Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013 11
A winning evening... Small business, new business, big business, old business.All of them were equally celebrated during the 2013 Harrison Agassiz Business Excellence Awards on February 28th. The lively and entertaining evening at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa included well-known Canadian recording artist Todd Richard & the TR Band, fine dining, door prizes and of course, an outpouring of love and plenty of ‘highfives’ for the winners and nominees. Remember, local business can only thrive with local customers. So the Observer would like to send out a big thank you to all of you who nominated a business for their excellence. Each nominee was truly deserving of your support. And as you’ll read in the following pages, each of them is incredibly thankful for all of you, their local customers.
Non-Profit of the Year: Kilby Historic Site; Excellence in Agriculture: The Back Porch; Excellence in Tourism: BC Sportfishing Group; Excellence in Retail: Town Centre Optical; Excellence in Culinary: The Hungry Chef Eatery; Excellence in Service: Agassiz Remedy’s RX; New Business of the Year: Magpie’s Bakery; People’s Choice Award: MatSel Hair Studio; Chamber’s Choice Award: Pretty Estates Resort; Employee of the Year: Megan Ellis - A&W Agassiz; Green Excellence Award: Agassiz Bottle Depot; Employer of the Year: Valleycare
12 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013
NON-PROFIT AWARD
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
Kilby Historic Site
Fred Major from Modern Tire presented the Non-Profit Award to Kilby Historic Site’s Jasmine Wouda.
Busy year planned for Kilby Kilby Historic Site is honoured to accept the award for Non-Profit of the Year 2013, voted by the local community of Agassiz and Harrison. There are big changes taking place at Kilby and they want to share those development with their neighbours. The site is set for opening day, Mar. 28 at 11 a.m. They’ll kick off the season with their traditional Easter celebration on March 31 and April 1. “We will be having our annual Easter egg hunt, singing, crafts, and games starting at 11 a.m.” says Jasmine Wouda, event and group coordinator for the 2013 season. “The year is filled with many exciting events planned for people of all agesBlack Powder Day, Dairy Days, our 10th Annual Car Show, Kids Fest — the list goes on.” Wouda is just one of several who have joined the Kilby team this year. There is also a new business manager and social media specialist. They are also remembering and honouring the dedication and hard work of Mel Jorgenson, their business manager who passed away this previous October. A special endowment fund has been established for donation in Jorgenson’s name. Cheques can be made payable to the Fraser Heritage Society, PO Box# 84, Harrison Mills, BC V0M 1L0. “We are always looking to add enthusiastic members to our Directors Board and Volunteers to our team here at Kilby,” Wouda says. For more information and a full list of events, visit www.kilby.ca, phone 604-796-9576 or email info@kilby.ca.
award sponsored by:
Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013 13
The Agassiz Lions Car Show is just one of the many events that keep the community alive in spirit, and help increase tourism in the area.
COFFEE ROASTERY ANTIQUES COLLECTIBLES 15 VARIETIES OF GARLIC
Open Thurs. – Sun. from 11 to 5 pm
Tourism Harrison is pleased to announce the arrival of the new official 2013 Visitor Guide. Stop by to say hello and pick up your copy.
604.796.9871 | 6116 Golf Road, Agassiz
s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C to our manager, Megan Ellis, for winning
EMPLOYEE of the YEAR for 2013! Join Megan & the rest of our stellar staff at your local Dub!
No. 9 Hwy at Morrow Rd., Agassiz BC
Enjoy a Bacon N ‘Egger® Combo for $4.00. (Egger, hash browns & small coffee)
4
$
One coupon per customer. Not valid with any other promotional offer. No cash value. Welcomed at participating A&W Restaurants. Price plus tax. Valid until March 30, 2013.
✁
BACON N’ EGGER® COMBO
business excellence awards Harrison Agassiz 2013
POTTERY STUDIO
14 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013
EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
The Back Porch
Lynda Scobie, who owns The Back Porch with husband Dan Laurenson, was pleased to receive the Agriculture Award, sponsored by the District of Kent.
Growing success in Agassiz Ours is an area rich with agricultural history — from hops and hazelnuts to corn and cattle. And farming remains an important part of the community to this day. Agriculture is ingrained in our local culture. But not all farms are sprawling acreage. On the very edge of Agassiz, on Golf Road, there is a small acre farm that is succeeding at crop production through their cultivation of garlic. “We’re trying to preserve the old varieties of garlic that have been in Canada and brought to Canada by all the immigrants,” Lynda Scobie says. She and her husband Dan Laurenson own The Back Porch, a farm and retail combination that sells garlic grown on their land, along with assorted herbs, fresh roasted coffee (not grown here) and coffee products, wild rice, and Scobie’s own pottery. Scobie is part of a network of people around the world who are experimenting with growing garlic in different climates and soils. Much like wine, you can’t grow the same flavour of garlic in two different regions. Right now, she is selling 14 different varieties. There are a few tricks to growing garlic, she says. First, the soil needs to be deep enough to allow for a long root system. That means planting garlic in pots isn’t ideal. Garlic also likes to be well-weeded, as it doesn’t enjoy competing for space. And finally, knowing when to pick your garlic can make a big difference to cultivating a high-quality product. For hard-neck garlic, Scobie says, pick it when one-third of the plant’s leaves have started to go yellow but you still have four or five healthy leaves. But, if growing garlic isn’t your thing, be sure to stop by The Back Porch this year. Once there, you’ll be welcomed by the smell of roasting coffee and are invited to check out the farm’s intriguing character buildings, small animals and ongoing garden projects that all make it a fun place to visit. The Back Porch also has their products available at numerous shops and stops around Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs. Their retail location, at 6116 Golf Road, is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. award sponsored by:
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Recognition from the Chamber of Commerce
Thank you to Michelle, Linda, Sonja and Chris for your hard work and enthusiasm. Your efforts created a wonderful evening of networking, entertainment and honoring the excellence of local businesses. A BIG thank you to the following: • Holly Tree Florist & Gifts - for our lovely winners’ bouquets Our sponsors - without you, this event would not be possible - they are: • Oasis Coffee & Bistro • Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa • Kent Veterinary Clinic • Modern Tire & Towing • Black Forest Restaurant • Rimex • Britco LP • Tourism Harrison • District of Kent • Village of Harrison Hot Springs • HA Chamber of Commerce Tourism Harrison, and • Prospera Credit Union
We’d like to thank the Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce for honouring us with the
• Todd Richard & the TR Band for the fabulous entertainment and last but not least, • Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa for a delicious meal
Chamber’s Choice Award We’d also like to say thank you to our clients who also nominated us... we’re here for you & this means the world.
For more information call 604.796.1000 or visit prettyestateresort.com
Chamber President Robert Reyerse speaking at 2013 Business Excellence Awards.
facebook.com/rowenasinnontheriver
twitter.com/RowenasInn
Pretty Estates Resort—You’re unique. Your escape should be too
Thank you to our clients & the residents of Agassiz & Harrison; we are thrilled & honoured to be the winner of the
2013 Green Excellence Award!
Spring hours 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday March 1 to September 30
7659 Industrial Way Agassiz, BC 604-796-3653
AGASSIZ BOTTLE DEPOT
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
The 2013 Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards was once again a great success.
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TOURISM AWARD
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
BC Sportfishing Group
Ian Maw, director of sales and marketing for the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, presented the Tourism Award to Tamara Slade on behalf of BC Sportfishing Group owner Tony Nootebos.
Reeling in the tourism business Nothing reels in the tourists like a good fishing spot, and the professionals at the BC Sportfishing Group know them all. The Fraser River is known around the world for its amazing sportfishing opportunities, drawing in guests from all points on the globe. When those travelers arrive here, they are in good hands. The BC Sportfishing Group consists of 22 guides operating 22 custom built, 17-to-34”, welded aluminum boats, offering the best in comfort and safety. They are heated and covered for those cooler days but offer plenty of room to get out in the open to enjoy the sunshine as well. Their vision is to “consistently deliver the finest Sportfishing experience possible through our team’s passion, knowledge and professionalism.” “To date, our guides have tagged and recorded more information for the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society than any other company in British Columbia,” their website states. “Over 42,000 sturgeon have now been tagged since 1999 and we are proud to be part of such a successful tagging study. Members of our management team sit on many fisheries related boards dedicated to securing a better sportfishing opportunity for the future.” They actively participate in the following organizations, including the Fraser Valley Salmon Society, Fraser Valley Angling Guides Association, Salmon Table, Sport Fish Advisory Committee and the Sturgeon Recovery Team as a way to give back to the resources they use in a responsible manner. Some of the services they offer include sturgeon and trout fishing, fly fishing and spin fishing. All of the guides are professionally licensed, trained in occupational first aid and Transport Canada required “Med A 3” certified.
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Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013 17
Town Centre Optical
Frank Turner was thrilled to learn he had won the Retail Award at this year’s Business Excellence Awards, sponsored by Prospera Credit Union.
Retail excellence, close to home For more than 40 years, Frank Turner spent his days helping people see things clearer. When he finally retired, he spent six months living a life of leisure. He traveled, went visiting, and of course, spent time on the golf course. While that all sounds like a good time, it didn’t take long for Turner to see that an important part of his life was missing — work. “Retirement was the worst six years of my life!” he says. So, he quickly got back to what he knows best. That was about three years ago, and Turner says he’s happy to be doing what he loves. “I’ve been doing this for over 40 years now,” he says. He’s also happy to be providing an invaluable service to Agassiz and Harrison residents. Whether you’re a fan of glasses or contact lenses, driving back and forth to town can be a financial or time constraint. Having that service right in Agassiz means Turner’s customers are saving on gas, and have more free time to enjoy their lives. “You don’t have to go to Chilliwack for what you want,” Turner says. “I hope to give people the best service possible, right here in Agassiz.” Obviously, his customers can see that very clearly, as Town Centre Optical was chosen for the Retail Award in the 2013 Harrison Agassiz Business Excellence Awards. Town Centre Optical is located at #3-7010 Pioneer Ave, beside Oasis Coffee and Bistro. For more information, or to book an appointment, phone 604-491-4900.
award sponsored by:
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
RETAIL AWARD
18 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
photos HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
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MAGPIE'S B A K E R Y
Thank you for voting us
ed r i F Woodurdough So every
NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR !
y rf esh Saturda y& Frida
Thanks also to the Chamber of Commerce for their support of small businesses.
HOURS: Mon. – Fri. 9:30am - 5pm Sat. 10am - 4pm Closed Sundays
Homem SOUPSade d a ily
Made fresh in Agassiz Danish rye bread • soup • sausage rolls German rye & multi grain bread coffee • danishes & cinnamon buns
604.491.1235
• 7254 - A Pioneer Ave., Agassiz
Chamb er dir was em ector Chris F ran cee for the nig klin ht.
Valleycare was recognized for th eir hard work, with an award for Employer of the Year.
Thank you for choosing BC Sport Fishing Group for the 2013 EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM AWARD. Our vision is to consistently deliver the finest tourism experience possible through our team’s passion, knowledge & professionalism.
Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013 19
Hungry Chef Eatery
Talia Ronen and chef Gerry Wiesner working together in the kitchen at the Hungry Chef, winner of the 2013 Excellence in Culinary Award.
Acting on feedback key to success When it comes to Harrison restaurants, the Hungry Chef Eatery is definitely the new kid on the block. The log-home style restaurant opened its doors in April 2012 — in a beautiful, brand new building nestled in a quiet corner of the Village. But even in its young age, it hasn’t taken long for the Hungry Chef to win the hearts of tourists and locals alike. Talia Ronen, one of the owners, said starting up a new business in town can be tough, but they’ve found ways to adapt as they grow. “We stay open to feedback,” she said. “We tweak things and have taken things off the menu, or added things.” So far, she says, the response has been positive. That was solidified when they received the Excellence in Culinary award. “We were so excited to have been nominated,” Ronen said. The family run business prides itself on providing its guests with a memorable experience inside their inviting dining room, or on their covered, heated outdoor deck. From baking their own bakery goods on the premises daily, to using local vendors from the region, their commitment is to deliver great tasting comfort food in a warm and inviting West Coast inspired wooden decor. They offer take out service, and are becoming well known for their pastas and pizzas. You can find them at 140 Lillooet Ave. in Harrison Hot Springs, or online at www.thehungrychef.ca, or by phone at 604-796-2483.
award sponsored by:
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
CULINARY AWARD
20 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
photos HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
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Thank you to our clients & friends who helped us earn the PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD! We love our new salon & hope you’ll keep coming back!
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The Uptown Bake ry 25 years of bake is new in town, bringing ry experience to the Agassiz business comm unity.
Thank you for nominating us for the 2013 Business Excellence Award; it means so much to us!
Melissa, Micheline & Trish
See Melissa for your eyelash extensions!
New clie welco nts
me
AGASSIZ PRODUCE 7266 Pioneer Ave. 604.796.8444
1866-B No. 9 Hwy, Agassiz | 604.491.0992
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WEEKLY SPECIALS: Mar. 14 to Mar. 20
OKANAGAN Anjou Pears 98¢ lb HAWAIIAN Papaya $3.48 ea. MEXICAN Long English Cucumbers 78¢ ea. MEXICAN Grown Grape Tomatoes $1.78 ea. CALIFORNIA Green Leaf Lettuce 98¢ ea.
Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013 21
Agassiz Remedy’s Rx
Agassiz Remedy’s RX was awarded the Excellence in Service Award this year, an award sponsored by the Village of Harrison Hot Springs.
Service above and beyond When you’re not feeling well, it’s nice to know that someone will be there to take care of you. Someone who knows your history, your needs, and your health. And in Agassiz, that’s Mohamed Hasanine, BSc (pharm), RPh. He is the manager and owner of Agassiz Remedy’s RX, the area’s newest pharmacy. He opened his doors 10 months ago, but has 12 years of pharmacy experience behind him. “We have patient care and their health as our number one priority,” Hasanine says. Remedy’s RX has a full selection of prescription and non-prescription needs, all displayed in a clean and welcoming storefront. Hasanine is kept busy with a steady stream of customers, and is looking forward to meeting more residents as they discover his Pioneer Avenue shop. “Being chosen by the community of Agassiz and Harrison, and the surrounding area, was very good for me and my team,” he said. “To be the best in service, well that means a lot to us.” He said they always take pride in taking responsibility for their customers’ health and wellness, and receiving this award is a nice way to be thanked for that dedication. “This award tells us a lot,” he says. “It tells us that people really appreciate what we do.” He wants residents to know that he and his team are ready and waiting, whenever there is a need. “We’re a part of their health care team,” he said. “We are here for them.” Agassiz Remedy’s RX is at 7046 Pioneer Avenue.
award sponsored by:
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
SERVICE AWARD
22 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013
Fraser River Lodge overlooking the majestic Fraser River.
business excellence awards Harrison Agassiz 2013
We want to thank everyone for nominating Valleycare for EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR. We love what we do & who we do it for; we also love who we do it with... our amazing staff! It was a real privilege to receive the Employer of the Year award. Thank you!
1525 MacKay Crescent, Agassiz 604.796.3886 | www.valleycare.info The youngest merchant at the Agassiz Farm Fresh Market!
Thank you for honouring us with the Excellence in Service Award... Now let US treat YOU with our Customer Appreciation Week! March 18 – 24 15% off all front-store items* (*excluding flyer items)
We value customer service and are committed to achieving the best outcome for each of our patients. We take the time to make sure all your needs and expectations are met. Come in to meet your local pharmacy team and let us help you feel better all over. 7046 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz | 604-491-1070 | www.remedys.ca
Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013 23
Magpie’s Bakery
Rimex sponsored the New Business Award this year, which was presented to Magpie’s Bakery owners, D’Arcy Quintana and Astri McCurdy.
Bakery grew from farm market success Magpie’s Bakery started in 2010 when the McCurdy and Quintana families came together to produce and sell their hand-formed, wholesome breads at the Agassiz Farm Fresh Market. They believed in the market’s ‘make it, bake it, grow it’ philosophy and wanted to contribute to and support the community where they live. In 2012, the Sohlbergs joined the group and now the three families are working together, baking real breads made from basic and wholesome ingredients. With such ongoing support from returning customers they made the decision to open a store to provide their products year round in the community. In the fall of 2012 they made the move to a storefront location on East Pioneer Avenue. They believe the best results come with time and care. Magpie’s products reflect a philosophy of real food made with real ingredients by real people, with products that are hand made here in Agassiz using basic, real food ingredients. Locallymade products give consumers fresher choices. Fewer adjuncts produce better food. The cornerstone of Magpie’s is their sourdough which could be considered the epitome of “slow food”. All three varieties of their sourdoughs are made from an eight-year-old sourdough starter and contain only three ingredients: flour, salt and water. It’s a three-day process beginning with careful feeding of the starter, slow proofing of the loaves to the final baking in their outdoor wood-fired oven. The traditional sourdough method of long fermentation and hand formed care that goes into each loaf produces the best quality loaf for their customers. At the store they also offer a range of sweet treats such as cinnamon rolls, danishes, buttery cookies and muffins. They bake white, whole wheat, light rye and multigrain loaves, both an Italian and a French style baguette, as well as focaccia and dinner rolls. They are well known for their dense Danish (100%) rye, sourdough Danish rye and of course our chewy, traditional New York style bagels. They also have homemade soup, which has become a popular lunch item. You will also find handmade crackers, granola, croutons and bread crumbs in their store. award sponsored by:
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
NEW BUSINESS AWARD
24 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013
Joining the Chamber has benefits The Harrison-Agassiz Chamber represents the business interest of two dynamic and different communities: Harrison Hot Springs and the District of Kent. Harrison Hot Springs, a small village in the big outdoors has been a premier resort destination for over a century and offers access to the largest fresh water lake in South Western BC. The District of Kent, is the hub for agricultural activity in the eastern Fraser Valley and is the "Corn Capital" of BC.
business excellence awards Harrison Agassiz 2013
As the Voice of Business, the Harrison-Agassiz Chamber of Commerce has been serving the needs of the business community in the Kent District, Harrison Hot Springs for more than 25 years. They are a non-profit, nongovernment organization with nearly 100 members comprised of businesses, professionals and associations who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic, commercial and Tourist interests of our community.
We would like to thank The Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce & the Agassiz Harrison Observer for organizing the Business Excellence Awards night. Regretfully, we were unable to attend the soiree to personally accept our Award, but feel honoured to be amongst a group of esteemed winners. It feels great to be recognized in such a way!
140 Lillooet Ave | www.thehungrychef.ca | 604-796-2483
Agassiz Don’t fall for ‘lost leader’ or ‘bait & switch’ sales ... see our experienced professionals for the REAL deal ... perfect vision.
Thank you for awarding us the 2013 Excellence in Retail Award
The Chamber offers a wide range of benefits including special low rates for members at numerous businesses, including The Observer. If you have any questions about the Harrison-Agassiz Chamber of Commerce, contact them by email at info@harrison.ca. You can also follow the Chamber on Twitter to stay current with what's happening in Harrison Hot Springs and Agassiz.
Winners of the 2013 Business Excellence Awards gathered after the ceremonies at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, February 28.
Over 45 years experience.
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Mention this ad & receive a $100 discount - no expiry 604-491-4900 | 7010 Pioneer Ave., Agassiz
Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013 25
MatSel Hair Studio
MatSel Hair Studio received the People’s Choice Award this year, sponsored by Black Forest Restaurant.
Creativity leads to success Over the years, Trish Humeniuk’s hairstyling business has flourished, growing from the seed of an idea into a blossoming career. It all began shortly after her daughter — now a teenager — was born, and Humeniuk was looking for something to do at home to gain some income and stay busy. “I’m very creative and artistic,” she says, and the creativity of hair design appealed to the former financial planner. “I started off in my own home,” the owner of MatSel Hair Studio says. “I had converted my garage into a salon and was working part time.” But as time went on, she outgrew that space and needed to expand. When she decided to open shop on Pioneer Avenue in Agassiz, in September 2011, her clients followed her — faithfully. It wasn’t long before she was feeling those growing pains again. She found a bigger space, beside Body Balance Therapies on Hwy. 9, and began renovating the space. That was in December 2012, for re-opening in January. As one might expect, December is a busy time for hair stylists. But she put in the hard work and managed to fit in her appointments between renovations. Once she re-opened, her clientele followed her — again. Being able to grow, change and retain her clients has allowed Humeniuk to do what she loves. “I love it, love it, love it,” she enthuses. “I’m a real people person, a very social person.” And just as she thought she would, back when she was changing careers, she loves the creative side of the business. Employee Melissa Major is launching other creative strategies to keep their business going, such as starting a Facebook page and Twitter account as a way to stay current and connected. MatSel is also home to stylist Micheline Leslie. Together, the three are thrilled to be open in their best location yet. And they’re equally happy to have been recognized with the People’s Choice Award. “It was really exciting,” Humeniuk says. “I was actually floored to even be nominated. It was quite exciting.”
award sponsored by:
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
26 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
Megan Ellis, Agassiz A&W
Megan Ellis (right) was awarded the Employee of the Year Award, presented by sponsor Dr. Laura Madsen, owner of Kent Veterinary Services.
Winning recipe for enjoying employment What are the ingredients for a top-notch employee? A substantial amount of hard work, topped with a willingness to learn new things, and side orders of patience and flexibility. Megan Ellis has figured out that winning recipe, and her dedication to her career at the Agassiz A&W has earned her the Employee of the Year Award at the 2013 Agassiz Harrison Business Excellence Awards. She spoke recently about what it takes to win over an employer, and more importantly, enjoy your work. “One big thing is that you have to be willing to learn from your co-workers,” she says. “Everyone has different strengths and even if you’ve been working somewhere for 10 or 11 years, you can still learn something every day from the people you work with.” Ellis has been at the Agassiz A&W for 11 years in total, and is now the restaurant’s general manager. Often, the A&W is one of the first places a local youth will find employment. She says it’s important for them to remember, in any job, is to always put your best foot forward. “If you always try your best, you can never go wrong,” she advises. At the same time, it’s important to remain patient and levelheaded, even in the fast-paced food industry. “I try to remember that I”m only one person and I can only do so much,” she says. And on those busy days when the doors don’t stop opening? “Well, it’s not the customers’ fault they all decided to come at the same time,” she says, laughing. “So I just try to make little jokes and try to keep everyone happy while they’re waiting.” While she’s busy keeping the customers laughing, she’s enjoying the camaraderie behind the counter, too. “I really like A&W,” she says. “I like the food, the atmosphere, the work climate.” She also enjoys the community work her employer accomplishes within the community. Recently they sent the Root Bear to an Anti-Bullying Day. And then there are the popular Cruisin’ the Dub events, where classic cars visit A&W’s and live music keeps everyone entertained. “It’s like a party here,” she says. Agassiz A&W is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
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Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013 27
Pretty Estates Resort
Betty Anne Faulker and Chris Lepine accept the Chamber’s Choice award from Chamber director Ed Stenson.
Refined excellence awaits at Pretty Estates The Chamber’s Choice Award winner, Pretty Estates Resort, is simply breathtaking. Betty Anne Faulkner (nee Pretty), owner and president, resides on the property with her husband Doug Faulkner. They both play an active role in the development and operations of the Pretty Estates business units. Betty Anne’s nephew, Christopher Lepine, is the general manager and has been active with the present day business since the inn opened in June of 1995. Sandpiper Golf Resort, Rowena’s Inn on the River and the River’s Edge Restaurant are nestled in a centuries-old forest of Douglas Firs and surrounded by the West’s most idyllic, unforgettable 18-hole, par 72 course,golf course. Rowena’s is the perfect escape. Styled as a grand English manor house and secluded on a lush 160 acre estate complete with its own private air strip, Rowena’s evokes an atmosphere of understated elegance and traditional luxury. Laze in the coziness of a room in the Inn, or escape to the luxury of a chalet style cottage in the forest with its own stone fireplace & porch. Savor the unique West Coast cuisine of River’s Edge and share cocktails on the lawn or poolside. Challenge your game at Sandpiper Golf Club. Sandpiper is an outstanding resort-style 18-hole golf course, featuring four sets of tees for all playing abilities. Heralded as one of British Columbia’s best resort courses, Sandpiper is set along the blue-green waters of the Harrison River and runs 6500 yards from the back tees. The rural resort setting also allows for a variety of activities that may appeal to golfers and non - golfers alike including but not limited to: fishing, river jet-boat cruises, horseback riding and lawn sports. Betty Anne attended the awards evening and was thrilled to receive this award. “We have been trying to make Pretty Estates the perfect getaway, along with hosting events, and are most honoured to be chosen by the Chamber for this award… we must be getting it right!”
award sponsored by:
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
CHAMBER’S CHOICE AWARD
28 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013
GREEN EXCELLENCE AWARD
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
Agassiz Bottle Depot
The Agassiz Bottle Depot owners were delighted to receive the Green Excellence Award for the second time, presented by Oasis Coffee and Bistro owner Reese Ollmann.
Clean and green — a winning combo For the second time running, the Agassiz Bottle Depot has been recognized for their commitment to the environment. The Agassiz Bottle Depot has been a place for locals to go in Agassiz, for dropping off their recyclable bottles, cans and even electronic equipment. The depot is easily the cleanest, most friendly recycling spot around, and that is all due to the Choes. It is always immaculate to the point that you almost feel badly when you spot a bottle in your own returnables that is not quite as rinsed out as you thought — for shame! All their hard work and good service has come to fruition now with having recently been honoured with the Green Excellence Award. While the bottle depot is privately run, Alex and Sofia Choe sell all of their bottles to Encorp. In July of 2008, they started collecting e-waste which is another way to reuse parts of outdated electronic equipment such as desktop and notebook computers, computer monitors, printers, fax machines and televisions, to name a few. Agassiz Bottle Depot’s commitment to keeping green is that any containers or electronics going to Encorp will be processed, recycled, kept out of landfills and most importantly, not exported to developing nations to be dumped in their countries. The Choes are not just thinking green locally, but globally. The Agassiz Bottle Depot is located at 7659 Industrial Way.
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Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013 29
Valleycare
Valleycare was pleased to receive the Employer of the Year Award, presented by sponsor Britco LP.
Everyone makes a difference The Valleycare management team has adopted a healthy attitude toward dealing with their residents and their employees. “How you treat one person is how you treat everyone,” says Ann Marie Leijen, administrator of Valleycare’s four Agassiz facilities. “Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, honesty and dignity.” It’s that healthy respect for all people that has helped them earn Employer of the Year in the 2013 Agassiz Harrison Business Excellence Awards. With more than 200 full and part-time employees covering four different facilities, Valleycare has also made consistent care a high priority. Each staff member goes through a full day of orientation, to ensure that everyone working within the company is on the same page. It doesn’t matter if that person is a nurse, a chef, a janitor or front desk reception — they are all there to provide the same level of care, so they all receive the same orientation. “It’s important that we’re all working toward the same goals,” Leijen says. “And everyone is equally valued for their contribution. Everyone who works here makes a difference.” And the results are overwhelmingly positive. “It’s so meaningful to work here,” one employee wrote following the orientation — and dozens more express the same sentiment. Valleycare manages Cheam Village and the adjoining Cheam Residences, along with the Glenwood and Logan Manor, with a total of about 175 residents. In addition to treating their employees well, they strive to make the facilities an enjoyable living option for everyone. They’ve adopted yoga, music therapy, pet therapy and aromatherapy into the available programs, and many residents take great joy in those offerings. “You need to feel good in many different ways to be healthy and happy,” Leijen says. And that goes for employees, too. Each year, Valleycare hosts a health fair for employees, bringing in vendors and organizations covering numerous aspects of health and lifestyles. Congratulations to Valleycare for being named Employer of the Year.
award sponsored by:
business excellence awards HARRISON AGASSIZ 2013
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
business excellence awards Harrison Agassiz 2013
30 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, March 15, 2013
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS Proud to be an Agassiz business since 1988
Britco believes that what we do today creates the foundation for dynamic and thriving communities tomorrow. Building innovative partnerships is at the core of everything we do. An industry leader in the innovative application of modular construction technology, we help people rethink what is possible in new building design and functionality.
www.britco.com
New ideas and innovative thinking - it’s what successful community-building partnerships are all about.
Employer of the Year sponsored by: Britco LP
WINNER: Valley Care