Chilliwack Chamber Week 2012

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012 The Chilliwack Progress

Chamber of February 20-24 Commerce Week

2012

Chambers of Commerce in BC

Leaders in Action

Your Chamber at work for you.

Chamber Connections Your business card is your ticket to Chilliwack’s monthly networking event. Come on down to Chamber Connections on the third Tuesday of every month from 5-8pm for an opportunity to promote your business. Follow the Chamber newsletter or call 604-793-4323 for location details.

Membership Means Business Members of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce form an integral part of the strong and diverse network that gives our Chamber its voice and credibility with local, provincial and federal policy makers, the media and the general public. The challenges businesses are faced with are constantly changing and evolving. It is only by engaging the power of the Chamber Network and working together that Chilliwack businesses will ensure sustained success as we move forward into the future.

Do You Belong?

By being a part of one of BC’s largest and longest standing Chambers of Commerce you have access to a wide array of business supports. Chilliwack Chamber members enjoy valuable promotional opportunities, exciting educational business speakers at our monthly luncheons and special events as well as discounts on services such as health and dental plans, fleet and individual fuel savings plus numerous other services that are listed on our website www.chilliwackchamber.com for more information on how to belong please contact us through our website or call 604-793-4323.

Develop, Advocate, Connect The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce is a not for profit organization comprised of business professionals, residents and other community groups working together to ensure a healthy and social economic base to benefit the entire community. The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce harnesses the tremendous potential of the private enterprise system and the community at large as a unified “Voice of Business”, enabling our membership to accomplish what no one person can do individually.

www.chilliwackchamber.com

# 201 - 46093 Yale Road, Chilliwack, BC V2P 2L8 Email: info@chilliwackchamber.com Call Us: (604) 793-4323 • Fax us: (604) 793-4303

The Chilliwack Progress Tuesday, February 14, 2012

www.theprogress.com

Chamber of Commerce Week 2012

Chambers of Commerce in BC

February 20-24, 2012

Strengthening business, building communities The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce has undergone two rather significant changes over the past few months. First, the Chamber was pleased to welcome a new Executive Director – Patti MacAhonic in November 2011. Also in November, the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce wished Jason Lum the best as he was elected to Chilliwack City Council.

The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce has set targets to work directly to strengthen the relationship we have with our members every day.

Further, our goal is to build the Chamber Community through growth in our membership.

The Chamber movement across British Columbia means the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce is Kevin a key player in GEMMELL the most influential business organization in the province.

The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce offers several benefits to help your business grown. Affinity programs – offering your business direct discounts when working with other members. Networking opportunities via social functions happen on a monthly basis. The Small Business Group Insurance Plan allowing your business the opportunity to provide health and medical benefits to your employees in a cost effective manner.

Strengthening Business:

The Chilliwack Chamber

Building Communities!

of Commerce is committed to serving our local community first – much the same as our member businesses. When and where business happens – your Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce will play a key role in the success.

We welcome all members and prospective members to contact the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce – 604793-4323 or email: president@ chilliwackchamber.com.

Kevin Gemmell President

A message for the Chamber executive director I am honoured to serve the membership of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce as Executive Director. In the past three months it is has truly been a pleasure to get to know and work with such progressive and open minded business people in our community. As a seasoned leader who has worked for and on various boards the Chilliwack Chamber Board stands out with diverse fields of expertise and a broad based skill set, tons of energy, open mindedness and, most importantly commitment to ensuring that our members are well served and supported in their business needs.

Being a 20-year resident, I have experienced firsthand that living in Chilliwack affords us something that many other

communities don’t have. Our amazing geography that includes scenic mountains, rivers and lakes, wide spaces and wild places, fish and wildlife that lends to wonderful outdoors lifestyle opportunities as well as a great business climate with unlimited economic opportunities.

With Chamber week coinciding with the Chilliwack Chamber of Patti Commerce’s 109th anniMacAHONIC versary and our Annual General meeting on February 21st it gives pause for reflection on how the past work of many has contrib-

Creating and defending the most important job in Chilliwack: yours. y John Les MLA Chilliwack

uted to what we have today. Chilliwack, I believe has an unsurpassed culture of community and mentorship and the Chilliwack Chamber will be working with our members and the local school district to create win-win collaborative relationships with business and our emerging talent, local students who need hands on opportunities to build their career paths.

I am looking forward to meeting more of our members and welcoming new members over the next year, working collaboratively to ensure that our Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce continues for another successful century.

Patti MacAhonic, MBA Executive Director, Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce

Monday, February 20th marks the beginning of Chamber of Commerce Week 2012. Chambers of Commerce stimulate local economies, direct community promotion, and engage in multi-level advocacy which benefits the entire province. “BC’s chambers of commerce are an important and respected voice of the province’s business community, representing more than 30,000 businesses of every size and in every sector,� says Kevin Falcon, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance. “They are at the forefront of public policy development, and the public benefits from the advice we get as we work to foster a strong economy that attracts investment and jobs to B.C.�

The network of Chambers of Commerce across BC is the most influential business organization in the province. As the key representatives of their business community to government, Chambers actively listen to business needs and continually articulate them to government. The Chamber network extends to the BC and Canadian Chambers, which ensures that businesses are connected at Municipal, Provincial and Federal levels of government.

Chambers of Commerce support businesses through benefit programs, services and education.

Being community based means that Chambers are funded entirely by their members, events and sponsorship. This community investment is what drives Chambers of Commerce to directly support and stimulate local economies, and work collaboratively to create vibrant communities around the province.

For more information contact Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce info@chilliwackchamber. com or 604-793-4323 or check the website www. chilliwackchamber.com

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012 The Chilliwack Progress

Chamber of Commerce Week 2012

Chambers of Commerce in BC

February 20-24, 2012

Leaders in Action

New Chamber executive director means business Greg Knill The Progress Patti MacAhonic is no stranger to advocacy and education.

But now MacAhonic is directing her energy and expertise toward Chilliwack – specifically Chilliwack business.

MacAhonic was recently hired as executive director of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce.

She brings with her an impressive resume that combines her business acumen with a drive to get things done – locally, provincially and nationally.

A resident of Chilliwack River Valley for the past 20 years, MacAhonic appreciates what this region has to offer. “Chilliwack is my home,� she says emphatically. “I love it here.�

But the road to the peaceful calm of Chilliwack’s backwoods was a challenging one, pocked by tragedy and triumph.

When MacAhonic’s husband died following a severe workplace injury, she discovered that the legislation governing the rights of those left behind hadn’t changed in more than 70 years. When the original laws were crafted, she says in disbelief, women didn’t even have the right to vote.

MacAhonic set about to change

that, working with different levels of government to introduce specific legislative changes that better protect the rights of survivors of workplace accidents.

Along the way she raised three children, earned her MBA, and moved to the fore in the Canadian Injured Worker’s Alliance, and the BC Brain Injury Federation.

MacAhonic has always loved the outdoors; that’s one of the reasons she moved to Chilliwack to work and raise her children. She loves to fish, and is an unapologetic hunter.

In 2007 MacAhonic combined her passion for the outdoors and her ability to negotiate the intricate layers of government to become executive director of the BC Wildlife Federation – becoming the first woman to hold that position in the BCWF’s 60-year history.

It was a fascinating and rewarding experience, she says, one that often tested her skill as a negotiator and facilitator.

Indeed, a few years ago when tensions escalated between recreational fishers and First Nations fishers on the Fraser River, MacAhonic was instrumental in assembling key stakeholders in a meeting that helped calm the waters.

Her work has not gone unno-

Patti MacAhonic is the new executive director of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce.

JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS

ticed. MacAhonic has been recognized by Minerva Foundation as a Community Leader and was nominated for the YWCA 2010 Women of Distinction Award in the category of community building.

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In November of last year, MacAhonic took on the new task of executive director of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce. With a history that stretches back 109 years, the

Chamber has played an integral role in Chilliwack’s success, she says. She’s determined to see that success continue.

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The Chilliwack Progress Tuesday, February 14, 2012

www.theprogress.com

Chamber of Commerce Week 2012

Building a stronger business community

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Chambers of Commerce in BC

February 20-24, 2012

Leaders in Action

■ B USINESS C ONFERENCE

BUILDING from p3 MacAhonic plans to do that by encouraging partnerships and collaboration. She sees her role as a facilitator that brings the community’s various talents together, making the whole much stronger than the parts.

That sense of co-operation is already evident in efforts by the Chamber to encourage the City of Chilliwack to join other municipalities in adopting mobile licensing. Not only will the program cut red tape for small business, she told council, it will encourage compliance and increase city revenue. It’s already being employed with success in regions like Victoria and the Okanagan.

Another goal of MacAhonic’s is to increase the profile of the Chamber’s monthly luncheons by bringing in topcalibre speakers to share their expertise.

In March, for example, the Chamber will host a special event, featuring Corey Keith who will discuss different types of financing that’s available to business, and the strengths and weaknesses of each. Keith is a regular speaker on business issues, has given over 250 presentations across Canada, and was a regular presenter as part of Calgary Technology Inc.’s “Financing Your Vision” seminars for over four years.

The presentation starts at 10 a.m., followed by a question and answer session, then lunch and networking.

MacAhonic is also looking forward to continuing the Chamber’s successful after-work event, Chamber Connections. It’s a networking opportunity that not only allows business people to share ideas, but also learn something new about Chilliwack’s diverse and exciting business community.

That community is something MacAhonic is proud to be part of. And she says she’s looking forward to using her skills to work with Chamber members and make it stronger.

Participants at last year’s Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Conference exchange ideas during one of the workshops. The two-day event featured workshops on strategic planning, marketing, management, and social media. The conference also included a presentation from the originators of the popular candy Clodhoppers.

JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012 The Chilliwack Progress

Chamber of Commerce Week 2012

Chambers of Commerce in BC

February 20-24, 2012

Leaders in Action

Wagner Appliances: Service with plenty of smiles Eric Welsh

tures, or run two different washers to see which is quietest.

“We’ve all been here a long time and we’re all knowledgeable in both service and sales,” Wolbers noted. “I think I talk about appliances in my sleep.

Some of our competitors don’t know the products they sell, where we make sure we have the answers.”

That attention to detail is what earned Wagner Appliances Ltd. the Retail Excellence Award at the 2011 Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

The trophy sits proudly at the service desk when you walk in.

“Years of hard work paying off and people recognizing it,” Wolbers said when asked what the trophy represents. “We’re very, very proud of it.”

The Progress Ray Wolbers says his job isn’t very exciting.

The appliance biz isn’t glamorous and there’s rarely the steady stream of customers that makes the hours fly by in other occupations.

Wolbers, the store manager, and his co-workers probably spend more time on Youtube than most folks. And they’ve developed a collective knack for practical jokes, thanks to the down-time that is a byproduct of selling high ticket items.

But when a customer comes through their door to talk fridges, stoves, washers and dryers, no one takes it more seriously, in a fun way, than the people at Wagner Appliances Ltd. The company has operated in Chilliwack for 42 years (43 in April), the last 22 spent at 45855 1st Avenue. That’s remarkable staying power in a world where new businesses often seem to come and go overnight.

Wolbers himself has been involved since he was 12 years old.

“I’ve got a lot less hair on my head than when I started,” He laughed when asked how the appliance business has changed in four decades. “Technology has

Weirdest question Ray Wolbers has been asked by a customer in his many years at Wagner Appliances Ltd? Mark Blessin (left) and Ray Wolbers are the sales manager and store manger respectively at Wagner Appliances. JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS FILE

changed drastically, going from old mechanical appliances to the state-of-the-art electronics we’ve got now. And men are a lot more involved than they used to be, and appliances have become a tool

rather than an appliance.”

Wolbers and his co-workers are constantly updating their knowledge base to reflect the changing landscape.

Each new appliance brings

a new wrinkle, and they pride themselves on knowing the subtle differences between this brand and that.

They’ll often hook up a new range to test cooking tempera-

“It was a phone call. A woman had her bed comforter laying on her stove. She turned the stove on and the comforter was on fire and she phoned me.

I don’t know what she wanted me to do, but I told her to hang up and call 9-1-1.”

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The Chilliwack Progress Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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Chamber of Commerce Week 2012

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Joe is a Chartered Accountant in the International Tax Group at Meyers Norris Penny.

He has been with MNP in the Fraser Valley for three years and is currently specializing in US and Canadian tax services.

Joe articled with Deloitte & Touche in Vancouver.

He joined the Board of Directors of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce in January 2010.

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Harv joined Fraser Valley College in 1978. After 5 years of developing and teaching in the carpentry program, he was offered a coordinator’s position to help manage the operation and the development of other trade programs.

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Councillor Jason Lum has been serving the Chilliwack community since December 2011.

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Prior to his position with Myriad, Jason worked as a Systems Administrator for the Tempest Development Group, assisting in the development of a multimillion dollar automated water and wastewater system for the City of Chilliwack. Jason has also worked as a civilian Network Administrator for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and as a freelance Project Manager in numerous IT related endeavors.

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GARY MORAN Gary Moran, born and raised in BC, moved to Chilliwack in 1989.

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Gary and his wife Lisa co-own and organize the Yard, Garden and Renovation Show, the Fraser Valley Retirement & Healthy Living Show and the Chilliwack Garlic Festival.

Gary believes in giving back to the community that supports his businesses and has volunteered with a number of organizations; Big Brothers Big Sisters, Chilliwack Schools garden program, Ag Commission, and Community Futures.

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Myriad Information Technology Systems

Kevin has worked for Fabmar Communications Ltd. for the past 14 years and played an extensive role in the company expansion to Chilliwack and other western Canadian markets.

Born and raised in Delta, BC, Kevin began his career 17 years ago as an Announcer/ Producer, travelling around the prairies before settling in Melfort, SK in 1996. Kevin hosted the Mid-day show on Fabmar’s 750 CJVR before moving to the sales team in 1998, and in 2005 he became Station Manager of CJVR FM and CKJH AM in Melfort.

MEET YOUR CHILLIWACK CHAMBER STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012 The Chilliwack Progress

Chamber of Commerce Week 2012

Chambers of Commerce in BC

February 20-24, 2012

Leaders in Action

BARB KEMP

LIZ LYNCH

KIRK DZAMAN

INGRID GAUW

Classic on Alexander

The Chilliwack Progress

Money Concepts

Scotiabank

Having grown up in the family’s successful office and stationery business it was only natural that Barb would eventually become a retailer herself. In 1991 Barb took ownership of Classic Cards, a downtown Chilliwack business she had first worked with in 1978. Always keeping her eye on the upcoming trends of the card, gift and specialty paper products industry, Barb expanded her store in 1997 to include scrapbooking.

Barb enjoys yoga, golfing and of course shopping, personally as well as purchasing some of the most fabulous inventory available in the Paper Crafting Industry.

Barb is the current President of the Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association.

Liz Lynch has been the publisher of The Chilliwack Progress, The Chilliwack Progress Daily, The Real Estate Review, and Thrive Magazine (the newest product to Chilliwack) since November 2008. She is proud to be leading the award-winning team at The Progress.

Serving a community as dynamic as Chilliwack is something welcomed by Liz and her staff.

From the professional client-centred thinking of The Progress’s sales team and creative services, to the balanced and committed coverage provided by its news room, The Progress has established itself as Chilliwack’s favourite information source, both in print and online.

Kirk has been in the Financial Service Industry since 2004 when he obtained the necessary qualifications to pursue his chosen career path and he feels blessed to be working in the profession he is increasingly passionate about.

As part of the team at Money Concepts, his practice revolves around providing a process along with simple, time-tested ways for businesses and families to save, make, and keep more of their hard-earned money. He focuses on helping people increase their finances through wealth creation and preservation strategies, tax reduction, and creating strong financial habits.

Kirk’s business has grown primarily through referrals from existing clients and this is a testament to the high value and quality of his advice.

Ingrid has worked for Scotiabank for the past 5 years as Business Banking Manager and provides business advice to customers in Sardis and Chilliwack.

Prior to her job at Scotiabank she worked in Business Banking Management with Vancity Credit Union.

Her strength is giving advice to new and existing business owners to help them make their businesses more successful.

Ingrid also ran her own business for more than 15 years which gave her the knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurial issues.

Ingrid has been an active Rotarian and has been involved with a variety of Chambers of Commerce.

MARK ANDERSON

SEAN REID

Patti MacAHONIC

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Born and raised in Chilliwack Mark has a strong commitment towards local business, managed growth and the well planned future development of our community. Serving on City Council from 20022008 Mark enjoyed being part of a team that worked hard to make certain Chilliwack would be a great place to live and do business. Believing that the Chamber plays a strong role representing business in our city, Mark looks forward working on behalf of its members. He held the position of the local 2011 President for CADREB. He believes a strong economy with full employment for British Columbians remains the single biggest key to our everyday quality of life.

Sean is a Partner in KPMG’s Fraser Valley offices with twenty-three years of experience with KPMG. He focuses on providing assurance, tax compliance and business advisory services to private companies, not-for-profits and local governments.

Sean is the leader of the Fraser Valley office’s Assurance Practice and Risk Management.

In 1987 Sean completed his Bachelor of Commerce from UBC. He received a Chartered Accountant (CA) designation issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia in1990.

Sean currently serves a wide variety of owner managed clients and has previously served public companies and large financial institutions.

Patti has resided in the beautiful Chilliwack River Valley for the past 20 years.

She is as comfortable in the outdoors as in the boardroom, enjoying fishing, hiking, her motorcycle and family.

Prior to becoming Executive Director of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce she was the first woman in Canada to hold any position similar to her former role as Executive Director of the BC Wildlife Federation. A life-long learner with a BA in Adult Education and an MBA, she spent last summer and fall participating in a segment of the Canadian Outdoor Leadership program.

Widowed as the result of a workplace injury, Patti undertook lobbying efforts that were instrumental in the passing of BC’s Bill C-37 concerning the rights of children and survivors of workplace fatalities in 2003. Patti is recognized by Minerva Foundation as a Community Leader and was nominated for the YWCA 2010 Women of Distinction Award.

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The Chilliwack Progress Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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Chamber of Commerce Week 2012

The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce appeared before Chilliwack Mayor and Council last week to request implementation of an Inter-Municipal Mobile Business License.

Citing the requirement for multiple licenses within the region as a detriment to business costing unnecessary expense and valuable time, Chamber Executive Director, Patti MacAhonic provided information on regional Mobile Business Licenses operating effectively and efficiently in other areas of the province.

A Mobile Business License allows mobile businesses to operate across participating municipalities and regional districts” said Ms. MacAhonic, “It streamlines and simplifies the licensing process, reducing costs and making it easier to do business in the Region and the Province. This has proven to save valuable time for businesses, eliminate confusion due to varied regulations,” Ms. MacAhonic continued “and has resulted in improved compliance and increased revenues for municipalities. It has also provided residents with more choices for service providers”.

Examples of mobile businesses are contractors such as landscaping services, janitorial, etc. as well as other service providers such as mobile mechanics and photographers.

The Chamber’s presentation included a short video with supportive comments from Mayors, City Managers and businesses operating with InterMunicipal Business Licensing in other areas of the Province of British Columbia.

Chambers of Commerce in BC

February 20-24, 2012

Sources of capital: Learn from the best Chamber brings Cory Keith to Chilliwack Curious to know more about sources of business capital in these financially challenging times?

One of the leading experts on financing and investment will be in Chilliwack next month to share his insights with the local business community.

Cory Keith is the featured guest speaker at a special event on March 8, presented by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce.

Keith is president of Keith & Associates, a management consulting firm that provides “strategic business perspectives.” He will be discussing “Sources of capital and the pros and cons of each.”

Attendees will learn about the numerous sources of financing and investment available to companies at various stages of their life cycle – illustrated by practical real life examples.

Keith has helped companies obtain appropriate financing for over 30 years. He worked in the banking industry for 25 years, served as vice-president, business development with an early stage technology company, and as senior investment manager with a private investment firm. He formed his own consulting company in 2003.

He also founded and served as president of AVNet, a not for profit “angel” investor network

that connected Alberta companies with a national network of over 150 private investors.

Keith is a past director of the Mississauga Technology Association, the Toronto Biotechnology Incubator, the Alberta Council of Technologies and the Alberta Agrivalue Business Facilitators.

He is a regular speaker on business issues, has given over 250 presentations across Canada, and was a regular presenter as part of Calgary Technology Inc.’s “Financing Your Vision” seminars for over four years.

Keith is committed to helping entrepreneurial companies grow and prosper and has worked with hundreds of companies and organizations,

Mark Strahl, MP for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, invited local employers to apply for funding through the Canada Summer Jobs program to help create jobs for area students this summer.

“Everyone wins with Canada Summer Jobs. Small businesses, the public-sector and not-for-profit organizations gain eager new workers while students gain valuable real life work experience and

cash for school,” said Strahl.

Employers can apply online at www. servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2012 or print an application from the website. They can also get an application by visiting any Service Canada Centre. Applications must be submitted between February 1 and February 29, 2012.

In 2011, the Government of Canada permanently increased the annual bud-

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To help employers complete their application, the Canada Summer Jobs Applicant Guide is available online, by calling 1-800-935-5555, or by visiting any Service Canada Centre.

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helping them think strategically and find the financing they need to be successful.

This special event is March 8 at the Best Western Rainbow Country Inn, 43971 Industrial Way. Registration is 9:30 a.m., with Keith’s presentation at 10. A question and answer session will be at 11:30, followed by lunch and networking.

This event is open for everyone to attend. Reservations are required. There will be a 24 hour cancelation policy in place. Please contact the Chamber office if you are unable to attend.

Register by March 6 to info@chilliwackchamber.com or 604.793.4323. Price: $25 Chamber members; $35 Non members.

Local employers encouraged to apply for summer jobs funding

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012 The Chilliwack Progress

Chamber of Commerce Week 2012

Chambers of Commerce in BC

February 20-24, 2012

Leaders in Action

Customer service key to business success Eric Welsh

The Progress

Mr. Lube’s Dave Van Dongen accepts the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Award” at last year’s Business Excellence Awards. JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS

Dave Van Dongen could wear a suit and hang out in his office all day. He could book noon tee-times and really long lunches if that’s what he wanted to do.

But if you took the mechanics overalls off, if you took him away from the floor, you’d be removing him from the best thing about his job.

The people.

That’s unacceptable, and that’s why, if you take your car into the Mr. Lube on Yale Road most days of the week, you’re likely to find the boss is the guy asking you to pop the hood.

“Working on the cars isn’t the fun part. It’s meeting new people and developing relationships with them that makes me feel good,” Van Dongen said. “They’ve chosen to spend their hard-earned money in my business, and the way I reciprocate is to make sure they get what they need while they’re here.”

Before opening in Chilliwack in December of 2008, Van Dongen spent 14 years working in various capacities with Mr. Lube Canada. At one point, he simultaneously managed four different locations, so he’s got a good idea what works and what

doesn’t.

His overall philosophy is easily summed up in six words.

Service the customer, not the car.

“When I go into a store and I don’t like the service, I don’t go back. It doesn’t matter if it’s good value or not,” he explains. “When my customers leave with a smile on their face or shake my hand, I’m happy because I want them to have an experience that they’re proud of, and that they’re willing to share with other people.”

Each oil change at Mr. Lube is clocked on a bay-timer, and the crew is very good at what they do.

They function as a well-oiled machine, completing their tasks with maximum efficiency.

But Van Dongen says timing is only part of the equation.

“Some customers want quick, so you do the things you need to do, they leave and they’re happy,” he explains. “Others customers have different expectations, and you don’t know until you get to know your clients. It’s the face to face interaction that is so important. You talk to them. You find out what their expectations are, and you make it happen.”

Get info on the Chilliwack Mr. Lube online at www.mrlubechilliwack.com

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The Chilliwack Progress Tuesday, February 14, 2012

www.theprogress.com

Chamber of Commerce Week 2012 Addressing Canada’s looming skills crisis: retain older workers rather than replace them In a recently released discussion paper, Incenting Seniors to Continue Working, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce reinforces the argument that retaining older workers in the workforce is part of the solution to avoid the skills crisis Canada is on the verge of experiencing.

The time is right to look at removing disincentives that discourage seniors from working. The paper examines key concerns that need to be addressed in order to pave the way for retention of older workers.

“By the start of the next decade, people old enough to leave the labour force will outnumber those old enough to join it. In Canada, we predict a labour shortage of nearly one million people by 2020”, said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “We have been talking about this challenge for years, it’s time to start looking at concrete solutions” he added.

Seniors represent a constituency that needs to be better integrated into the workforce. They possess the essential skills employers need. Many want to continue working and view work as an important part of their life balance. In order to draw more attention to the seriousness of the demographics issue, last October the Canadian Chamber of Commerce released a report entitled: Canada’s Demographic Crunch: Can underrepresented workers save us? Today’s report provides some answers.

The Canadian Chamber believes that a new business culture aimed at retaining, rather than replacing, senior workers is the correct approach to pursue.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 420 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 192,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions.

Chambers of Commerce in BC

February 20-24, 2012

Leaders in Action

2012 Economic Outlook: Our economic advantages remain, but foreign headwinds will constrain growth In its 2012 Economic Outlook, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce obser ves that Canada’s sound banking system, comparatively better fiscal position, resilient housing market and strong corporate balance sheets have steered the economy through turbulent waters in 2011, but 2012 might bring a more challenging reality and constrained growth is expected.

“Fortunately, Canada has fared relatively well in 2011 but we expect modest growth ahead, constrained by a very challenging external environment, especially the situation in Europe.” said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO

of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He added: “Needless to say, these are very uncertain times for the global economy, and the risks are significant.”

Failure to contain the crisis in Europe is the most serious risk facing the global and Canadian economies.

Developments in Europe have intensified pressures on financial institutions in advanced countries, with European banks facing a marked reduction in their access to wholesale funding. The Bank of Canada said that if the crisis was to deepen and spread further to the larger European economies, transmission to

Canada could become more severe, through the credit and funding channels.

On the domestic front, the major risk relates to household debt. Because of high debt loads, Canadian households-especially lowincome Canadians-are more vulnerable to rising interest rates, job loss and asset price declines than in the past.

Of course, not all of the risks to the outlook are on the downside. The recovery in the U.S. may be stronger than anticipated resulting in higher demand for Canadian exports. Additionally, borrowing by Canadian households may continue to exceed income growth providing a

greater impetus to domestic demand than expected.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government.

It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 420 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 192,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. News and information are available at Chamber. ca or follow us on Twitter @ CdnChamberofCom.

Has British Columbia’s ship come in?

The BC Chamber of Commerce sees promise in the news Seaspan Shipyards has earned a contract to build non-combat ships under the Federal Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS). The NSPS contract is a 20-year, $8 billion federal program.

“This successful bid is a good example of a partnership between the private sector and government producing jobs and making a very positive contribution

your home

to the provincial economy,” said John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.

The bid as secured by Seaspan Shipyards in North Vancouver will have an economic impact throughout Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the province as a whole. The benefits will extend to other BC shipyards which will participate with Seaspan Shipyards, and to suppliers of everything from

construction to professional services.

In addition, the cluster of companies, capital and human resources it will support will act as a continued catalyst for the province’s technology sector. This contract will provide new opportunities for knowledge transfer between our post-secondary institutions and fostering the next generation of marine industry and technologies.

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012 The Chilliwack Progress

Chamber of Commerce Week 2012

Chambers of Commerce in BC

February 20-24, 2012

Leaders in Action

Chamber membership has its advantages The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce provides many different services to the community. Originally established in 1903 as the Board of Trade, the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization of businesses and individuals working together for the betterment of the business community as a whole. It was created in order to give business an influence in the type of development, legislation and growth that affects commerce.

Joining the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce is a wise business decision. It provides numerous opportunities through networking contacts, educational benefits and substantial savings through a wide variety of member programs.

And there’s more...

Advocate. Develop. Connect.

Casual Connections

■ Meet business people in the community ■ Network and promote ■ Become a Member and benefit from the trust of people in the community

■ Drop-In from 5-8pm on the third Tuesday of each month ■ Meet and network with other Chamber Members ■ Free appetizers ■ Win prizes from our business card draw

On-Line Business Directory ■ Businesses and consumers can easily search and find a Chamber Member listing on-line ■ Special logo displays that your business is a Member of the Chamber

Access Benefits to Chamber Members

Monthly Chamber Pages ■ First five new members each month are featured in the Chamber Pages in the Chilliwack Progress ■ Enter to win the sixth spot in the pages at the Chamber event business card draw

■ Gas Company Membership cards save you up to 3 cents per litre ■ TD Merchant Services offers discounts on Visa, Mastercard, and Interac transactions ■ The Chamber of Commerce Group Benefits Plan is Canada’s No. 1 Health Plan for small firms – flexible and affordable, for any size business

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supporiting our businesses and our community The City of Chilliwack and the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) want to help our local businesses prosper.

Participate in the Chilliwack Business Link program and beneďŹ t from multiple services and tools that will support the growth and success of your business.

This award-winning program was developed to create more jobs, attract more investment, and ultimately improve the economic prosperity of the whole community. The Business Link program is available to Chilliwack businesses at no cost, whether you need minimal assistance, extensive consultation, or ongoing support on a number of business development issues. CEPCO welcomes the opportunity to help your business prosper.

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