by Innervue®

www.hireguru.com • 866-645-2047 • Find out more

6

JUNE 2016

APPRAISAL COMPANY DOESN’T SHY AWAY FROM DIFFICULT ASSIGNMENTS Long time appraiser feels accurate appraisal vital with market heating up

V

E R NON - I n 1992 Joe Gourdine took a chance on a job opportunity in the Okanagan. He never left.

Twenty-four years later Gourdine is the owner and senior appraiser at Rivard & Associates.

The company boasts a combined knowledge from 34 years of experience serving the North Okanagan conducting residential, commercial and industrial appraisals.

“We do a bit of everything,” he said. “We are not shy of taking on difficult assignments.”

The company provides appraisals on single and multi-family dwellings, acreages, apartment buildings, mobile home parks, commercial centres, office buildings, dealerships, motels, and partial takings/expropriation and litigation support.

“An appraisal provides an objective opinion of value,” he explained. “Searching out the most current sales data, while being cognizant of marketing periods and the supply of competing properties, allows us to accurately reflect the changes in market value and present unbiased, objective points of view.”

With commercial and residentia l prices heati ng up i n the region, getting an accurate appraisal is vital. Putting that valuation on a property helps determine how much money the purchaser will need to borrow, and is a key measure for tracking the health of loan portfolios and the purchaser’s debt load.

If property values are inflated and debt load too high, there is an increased risk of borrowers defaulting on the loan.

“Accurate appraisals offer our clients a benchmark asset value to assist them in their buying, listing, financing and/or leasing decision,” Gourdine said.

“T he North Okanagan area

Gourdine said that Brenda Austring is the glue that holds the office together

Brad Schmitz recently began work at Rivard CREDIT:JOE GOURDINE

CREDIT:JOE GOURDINE

Joe Gourdine is owner and senior appraiser at Rivard & Associates CREDIT:JOE GOURDINE

“Accurate appraisals offer our clients a benchmark asset value to assist them in their buying, listing, financing and/or leasing decision.”

JOE GOURDINE RIVARD & ASSOCIATES VERNON

offers a challenge particularly to commercial appraisers,” Gourdine noted. “There typically is not as much data as in the larger centres from which to correlate in completing various valuation assignments. Having worked in the area for 24 years, I have gathered additional local knowledge that, in the end, enables me to better reflect market values.”

He added that when the robust market, that started in earnest in 2003/2004 finally turned in September, 2008, there was bad news every day for the first three months.

“That kept us on our toes,” he said. “We had our hands full getting a guage on the action and perceptions of the market. We got through the tighter market years that followed from servicing a

CONGRATULATIONS Rivard & Associates for over 30 years in business.

We wish you continued success!

Serving our community for over 40 years. #301-2706 30th Avenue, Vernon BC • Tel: 250-542-5353 Tf: 1-800-243-5353 • w w w. n i xo n w e n g e r . c o m

Ayron McCarthy began working at Rivard early this year CREDIT:JOE GOURDINE

fairly large established client base while doing a few more foreclosures.”

Gourdine has experience working in a variety of regions in BC. Before moving to Vernon, he spent three years in the Vancouver area operating a satellite office for Royal LePage and then for Cunningham & Rivard on the North Shore from 1991-1992.

At that time, he worked his way through residential projects to earn the Canadian Residential Appraisal designation.

“In 1991, I was working in the same office as Larry Rivard’s son,

Tony. When Larry asked Tony to move to Vernon and take part in the appraisal practice there, Tony wasn’t interested but I was.”

Gourdine and his wife drove to Vernon, liked what they saw and decided to accept the job and take on the Armstrong/Spallumcheen and Enderby areas.

“While working the region I had the opportunity to develop an understanding of the varied challenges of commercial appraisal and earned my Accredited Appraisal Canadian Institute (AACI) designation in 1997.”

Gourdine believes strongly in applying his considerable experience and knowledge in actual field work. Currently, Rivard has Gourdine as the commercial appraiser and two residential appraisers he is mentoring, Ayron McCarthy and Brad Schmitz.

Both have recently joined the firm after its long-time appraisers Greg Thomason and Paul Sullivan retired. Brenda Austring has been at the firm longer than Gourdine he said, adding that, she is the glue that keeps the office together.

Underscoring the approachability of his company, he said it offers full service, with someone always available to answer the phone, field questions and give advice where needed.

SEE RIVARD & ASSOCIATES | PAGE 7

White House Mortgages

Deb White

Owner | Mortgage Expert Congratulations to Rivard & Associates and their hard working team!

From all of us at White House Mortgages 4012 27th Street Vernon, BC

www.DebWhite.ca • 250.545.2202

7

JUNE 2016

RIVARD & ASSOCIATES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

The company boasts a combined knowledge from 34 years of experience serving the North Okanagan conducting residential, commercial and industrial appraisals

Don’t just bank, Prosper Dawn Stephanishin, AMP

250.503.8788

4705B 29th St., Vernon, B.C. V1T 5C1 www.dawnstephanishin.com

Canada’s Mortgage Experts™

Proud Partner to Rivard & Associates!

1 888 440 4480 prospera.ca

Proud to Work With Joe and the team!

250-545-0754 3005 - 35th Avenue Vernon, BC www.SladenMoore.com

NEW HOMES • RENOVATIONS DESIGN AND DRAFTING

Congratulations on your continued success!

8205 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream , B.C. info@keithconstruction.ca Phone: (250)

545-1300

keithconstruction.ca

“We do not have a vested interest in the selling or buying of a piece of property,” he said. “We provide a valuation based on an objective, experienced and informed opinion.”

He said that as what his compa ny do es u su a l ly i nvolves someone else’s property, the valuation needs to be respectful of what is owned, while at the same time objective to its value.

“Objectivity is key to the success of our business and valuations,” he said. “Our firm has been around for a long time due to the commitment of its appraisers, but mostly from having settled and raised families here. Until just recently, I was the newbie – having only been at the firm for 26 years. Liking appraisal/valuation process resulted in a lot of stability, tenure, respect and rapport with the people in our community.”

Rivard also provides specialized service to the financial community, primarily to assist in all facets of mortgage financing, including new development /constr uction f u nd i ng and for individuals or corporations wanting advice/value(s) for litigation, estate settlement, assessment appeal review, and for municipal bodies regarding expropriation, easements or right-of-ways.

What makes his job so interesting, he pointed out, are the unusual projects. For instance, the conceptual appraisal valuation of a raw piece of dirt - where the value is based on proposed development/construction; and also cliff hanger homes over the lake, former grow-ops, properties with shared accesses (easements) and contentious partial takings for highway widening.

“Every file we do presents us a different personality, different circumstance and different challenge,” he said. “There’s never a dull moment.”

Another aspect of appraisals that Gourdine has experience and a reputation with, is in being called as an expert witness.

The title of Expert Witness is bestowed on a person when the legal system calls on an individual to provide supportive documents during litigation. It carries a certain level of prestige, as all sides, both the lawyers and the judge, acknowledge the experience and wherewithal of the witness to provide an accurate and objective valuation for dispersal of property.

“Every ‘i’ has to be dotted and every ‘t’ crossed, because every bit of the document will be examined. You need confidence to take the grilling on the stand. It gives you a lot of pride knowing that your knowledge and opinion is valued and respected.”

Rivard & Associates is at 2907 32 nd Street in Vernon www.rivardappraisals.ca

KAMLOOPS/OFF THE COVER

8

JUNE 2016

TO IMPROVE IS TO CHANGE

KAMLOOPS DEB MCLELLAND

W

inston Churchill once sa id , “To i mprove is to change.”

We couldn’t agree more. Here at the Kamloops Chamber, we work continuously to improve our programs and services in an effort to help our members make the business connections that they need.

Making changes to the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce \ TD Business Excellence Awards program is just one way that we have worked to do that. Those

changes were revealed at our 2016 Business Excellence Awards Launch on May 11th.

At that event, we were excited to announce four new award categories beginning this year.

We have introduced the longawaited Not-For-Profit of the Year Award, a Small Business of the Year Award (which replaces our Home-Base Business Award), an Environmental Stewardship Award (replacing the Green 1-10 Staff and Green 11+ Staff Awards), and a Project of the Year Award.

We have also made some significant changes to both the awards selection process and to each individual award’s criteria.

This helps ensure that our premier business recognition event continues to award excellence in our community in a transparent and prestigious way.

To l e a r n m o r e a b o u t t h e changes, visit: http://w w w. kamloopschamber.ca/businessexcellence- awards.html.

As a reminder, nominations Aurous-JuneAd.pdf

WOOD DESIGN

1

are open until June 30th. Neither you, nor the business you nominate, need to be a member of the Kamloops Chamber, so visit kamloopschamber.ca today to nominate your favourite business!

••• Later th is month at the BC Chamber of Commerce AGM, we will be working in yet another way to help our members connect to more business, by bringing forward eight recommendations to govern ment.

T hese proposed pol icies, or recommendations, address: the Canada Jobs Grant Program; PST and Contracts to Improve Real Property; Changing BC’s Sales Tax Model; Responsible Resource Development; Setting the Standard for Commercial Truck Driver Training; Stopping the Time Change in BC; Supporting BC’s Land Based Wineries, Cideries and Distilleries; and Electronic Logbooks for Trucking.

These recommendations have

5/26/16

people of TRU? For Diana Skoglund, TRU’s Media Relations and Communications Manager, the honour was indeed a happy surprise—but one that felt appropriate. “Good design creates a sense of place and builds pride— and that’s exactly what this building update has done.”

Skoglund has a special perspective on the building update, having once been a student at TRU before returning as a staff member. She has a long-range view of the development and maturation of the university, of which the architectural update is a visible sign.

She explains that what she and other TRU staff and students “fondly call” the Old Main was once not entirely a thing of beauty. “It was a T-shaped cinder block building,” she says, chuckling. “Now the building actually complements the natural beauty of the campus grounds.”

Indeed, any individual strolling the TRU campus could echo Skoglund’s sentiments.

The formerly T-shaped utilitarian structure is now capped with a “sweeping expanse of roof,” as Skoglund calls it; an undulating wood feature that is meant to evoke the landscape surrounding it.

“The curves in the roof were designed to resemble Mount Peter and Paul, specifically as imagined by the Group of Seven painter A.Y. Jackson,” says Skoglund. “It mirrors the low rolling hills that are typical of the Thompson Valley.”

But the update wasn’t just visual. The Old Main, which houses TRU’s dynamic new Faculty of Law and administrative space for the Master of Business Administration program, has added 44,000 square feet on a 3rd and a 4th floor. The space features light hardwoods, ample natural light, and ingeniously designed windows offering natural ventilation.

Work that manages to be both aesthetically appealing and functional is the mark of an excellent architect. TRU had that in Donald Schmitt, of the Toronto-based Diamond Schmitt Architects.

office on Victoria Street for three years, we thought we’d formally introduce ourselves.

Binnie is a British Columbia consultancy with 170 staff. We provide a range of civil engineering services and other service lines, including transportation engineering, land development services, landscape architecture, and survey. We have offices in Kamloops, Prince George, Squamish, Burnaby, and Surrey.

Through our 47-year history of providing effective engineering services for development and infrastructure projects, we have helped build the communities we live in. At Binnie, we are committed to sustainable business practices, to ensuring that our designs work for your community, and to producing solutions that you want, and need.

Deb McClelland is the executive director of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached email at deb@kamloopschamber.ca

12:34 PM

“This building is now a point of pride, a delight to show.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

been brought to us by business people in our Kamloops community, and each one addresses a gap or roadblock to business success. Each recommendation has gone through a stringent process with our Policy Development Committee that has clarified the recommendation, helping to provide a compelling case for the change. Should the recommendations be accepted and passed on to the appropriate level of government, these changes will help businesses to further their success in the various industries they represent.

To learn more about each of the recommendations or our policy process, visit kamloopschamber.ca or contact our office: mail@kamloopschamber.ca | 250.372.7722.

••• A note from one of ou r members: Binnie’s Kamloops staff are pleased to have joined the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce.

While we’ve been working at our

DIANA SKOGLUND THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Skoglund explains that while three different firms took part in a design charrette, Diamond Schmitt’s proposal conveyed “a real sense of place for the university.” The design used the building’s existing footprint and reflected a high environmental standard, including the use of sustainable materials, low flow systems, and energysaving insulation.

Skoglund recalls the fun of watching the building come together in 2012. Diamond

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

The curved roof in Thompson Rivers University’s updated Old Main building was designed to resemble Kamloops’ Mount Peter and Mount Paul

Schmitt’s construction techniques were similar to the ones they used to build the new stations along the Canada Line for the 2010 Olympics. Panels prefabricated off-site were hoisted aloft by cranes and “clicked together” by crews.

The result is a building that distinguishes not only the TRU campus but also the

city of Kamloops. Skoglund says, “We have 14,000 students on campus and 300 of them are part of the Faculty of Law. But our campus is situated right in town and everybody in Kamloops benefits from beautiful architecture at TRU.” Thompson Rivers University: tru.ca Diamond Schmitt Architects: dsai.ca

OFF THE COVER

JUNE 2016

9

SPECIALIST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Fustis filled and ready for tastings.

Olivia’s twohemisphere solution guarantees offering of the freshest oils at time of harvest, be it during winter or summer months.

Olivia’s and Peters’ Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory number 18 staff members and growing.

With the addition of the Penticton location, the store is looking for a number of new hires, which means more employee selection and training.

Peters acknowledged that talent development plays a key part in her and her husband’s chosen path as serial entrepreneurs: “We are blessed to have a great team. Our first hire at Rocky Mountain, Clarissa, started working for us when she was 15. Now, she has graduated with a business diploma and functions as our operations manager and liaison between the stores.”

All this resonates well with

The new Olivia’s Oils & Vinegars location in Penticton features a tasting bar as well as some Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory treats.

Peters’ original aspiration to help and inspire others through food. Five years ago, she quit her pharmaceutical job in Winnipeg to acquire a food truck business which saw her getting up at 4 am and making around 60 different stops each day.

Following in her cousin’s footsteps, who had already moved to the Okanagan and helped establish the now-esteemed 50th Parallel Estate Winery in Lake Country,

Peters went on to obtain a chocolatiering certificate. She bought a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Kelowna while her financial planner husband acquired a business in Kamloops. They then decided to start a family in Kelowna.

Being a mother of two active toddlers, Peters remarked that in running a lifestyle business, the combination of passion, due diligence, and business-savvy definitely pays off.

Olivia’s Oils and Vinegars’ next venture includes the creation of more strategic partnerships with wineries and other businesses in the region. As Peters noted, chocolates, wines, oils, and vinegars go together, be it in terms of product development – pinot noir wine truffles, anyone? – or partnerships, from corporate and wholesale accounts to getting into the wedding and party favours market.

C O R P O R AT E T R A I N I N G SOLUTIONS MAxIMIzE yOUR PEOPLE

Okanagan College can deliver your training where and when you need it. Connect with us today to find out how we can work with you to grow your greatest asset – your people.

I have had the privilege of working with Okanagan College on customized training on two occasions, both of which were a huge success.

- Oria Sutherland Human Resources Coordinator BC Tree Fruits / Growers Supply Co.

FLExIbLE SChEdULES

INdUSTRy ExPERTISE

CUSTOMIzEd SOLUTIONS

CONvENIENT LOCATIONS

ONLINE LEARNING

O k A N A G A N . b C . C A / C O R P O R AT E T R A I N I N G

OCRTP 92874

summer months.

Consideri ng most oi ls a nd vinegars have a shelf life of 14 months, the store does well to manage inventory and wastage via strategic partnerships, wholesale and corporate accounts, and a great marketing and business system, wh ich Peters credited to the store’s original owners.

Olivia’s began in 2012 as a retirement project and labour of love for a local couple. When Peters bought and opened a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at the Orchard Park Mall in Kelowna in 2013, she was situated right across from Olivia’s flagship store.

Recognizing that oils and vinegars go well with gourmet wines and chocolates, Olivia’s original owners got in touch with Peters to supply chocolate for the shop, and she ended up becoming their protégé for the next two years, until they decided to retire and sell the business to her in May this year.

A few weeks after taking over, Peters is now spearheading Olivia’s expansion into the new location in Penticton and beyond.

“The previous owners put their hearts and souls into the business and I am humbled and honoured to be able to take it on,” said Peters, adding that they had been great mentors who had the whole system down to a science.

Now, the combined forces of

10

JUNE 2016

MANUFACTURING Manufacturing Jobs Pay 15 Per Cent Higher Than National Average With more people leaving jobs in manufacturing industry leaders are looking for innovative ways to find new workers BETH HENDRY-YIM

B

C’s manufacturing sector comes in as the fourth largest in Canada generating nearly $14.3 billion in gross domestic product. The numbers, from the latest provincial report on manufacturing, show it as a key sector, employing a significant percentage of BC’s labour force with 161,000 workers.

Manufactured goods make up the largest component of BC exports, at 63 per cent heading to a global marketplace that includes the United States, China, Japan and Europe.

Although wood product manufacturing remains a leader in BC, other companies are commanding their market share by developing new products and innovative techniques and adding design and post-sale service to their process.

The industry is made up of a diverse group of companies in areas such as apparel, food, amusement park equipment and biomedical manufacturing.

U n i ve r s a l P a c k a g i n g i s a 31-year-old company located in the North Okanagan that provides screen printing for wine, beer and spirt bottles. Its process has made it the largest bottle printer in North America to these industries.

“Manufacturing in general provides a fair amount of stability in jobs and in the companies,” said Steve Pelkey, CEO of Universal, “Manufacturing companies usually pay employees better than the retail or service industry and there are more opportunities for in-house training, career advancement and higher starting wages.”

Manufacturing is a complex and multi-level industry with participation from a variety of sectors that supply raw materials, energy, equipment and human capital. According to the province’s profile it supports the creation of high paying jobs such as in engineering and consulting, software design, skilled trades as well as those in production plants.

Stephen Peel, vice president Ironside Design Manufacturing Inc, and interim vice president for Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) BC’s Advisory Board and Chair of CME BC’s

Policy and Public Affairs Committee, said that there is a full spectrum of career opportunities outside traditional machinists and welders, and that youth and their parents should not disregard a career in a trade in manufacturing.

“How many jobs are there where a student from high school can step into a well-paying position without any prior training? Many manufacturing jobs train on the job, pay for schooling and help build a career through apprenticeships.”

He added that like other sectors, manufacturing faces a serious worker shortage over the next 10-15 years.

“There are more people retiring from jobs than there are new workers,” he said. “With

manufacturing contributing a major portion of the tax base, it’s a big issue.”

Pelkey said one solution leaders in the sector would like to see is government encouraging immigrants to move to outlying regions of the province.

“Instead of settling in urban a r e a s , t h e y c o u l d c o m e to places like the North Okanagan and find great paying jobs and opportunities.”

Pelkey said that his company’s senior plant management is also looking at internal ways to increase interest in jobs by creating new programming and enhancing benefits.

Kevin Poole, economic development and tourism manager of Vernon said that to encourage

the growth of manufacturing in Vernon, Community Futures, with funding support from the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program has created a new mentorship program.

Designed to help local manufacturers increase efficiencies, stimulate innovation, improve profitability and enhance management skills, the project provides a forum for participants to discuss issues with like-minded and experienced mentors.

“Twelve companies are participating in the program including: Kingfisher Boats, Universal Packaging, Piscine Energetics, tekmar, Chemach and newer companies like Armadillo Trailer Manufacturing,” he said.

11

JUNE 2016

COMMUNITY

VERNON City In Transition With Building Boom Strong numbers in commercial and residential sales building optimism

New builds and renovations of existing buildings are helping to revitalize the downtown core CREDIT:DAN ROGERS

BETH HENDRY-YIM

V

ernon is a city in transition with a building boom in 2015 that marked its second strongest year for commercial development.

Caroline Radics We are dedicated to providing investment management and strategic wealth planning to families, small business owners and have a specialty niche with the “strong independent woman”. Simply put, we strive to be our client’s trusted advisor. As a financial advisory firm, our primary focus is to provide unbiased opinions that are designed to achieve long term investment results. Caroline, through Investia Financial Services Inc. does this with the highest levels of trust, integrity and respect while always collaborating using a team approach. We are dedicated to professionally supporting, educating, and providing informed direction to each and every client.

250-558-2943 • 250-308-7253 www.carolineradics.com

T h is yea r looks even more promising with several major projects in the works, including BC Hydro’s $23.6 million 120,000 square foot regional operations facility, Parkwood Retirement Community with 150-unit and

$18 million building permit price tag, 86-unit BX Crossing at $12 million. In addition, Phase 1 of the Hamlets, a combined residential, retail, commercial development, as well as improvements to the Bank of Montreal building,

look to be instrumental in the revitalization of the downtown core. There has also been the opening of a new Canadian Tire store at 102,000 square feet. It is SEE VERNON | PAGE 12

VERNON

12

JUNE 2016

Gray Monk Estate Winery boasts 75 acres of vineyards

Residential · Commercial Industrial · Institutional · Hospitality Call Us Today to See How We Can Help With Your Next Project! #101, 2903 – 35 Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 2S7

250.545.0784 Office

CREDIT:TOURISM VERNON

“Residents already know how beautiful Vernon is. Now visitors are starting to see all that it has to offer.”

ANGELINE CHEW TOURISM MANAGER, CITY OF VERNON

Angeline Chew, Tourism Manager, City of Vernon

www.trta.ca

CREDIT:ANGELINE CHEW

Kevin Poole, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism CREDIT:KEVIN POOLE

VERNON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

This is where you plug in.

one of the largest Canadian Tire outlets in BC, making headlines at the beginning of the year when it hosted a job fair that had 500 people lining up for 50 jobs.

Building improvement and renovation projects are also driving commerci a l development w it h additions to the Okanagan Spring Gateway buildi n g , Mon a sh e e L iq uor Store and Predator Ridge Clubhouse.

Overall, compared to last

We plug you into the people that matter.

Close to 550 members for referrals and advice.

Professional Development Workshops & Seminars.

Promotion through an online directory and advertising opportunities.

Chamber events make it easy to connect, meet new people, make contacts and build lasting business relationships.

year, Vernon is also seeing strong numbers in residential and commercial property sales, up 58 per cent in the first quarter alone.

The manufacturing sector has seen its own g row t h a s wel l . Kev i n Poole, manager of economic development and tourism, said that Universal Packaging is looking to hire employees immediately, and a new mentorsh ip prog ra m t h rou g h SEE VERNON | PAGE 13

We stand up for you.

Join the people who get things done. Your membership provides you with a connection to local businesses, events, seminars and member exclusive deals that save you money.

Your membership means business.

Learn more about the value of being a Chamber member.

250.545.0771 vernonchamber.ca Cider made from locally grown apples is gaining in popularity CREDIT:TOURISM VERNON

VERNON

JUNE 2016

Recently Vernon welcomed its first craft brewery CREDIT:TOURISM VERNON

VERNON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Community Futures, with funding support from the National Research Council of Canada’s Research Assistance program, aims to support manufacturing start-ups.

“For the past several years, the City of Vernon has sponsored the “Manufacturer of the Year” award at the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards to show our support for the sector.”

Dan Rogers, general manager, Vernon Chamber of Commerce,

said that the projects are helping to create a sense of optimism, especially when combined with the demographic shift bringing fresh new ideas and workers to the region.

“We are seeing more young people tapping into the lifestyle here, bringing their unique talents from Vancouver and building a future and raising their family in our city.”

He added that many people see Vernon as being under the radar, a small city that still takes only 10-15 minutes to get from one end to the other. He said that m i n i ma l tra ffic a nd shorter

commutes are things that attract people to the area.

“They get a pleasant surprise at how cosmopolitan it is becoming as the population increases. When you combine the city’s population with that of adjacent District of Coldstream, and others in the nearby rural areas, there are close to 80,000 people who call the north Okanagan home.”

Angeline Chew, tourism manager, City of Vernon, believes it isn’t just residents discovering the city and surrounding region.

Tourist numbers are up as well, in 2015 hotel tax figures were up 15 per cent over 2014, which

translates to the generation of an additional $16 million in economic impact.

“Residents already know how beautiful Vernon is. Now visitors are starting to see all that it has to offer,” she said, adding that wineries located south of the city, a new craft brewery, Marten Brewpub, and the award winning BX Press Cidery, are big draws.

“BX Press produces specialty apple cider blends from their th i rd generation-ow ned orchards. After only three years in operation, when they open their doors for sales in May, by August, they will have already sold out. Last year they doubled production and still sold out.

Some of their speciality ciders, like one made with black currants and cardamom, can be purchased only through its exclusive Cider Club.”

She added that several undiscovered wineries are also gaining time in the spotlight.

For instance, Gray Monk Estate Winery, the oldest winery with its original owners, Trudy and George Heiss, overlooks Okanagan Lake and boasts 75 acres of vineyards. Some of its awards from the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival include a gold for its Pinot Gris 2014, silver for both its Ehrenfelser 2015 and Chardonnay 2015 Unwooded and gold for its Riesling 2013. Another award winner, 50th Parallel is also garnering awards with wine maker

13 Grant Stanley focusing on Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and in 2015 a Chardonnay.

One of the most important initiatives for attracting tourists that the city has undertaken is the media hosting program. In 2015 the city met with 109 journalists garnering $2 million in media value. In 2016, it has already met with 44 journalists with a media value of $1 million.

“Media, like bloggers, travel magazine journalists and freelance writers of travel, health and wellness and food and wine, were invited to visit Vernon and experience customized tours,” Chew explained. “They would then generate a story through their media channels on what they enjoyed here.”

She added that the program reaches untapped markets that are looking for distinct experiences and tourists that standard marketing channels may not reach as effectively.

“This is the first year Vernon has actively pursued the prog ra m,” Chew ex pla i ned. “It has been a very effective way of leveraging travel journalists to visit our city and experience all it has to offer.”

Tourism Vernon’s new website also created a stir this year, bringing home gold from the Hermes Creative Awards, an international online competition with over 6,000 applicants.

Vernon took the win for best government website.

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A HOME EQUITY LOAN?

DRAW DATE is October 30, 2016 at KAL-MOR MORTGAGE’S CUSTOMER APPRECIATION. Guaranteed Winner.

14

VERNON

JUNE 2016

VERNON FABRICATOR SERVICES A GLOBAL MARKETPLACE Gemini Gas Springs Custom Builds Nitrogen-Filled Spring Systems

V

ERNON – Quality m a t e r i a l s , E u ro p e a n craftsmanship, custom designs and personalized serv ice – these a re some of the key elements behind the success experienced by Vernon’s Gemini Gas Springs Inc. This cu stom fabr ic ator h a s produced gas springs for clients from around the world out of its 3,000 square foot shop at #1-6276 Pleasant Valley Road.

Open i ng about eig ht yea rs ago Gemini Gas Springs specializes in the design and m a n u f a c t u r e o f n i t r o g e nf i l led (ca rbon a nd sta i n less steel) spring systems, a product used in a wide variety of applications.

“We build them from scratch for clients from virtually any field of industry; automotive, av i at ion, p ubl ic t ra n s p or t, hea lth ca re, fu rn itu re, cons t r u c t i o n a n d o t h e rs ,” e xplained company owner Henk Blok. “Essentially our products are built to exacting client

requirements so we’re not in the high volume business but are here to meet high quality and specific client needs.”

Blok, who had a similar business in his native Netherlands before moving to the region a decade ago, used his expertise to re-establ ish h is busi ness i n the Oka naga n. “Each a nd every spring we make is custom built in Vernon. T hanks to cou riers it rea l ly doesn’t matter where we are located.

We had visited the region before a nd l i ked it so when we decided to move to Canada this was the place for us.”

With a staff ranging from five to 11 depending on the contract Gemini can produce as many as 100,000 units per year out of its cu rrent faci l ity. “O u r cl ients a re of ten t he people who in the past have been disappoi nted by buy i ng off the shelf products,” he explained.

“Ours are custom made to exacting standards. We literally h ave cl ients f rom A laska to New Zealand.”

Blok expects to slowly expand his shop capacity by gradually acquiring new equipment and staff, but no solid expansion plans are currently in place.

To learn more please visit the company’s website at: www. geminigassprings.com

ARMSTRONG CO-OP TO OPEN GAS BAR IN VERNON THIS FALL The Regional Cooperative Has Served The Area Since 1922

A

R MST RONG – T he concept is a fundamental truism of business.

When an enterprise is owned by the people who use its products and services they will be motivated to continue to use those products and services.

That is the vision that sparked the launch of the Co-operative movement in Canada and around the world. No better e x a mple of t h i s s u c c e ss f u l business model in action is the nea rly centu ry long ex perience of the Armstrong Regional Cooperative (the ‘ARC’).

“Cu r rent ly we h ave about 14,000 members, with the majority of those located in the Okanagan and Shuswap area,” explained Jeff Payne, the operation’s General Manager, and there are almost 1,000 members in the Vernon area alone.

Employing 35 staff, the userowned organization opened in 1922 and currently operates a total of five different fuel outlets with total annual sales of

nearly $50 million. T he A RC operates ca rd locks i n A rmst rong, Ca noe a nd Scotch Creek whith gas bar convenience stores in Armstrong and Salmon Arm and delivers fuels and lubricants from their bulk plant in Armstrong.

In the fall of 2016 the ARC’s reach will extend into Vernon with the opening of its newest gas bar. “The Vernon construction began in May and should be ready to open in October,” Payne explained.

The ARC is not merely a successf u l busi ness, it retu r ns profits to its members as patronage equity rebates ($39.9 million directly to members since 1990) and it’s also a good cor porate cit i zen. O ver t he decades the organization has been a key supporter of a wide range of local groups and causes from sports, youth and artistic ventures to agricultural events.

It also makes a sizable annual commitment to local hospitals and hospice societies.

“We’ve been around 94 years now a nd ex pect to conti nue serving our growing membership well into the future,” he said.

To learn more please visit the company’s website at: www. armstrong.coop

VERNON

JUNE 2016

VERNON HONDA DEALERSHIP A TRIPLE AWARD WINNER Bannister Honda: Ranked Among The Best In Canada

V

ERNON – Bannister Honda continues its award winning ways - receiving no less than three additional accolades in the past few months. In short order the dealership, which has operated under its present management since 2012, was recognized as the number one Honda Dealership in BC for customer satisfaction, the New Car Dealers Association (NCDA) of BC acknowledged the operation as being the number one Community Supporter in its region and it was also ranked number two in a listing of Best Auto Dealer Employers in Canada.

“We were runner-up Employer of the Year in Canada for automotive dealerships,” explained Pat Loehndorf, one of Bannister’s owners.

“This is based in part on an employee survey conducted by Canadian Auto World Magazine, the largest publication of its kind in the country. It’s great to be recognized by such a well respected industry authority.”

The NCDA award was presented based on the level of community support the dealership had provided over the year. “These awards

“Of all the Honda dealerships in BC we have the highest score.”

15

#1 Honda Dealer in BC for Customer Satisfaction New Car Dealer Community Supporter Best Employer #2 in Canada

PAT LOEHNDORF OWNER, BANNISTER HONDA

are presented in the different regions of the province and we won for the Okanagan and Interior of BC for giving back to our community, it’s called the Community Driver Award.”

Dealer Rater, a company that collects customer reviews of car dealerships in Canada also recognized Bannister for its high level of customer satisfaction. “We were ranked a 4.8 out of 5 dealership, which means that 99 per cent of our customers would recommend us to friends and family,” he said.

“Of all the Honda dealerships in BC we have the highest score, with 525 posted testimonials, that’s probably the single award that we are most proud of.”

With a staff of 36, Bannister is located at 6425 Highway 97 North and has amassed an expanding list of satisfied customers from across the Okanagan Valley.

To learn more please visit the company’s website at: www. bannisterhonda.com or DealerRater.ca

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY GETS COVERED BY MOST HEALTH BENEFITS Clinic combines cultural medicinals with massage therapy for prevention and treatment

V

ERNON – Blending ancient medicinals with therapeutic massage is the concept behind Rain Wellness. Owner and Registered Massage Therapist, Angeline Chillihitzia, said the treatments offered at her clinic draw on a strong cultural heritage and create a unique and healing experience.

“It is more than a luxury treatment,” she said. “There is a benefit and purpose to each therapeutic session.”

She explained that hydrotherapy combined with her different specialty-sourced products exfoliate and nourish the skin, encourage lymphatic drainage and clear blockages.

“Our signature health treatment, Mountain Rain Bliss, uses the Vichy shower, organic body scrub, detoxifying mud, (sourced from the Great Salt Lake), infrared heat lamps and relaxing massage using our moisturizing body butter.”

Massage therapy isn’t just for soft tissue rehabilitation, Chillihitzia said; it’s also used for injury

prevention, stress management and even relaxation.

“Keeping a muscle supple and relaxed helps to prevent pulled muscles and the after-burn from a good workout, and to alleviate the discomfort of chronic pain conditions.”

Rain Wellness also encourages clients to begin or end a treatment session with its full spectrum infrared sauna, a new technology that combines near, mid and far infrared rays.

“The full spectrum light penetrates human tissue at different levels providing a number of anti-aging health benefits.”

For the clinic’s clients, Chillihitzia said, treatments are covered under most health benefit packages.

“Employers want healthy, relaxed employees, and insurance companies know the benefits of massage therapy,” she said. “All of Rain’s therapists are registered under the College of Massage Therapists of BC so we are able to direct-bill insurance companies.”

Since learning cultural healing modalities from her grandmother in Merritt, developing a healing and safe place for people to get well has been a long term goal of Chillihitzia’s.

She began fulfilling that dream when in 2010 she attended the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy and graduated in 2013.

Rain Wellness is at 3412 Coldstream Avenue in Vernon www.rainwellness.ca

RainWellness.ca

MASSAGE & HYDROTHERAPY CLINIC VERNON, BC

Registered Massage Therapy Hydrotherapy & Spa Treatments Aromatherapy & Homecare Essentials

(778)475-RAIN

Plenty of Parking Direct Billing for some Insurances Stress Release and Relaxation

All treatments are covered under Extended Health Benefits

16

VERNON

JUNE 2016

A FRESH COAT D & E Distributors thriving under new management

AUTOMOTIVE & INDUSTRIAL PAINT BODY WORK SUPPLIES & FASTENERS OEM CLIPS & MOLDING FASTENERS EXOTIC CUSTOM COLOURS AUTOMOTIVE & INDUSTRIAL COATINGS • Automotive Paint • Auto Body Supplies • Air Brush Supplies • Clips | Fasteners | Filters

Krista & Mike Bell 250-542-6788 toll Free 1-800-665-5750 2709 - 44th Ave., Vernon BC dande@shawcable.com customkolorcanada.com

Integral Accounting delivers professional accounting services to small and medium businesses, strata corporations, and local governments.

OUTSOURCED CONTROLLER & VIRTUAL ACCOUNTING SERVICES

Dee Danallanko, BMgt, CPA, CA, CRM Principal

250.306.0029

www.IntegralAccounting.net

K

rista Bell and her husband Mike are the new faces behind D & E Distributors.

“I was doing a restoration on a 1960 Corvette,” said Mike, “buying materials from D & E Distributors when I stumbled across an ad in a real estate paper.”

Mike and K rista decided to meet the owner and find out if the business was viable.

Over the last year, Mike and Krista have taken the company through some aggressive changes and have seen increased sales as a result. What did they change?

First they cleaned up shop.

“We wanted to give the building an up-to-date appearance with brand graphics on the store front,” said Mike. “Now customers can see the variety of products we carry, just by driving by.”

D & E can supply not only your automotive paint and bodywork supplies, but also fiberglass resins and gel coats. They carry Meguiar’s polishing products and their supply of OEM replacement trim clips and fasteners is very impressive.

Mike has also ramped up the sales process at D & E Distributors. “I’ve been knocking on doors, visiting a lot of old customers that haven’t purchased anything for five or six years and letting them know about the new ownership and our new strategy.”

The new strategy that the company has instituted includes a focus on competitive pricing and customer service. “We enjoy meeting new and existing customers and are generally interested in each customer’s project.”

Whether you are restoring a classic automobile or just doing touch up on your daily driver, they have the products for the job.

“We’ve strategically adjusted our pricing to be more competitive,” said Mike, “and offer better discounts to high volume accounts.”

For D & E Distributors, customer service is akin to “pulling up a stool” to chat with either Krista or Mike. “We enjoy helping other car enthusiasts with getting their ‘baby’ back on the road.”

Don’t forget to stop in for your complimentary copy of Quick Times.

We look forwa rd to spea ki ng w ith you a nd lea rn i ng more about how we can serve you. Please ca l l us today at 1(800)665-5750.

INTEGRAL ACCOUNTING: SERVICES TAILORED FOR SMALL BUSINESS New Accountancy Firm Uses The Latest Software & Technology

V

ER NON – T here is no one who understands the needs, cha l lenges a nd joys of a small business better than another small business owner. That level of intimate understanding is what sets Vernon’s Integral Accounting Inc. apart from its larger competitors. Owned and operated by accounting professional Dee Danallanko (BMgt, CPA, CA, CRM) Integral officially opened its doors in February, but was the end result of a long term dream.

“I found that one of the biggest problems in my life was that I didn’t like being an employee,” she jokingly explained. “I thought to myself: When was the last time that I was really happy?

I realized that it was when I got to work with small business owners. T hey were happy to see you because you were doing something they couldn’t do for themselves. Helping them made me happy and I find it very gratifying to do that.”

Operating out of a home office located at 1801 – 36 Street in Vernon, Danallanko brings more than 20 years of experience working for major firms, local governments and non-profit orga n izations (a mong ma ny others) to her new venture. Using that wealth of training and experience she has opened her oneperson outlet to assist the local small business community with its accounting needs.

Being small provides many advantages including a quick turn-around time, personalized service, lower operating costs and an innate understanding of the needs of small business – while offering the same tools and professional qualifications major corporate clients would expect.

“Outsourcing accounting services allows you to spend more of your valuable time on your core responsibilities, knowing that these functions are effectively managed,” she explained.

“Many small organizations don’t need a full-time employee, that’s what outsourcing is all about. I always use the best to ol s to prov id e o ut s t a nding service with integrity and proficiency.”

To learn more please visit the company’s website at: www. integralaccounting.net

17

JUNE 2016

RAMADA INN COMBINES MODERN AMENITIES WITH RETRO FEEL NEW DIRECTION ADDS SIGNATURE TOUCHES TO NEW BUFFET STYLE DINING AND LOUNGE DRINKS BETH HENDRY-YIM

K

AMLOOPS – The Ramada Inn - Kamloops adopts a new concept for its dining room and brings back a retro feel in the rooftop lounge.

New general manager Percy Amaria, said that renovations, a new chef and menu, including an all-you-can eat buffet and a line-up of old time favourite and trending drinks will appeal to a varied clientele.

“Visitors and local residents will enjoy the great value of the buffet,” he said. “There will be at least 60 items, including ribs, our specialty pulled pork, corn beef, chicken, seasonal veggies, at least seven types of salad, fresh baked rolls and cookies, a dessert bar, chocolate fountain and ice cream machine.”

H e a d d e d t h a t Ch ef A m ol br i n g s not on ly ex p er ience working on Disney cruise lines but also training and skills in bu ffet ser v ice a nd h ig h end displays.

“People are looking for value when dining out,” said Percy.

“They want quality and a good price. With our new direction, we are providing both plus a fantastic view of Kamloops.”

A n icon ic la nd ma rk, the Ramada-Kamloops, originally named by locals the ‘Dome’ for its unique curved design, was established in 1972 and rapidly became a popular stopping place for tourists and locals.

Although over the years the hotel has u ndergone severa l renovations, recent upgrades to the restaurant and lounge improve the flow and capitalize on spectacular views of the city, Thompson River, and surrounding hills.

YOUR BUSINESS CONNECTION TO:

KAMLOOPS

“From the rooftop lounge you have an incredible panoramic view of the rolling hills and valley,” said Jill Cope, sales manager. She added that the lounge has both indoor and outdoor space easily accessed through big French doors, and the design of the windows allows for maximum views and lighting.

Percy said the bar list in the lounge is also getting a makeover, with six varieties of beer on tap that include several Molson brews, and beers from Granville Island Micro Brewery. The menu features delicious meals and platters like Giant Lamb Meatballs, Fried Pickles, Ling Cod Tacos Roasted Pumpkin &

Goat Cheese Ravioli and an array of organic Valley grown salads.

“The lounge will also be serving new and classic drinks,” he said. “We’ve even created our own signature drink, a Caesar with our popular smoke house pulled pork.”

The hotel also provides guests with access to a fully equipped fitness center, hot tub, and special packages including wildlife excursions, wedding and meeting room packages.

As one of the busiest hotels in Kamloops, its new direction promises to continue the tradition of providing quality and value to its visitors along with the signature look and appeal.

Discover how we can connect you to more business in Kamloops & beyond! kamloopschamber.ca

250.372.7722

• Special Corporate Rates • Meeting Rooms • Opening of new Buffet Restaurant 555 West Columbia St. KAMLOOPS

250-374-0358 • 1-800-663-2832 RamadaKamloops.ca

18

JUNE 2016

EDURING PRINCIPLES: ENDURING SUCCESS Top Quality Millworks Ltd. is careful to do what it says

W

hen you ta l k to Ted Kowalsky, you get the straight goods. No sales pitch, no run-around; just honest insights from someone who’s self-taught, been in business a long time, and knows what it takes to succeed.

Top Quality Millworks Ltd. was founded in 2001 out of an opportunity to service a major Canadian retailer across western Canada; they retain that sole client to this day.

How does one company create and sustain a coveted relationship like that? TQM Kamloops is strategically positioned on the TransCanada and offers lower warehousing costs than Calgary and Vancouver, which is part of the reason for TQM’s ongoing success.

But it’s not the whole story.

Kowalsky starts with people.

“I’ve always been pretty demanding of our sub-trades,” admitted Kowalsky. “But when you’re demanding, you have to be that way on the giving and the taking.

If you expect a lot out of a sub-trade then you have to be able to show your appreciation and give back.”

“When you’re loyal to people it pays benefits in the long run. Always try and make life as easy as possible for the people that work for you. If you do that for them they will give you a better product and give it to you on time.”

TQM employs 12 staff as well as various sub-contractors in order to increase efficiency and control costs.

Kowalsky said the company has been careful to fight the “good enough” mentality. “You have to be constantly reminding your suppliers of what you and the customer expect. It’s difficult sometimes for sub-trades that want to cut back, get in and out quickly, and get the job done with a mentality of ‘good enough’. That’s why we have our people constantly monitoring

7 Point Millworks & Installations Ltd. and Rayleigh Renovating & Contracting Ltd. facilities share 23,000 square feet.

“When you’re loyal to people it pays benefits in the long run.”

TED KOWALSKY

progress. The people who build for us know we won’t accept anything inferior.”

Interestingly, Kowalsky says he gets his standard from the customer’s requirements. He believes business is as simple—and as difficult—as doing what the customer asks, and then doing what you say you will do.

“It’s not always easy,” said Kowalsky. “People try to make as much money in as short a space of time, and are always worried they’re going to run out of work. So they take on too much instead of producing a product, making that customer happy, and then going to the next one.”

It’s common in the trades for people to take on “way too much work,” believes Kowalsky, putting

Congratulations to

Top Quality Millworks Ltd. has serviced a major Canadian retailer across western Canada since 2001. them in the position where they can’t possibly fulfill it. “It takes a long time to build a reputation.”

It’s not that he expects perfection, but he believes that mistakes have to be dealt with the right way.

“If you have to make excuses for flaws, you’re never going to succeed.

Anyone can make a mistake, but you have to be proactive. Point it out and say you’ll fix it right away. And then fix it.”

Another thing Kowalsky believes very strongly about may not be glamorous, but it’s something he attributes a great deal of his success to: paperwork.

“Your documentation is your business. You can only talk up a good storm until push comes to shove, and then you have to produce the paperwork.”

“We keep very accurate records.

It’s important for us to document

Mario’s Mobile Welding

Proud to be Building The Future With TQM!

Top Quality Millworks on their many years of success!

Wishing Continued success to Top Quality Millworks!

From your friends at Mario’s Welding

Commercial & Residential Wiring

261A Victoria Street Kamloops, BC, V2C 2A1 T: (250) 372-7655 F: (250) 372-2118 TP@TENISCIPIVA.COM www.teniscipiva.com

Mario’s Mobile Welding Heavy Equipment Repairs Fabricating High-Pressure Welding

250-819-6300

250-374-1387

pellizzon@telus.net

Ryan Fisher

ryan@fisherelectric.ca

everything. We always make sure our invoices are up to date, billing is correct, and accounts payable and receivables are up to date.”

“If you do work for a reputable company, they will want a bill. And they want it on time, even if they don’t always pay it on time.”

Kowalsky recognizes that a large part of his success has been due to his wife Maryanne. The two work closely together. “My wife makes sure the bills get paid, and she’s not one to throw money around. I credit her with our Class A credit rating.”

Kowalsky doesn’t believe in the logic of paying yourself first. “You have to make sure that people who have extended you credit are paid.

They have expressed their faith in you. If you don’t respect that by not paying your bill you’re basically slapping them in the face. It goes back to doing what you say you’re going to do.”

The Kowalskys also own 7 Point Millworks & Installations Ltd. and Rayleigh Renovating & Contracting Ltd. The companies share 23,000 square feet of office and warehouse space in Kamloops.

Proud to work with Top Quality Millworks!

Wallace Upholstery and Foam Proudly Serving Kamloops since 1962

250-374-5305

www.wallaceupholstery.com

SALMON ARM

JUNE 2016

19

MARIONETTE WINERY CELEBRATE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

SALMON ARM CORRYN GRAYSTON

S

almon Arm is pleased to help celebrate the first year anniversary for Marionette Winery located on the NE side of our city. Marionette Winery is gaining huge popularity with locals and tourists alike as a boutique winery that produces high quality wines. Following traditional European wine-making methods, Charles and Jamie Smith are creating wine that’s beautiful and expressive of its region and sense of place, while ensuring they retain the health and harmony of the ecosystems

in which their grapes are grown and produced. Visit Marionette Winery at 2540 – 40 Street NE and for more information go to www.marionettewinery.com ••• Also celebrating their recent opening in downtown Salmon Arm is Crystal Power, owner of To the Left. To the Left is an art gallery for the enlightenedminded, featuring functional glass art and smoking accessories. Locally owned with love, passion, respect and knowledge.

Crystal invites you to visit the shop at 170 Hudson Avenue NE from Monday – Saturday each week.

••• Marie Kolenosky of Healthy Choices is excited to announce a new product in her line of health a nd wel l ness products – XS Sports Nutrition. From protein shakes & powders, supplements, energy bars, smoothie charges to twist tubes, these items will hydrate, energize and recharge you before and after your workouts.

For a full list of products and

The Shuswap Dragon Boat Festival will be happening on Saturday, June 25 at Marine Park in downtown Salmon Arm information visit www.amway. ca/mariekolenosky ••• Congratulations to DeMille’s Farm Market for recently raising almost $5,000 for victims of the Ft. McMurray fires. Locals and businesses alike are hosting fund-raising events all over the community to help those in need. Hats off to all who are making a difference and making a donation!

••• David Walker and his team in Salmon Arm are getting ready to host the Selkirk Express 2016 Conference on June 15 – 19 at the Prestige Harbourfront Resort.

T h is con ference is u n iquely different in that it is all about model trains! The conference is also hosting a public train show on Saturday, June 18 & Sunday, June 19 at the Shaw Centre. Conference registration, tours and

other details can be found at http://www.selkirkexpress2016. ca ••• Another unique and fun-filled event happening in June is The Shuswap Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, June 25 at Marine Park in downtown Salmon Arm. This is the society’s 13th annual festival and will feature the original wooden dragon boats from China in a special ceremony. The Festival Village is vibrant with live music, working artisans, information kiosks and healthy food vendors serving up a taste of the Shuswap. Located in a beautiful setting on the shores of Salmon Arm Bay the festival is fun for the whole family. For more information visit www. shuswaprowingandpaddling. com Corryn Grayston is the General Manager at the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at (250) 832-6247 or admin@sachamber.bc.ca

PLUMBER CREATES JOB BY BUYING BUSINESS Farm work not an option so plumbing became the family business

K

ELOW NA – During the 1980’s, Wayne Erfle said that jobs were hard to come by, but continuing to work on the family farm was not an option, so he eventually went out and created a job for himself by buying a business.

Born in South Saskachewan, Erfle left the family farm work behind in 1972 and headed to Alberta to begin a career as a plumber.

“My older brother Garry is a plumber so I got a job working beside him,” Erfle explained.

But after working in the cold weather for several years, in 1982 he decided to head to the interior of BC to look for a place where the summers were longer and warmer, and a young man could build a future. He ended up in Kelowna, met a home town girl and began working for long-time Kelowna plumbing company.

“Winter Plumbing was a wellestablished company and the owner, who was 88 by then, wanted to retire. As good jobs were scarce I decided to purchase the business and basically buy myself a job.”

Ernie Winter, who started the company in 1942, was well-known for driving an old 1932 Chevy car around town. It had a rumble seat in the back. Winter told Erfle that it was a great vehicle for carrying cast iron bathtubs to job sites as the tubs would just hook over

“Winter Plumbing was a well-established company and the owner, who was 88 by then, wanted to retire.

So I purchased the business and basically bought myself a job.”

WAYNE ERFLE OWNER, WINTER PLUMBING & HEATING LTD.

the seat.

Erfle started working for Winter in 1988 and in 1989 purchased the company.

“Ernie was ready to retire and was looking forward to spending more time playing tennis,” he said.

Winter Plumbing & Heating has been serving Kelowna and area residents for almost 70 years, keeping its customers warm on cold winter days and cool in the hot dry summers of the Okanagan. Its offices are located in a separate building on Erfle’s five-acre property, just east of the airport.

Over the years, Erfle has seen many changes in the plumbing and heating industry, not just in trends or regulations, but also in equipment.

“With the rising costs of electricity and natural gas we are getting more requests for high efficiency systems,” he said. “They are a low-cost, energy saving alternative that keep a home warm in winter and cool in the summer.”

Suppliers of well-known brands l i ke T ra ne, A merica n Sta ndard, Reem, Fridgidaire, Rudd,

Wayne Erfle met his wife Susan when he moved to Kelowna in 1982 CREDIT:WAYNE ERFLE

Goodman and York, Winter provides free estimates for its residential services.

“We look at several factors when determining the best fit for a home,” he said. “Most importantly, the size of the home, but also, heating and cooling needs, budget and level of desired energy savings.”

He added that with high efficiency units, home owners can expect a significant reduction in energy bills, a more constant temperature and a shorter cooling time.

During Kelowna’s long, hot summers, keeping a home cool can be vital. Erfle said that there are several key factors that determine whether an air conditioning

unit is working properly or not. He noted that the biggest indicator is if the unit is not producing cool air but is simply blowing warm air into the room. He also said that if there are higher energy bills, constant repairs, a strange smell or noise and/or the unit is constantly running, then the unit may need replacing or repair.

Winter Plumbing & Heating also installs and services the latest in energy efficient tankless water heaters and alternative water heating systems.

“If our customers can’t decide what kind of system they want, we will send out one of our highly trained technicians or representatives, the same day, to present different options.”

He added that for meeting hot water needs, Winter technicians will determine the resident’s or commercial outlet’s daily hot water consumption, the level of

energy efficiency the customer is looking for, and space saving needs or wants with either a regular tank or a tankless heater as an option.

“Because, in many cases, the need for a hot water tank can be an emergency, we offer same day delivery of in stock items plus a satisfaction guarantee. We won’t be satisfied until you are.”

Working with commercial and residential customers, Winter technicians are able to deal with many standard plumbing jobs as well as unplugging blocked or backed up drains.

“Our technicians are equipped with residential and commercial grade rodding and hydro jet equipment that not only can unclog a drain, but also clean it through and through.” Erfle explained.

Winter Plumbing & Heating Ltd is at 5261 Whelan Road in Kelowna www.winterplumbing.ca

Banka & Company* Chartered Professional Accountants

Helping you Plan, Manage & Succeed • Corporate Year Ends • Corporate Taxes • Personal Taxes • Small Business Accounting *denotes a Professional Corporation

303 - 1630 Pandosy St., Kelowna BC V1Y 1P7

250-763-4528

www.bankaco.com

MOVERS & SHAKERS

20

(Most Effective Promotion of the Kelowna Fab 5 Wineries), The Wardrobe Boutique (Most Creative), and Serendipity Clothing Company (Most Attractive).

KELOWNA Chefs Mathew Morazain and Bernie Mahapatra have purchased Michel’s Montreal Smoked Meat, renaming the business MTL Montreal Food. They are still located at #101-1851 Kirschner Rd. Susan Steen is stepping down from her position as executive director of the Central Okanagan Hospice Association. She is moving into a position as executive director of the Chilliwack Hospice Society.

Inn From the Cold Kelowna has hired Jan Schulz as their first permanent executive director. Find out more about the organization at www.innfromthecoldkelowna. org.

Wentworth Music has been recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) as a Top 100 Dealer.

Sherry Shiskin has reopened her business, Sherry’s Grand Apparel after the renovation of the lobby at the Delta Grand Hotel.

Tina and Ralph Gerlitsch have opened Avenue M Microgreens.

Their product is available at all Quality Greens Farm Market locations. Find out more at www. avenuem.ca.

MNP LLP is pleased to congratulate Brian Laveck and Marty Clement on their promotions to Associate Partners. Brian and Marty are integral members of the MNP Kelowna office and are focused on providing effective tax and business strategies for Private Enterprise clients.

The Streaming Cafe, a well-known downtown Kelowna music venue,

JUNE 2016

will close its store-front venue.

The business will undergo a shift to Streaming Cafe Presents, which will focus more on the music promotion side of the business.

Tara McCall is joining the team at Sunnyside Dental Care, located at 106-3957 Lakeshore Road.

The Best Western Inn on Highway 97 and Leckie Road has opened the Cornerstone Grill. Cliff Huck, a former chef at Spirit Ridge Resort, will be the executive chef.

Mission Park Travel, located at 102-3275 Lakeshore Road, welcomes Lynn Powell to the team. Powell has over 15 years of experience in the travel industry, working at Tri-Star Travel and P. Lawson Travel.

Dr. Paul Coulter is now an Associate at Access Dental Centre. He will be joining Dr. Klara Barlacu at their practice on 211-1980 Cooper Road.

BC Company 1074374 has purchased the former Monaco site on the corner of Doyle Ave. and St. Paul Street.

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission recognized local students at the Young Entrepreneur Competition. First place for secondary school teams went to Josh Ruda, founder of KV Cresties, who was awarded $1500 for his crested gecko business. First place for middle school

teams went to Teagan Adams, owner of Doogoods, a card game that promotes good deeds.

Lana Tarasew has moved her business, Sir Barber Shop, to 1679 Pandosy Street.

Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty Rent-ACar dealership is now under the ownership of Jessie and Naz Lal. It is located in the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel at 5505 Airport Way. Lighthouse Chiropractic, located at 105-1628 Dickson Avenue in Landmark IV, welcomed Dr. Ken Adams to their team. Adams is moving to Kelowna after working for 6 years as a chiropractor in Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows.

Told By You Speech-Language Pathology has opened up a location. The business is run by Celeste Coldwell, and their website is www.toldbyyou.ca.

Dr. Rita Winkler, Bill Redmond, and Anthony von Mandl O.B.C. will be recognized as Honorary Fellows of Okanagan College on June 4.

Pursuit Fitness, owned by Bobbi Moger, is celebrating its 15th year in business. Learn more about their services at www.pursuitfitness.ca.

Grant Baudias has opened Select Property Maintenance Services.

Their website, www.selectpropertymaintenance.ca, is now active.

Marnie and Victor Temprano have sold their retail record store, Underground Music, to Joe and Paula Thompson. They are located at #4-1331 Ellis Street.

The Holiday Inn Express has brought Brent Lavery on as their new general manager.

Wanda and Dan Truong’s Mekong Restaurant is celebrating 29 years in business.

• COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL/MINES

When Quality Matters (250) 851-6225

#1-415 Dene Dr., Kamloops V2H 1J1 email: cscelectric@telus.net

www.cscelectric.ca

Quails’ Gate Winery is welcoming Linsday Kelm to their team. Kelm has spent seven years with the BC Wine Institute, and will be serving Quails’ Gate as a marketing and communications manager.

Local designer Lindsay Favell has purchased Stage Right etc. from Ria Hayden. Find out about their design and floral services at www.stagerightetc.com.

The Pandosy Village Business Association Spring Wine Fest Window Decorating Contest winners were Venus Eye Boutique

Antico Pizza Napoletana, owned and operated by Tony Katsabanis, celebrate their 1st anniversary on May 12. Find them at 347 Bernard Avenue.

Third Space Coffehouse has been recognized on Buzzfeed’s list of the 31 coffee shops in Canada you must visit. Third Space was founded by Ken Stober, and is located at 1708 Dolphin Avenue.

Family business Lee Valley has opened its newest location in Orchard Plaza at 1876 Cooper Road.

Restore Vein and Skin Centre, owned and operated by Dr. Mandy Wong, has opened at 288 1835 Gordon Drive.

Darren Hutchinson and Emil Miles have opened a new restaurant, Company, in the IGA Center.

Omega Communications is celebrating their 40th year in business. They are located at 1001751 Harvey Avenue.

Interior Savings has announced their board of directors for 2016.

Elmer Epp will be chair, and Jeff Holm will be vice-chair. Directors are Rolli Cacchioni, Stacey Fenwick, Pat Ryan, Rick Weger, Caroline Grover, Liza Curran, Shelley Sanders, Ken Christian, Don Grant and Daphane Nelson.

Patricia Leslie is the new estate manager at Sandhill Winery at 1125 Richter Street.

Impression Floors has been opened by Garry and Patrice Raven at #1-1725 Baron Road.

Valley First Credit Union president Paulette Rennie is retiring from her position, having worked at the credit union since 1989.

Greg Bickert, R.C.M. has opened Inspire Property Management Ltd., a strata management company, at 200-1505 Harvey Avenue.

Bickert has previous experience in the field, spending 10 years at Okanagan Strata Management.

Former Mayor Sharon Shepherd was granted the Anita Tozer Memorial Award at the 41st Annual Civic & Community Awards Gala. Corporate Community of the Year Awards were given to Boyd Autobody & Glass (Small/Medium Business) and Valley First Credit Union (Large Business.

Yarden Gershony has been named as the newest partner in Rush Ihas Hardwick LLP. Happily Holistic Natural Health & Wellness Care Center, owned by Shauna Lockhart, has been moved from the Joe Rich area to 433 Hwy

33 W. in Rutland.

PEACHLAND Chef Praneil Rai has opened 91, a casual fine dining restaurant, at 5818 Beach Ave. The Southern Interior Local Government Association has appointed Peachland councillor Keith Thom as their director. He will be the first Peachland council member in this position since 1964.

Beach Ave Cafe at 5830 Beach Avenue is celebrating their first anniversary.

The Peachland Chamber of Commerce has elected its new board of directors for 2016. Dave Collins was elected president again, and Patrick Van Minsel will return as the executive director. The rest of the board will comprise of Emma Oliver, Debra Kelly, Wolfgang Muhs, Larry Guibaul, Peter Stapleton, Rocky Rocksborough-Smith, Catherine Gnius, Wesley JR Bedford and Bryce Mendez.

Wayne Power has been recognized as the Peachland Citizen of the Year.

SALMON ARM Crown’s Furniture & Mattress & Crown’s Appliance & Electronics celebrated their 49th year in business! They are located at 120 5th Street SW. Richard Gage has been recognized as the product advisor of the month for April at Hilltop Toyota on 2350 Trans Canada Hwy NE. Brooke Downs Vennard LLP are welcoming Steven Tiainen to their firm as an associate lawyer.

Tianen has been practicing in the field of business law since 2005.

Voyager RV celebrated its 32nd anniversary of business. Find out more at www.voyagerrv.ca.

Teyjah’s Art Den is celebrating their grand opening on June 10-11 at 751 Marine Park Drive.

Nutters Bulk & Natural Foods celebrated their grand opening in their new location at Centenoka Park Mall.

The Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union (SASCU) recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. SASCU Salmon Arm has also announced their new board of directors. Holding three year terms are Frank Popien, Ken Black, and Constance Landell.

Glenn Hill will be serving a one year term.

Blind Bay Village Grocer has won the The Country Retailer of the Year award for 2015 from the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG).

MOVERS & SHAKERS

JUNE 2016

After 30 years in business, Beverlee Steele is retiring. Her store, Best Beauty Buys in the Sahali Mall, will be closing as a consequence.

VERNON Royal Garden Restaurant is now open at 5280 Anderson Way.

Danica Heighes is the newest member of the team at Paul & Company. Find out more about their practice at www.kamloopslaw. com.

Tye Kury of Vernon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has completed his automotive apprenticeship, and Kam Randhawa was the dealership’s salesperson for the month for April.

Meranti Developments took home 5 Keystone Awards this year, including Best Single Family Detached Home, Best Family Detached Home, Best Kitchen Design Project, Best Customer Service by a CHBA CI Member-Builder, and Building Energy Efficiency Award.

The Rise Signature Golf Course is celebrating the grand opening of Freddy’s, the Golf Club’s new restaurant.

Teriyaki Express opened up at the Village Green Centre food court on 4900 27th Avenue.

CIBC Wood Gundy welcomes Les Slimmon to their team as an investment advisor.

Holly J Wood is the newest member of the team at the Historic O’Keefe Ranch. She will be the ranch’s new marketing and event specialist.

Creative Concepts Salon & Spa, owned by Laurie Jenner, welcomes Andrea MacLean, Lisa Gilbert, and Nadine to their team. They are located at 3309A 31st Ave, and can be found on Facebook.

3 per cent Realty recognized Justin Vanderham as their top sales producer for April.

Bannister GM has announced that Ward Tod and Dustin Visser are joining their sales staff.

Turtle Mountain opened their Magnolia Showhome, built by Wesbild Homes.

Jesse Savoie is the salesperson of the month for April at Vernon Hyundai, located at 4608 27 Street. This is Savoie’s third consecutive month of being recognized.

Ground was broken for the construction of the new Armstrong Co-op gas bar on 27th Street in Vernon.

Canadian Tire held the grand opening of their new store at 4900 27th St. Watkin Motors Ford has announced that Audias Valverde is the salesperson of the month for April, 2016.

Lone Pine Ranch has undergone a renovation, and has relaunched the event hosting side of their business for the first time since 2007.

Vernon Women in Business awarded Woman of the Year recognition to Juliette Cunningham, director of the Regional District of North Okanagan, and long-time Vernon city councillor. There were 11 nominees in total, including Sareena Nickoli, Jennifer Thompson, Niki Knight, Sandra Patterson, Janice Foster, Karla Ziegler, Sherry Lukey, Becky Martselos, Benita Elliott and Caroline Radics.

Steve Russell is the top salesperson for the month of April at Vernon Toyota Scion. They are located at 3401 48th Avenue.

The Hair Loft, located at 3100 41 Avenue welcomes two new additions to their team.

Breanna will be working as a stylist and nail technician, and Carrie will be working as a master stylist.

SUMMERLAND Happy House Chinese Restaurant is now

21

From Left to Right: Mayor Peter Milobar, Vice Chair of Kamloops Airport Authority Society, Al Richmond, Chair of Cariboo Regional District, Mitch Campsel – Chair, South Cariboo Regional Airport Commission, Ken Greenall - Board Member, South Cariboo Regional Airport Commission. under new management, and has recently celebrated their grand opening. They are located at 9912 Main Street.

ElectroMotion Energy Corporation has been chosen above more than 100 candidates for the Ready to Rocket 2016 Cleantech Emerging Rockets list.

The Wag Spa changed their location to 13244 Victoria Rd. N. The Summerland Arts Council is now located at 9525 Wharton St. in the Blagborne Building.

Summerland’s wineries were successful at the 22nd Annual Spring Okanagan Wine Festival. Best of Varietal Awards were given to Thornhaven Estates Winery (Gewurtztraminer and Syrah based blends), Evolve Cellars (Pinot Blanc), Dirty Laundry Vineyard (Riesling and Pinot Gris), and Haywire Winery at Okanagan Crush Pad (Sparkling).

Kamloops Funeral Home on 285 Fortune Drive welcomes Tim Cook to their team. Tim has over 20 years of experience in funeral directing and embalming.

The Aberdeen location of Anytime Fitness, located at 302 1801 Princeton Hwy., opened on May 14.

Scoopz Ice Cream Parlour, owned by Adrianne Erlandson, has moved from their former location at Lorne St. and Third Ave. into the Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel.

They will be open in June.

Countdown Escape Rooms has opened a Kamloops location at 340 Victoria St.

Kleo’s Pharmacy Remedy’s Rx is now open at 90B 1967 East Trans Canada Hwy. Kamloops’ JYSK location has re-opened after an extensive renovation.

Local chiropractor, Dr. Jack Sabey, is retired as of May 29. His patient files will remain at the Back to Health Center.

Chris Gleddie has joined the team at Gillespie & Company LLP. Find out more at www.gillespieco.ca.

The North Shore Community Policing Office for the RCMP is now officially opened at 915 7th Street.

Fulton & Company LLP welcome Kaitlyn Cumming and Graham Mack as associates at their firm.

Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre, located at 830 Laval Crescent, welcomes Ann-Marie Fuoco to their team.

Summerland’s Beltone location has moved to a larger space in the Sungate Plaza at #17 13604 Victoria Road.

Allison Anderson, a registered massage therapist, has joined the team at Summerland Physiotherapy & SportCare, located at 10121 Main Street.

MP Dan Albas and MLA Dan Ashton have opened up their joint office in Summerland at 10122B Main Street.

KAMLOOPS Ontario-based company Sienna Senior Living is purchasing Ridgeview Lodge as part of an eight facility, $255 million purchase.

St. John Vianney Catholic Parish congratulates Monsignor Jerry Desmond on his 50th Anniversary of Priesthood.

Dr. Daryl Shinkewski and Dr. Glenn Neilson of Sahali Dental Centre welcome Dr. Dali Li to their practice. They are located at #280 1211 Summit Drive.

Zimmer Wheaton celebrated their 15th year of being in business.

Outlaw Motorsports celebrated their grand opening on May 4. They are located at 1455 Iron Mask Road.

• Rooftop Units • Furnaces • Heat Pumps • Built Up Systems • Air Conditioning • Make Up Air Units • Gas Fitting • Sheet Metal • New Equipment Installs • Maintenance Contracts • Hot Water Tanks • Boilers • Fireplaces

OPINION

22

JUNE 2016 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Thompson Okanagan Office #210-347 Leon Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8C7 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Lise MacDonald, lise@businessexaminer.ca SALES | Joanne Iormetti – joanne@businessexaminer.ca, Thom Klos –

thom@businessexaminer.ca, Josh Higgins – josh@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Julia MacDonald, John MacDonald, Beth Hendry-Yim, David Holmes, Linda Wenger, Kristin van Vloten WEBSITE | John MacDonald

RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE: WHO DOES IT REALLY HELP? It really only helps entry level employees minimally, for a short period of time, until inflation eats away the increase MARK MACDONALD

O

u r prov i ncia l government re c ent ly a nnounced it will raise the m i n i mu m wage from $10.45 an hour to $10.55 an hour this September.

It’s only 10 cents and should be an hour, which sounds fairly insignificant. No doubt this is in response to labour’s call to hike it to $15 per hour, and proponents of the $15 fig ure – which is also being f loated i n t he Un ite d S t ate s – w i l l undoubtedly complain it isn’t nearly enough.

Some questions to ask: Who really benefits from a rise in the minimum wage? And why just $15? W hy not $25. . .$35 per hour? Why not $70,000 per year, each?

In April, 2015, Dan Price announced that his Seattle-based e-commerce company, Gravity Payments, was going to pay all of its employees $70,000 per year by 2017.

Price received innumerable favourable articles about his bold decision to pay everyone from receptionists to the high tech experts exactly the same.

Many wonder aloud: Is this the new standard for all companies? Is it a publicity stunt? A social experiment?

The jury is still out.

W hat we do know is that Price, who cut his own $1.1 million per yea r sa la ry to move towards the $70,000 rate, announced he was going to mortgage properties and emptied his retirement savings to pour it into the company to help with the changeover.

One problem: Financial institutions wouldn’t allow him to mortgage his properties, due to a law suit launched against P rice by h is brother, Lucas.

A 30 per cent shareholder in G ra v i t y, L u c a s a p p a re n t l y didn’t appreciate finding out how many zeroes Dan was putting on his own paycheque.

Looking ahead, the value of t he compa ny i s deter m i ned by its profitability, and while Gravity is still profitable, the profit percentage has slipped significantly. T hat also puts L u c a s’ i n v e s t m e n t a t r i s k .

There are now serious concerns that the company may not have enough profits i n reserve to cover the cost of any possible settlement between the brothers. That could put the entire company at risk.

Several highly skilled members of the Gravity staff have left, reportedly feeling resentful because the work and investment they’ve put into their own development no longer rewarded them. One comment was that the move “shackles high performers to less motivated team members.”

It will be most interesting to see how this story ends.

To t h e j a d e d , r a i s i n g t h e

minimum wage is a populist move employed by politicians to gain votes with the masses.

Which employee/voter won’t appreciate getting paid more for doing the same job?

But one must scratch below the surface to see what really happens when the minimum wage rises. In very real terms, all it presents to workers is a six-month-give-or-take pay advantage – until the results of these i ncreased costs a re absorbed in the marketplace.

Not to mention the eventual complaints from other workers who were making just over minimum wage, who now want their pay hiked to reflect their training, i.e. Gravity. They can’t work for minimum wage any longer, can they? So really, a minimum wage hike likely means increases for other staff for the business owner to absorb.

It usually takes a matter of months before consumer costs rise to cover the increased expense for the minimum wage paying small business owner.

It always results in the price of food going up to cover those costs, and increased prices in any number of goods and /or services.

W hen t he m i n i mu m wa ge goes up, companies have their choice of one or two th ings: Raise their own prices to cover their newly increased costs, or reduce staff hours. If they find that the marketplace can’t or won’t support the new pricing, then their only other choice is to cut back on either the number of staff, or how many hours

are made available to workers.

Fo r b u s i n e s s e s to re m a i n open, they must be profitable.

P rofit is not a d i rty word to the business owner: It is the reward for hard work and necessary for survival. It is payback for hard work, and a pool of resources for possible rainy days ahead.

M i n i m u m w a ge p o s i t i o n s are never meant to be family s u p p o r t i n g , “ l i v i n g w a ge” jobs, despite l ab ou r cl a i m s to the contrary. Neither can t hey b e. T hey ty pic a l ly require a m inimum amount of t ra i n i n g a n d s k i l l , a n d t h e government-mandated minimum gives businesses some certainty in regards to fixed c o s t s. M i n i m u m wa ge job s a re a lso t remendous i ncentive for employees to obtain more training.

So again we ask: Who benefits from a hike in the minimum wage?

It really only helps entry level employees m i n i m a l ly, for a short period of time, until inflation eats away the increase.

Who it really helps most is the politician or labour leader who can it this as a demonstration of what they’ve advocated for on their behalf.

I n rea l ity, however, it h a s done little, if anything to help those for whom it is intended.

P rog ra m s l i ke t he Ca n ad aBC Job Grants are much more beneficial, as they help raise skill levels so people can obtain better, highly skilled and higher paying jobs – so they can truly get ahead.

CANADA’S SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ARE FOUR TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE LOW INCOME THAN RICH The profile also shows that small business owners are much more likely to work longer hours than employees

CFIB RICHARD TRUSCOTT

J

ust like Canadian workers, the vast majority of Ca nada’s small business owners are firmly entrenched in the middle class, according to the latest small business profile from the Canadian Federation

of Independent Business (CFIB).

Data from Statistics Canada show that two-thirds of Canadian small business owners are earning less than $73,000,

a nd employers ea r n i ng less than $40,000 outnumber those earning more than $250,000 by four to one. T he findings refute the notion that a large percentage of small business owners are the wealthy using small businesses to dodge taxes, and make the case to reinstate the promised small businesses tax rate reduction eliminated in March’s federal budget.

“The notion that most small business owners are rich, or part of the ‘one per cent’, is pure fiction,” said CFIB president Dan Kelly. “The simple truth is Canada’s small business owners a re over whel m i ng ly m idd le class. They are your mechanic, accountant, hair dresser and landscaper, just trying to earn a living doing something they

love.”

The profile also shows that s m a l l b u s i n e s s o w n e rs a re much more l i kely to work longer hours than employees.

More than 40 per cent of small business owners work 50-plus hours a week. Only six per cent of employees are in the same category.

“Part of the reason small business owners don’t take home huge salaries or dividends is because they reinvest any profits back into their business and their employees through training programs, salary increases, new hires, or equipment purch a ses. H av i ng a low sm a l l business tax rate helps them to do just that,” added Ted Mallett, CFIB chief economist. “It helps them grow and keep Canada’s

economic engine running.”

Despite popular misconceptions, the small business tax rate does not encourage businesses to stay small. Very few businesses earn even close to the $500,000 threshold - that would introduce them to a higher business tax bracket. In fact, 85 per cent of small businesses could double their net earnings and still not be exposed to the higher rate.

The profile was generated from the latest data from Statistics Canada’s National Household Survey, the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics and other sources.

Richard Truscott is the Vice President of BC and Alberta for CFIB

SUBCRIPTIONS | $45 PER YEAR (12 ISSUES), $80 FOR 2 YEARS (24 ISSUES), SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA. DISTRIBUTION: FOURTH WEEK OF EACH MONTH VIA CANADA POST AD MAIL. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Produced and published in British Columbia. All contents copyright Business Examiner Thompson Okanagan, 2016. Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

SALES/GREENSHEET

JUNE 2016

SIMONE SUNDERLAND

GREEN SHEET BUILDING BRIEFS

KAMLOOPS LOCATION

3100 Kicking Horse Dr, East Juniper Ridge - Stoneridge Estates PROJECT TYPE Subdivision PROJECT New SFD subdivision - 32 lots PROJECT STATUS Construction start of Y Dream Home Lottery SFD anticipated late/16 - SFD construction is market driven - Phase 1, site servicing complete

PROJECT New triplex - 3 storeys - 3 units - 4 parking stalls - fiber cement exterior with metal siding, wood accents, metal flashings, windows, doors, railings and soffits

frame structure in Okanagan styling - flat roof - fiber cement siding, shingles and paneling

KELOWNA

PROJECT STATUS Rezoning application at 3rd reading - development permit and development variance submitted - further movement anticipated September/16

LOCATION

ARCHITECT New Town Planning Services Inc 1464 St Paul St, Kelowna V1Y 2E6 250-860-8185

LOCATION

PROJECT New hotel on the former site of the Willow Inn Hotel - 24 storeys set on a 5 storey podium - 215 rooms - conference space, 1,685 sm - 4 retail units, 378 sm - restaurant, 473 sm - coffee shop, 207 sm - 3 elevators - spa, fitness room, pool - 242 parking stalls in the 5 storey podium - white composite paneling on exterior - engineered wood - balconies with cultured glass privacy screens

PROJECT TYPE Multi-Family New

PROJECT STATUS Construction start anticipated fall/16, awaiting water table to recede - demo of existing buildings underway

DEVELOPER Okanagan Metis & Aboriginal Housing Society - 250-763-7747

PROJECT STATUS Construction start anticipated late May/16 - construction completion anticipated December/16

KELOWNA

ARCHITECT Dwell Design Studio - 6637 Cameo Dr, Vernon V1H 1N6 250-550-7476

140 Mugford Rd, 405 & 425 Rutland Rd – Townhouses

DEVELOPER The Vernon Chapter of Habitat for Humanity Kelowna - Box 1703 Stun Main, Vernon V1T 8C3 250-558-0072

DEVELOPER Tercon Construction - 100 2079 Falcon Rd, Kamloops V2C 4J2 250-372-0922

GENERAL CONTRACTOR Heartwood Homes Ltd - 128 Ravine Dr, Coldstream V1B 4C9 250-5420098

OWNER Craftsman Ventures - 810 1st St W, North Vancouver V7P 1A1 604-904-8886

KELOWNA

PROJECT New townhouses - 4 buildings - 2 fourplexes - 2 duplexes - 2 storeys - 12 units - wood frame construction vinyl siding - unfinished basements - gabled roof line - semi attached garages or carports

LOCATION

VERNON

1170 Hwy 33 W - Rental Condominiums

PROJECT STATUS Development permit application approval anticipated shortly - construction start anticipated summer/16

LOCATION

PROJECT TYPE Multi-Family New

DEVELOPER RA Quality Homes Ltd - PO Box 22024 Capri, Kelowna V1Y 9N9 250-3173253

PROJECT TYPE Multi-Family New

PROJECT New affordable rental housing building - 3 storeys - approx 78 units - 1 level u/g and surface parking - wood

2404 35 Ave - Triplex - Habitat for Humanity

GENERAL CONTRACTOR RA Quality Homes Ltd - PO Box 22024 Capri, Kelowna V1Y 9N9 250-3173253

235 Queensway Ave, 1470 & 1475 Water St, Mill St - Mill Street Hotel PROJECT TYPE Commercial New

ARCHITECT Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd - 1685 1500 W Georgia, Vancouver V6G 2Z6 604683-4145 OWNER Westcorp Properties - 200 College Plaza 8215 112th St, Edmonton T6G 2C8 780-431-3300

CITY OF WEST KELOWNA

23 PROJECT New luxury detached multi family development on 22.12 acres - 21 SFD units - 3 storeys - 3 bedrooms - 3,811 sf - elevators - roof top decks - double garages - natural stone, acrylic stucco and fiber cement board exterior - public park, walking trails, playground, spray park, waterslide and swimming pool, putting green - vineyard – dock PROJECT STATUS Site work underway - vineyard work complete, planting of winery grapes anticipated shortly ARCHITECT New Town Planning Services Inc. 1464 St Paul St, Kelowna V1Y 2E6 250-860-8185 DEVELOPER Gasland Properties Ltd - 16060 114 Ave, Edmonton T5M 2Z5 780-4556500

PENTICTON LOCATION

245 Edmonton Ave – Condominiums PROJECT TYPE Multi-Family New PROJECT New condominiums - 3 storeys - 17 units - 19 parking stalls PROJECT STATUS Construction start anticipated early June/16 - construction completion anticipated fall/16

LOCATION

ARCHITECT Norman Goddard Architecture - 218 219 Main St, Penticton V2A 5B1 250770-1104

PROJECT TYPE Mixed-Use Development

GENERAL CONTRACTOR Singla Brothers Construction - 567 Heather St, Penticton V2A 6N8 250490-1700

3745 West Bay Rd - Condominiums Paradise Estates

CHECK YOUR ASSUMPTIONS AT THE DOOR

SALES JOHN GLENNON

H

ave you ever seen a prospect’s eyes glaze over?

Most professional salespeople have had this experience.

Maybe you have, too.

Here’s one way it might have played out. You showed up for a face-to-face meeting, you made what felt like a good initial connection with your contact, and you found some points of commonality that made the initial “meet and greet” phase go quite smoothly. Everything seemed to be going great. Then you asked whether it made sense to “get down to business.” The prospect agreed. And you started asking a

familiar set of “needs analysis” and “fact-finding” questions.

That’s when the person’s eyes started to get strange.

You focused on a series of questions based on your own assumptions about the situation. Once you started working through that list of questions, you noticed that the prospect’s gaze started to shift, as though you’d suddenly started speaking a different language.

And that’s exactly the problem.

You were speaking a different language.

Any time a sales discussion starts out strong, and then dies the moment you move out of the “meet and greet” phase, there’s a very good chance you have lost the sale to your own preconceived notions.

All too often, in their attempt to increase sales, salespeople focus on all the wrong elements. They approach selling situations with preconceived ideas about why a prospect would or should buy, and then frame their “needs analysis” or “fact-finding” questions around those notions.

This may happen early in the relationship, when salespeople

typically turn their attention to the features, benefits, and valueadded aspects of their product or service, in an attempt to differentiate it from that of the competition and ultimately convince prospects to buy. Or they may focus on price or cost containment. While these elements may eventually play a part in the decision, they are never where you want to start.

Salespeople need to first focus, not on their own assumptions, but on the prospect.

The next time you are tempted to move out of your initial “meet and greet” discussion by appealing to a familiar sequence of questions, try asking about the one thing that’s likely to be unique to this individual buyer: motive.

Remember: Prospects buy for their reasons . . . not necessarily your reasons. This is the “Golden Rule” of sales.

The prospect’s reason for talking to you is not something you can expect to understand as you begin the discussion. You must determine not only what aspects of the product or service prospects are

interested in, but why the person is interested. What is this person’s motives for wanting, needing, or desiring a discussion about the product or service?

Using this approach, you can share what other people you’ve worked with have typically raised as concerns (late delivery times, loss of key customers, missed market opportunities, or whatever else is relevant) and then ask your prospect share how close those kinds of challenges are to his or her own experience. Notice that you are not focusing on features, benefits, value-added aspects of your product or service, or price at this point. You are asking about possible gaps between where your prospect is now and where he or she wants to be. Once you identify that gap, in the prospect’s terms, that’s what you should discuss first – and in depth.

In short, you must determine exactly what your prospects are trying to accomplish. What problems are they trying to solve or avoid? Is their concern shortterm or long-term? Is it an immediate need or a future need?

Give these issues precedence over any assumptions or preconceived notions of your own.

If your prospect is concerned with the increased productivity aspects of a product or service, and you’re emphasizing the costsaving aspects, the prospect will disengage. The two of you won’t be speaking the same language.

Invest the time to first uncover the prospect’s motivation for the meeting … and then formulate questions that dig deeper into that motivation.

It may be tempting to use a familiar sequence of questions in an attempt to “script out” your exchanges with prospects ahead of time. But it doesn’t work – unless your goal is to get the person’s eyes to glaze over. Check your assumptions at the door, and focus on the motive instead.

You’ll close more deals.

John Glennon is the owner of Insight Sales Consulting Inc, an authorized Sandler Training Licensee. He can be reached at jglennon@sandler.com, toll free at 1-866-645-2047 or visit www.glennon.sandler.com

KELOWNA KELOWNA KELOWNA

VICTORIA non-stop service CRANBROOK non-stop service

65+ DESTINATIONS

from Vancouver via Victoria or Cranbrook

t u o b a k me

s s a P k i Qu As

SAVINGS a PRIORITY a CONVENIENCE a

. jenelle

es n y H e Jenell -8775 8 m 250-86 ificcoastal.co pac @ s e n hy