Kamloops Business

>> Plus:

Making social media work

An exclusive feature publication of The Daily News

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

$4.25

Has your company made

<<< its mark?

Maybe these folks can help

1 INSIDE CHAMBER NEWS I TIME TO RENEW MEMBERSHIP AND REAP THE BENEFITS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

Uncover a new career The New Afton development project is slated for production start up in the second half of 2012.

Over the next year, we will be recruiting for a variety of positions including Mine Engineers and Underground mining personnel. The majority of vacancies are for Underground Miners, Electricians and Heavy Duty Mechanics for underground shift work — seven days on/ seven days off, rotating days and nights.

Our focus is on hiring a balance of experienced miners from across Canada as well as new, training miners from the local area. We are proud to have a hiring agreement with the local first nations and will give preference to qualified applicants from Skeetchestn and Tk’emlups Indian Bands.

If you have mechanical aptitude, experience operating heavy equipment and the desire to work in an interactive culture, visit www.newgold.com/careers for details on career opportunities.

If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to participate in an assessment process and interview to determine your suitability for our Underground Miner training program.

Our workplace culture is safe and fun. Everyone does the best work they can, taking responsibility for their part in the success of the project. It is truly a great place to work.

www.newgold.com/careers

2 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

#101-474 Columbia Street www.welcomebackcentre.com 250-828-6740 1-866-759-2674

LOCAL MRI TECHNOLOGIST RANDY WEISS Randy is a native Kamloopsian, well known in the community.

He has been a Registered X-ray Technologist since 1989, after successfully completing his BCIT courses. He has just recently (2009) completed his Magnetic Resonance Technology diploma with distinction.

When people approach Randy on the street. He usually gets asked: Are you still at the hospital? Many are surprised when he says NO! Randy has been working at the Welcome Back Clinic for the past 18 months; a private clinic where he is the technologist responsible for the ONLY Upright MRI in Canada as well as provides support to Canada's 2nd 3D Fluoroscopy unit.

This MRI technology is unique. It has the ability to image patients in multiple positions.

Research studies have shown that patients with back pain have a 40% increased chance of identifying a structural problem in an upright MRI compared to the traditional MRI when the patient is lying down.

Randy has identified numerous advantages of the Upright MRI: • Symptom specific positioning for spines and brain. All scans can be done with flexion and extension.

• All other joints can be placed directly in the middle of the magnetic field to improve image quality.

• Weight bearing joints (ie: ankle, hip, knee) can be imaged in both weight and non weight bearing positions.

• Those individuals with claustrophobia are less likely to be affected.

This is an open unit where the patient can be sitting watching TV, rather than lying flat on their back in a narrow tube which is cramped and noisy.

• The MRI has a 500 lb capacity compared to the standard 300 lbs.

• The education and research possibilities are an added component to this new technology.

• Presently there are 150 upright MRI machines world wide, Canada’s only being in Kamloops.

If you have any questions regarding the MRI or other services available at the clinic call Randy @ 250-828-6740 Or visit our website www.welcomebackcentre.com

Our Mission To improve the quality of life through Assessment, Treatment & Education NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

3

Transforming visions into reality through planned giving.

We’re proud to help.

KPMG is a proud supporter of community organizations in Kamloops.

The partners of KPMG in Kamloops and the KPMG Foundation are pleased to commit a donation of $100,000 to the Thompson Rivers University House of Learning. We know our success as an organization comes from our people. We take pride in knowing that so many KPMG staff and alumni are graduates of the university, and we are dedicated to giving back to the community.

If you are considering planned giving as part of your personal or corporate financial plan, our private client advisory specialists have the experience to help you design a thorough plan that helps you meet your financial goals in the most practical and tax efficient manner possible.

Get the impartial advice and assistance you need to make the best choices — from a source you can trust. Call a KPMG professional at 250-372-5581 for a confidential discussion of your needs. kpmg.ca

4 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

INSIDE Like a simple thumbprint, your business must have something unique that sets it apart from the rest — whether it’s service, product or just the time it takes to get the job done. cover photos

by KEITH ANDERSON /KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

Kamloops Business is published six times a year by The Kamloops Daily News advertising department, 393 Seymour St., Kamloops, B.C. V2C 6P6. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission.

Unsolicited material will not be returned.

Publisher assumes no responsibility.

For editorial information, contact Kamloops Business editor Danna Bach.

COVER STORY

Has Your Company Made its Mark?

When it comes to marketing your business, the options have never been so varied. we talk to the experts about advertising, social media and spreading the word.

/page 8

Publisher TIM SHOULTS

Supervising Editor Editor MEL DANNA ROTHENBURGER BACH

Advertising Director AL GUTHRO

Manager, Special Advertising Publications sales KEVIN DERGEZ ROSS MARCHIO

FEATURES

Introducing the New Pride of Pineview Unique industrial location brings art closer to home at Rivers Gallery /34

For the Love of the Game First-hand experience provides insight that serves customers well /44

Making Social Media Work Strategizing versus engagement on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook /26

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

The Daily News is a member of the B.C. Press Council. It is published daily except Sundays and most holidays at 393 Seymour St., Kamloops, B.C. V2C 6P6.

Phone (250) 372-2331

Editor’s Message, 6

NSBIA Report, 40

Q&A, 44

New Business Licences, 42

Chamber News, 30

Tech File, 26

New In Town, 34

KCBIA Report, 38

Contributing writers

BDC Perspectives, 23

Solid Advice, 24

Amber Yake Kara Chow

A division of Glacier Ventures International Corp.

Publications Mail Registration No. 0681.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

5

> Editor’s Message

> LETTERS

Spreading the Word

Community Futures went above, beyond

I

Weigh the options when marketing your business

I

t’s one of the first questions a business owner asks upon taking the plunge into entrepreneurship: “How do I get my message out?”

Getting people through the door has always been the toughest challenge, but to get them through the door they first need to get the message.

Business owners who succeed know who they’re trying to target and where to best spend their money.

They know exactly what to say and how to say it, and they’ve got a solid marketing plan.

But coming up with this solid plan isn’t as easy as it used to be. Sure, there are the standards, the tried and true newspaper, television and radio ads, but there is also so much more.

There are transit ads and promotions, there are contests and giveaways. There are kids who stand on corners waving placards and encouraging motorists in for pizza, or a great, one-day sale.

Everybody needs a website, but it must be updated and optimized. After all, what good is it if nobody can find it, or worse, when they do find it, there’s nothing useful on it for them to access?

And then comes social media marketing. A few years ago, business owners didn’t concern themselves with Facebook and Twitter, and most could care less about YouTube.

But social media marketing is playing a huge role in getting a message to the masses. In this issue, Kamloops Business contributing writer Amber Yake explores how businesses are making social media work for them.

Once you know your target market, then you must decide what your message will be and how it will be presented.

How will it look? Is it consistent?

All this takes time and money, so it’s a savvy business owner indeed who can

manage it all alone.

For the most part, small, independent business owners have been on their own, sorting through the myriad of marketing options and trusting gut instincts when it comes to making decisions on where to spend to get the results they need.

But they are no longer on their own.

Over the past few years, ad agencies have popped up in Kamloops, with the aim of taking the marketing burden off business owners, providing expertise while at the same time allowing those business owners to get back to doing what they do best — running a business.

I had the opportunity to sit down with the professionals at Pulse Group as well as those at Fresh Inc., and clarify just what these agencies do, and how they’ve managed to keep growing in an extremely challenging economy.

At the end of the day, like it or not, advertising is essential. Sure, it helps this magazine make the newsstands every two months, but it does so much more than that. Advertising, whether between these pages, on the television, the sleeve of your coffee cup, or the back of a bench at the bus stop, is necessary — it gets the word out the way you want it.

In this issue we’ve had a ton of fun chatting with the pros about marketing hits and misses, and once again I’ve been reminded that Kamloops has a vibrant business community with much to offer.

While businesses can often feel like big old inanimate ‘institutions,’ I have fun each and every issue meeting the faces behind the business, the people who bring them alive and who put heart and soul into them.

Danna Bach is editor of Kamloops Business. You can reach her at dbach@ kamloopsnews.ca. KB

6 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

want to say thank you to the Community Futures staff and facilitators. I went into the program feeling very apprehensive but with a genuine desire to have my own business.

Every step of the way I was assisted and guided.

My fears of things that were unfamiliar to me were eased by people who knew exactly how I was feeling.

I would encourage others to take the risk of self-employment and use the resources so readily provided by Community Futures Development Corporation of Thompson Country.

With great thanks to Jennifer Zachery, Gemma Gowling, Jennette Austin, Trevor Stevens, Tom Gibson and Maureen Low. With your help, my dream of Frog Spirit Holistic Enterprises would not have become a reality.

Alexa Pongracz Kamloops

Exposure boosts Snug Glee Bumz

I

just wanted to say a huge thank you for the article that was written in Kamloops Business magazine about our new business — Snug Glee Bumz Diaper service.

We’ve participated in many different expos and in the (Oct. 22-24) home show and many people said they read the article and said how well-written it was.

We agree, it was well-written.

Thanks so much for this exposure and helping us spread the word about our business.

We really appreciate it!

Dawnica and Jason Flatt Snug Glee Bumz Diaper Service

4HE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE¨

35202)3).',9 !&&/2$!",% 9OU´LL BE SURPRISED AT HOW AFFORDABLE CAREFREE RETIREMENT LIVING IS AT "ERWICK ON THE 0ARK /UR WELL EQUIPPED AND COMFORTABLE SUITES SUPERB AMENITIES

STUNNING SURROUNDINGS AND FRIENDLY ATTENTIVE STAFF LET YOU LIVE LARGE ¯ AT A MODEST PRICE "ERWICK ON THE 0ARK IS A PROUD RECIPIENT OF THE "# 3ENIORS ,IVING !SSOCIATION 3EAL OF !PPROVAL 3UITES ARE AVAILABLE NOW SO CALL "EV 'RAHAM TODAY FOR A PERSONAL TOUR

BC OWNED MANAGED #ALL US TODAY AT OR VISIT US AT BERWICKRC COM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

7

> cover story

BY DANNA BACH >> EDITOR, KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

Selling ice

to Eskimos TRU business expert shares four key secrets to coming up with a great marketing plan and building your brand

8 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

IT

has been said that no matter what the product or service, if you market it well you’ll always bring home a paycheque.

According to the pros, a person can have a fantastic idea or offer a great, revolutionary product, but if nobody knows about it, what’s the point?

Or worse, if you don’t know your market, then no matter how much money you spend trying to get the word out, your product will soon collect dust on the shelf.

Paul Clark, a marketing and strategy instructor at Thompson Rivers University, says a great marketing plan can be summed up in four points.

First, he says, define Paul Clark, a marketing and your target strategy instructor at TRU, says market. successful businesses take time “Learn to get to know their customers. more about your customers and what your customers need,” he suggests.

Kristen Rodrigue, a partner with Kamloops-based advertising agency Pulse Group, cautions business owners who aren’t seeing much success to discover who their clients are — they >> Find out might be surprised. what it is that “You are not your target makes your operation audience. Your survey of one unique, then isn’t working,” she says with build on it. a laugh, noting that often business owners will opt for mediums with which they’re most comfortable and stay away from the unfamiliar.

Just because you don’t like country music, she says, doesn’t mean your clients don’t.

This is when a survey of your client base becomes essential — that or some basic market research.

“If your clients are 35-year-old married women, find out where they live, what they listen to,” she says. “Take your own reading, viewing, listening habits out of the equation.”

The next tip is to find a point of difference,

Making Your Mark

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

9

Clark says. If you’re a plumber, find out what your competition is doing, and try to offer more. Work weekends and promote that, or have a faster turnaround speed.

The best bet, says Clark, is to find out what you’re already doing differently and capitalize on it. “Even if you haven’t got a point of difference, work toward getting one, or find out what your customers want and target that.”

“Do something different to draw people in and make it interesting.”

Then, when you’ve discovered who you’re selling to and what you’re selling that is different from everybody else, concentrate on your brand and promote the heck out of it.

This is where a marketing company such as Pulse Group or Fresh Inc. can prove valuable.

A brand starts with a logo and goes from there.

“Who would have thought that a half-naked mermaid would have proved so valuable?” asks Pulse’s Neil ‘I think there’s a Rachynski of the real opportunity iconic Starbucks logo.

A brand, he for small explains, might start with a logo, but it is businesses in so much more. A the area to brand “is as much as the company makes build their it worth. It’s the way people answer the brand through phone, it’s the way consistency . . . the store smells, it’s everything.”

Continuity is And in developing a logo, think about important.’ more than artwork — consider where that artwork is going to end up. “Will it work in black and white? Will it work in colour? Will it work on your T-shirts, and what will it look like when you fax it?” asks Rodrigue.

“Think about the application side of it,” she says, adding that the logo “is just the cover page,” it’s not the whole story.

And the only way branding can be successful is if it’s consistent, says Clark.

“I think there’s a real opportunity for small businesses in the area to build their brand through consistency,” Clark says. “Whether it be through business cards or when they submit their invoices, or when they’re advertising.

The continuity is important — colours, sizes, writing all have to be consistent.”

Finally, it comes down to service.

“Don’t take any customers for granted. If there’s any way to differentiate yourself from competing companies it’s through service,” Clark says. KB 10 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Puppy Love

Tamryn Fudge, owner of My Balanced Dog, originally called her business The Alternative Way Dog Training, a name that she outgrew as her company expanded its offerings. “All the aspects of what I do contributed to a balanced dog,” she says.

rob schneider/photo

Craig Walch says Lawn & Order “just sort of clicked” as a name for his landscaping business, which promises “Just Us For Your Yard.”

Playing the name game

Done well, a clever moniker can do wonders for an otherwise ordinary firm

BY DANNA BACH >> EDITOR, KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

S

pend a couple of minutes searching the Internet and it becomes immediately clear — when naming a business, clever can be catchy.

But it can occasionally backfire. While A Brewed Awakening Espresso Bar is cute, you might avoid A Salt & Battery fish and chips restaurant.

Whether it’s Curl Up and Dye hair salon, or Florist Gump — picking a name for your business is tricky, but if done correctly and marketed well, a clever name can do wonders for an otherwise ordinary establishment. >> Clever Craig Walch launched his landscaping company can be catchy, but Lawn & Order in 2004, with the tagline: Just Us For Your be careful Yard. when putting “It was actually a joke at first,” Walch says, recalling name to your business. when he sat down with friends and hashed out possible business names.

“A friend just jokingly said, ‘You should name it Lawn & Order,’ and it just sort of clicked.”

There are several landscaping companies in Kamloops — and most provide the same types of service. Distinguishing himself from the pack with a clever name didn’t hurt, Walch says, though he admits that not all clever monikers are brilliantly thought out.

Making Your Mark

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

11

“It could be a challenge because people might not take you seriously, but if you can back up your name with great customer service, then eventually your product and your service is going to do well.”

According to the crew at Pulse Group, a Kamloops-based marketing company, clever can work, but it’s tricky. Clever often has a best-before date, and what is clever and catchy today might be stale and hackneyed tomorrow.

“Clever changes. Pop culture can turn around and bite you in the ass,” says Neil Rachynski of Pulse Group, who also encourages those looking to “make up” a name to check with Urbandictionary.com and ensure the word doesn’t have another, less pleasant meaning.

Another tip? If you want to build a website for your business, plug your desired name into a URL and see what it looks like. If you have to edit your business name significantly in order to create an inoffensive URL, you’re better off going with a new name altogether.

Other tips from the pros include staying away from AAA. “Just don’t do it,” Rachynki says, explaining that these days, if you want to get to the top of the listings, you can just pay for the honour. It’s better to stick with a name that says something about the product or service you offer, and AAA doesn’t say much, other than you wanted to be first in the phone book.

Also, says Rachynski, avoid naming your business after yourself.

“If you’re John McDonald and you want to have McDonald Construction, let’s face it, at some point every owner needs an exit strategy. Now Schmitty is going to come in and decide what to do about the name.”

Mike Funk of Mike Funk Electrical agrees with Rachynski, but his business name came about through unique circumstances, and has worked well for him.

Funk’s father started working for Valleyview Electric in the 1950s, and then went out on his own as Ernie Funk Electrical in the early 1960s. A decade later, his dad sold to his brother and then began working as an electrical inspector.

When Mike Funk launched his business in the mid-1990s, his family name worked to his benefit.

“I needed an edge, and that was my edge,” he says, noting that even today he still gets calls from clients saying his dad originally wired their house 30 or 40 years before.

As far as an exit strategy, in his line of work that’s not a concern.

“It would be very hard to sell an electrical company because all you need is a pickup truck.”

The pros also suggest avoiding naming by region. Rivercity Electrical, for example, wouldn’t work in Kelowna, says Pulse’s Kristen Rodrigue, 12 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

who adds that if you’re taking your business into other markets, search those markets to ensure there are no similarly-named businesses.

Also, says Rodrigue, come up with at least a few names, that way if the one you want is taken, at least you have a back-up.

“There’s nothing more deflating than coming up with the perfect name and then finding out someone beat you to it.”

While the name isn’t everything, picking a dud means you’ll just end up changing it years later, when your business is already established.

Tamryn Fudge of My Balanced Dog learned this after launching The Alternative Way Dog Training in 2001.

Fudge launched her business gradually. First, she conducted dog training in clients’ homes, then she opened a facility. Eventually, she found a larger space in the Versatile industrial area where she now does training, doggie daycare and also sells pet food.

The name “Alternative Way,” came about organically, and wasn’t really a conscious decision.

“It just stuck. There wasn’t a lot of thought put into it . . . I had to call myself something.”

But once the business began to grow and develop functions other than dog training, Fudge became less comfortable with The Alternative Way. “I wanted something more friendly and more open and warm. I’d always wanted to change the name, and one morning ‘My Balanced Dog,’ came to me.”

She officially became My Balanced Dog in 2008.

“It was smooth because a lot of our clients are regular clients. They come to us to buy dog food every month, and they come for dog daycare regularly,” but the name change wasn’t flawless.

Fudge was asked about the new name, and some were under the impression that The Alternative Way had been sold.

While there was a re-education process with the existing clientele, the name change proved wise in the end.

She chose My Balanced Dog because it reflects what she tries to do.

“We all want a dog that is comfortable and has ease and comfort in as many situations in life as possible. This isn’t as much a highly-trained dog as it is a dog that can handle whatever is coming in their life with ease.

“All of the aspects of what I do contribute to a balanced dog.”

And choosing the name gave Fudge piece of mind and a bit of balance in her own life.

“That was one of the pieces of the puzzle. It allowed me to settle into the business a little bit more, and made me feel more established and more settled. The name had always been on my mind, and now it’s something I can grow with and live with.” KB

URL Bloopers Pen Island: A website

dedicated to providing customized pens. www.penisland.com Therapist Finder: A website dedicated to finding a therapist to suit your needs. www.therapistfinder.com Who Represents: A website dedicated to finding out which celebrities are represented by which agencies. www.whorepresents.com Experts Exchange: A website dedicated to finding experts on a variety of topics. www.expertsexchange.com

Rules to name your business by RULE ONE: Choose a name that has meaning — don’t be obscure.

RULE TWO: Be aware that pop culture changes, and what might be clever today, might be obsolete tomorrow.

RULE THREE: If you plan to eventually sell your business, don’t name it after yourself.

RULE FOUR: Check the entire region to make sure any area that you may plan to expand into doesn’t already have a similarly-named business.

RULE five: Stay away from AAA.

keith anderson/kamloops business

Kirk Borden, co-owner of LN Group, a Kamloops company that specializes in marketing and promotions, with a variety of logos created as part of LN’s logo development effort.

Finding a Perfect Logo to Brand Your Business Development of a cool, recognizable logo shows company has won branding battle

BY AMBER YAKE >> KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

A

lot goes into launching a new business. One important step often overlooked is creating a consistent logo and brand that reflects a business’s personality and objective.

Tood Reutlinger, co-owner of LN Group, a Kamloops company that specializes in high-quality logo development and printing, has helped several local companies develop their logo and branding over the years.

“A good logo goes hand-in-hand with everything else you do; advertising in newspapers, yellow pages and on the Internet,” he says.

“If you have a weak logo, what does that perceive to the people who are

about to use your services?”

Reutlinger says the best logo and branding advice he can give is for companies to find a good logo and stick with it.

“Take a look at Cocacola, they’re the most >> A good, recognizable powerful brand in the logo goes world and they haven’t hand-in-hand changed their logo over with everything else the years,” he says. you do.

When co-owner and art director of LN Group Kirk Borden is meeting with a new customer to help them design a logo, he asks several ques-

Making Your Mark

tions, including what colours they like, what colours they use inside their business, what their target market is, what kinds of things they will use it for and more.

“I also ask customers to show me logos that they like so I can figure out what style they want,” he says. “There are trendier logos and simpler logos.

Determining the amount of complexity and colours that will go into a logo is based on where it’s going to be used.”

According to Borden, picking colours that reflect the business is important.

“Every logo is different just like every person is different,” he says. “You want to get the personality of the [business] into the logo.”

A growing number of resources — both online and off — allow businesses to create their own logos without having any graphic design experience, but the team at LN Group doesn’t recommend using them.

“Spending the money to get your logo right the first time and consistently staying with that logo is important,” Reutlinger says.

“Sometimes companies don’t want to spend very much money initially so they’ll maybe do something as far as typesetting goes or using some really cheap clip art off the Internet. It won’t look very professional.”

A recognizable logo is a sign that a company has been successful with branding.

“Nike has taken that swoosh and flooded it everywhere so when you see that swoosh you think Nike. That type of logo that has a brand recognition with an icon is good,” Borden says.

He goes on to explain that when these businesses first came out with their logos they had to market with the words.

Now they can take the words away and market with simply the icon. This type of branding and logo recognition is a sign of success.

“It can be tricky to do logos, but the thing with a logo is that it’s the first thing people will see and they will make a decision about your company from your logo before they even meet you,” Borden says.

“If you have a bad logo you might lose clients and not even be aware of it and on the flip side, if you have a good logo you might be drawing in clients because your logo sets an image.” KB

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

13

FROM THE DESK OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Joining the Right Group for Your Best Interests

PATSY BOURASSA

The Home Building Industry in the BC Interior supports 30% of the local economy. This year has proven to be quite buoyant for the home builders. The banks are “cautiously optimistic”.

The Canadian Home Builders Association Central Interior (CHBA CI) is one of 10 Locals and supports about 200 members comprised of builders, contractors, suppliers, developers and professionals involved in this industry.

CHBA CI is the vehicle through which members meet to network, socialize, educate themselves, promote themselves and speak out as a unified voice for their industry sector. The Canadian Home Builders organization has a provincial and a national arm, both or which are strong advocates on the members’ behalves.

CHBA CI coordinates nine dinner meetings, one which brings in a national speaker. January 26/11 former hockey star, Trevor Linden, is our guest.

April 2 is the House and Home Show, a one day trade show of builders and renovators that attracts upwards of 2,000 qualified consumers throughout the day. One or two home building or renovating celebrities add to the attraction.

June 24 is the CHBA CI Annual Fun Golf tournament which is held at various golf courses in our region and is always sold out.

April to August is the call for Keystone Home Builders’ Award category entries: a way to showcase the best of the best to your peers and consumers. The black tie formal Gala is held in the fall where winners are named.

Trevor Linden A Members Directory and member referrals along with the privilege of using the office space for meeting clients, not to mention the training opportunities to achieve a Residential Builder Certification designation are all geared to differentiating your company from your competition.

Builders and Developers Councils are coordinated through the Local to meet with government on key issues.

Annually our Local partners with Thompson Rivers University School of Trades 2011 Training House students to build a high end home which is sold to the Kamloops YMCA/YWCA for their community fundraiser.

If you are in the business of home building, I encourage you to consider joining.

It is your industry. Your opportunity. Get involved!! www.chbaci.ca

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF Y DREAM HOME 2010

Build Smart!

Environmentally friendly homes by Nexbuild, your net zero builder.

Project managers for the Green Dream Home, one of eight homes built in Canada under CMHC’s EQuilibrium™ Sustainable Housing Demonstration Initiative.

Check out www.greendreamhome.ca for more information about the project.

265 Peerless Way Office: 236 Briar Ave. 250-682-6104 www.nexbuild.com 14 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

STOBBE EXCAVATING LTD. PO Box 142 Knutsford, BC V0E 2A0 250-851-0011

Tips for Young Entrepreneurs

By Natalie Peace, Owner of Booster Juice Kamloops Over the past four years since opening my first of three small businesses, I’ve often been asked by other young entrepreneurs to share tips on what has most helped my businesses succeed. Although there are numerous contributing factors, a few come to mind as keys in my experience.

First and foremost, hire the best. Getting crystal clear on what ‘the best’ means is unique to each business, and the results you desire from your workforce. In my business at Booster Juice, dealing with healthy fast food, the best fit for my vision are team members who are true leaders. They handle themselves well under pressure by setting customers at ease and making them feel welcomed. I do my best to tune-in to those qualities in my interview with a potential candidate. An interview can be a stressful situation, especially when as with many of my crew, it is their first job. I observe them and watch for the way they set me at ease and make me feel comfortable with them. My thought is that the approach they take with me will be similar to

the way they will make my customers feel when they are interacting during a stressful situation. I only want to hire people who make me feel welcomed during my experience with them.

Next, get creative. Creativity is the mark of a true entrepreneur; especially in the way you get your message out. During lean times, it is easy to cut the marketing budget, however sometimes it is simply an opportunity to re-evaluate how you are spending those dollars, and using them in more creative ways.

Lean times help us as entrepreneurs “up our game”, and problem solve in new ways.

When we are being challenged is when we learn the most.

Lastly, I maintain that my business is operating in line with my values and measure my business success on multiple bottom lines.

These bottom lines include contribution to my crew, as well as contribution to my community. Setting clear and measurable goals in each area keeps my outlook on my business grounded. In business we see

fluctuations in the traditional financial bottom line. In these cycles when I am experiencing the ebbs and flows that go hand and hand with business, achieving goals on my other bottom lines contributes to the overall sense of success in the business. The Pay it Forward and Acts of Kindness programs blossomed out of goal setting on these bottom lines. Due to the fact that I’ve been utilizing the businesses with the intention to make a difference in my community, over 1700 people have signed up to take our 22 day Act of Kindness Challenge*, committing to complete one random act of kindness a day for 22 days. I consider this a huge success. By achieving these types of goals I am doing my best to ensure numerous stakeholders benefit from the existence of my business. * For more information on the Acts of Kindness Challenge visit NataliePeace.com Natalie Peace is a graduate of Thompson University's Business Degree Program and currently employs approx. 50 employees at her 3 Booster Juice locations in Kamloops.

all this fruit IN ONE CUP

Upper Level Aberdeen Mall 1320 TransCanada Hwy West (250) 374-7721

Summit Shopping Centre 1180 Columbia Street West (250) 372-5842

Lansdowne Village Downtown 450 Lansdowne Street (250) 828-7113

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

15

Mar

W Try Something New

Jennifer Read, director of marketing and communications for TRU Open Learning.

“We’re active on different social media sites — Twitter, Facebook, YouTube — and we’ve done contests and promotions through those sites.”

16 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

arketing miracle

Starting from scratch, Jennifer Read had to construct an identity for TRU-OL

BY DANNA BACH >> EDITOR, KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

W

When Jennifer Read arrived as marketing director at Thompson Rivers University-Open Learning, she was tasked with a seemingly impossible challenge.

University College of the Cariboo had just been renamed, and BC Open University had just moved from its Burnaby campus to Kamloops.

Everything needed to be re-branded, including the logo, the name and the design. And while TRU was busy rebranding itself, TRU-OL had an even more daunting task.

TRU-OL had to start from scratch and market itself throughout B.C. as well as throughout the country and even throughout the world.

“Our goal was to become a leader in distance and online learning. It was a huge task. We started with nothing.”

While BC Open University had been in existence in some form for decades, its history was so convoluted, it seemed wise to wipe the slate clean.

Not only did Read have to start from the beginning, she had to market open education in general, a concept that is often not well understood.

“People understand online distance learning, but open education is differ-

ent,” she says, explaining that with open education, credits are transferable between institutions and credits are also given for prior work experience.

“We had to differentiate ourselves in a sea of post-secondary options >> First task — it can be very hard to in developing stand out.” a marketing plan is The challenge, while to carefully daunting, was invigodefine the rating for Read, who audience. came to Kamloops from Toronto. She looked forward to launching TRU-OL from the ground up.

When she arrived on campus the marketing department consisted of herself and one other person. Today, there is a team of seven working toward reaching TRU-OL’s goals.

The first task in creating a marketing plan was to define the audience.

“We were digging into data. Who are our students? How old are they? What gender are they? Do they have an education already? Where are they coming from?”

Those were just a few questions they had to answer. What they found was that TRU-OL students are urban, 83 per cent come from B.C., and 50 per cent of those

Making Your Mark

come from the Lower Mainland. Most are women aged 25 and older.

“We had to understand our market,” she says. “If you’re not hitting the right place you could be spending $100,000, and at that point it doesn’t matter what you’re saying.”

Because they had a limited budget they had to determine the best markets to target, so Read and her team chose urban centres in B.C., Alberta and Ontario. Being an online university, the website is the storefront, so Read aimed to create a consistent look between the website and all other advertising.

TRU-OL has invested in a variety of print and online advertising, as well as transit ads, among others.

“We’re active on different social media sites — Twitter, Facebook, YouTube — and we’ve done contests and promotions through those sites,” she says.

Another chunk of the budget has gone into search-engine optimization, and making sure TRU-OL is the first link to come up whenever someone Googles open learning or distance education.

And while sticking with what works is key, Read sets some of her marketing budget aside each year to try something new.

One year, while working for a different company, Read tried marketing on milk cartons. More recently with TRU-OL, she took a small part of the budget and put the message out on coffee cup sleeves.

“It didn’t give us very good return, but we took the chance,” Read says with a laugh. “It’s very easy to fall into traditional advertising mediums, but for me, I try to do something different every year, and if it’s successful, I do it again.”

And the strategy is working. A few years after coming on board, the ship has stopped sinking and full-time enrolKB ment is on a steady climb.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

17

your kamloops sports specialists • Hockey • Baseball • Lacrosse • Soccer • Full Line of Team Apparel

Store Hours :

451 Lansdowne Street

Phone 250.851.0344 Fax 250.851.0817 pbkamloops@hotmail.com

Mon. - Wed. - Sat. 9 to 5:30 Thurs. 9 to 9 Sun. 10 to 4

You’re ready to make your move • • • •

Convenient appointment, day or night, home or office Competitive rates on a wide selection of mortgages Personalized service Mortgage solutions tailored to your needs

For convenient mortgage service, call: Bev Wassen-Hunter Mortgage Specialist Tel. : 250-828-8870 Cell : 250-572-6847

Sue Maitland Mortgage Specialist Tel. : 250-828-8841 Cell : 250-819-8811

Franco Caputo, BBA Mortgage Specialist Tel. : 250-682-1223 Fax : 250-376-0521

Mortgage Expertise at Your Doorstep 24/7

®

18 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal.

exclusively at

510 - 1055 Hillside Drive (Walmart Complex) 250.372.w7777 www.fifthavenuejewellers.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

19

Turning to

the pros Ad agencies popping up all over as the Kamloops economy grows

BY DANNA BACH >> EDITOR, KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 20 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Y

You own a business and you’re trying to get word out about the products and services you provide. How do you do it? Do you stick with the tried and true — radio, television, newspapers — or do you hop onto Facebook, create a Twitter account, or spend all your dough on optimizing your website?

This is why advertising agencies exist — they are experts at getting the message you want out to the people you need to reach.

For years, most Kamloops business owners tried to do everything on their own. They handled the phone calls from advertising representatives and tried to decide on the fly where their money was best spent. As a business owner in a small town, you might have had your sister, cousin or mother design a logo, your father, grandpa or great-niece take some pictures to appear in your ads, and might be tempted to make decisions on where to spend your advertising budget based on which ad rep in the community is the closest relative, rather than what serves your business best.

But Kamloops isn’t a small town anymore — it hasn’t been for quite some time.

Today, a smattering of ads spread through different mediums with no defined agenda simply won’t suffice.

While some business owners still find the time and have the expertise to market their own business, others need help. In Kamloops, there are experts willing to take on your least favourite marketing jobs and let you, the business owner, put your focus elsewhere.

One group of experts can be found at Pulse Group. Pulse was founded by Neil Rachynski and Rob Cupello in 2006 and has since added another partner — Kristen Rodrigue. There are 14 employees on the Kamloops payroll and Pulse now has an office in Kelowna and owns Edmonton-based Freckle Creative.

“The goal of the company was to bring it to a fullservice ad agency — a marketing department for hire,” Rachynski explains, adding that at the start,

Trust The Experts

Pulse Group advertising consultants include, from left, Neil Rachynski, Rob Cupello and newcomer Kristen Rodrigue.

the expectation was to expand into the Vancouver market, but they’ve since readjusted their priorities.

“It doesn’t make sense for us to be there. There’s far more business to be had in the Interior. We decided not to worry about what was going on in Vancouver.”

Besides, Rachynski says, their clients enjoy the small-town feel

Fresh inc. branding, marketing and promotion business owners Jennifer McKinney and Aleece Laird.

KEITH ANDERSON/KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

of Pulse, and also enjoy the personal touches that can be had at a smaller firm.

“If one of our large clients goes to a Vancouver-based agency they’re going to be a small account at a large firm. If they come to us they’re going to be able to demand the attention of a large account.”

Pulse’s success is a direct result of diversification. When the realestate market was booming, many agencies put all their resources into managing their

Making Your Mark >> Let the experts handle your marketing, promotional needs.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

21

developer clients, and plenty got rich in the short term. But when that bubble burst and the clients dropped off, there was nothing left to fall back on.

“We came in late and we had options — did we want to break into the realestate market or did we want to talk to the other companies that were being ignored,” Rachynski recalls.

They opted to go after the other companies, and that decision has served Pulse well. “That was our biggest period of growth. Being diverse really helped us, and it was during that time that we were ‘We want to able to buy that take your boutique agency (Edmonton’s single worst Freckle Creative).” problem, and Pulse, like if we can make any other advertising it go away, agency coming into a market, then we’ve battles just made life assumptions.

People assume easy.’ that hiring an agency is costly, and many assume that it’s all or nothing — that in order to get the benefit of an agency one must have thousands to spend on an annual advertising budget.

Not so, says Rodrigue. “Perception is that it’s expensive, but it’s also expensive if you eat out every night,” she says.

The folks at Pulse work with clients who have $250,000 annual advertising

budgets and with those who have $20,000 budgets. They also offer ‘a-lacarte’ services, dolling out expertise to clients on an as-needed basis.

People don’t usually seek out the services of an agency when all is well, notes Rachynski. Generally, they arrive when they’re either too busy to handle their own marketing or not busy enough and need to attract new business.

“We want to take your single worst problem, and if we can make it go away, then we’ve just made life easy,” he says, adding that once that’s done, clients generally keep coming back.

Kamloops-based Fresh Inc., is another major player on the agency scene.

Aleece Laird and Jennifer McKinney, both former employees of NL Broadcasting, established Fresh more than six years ago.

They opted to branch out and launch their own agency after recognizing that what they offered was “only one part of the puzzle,” Laird says.

They too started out with the aim of becoming a full-service agency, offering clients every marketing service required to become successful.

“We always knew that failure was not going to be an option,” McKinney says, and it hasn’t been thanks in large part to their commitment to their clients’ success.

“Our clients trust us to spend in ways that are going to benefit them . . . we like to deliver results,” McKinney explains, adding that testimonials from their clients speak volumes.

The tactic at Fresh Inc. — along with generating more business for clients —

is brutal honesty.

“We are honest to a fault. I always ask them, ‘Do you want me to be nice, or do you want me to be honest,’” she says.

“We do a lot of research on what direction to take their business,” adding that they can relate to their clients and they know that by taking the burden of marketing off their shoulders, they can focus on running their own businesses more effectively.

“Our job is not just marketing. We spend about 50 per cent of our time educating our clients,” Laird says.

While most clients are familiar with traditional forms of advertising, there are many other avenues emerging that might not have been considered.

“There’s so much being done to grab people’s attention these days — it’s our job to get through the clutter,” McKinney says.

Kamloops is growing, and with that growth, new businesses are coming in, encroaching on the success of more established businesses. Often, the team at Fresh finds clients come to them because they haven’t needed a marketing plan, and now suddenly they do.

“Competition creeps in. People who didn’t traditionally have to advertise have to advertise more. There are new people moving here all the time,” McKinney says, and the folks who have built their businesses over decades in the Kamloops area now must go out and target new arrivals.

Says McKinney: “If you own a business you shouldn’t open your doors without having some sort of plan, and at the end, you have to spend some money to get some results.” KB

Kamloops’ Best Italian Experience Exceptional service coupled with a warm, inviting atmosphere and some of the best home made meals Kamloops has to offer, Vittorio’s Italian Restaurant has it all. From pastas to BEST ITALIAN pizzas to steak and prime rib, this classy restaurant pairs RESTAURANT a fine dining experience with casual, warm and friendly service.

Vittorio’s is perfect for business or simply getting together with friends for a great night out.

1820 Rogers Place (across from Comfort Inn) Call 250-851-2112 for Reservations 22 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

> BDC PERSPECTIVES

Stress-Busting Tips for Business Leaders Thanks to a slowdown in the economy, more entrepreneurs are feeling pressure

BY FIONA CHAN >> BRANCH MANAGER, BDC

T

he slow economy has been taking a toll on many Canadian entrepreneurs, creating increased stress for business owners.

In a recent BDC survey, 61 per cent of entrepreneurs surveyed allocated a score of seven out of 10 to their perceived stress levels, a significant jump from last year.

The survey of members of BDC’s ViewPoints online panel of entrepreneurs found that respondents attributed their stress to a series of factors, including: p Dealing with financial insecurity (71 per cent). p Handling the pressure of building a business (52 per cent). p Being the only person responsible for the business (51 per cent). p Spending a huge amount of time at work (38 per cent).

Being aware of personal stress is an important step in managing and mitigating the negative effects, says Michael Campbell, a researcher at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), a nonprofit global provider of executive education.

Once people figure out what’s stressing them out, he says, they can start to take steps to better manage the situation.

Here are 10 stress management strategies for entrepreneurs recommended by experts:

TIP One: Pay attention to your body’s stress signals such as sweating and increased heart rate. It’s important to recognize these signals and get them under control. This could involve simple, deep-breathing exercises.

TIP TWO: Deal with the stress head on.

Rather than procrastinate, think about what is causing the emotional reaction and get a handle on it. Deal with the cause of stress right away, whether it’s a phone call from an angry client or making a difficult business decision.

TIP THREE: Take systematic breaks.

When you feel stress coming on, get up and do something else, such as taking a brief walk or going outside. This short break can give you a different perspective on a stressful situation and at least provide short-term relief from the physical effects of stress.

TIP FOUR: Adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Getting 30 minutes of rigorous exercise at least three times a week can help reduce stress. Good eating habits, such as including more fruits and vegetables in your diet, can give you more energy and help you handle stress better.

TIP FIVE: Try to achieve work/life balance. Although today’s business environment can be demanding, it’s crucial to take time for other activities outside of the office such as family events, hobbies and sports. This is when you recharge your batteries.

FIONA CHAN do the job. Sharing the load can relieve stress.

TIP EIGHT: Find people you trust and confide in them. Talking to others about business issues can help you find solutions to deal with challenges. Entrepreneurs can also network with other people in their industries to see how they are handling similar issues.

TIP NINE: Get your financial situation under control in your business.

Cash flow is a major source of anxiety for entrepreneurs. Find ways to better monitor your revenues and expenses.

Also, find ways to improve productivity and ultimately your company’s financial health.

TIP TEN: Commit to taking some

TIP SIX: Keep perfectionism in check.

Offering a quality product and service doesn’t mean obsessing about it. Know when to get a task off your desk and focus on doing your best in a competitive environment.

vacation time. Give yourself time off to relax, particularly during challenging periods. For example, turn your Blackberry off when you’re on a holiday.

Postponing a vacation may have shortterm benefits for your business but in the long run, your health could suffer and cause greater problems down the road.

TIP SEVEN: Delegate to reduce your workload. Accept that you can’t do it all.

Rather than micro-managing, pay special attention to delegating responsibility to employees and leaving them alone to

A 12-year BDC veteran, Fiona Chan held the position of senior auditor for three years prior to her appointment as branch manager. She also worked for the Kamloops branch. KB

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

23

> solid advice

Are You Plugged In? Use the immense power of social media to increase sales and expand contacts

BY SHANE JENSEN >> NEW QUEST COACHING & CONSULTING

A

re you on Facebook? Wait a second. Considering that 48 per cent of Canadians are on Facebook, let me first ask you a different question. Do you fall into one of the following categories — business owner, service provider, involved in selling a product via networking, work from home, have a great idea or product you want to start selling, looking for ways to increase your customer base, have limited marketing dollars and/or want to increase your sales?

If you have answered yes to any of the above, then let me ask you this question again. Are you on Facebook? That is, do you have a Facebook profile on Facebook?

Chances are, 48 per cent of you reading this said yes.

However, here is the purpose of my column. First, if you answered yes to any of the questions above, and you are not on Facebook, then you should seriously consider creating a Facebook profile.

Second, if you do have a Facebook profile, then I want you to consider using it as an incredibly valuable business asset.

Consider this: Facebook has more than 500 million active users. In Canada, we now have over 16 million users or an estimated 48 per cent of Canadians are on Facebook. We are a seriously plugged in nation.

Even more importantly, people of all ages and walks of life use Facebook, including many of your ideal clients. Do not assume that Facebook is for “young people.”

Many of your current clients and plenty of your potential future clients are on Facebook.

When I consult or teach around Facebook optimization, the problem for

most of my clients is that they don’t know how Optimizing the to take the most power of productive actions on Facebook means Facebook to reach their ideal that every day client. you are being Most of my clients do have discovered by a “typical” Facebook prothose who need file, which they what you have use to stay in touch with to offer. friends and family. What they fail to do is to create their “personal brand” using their Facebook profile.

Once I help my clients craft their personal brand, it is very simple to then begin working with them to optimize the incredible power of Facebook to increase their sales, clients, profits, networking opportunities, marketing and so on.

Optimizing the power of Facebook means that every day you are being discovered by those who need what you have to offer.

You are also continually finding ideal contacts, customers, fans and ideal partners who can help you grow your business.

Let’s not forget that “business is personal.”

People are more likely to do business with you if they know some aspects of you at a personal level. Remember, people do business with people they like, trust and remember.

The beauty of Facebook is that you can make your Facebook profile as personal or professional as you want it to be.

24 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

SHANE JENSEN Facebook is designed so that you can set your privacy settings to ensure that potential clients and business partners can see enough about you (personal brand) to see why you’re an interesting person and worth knowing.

At the same time, information you only want to share with your closest family and friends on Facebook can be set, so that it is only accessible by them.

At the end of the day, via the power of the Internet, social media is fast becoming an integral part of our culture and one of the primary ways we communicate and now do business.

Just think back to when many of us questioned the value of having a website for our brand or business. Today, for most of us, our website is an integral part of our business model. Start shifting your perception to the value of social media and how it can be an excellent tool for helping your business grow and succeed.

One last obvious point. Not sure how much you spent marketing your business or products this year? Everything I discussed in this article will cost you nothing!

Good luck!

Shane Jensen, MA, ACC, CEC, is the senior principal for New Quest Coaching & Consulting. See www.newquestcc.com. KB

If you haven’t walked into Kamloops Harley Davidson’s clothing department lately, you’ll find a few surprises: everything from bathrobes and slippers, winter jackets for him and her, (don’t forget the little ones) plus an inviting customer lounge. Add to these the wide variety of gifts and collectibles from game room accessories to coffee mugs and stemware.

Although first opened at this location in 1996, the store has gone largely under the radar.

Only recently did the building undergo a store wide renovation and addition.

Equal parts giftware, casual wear and riding gear, Kamloops Harley Davidson seamlessly blends traditional riding gear with new and up to date fashion. The store’s stock ranges from t-shirts, tanks and long sleeves, to kids wear, dart boards and home accessories — as well as a handful of unexpected gems like photo albums, bobble heads , calendars and yes, toilet seats.

With something available to fit anyone’s budget, it’s a great place to come check out!

Kamloops Harley-Davidson®

Exit 366, West Trans Canada Highway 1465 Iron Mask Road

1.800.665.3121 • 250.828.0622

www.kamloopshd.com

DL#05943 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

25

> tech file

Making social m

F

ifteen years ago, terms such as “I’ll tweet you” or “I just posted a link to your wall” would have sounded crazy.

Now, these are phrases used every day around the world. Web 2.0 or, as it’s more commonly called, social media has taken the planet by storm.

What once was a platform for kids and teenagers to chat with their friends has changed the way businesses communicate with other businesses and with their customers.

Darren Barefoot, a social media consultant and co-author of Friends with Benefits, a social media marketing handbook, says that even with something like Web 2.0 it’s important to have a strategy in place.

“The most common mistake businesses are making is jumping in without thinking about their audience and their strategy,” he says. “A lot of companies think that anybody can do this, so they put their intern or the most junior person on their staff in charge, but they need some wisdom and advice to make the plan and the structure.”

26 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

ng media work

BY AMBER YAKE >> KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

Strategizing vs. engagement on Twitter, Facebook

Local business owner Paul Reynolds agrees with Barefoot. Reynolds owns SelfStorAll Kamloops and actively uses Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to promote his business.

“I am trying to use a mix of social media to drive customers to my website. My short-term goal is to get 50 per cent of calls and visits tracked back to the website or social media sites,” he says.

Reynolds uses Twitter more than any of the other social media sites and has a two-pronged strategy; to build his company’s brand and make himself known as an expert on storage.

Tweet This!

Kamloops Hot Yoga owner Trina Redman strikes a lotus pose along with her laptop and cellphone — key elements for any business owner who wants to use social media to the full extent. Says Redman: “I set up Facebook more for people who were already attending yoga with us — sort of like a community board of information.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

27

By the numbers Social Media has taken over porn as the No. 1 activity on the Web. Years to reach 50 million users: Radio – 38 years TV – 13 years Internet – Four years iPod – Three years

“I implement my Twitter strategy by combining two tweet streams,” he says. “The first is a series of pre-scheduled tweet tips on safe storage and suggested uses for consumers and business. The second process is to engage other Kamloops-based Twitter users by replying, commenting and re-tweeting.”

Strategy is important when it comes to social media, but just as imperative is community engagement. One of the appeals of social media is the transparency and the ability for a consumer to have a conversation with a business owner.

Trina Redman is the owner of the city’s newest yoga studio: Kamloops Hot Yoga. Shortly after the studio opened in February 2010, she began using Facebook to share studio news and talk with students.

Redman was in Montreal for the month of October completing yoga teacher training and her recent Facebook posts reflected that fact.

“Had a wonderful lunch of what else — Poutine!” was part of one of Redman’s updates while in Montreal, which received five comments and four likes.

Redman’s use of social media has hit a good balance between promoting her business and using it to engage the community. She also uses it to get feedback on the yoga studio from students through the Facebook discussion tab.

“The postings aren’t on any specific schedule,” she says. “[I use it] to keep people interested in yoga, to let them know what we are up to, what other students might be up to and so on.”

In approximately six months, Kamloops Hot Yoga’s Facebook page has gained nearly 150 fans and almost every update Redman posts receives comments and likes.

“I set up Facebook more for people who were already attending yoga with us — sort of like a community board of information,” Redman says.

28 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Facebook added 100 million users in less than nine months.

If Facebook were a country it would be the world’s fourth largest.

Twenty-five per cent of search results for the world’s Top 20 largest brands are links to user-generated content.

More than 1.5 million pieces of content are shared on Facebook daily.

Source: Socialnomics

In his social media marketing handbook, Barefoot and co-author Julie Szabo state that community, collaboration and authenticity are three of the five fundamentals of social media.

“The technology of the last decade has transformed the Web into the ultimate collaboration platform,” they say.

Valhalla Pure Outfitters is another Kamloops business that has embraced social media.

Marketing manager Phil Hiom says getting more customers into the business and promoting healthy living go hand-in-hand.

Posts range from updating fans on the latest products and gear available in the store to inviting community members out for a weekly trail run.

“You can’t do one without the other,” Hiom says.

“If I set up the social media stuff just to try and get people in the door to buy stuff, I don’t think it’s going to work. In the same breath, if I was only posting fun stuff all the time I probably wouldn’t have a job.” KB

Who should be on Facebook and Twitter?

Tempted to take your business into the world of social media?

Recognize that just because it’s there doesn’t mean it’s the best place to get your message across.

“Social media is so labour intensive and so new. People want to do it just because it’s there, but if you don’t make time for it, if you’re not going to be there to put in the new copy and manage it, then it won’t work,” says Pulse Group’s Kristen Rodrigue.

Do you need help with a business start-up, expansion or purchase of a business?

We may be able to help with one or more of our services.

Growing communities one idea at a time since 1987.

101–286 St. Paul St. Kamloops, BC V2C 6G4 T 250 828 8772 F 250 828 6861 info@communityfutures.net www.communityfutures.net Flexible and siness Affordable Bu ns Communicatio

• Loans for Business • Business Training Services

• Business Consulting Services • Business Plan Development Workshops • Self Employment Program

Community Futures Thompson Country (CFTC) is pleased to provide new business services for the Kamloops region.

CFTC state-or-the-art business training lab • 12 Lap top computers complete with Windows 7 Professional • Wireless internet connection • Built in webcam • DVD-RW • LCD/overhead projector with screen

Connect with the world via video conference • Video conference applications are limitless and may includetraining, meetings, announcements, staff recruitments, all at a fraction of time and expense.

Supported by

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

29

Chamber NEWS President’s Message Time to renew chamber membership and continue to reap the advantages Peter Aylen President, Absorbent Products Ltd. 724 Sarcee St. E Kamloops, V2H 1E7 www.absorbentproductsltd.com

W

ith the 2010 business year winding up, the time is coming for local businesses to renew their Kamloops Chamber of Commerce memberships. For those businesses that are not yet chamber members, now is the perfect time to jump on board.

Being a chamber member has plenty of benefits. Not only do businesses gain exclusive benefits and opportunities, but they also have the ability to network and mingle with other members, getting their name and brand out into the public through monthly socials, educational sessions and even Facebook.

“New members are invited to a breakfast where they meet other new members and begin to build relationships in the business community,” says Peter Aylen, Kamloops chamber president and president of Absorbent Products Ltd. “They also meet their benefit providers

and learn about the savings and opportunities available to them. From there, new members can join Power Hour, where they focus on business growth strategies and refer business to their peers within the group. Monthly networking socials and mini trade shows are great ways to get your name and face out into the community.

“My company benefits from the money-saving benefits and networking events that comes with being a chamber member,” says Aylen. “Being part of a larger group is also extremely beneficial.

A single, small voice is often hard to hear.”

One of the key challenges of owning a business are the day-to-day costs.

Chamber members can enjoy special rates and discounts for a variety of different products and services, including banking services through TD Merchant Services, insurance plans through Underwriters Insurance Brokers, fuel and natural gas through Commerce Energy and gas and diesel through various fuel providers. Chamber membership also allows a business to run a little

Mobile

Mortgage Specialist “I’ll come to you!”

• Also available after banking hours • 5% down payment mortgages • Competitive interest rates • Purchases, construction and refinancing • Over 30 years of experience

Maureen Sholes@td.com

250-314-4401

30 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

PETER AYLEN better with a human resources plan through Payworks and the Mystery Shopping Program.

Members meet regularly with the chamber to discuss issues that are of mutual concern. Local government often reacts to public opinion, so having a focused response based on issues identified by the membership allows the chamber to present issues to local government in a constructive manner.

“This gives the chamber direction when speaking to government.” KB

CUT YOUR HEATING COSTS

✂

PELLET & WOODSTOVES THE MOST RELIABLE PELLET STOVES IN THE WORLD

Pellet Stoves From

179900

$

Wood Stoves $

From

132500

Canadian Made

852 Seymour Street 250-372-3579 F erguson quipment www.fergusonequip.com E

> chamber news i chamber views

Strength in Numbers Group insurance plan really adds value when it comes to attracting employees Underwriters Insurance Brokers Ltd. Naomi Hines #103 - 310 Nicola Street 250-377-2187 naomi@underwriters.bc.ca www.bcbenefitplans.com

W

hen you’re looking for insurance coverage for your home, car or business, Underwriters Insurance Brokers Ltd. does it all. Underwriters Insurance Brokers has been a Kamloops firm for 37 years. For more than the last two decades, they have also been the representatives for the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan®, available for Kamloops chamber members.

Naomi Hines, Underwriters Insurance’s group benefits expert, can help any business in Kamloops come up with a group benefit plan that will work for the business and suit the needs of employees.

“It is geared toward small- to mediumsized businesses and it is customizable depending on which coverage options are most important to the business owners and their employees,” says Hines.

“We can provide extended health care, dental, life insurance, critical illness coverage and long- and short-term disability coverage.”

Flexibility, rate stability and competitive prices are some of the benefits of using the Chambers of Commerce plan.

Says Hines: “If firms do have group

insurance plans already ‘It (group and they’re finding they insurance) also have high renewal rates gives their with their existemployees ing carriers, they need to security and it talk to me.”

Hines says helps if they’re Underwriters trying to attract Insurance aims to make life new employees easy for people when it comes as well.’ to extended health and dental packages. They can help with claims and answer questions that come up during the process. Hines also notes that having a benefits package available to employees is key for businesses that wish to retain staff.

“Some firms have found it difficult to offer significant wage increases given the economy, but they can look at doing group insurance plans for their team that are a tax-deductible business expense,” she says. “It also gives their employees security and it helps if they’re trying to attract new employees as well.”

For businesses looking to hire new employees, having a benefits package is attractive. Given the current economy

KEITH ANDERSON/KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

Naomi Hines, a group benefits expert with Underwriters Insurance Brokers, can help any business in Kamloops come up with a plan that will work for both the business and suit the needs of employees. and the cost of living, expenses can add up if employees must pay out of their own pocket for dental work, prescriptions, chiropractic or massage therapy.

“The group insurance plans can really add value,” Hines said.

“We talk to (business owners) about the other advantages of a chamber of commerce membership and also what membership dues cost,” Hines says.

“We can help with the whole process of getting a group insurance plan set up for them and also a membership with the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce.” KB

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

31

> chamber news i chamber views

Capturing Joy on Film High-school friends put complementary strengths to work Joy Factory Films Nathan Froese, Joey McGarry 250-319-7160 joyfactoryfilms@gmail.com

G

et ready to see fresh, new faces in Kamloops’ film industry.

Joy Factory Films has propelled its owners Nathan Froese and Joey McGarry onto the Kamloops film scene. After focusing their studies in separate fields during their post-secondary education, Froese and McGarry reunited in Kamloops, combining forces and creating Joy Factory Films.

“I was into film in high school and Nathan and I graduated together,” McGarry said, explaining that he went away to film school, graduated and then worked with one of the premier wedding video companies in Vancouver before deciding to return.

“It was always in the back on my mind that I wanted to start something (on my own).”

McGarry graduated from the Art Institute in Vancouver and explained that his return to Kamloops was natural.

“I love Kamloops and there’s definitely an elastic band that pulls people back here.”

Upon graduating from high school,

MURRAY MITCHELL/KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

Joey McGarry, left, and Nathan Froese operate Joy Factory Films in Kamloops.

Froese continued his studies in Kamloops, completing the Bachelor of Business Administration program at Thompson Rivers University. He then worked for the Kamloops Blazers before quitting his job and joining McGarry part-time.

“I look after all the business aspects, from all the sales, accounting, marketing and Joey looks after all the creative aspects and we just went from there,” Froese says.

“We have very complementary strengths,” McGarry says.

In just a few months since Joy Factory’s launch, they have made a mark in Kamloops’ film industry, producing everything from commercials, wedding films and promotional videos.

“It seems like there’s been a need for

something different,” says McGarry.

“When (companies) meet us and deal with us it’s exciting that it’s a young, new company that maybe does things a bit differently.”

“We’re just trying to communicate peoples’ ideas any way we can and in exciting, joyous ways,” To date, Joy Factory Films has produced the commercial for the Y Dream Home, the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce and is in the process of filming for the Kamloops Blazers. They’ve also worked on a promotional video with TRU and have made headway into the wedding industry, capturing those special moments on the big day.

“Right now we’re just focused on slow growth, and getting our ‘Joy Factory’ name out there,” says Froese. KB

INCLUDED IN YOUR VACATION: Breezes Resort Rio Bueno Montego Bay, Jamaica

1,553

$

per person - dbl occupancy

+ $92.00 taxes from Beach Front Room Direct from Vancouver • Jan 14-21, 2011 Air Canada Vacations

Receive 155,300 Hbc Rewards Points per couple!

Subject to availability

HBC (The Bay) HBC credit cards are accepted and reward points awarded for all travel purchases.

Columbia Square, 500 Notre Dame

778-471-5619

32 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, daily dinner buffet • Domestic-International premium drinks • Scuba dives • Non-motorized water sports • Beach, soccer, volleyball • Table tennis • Daily activities, nightly entertainment, disco

Maritime Travel has been operating since 1949, with 91 locations nationwide • www.maritimetravel.ca

> chamber news i chamber views

Everything Organized

MURRAY MITCHELL/KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

Kim Watt-Senner, a former RCMP officer, is now the owner of Everything Organized.

Everything in its Place Professional organizer likes feeling she gets when she helps ‘control’ win over ‘clutter’ Kim Watt-Senner 250-578-7090 www.everythingorganized.net kim@everythingorganized.net

I

t has been scientifically proven that an uncluttered space leads to an uncluttered mind, and Kim WattSenner and her team at Everything Organized strive to help those who need a little, or a lot, of tidying.

Everything Organized is Canada’s largest professional organizing corporation and no job is too big or too small. From small businesses to private homes with chronic disorganization, they have the ability to help just about everybody.

“It could be somebody who is chronically disorganized or hoarding,” says

Watt-Senner, president of Everything Organized. “It could be a family or corporation that needs help with purging or reorganizing. We deal extensively with more mature people as they age.”

Watt-Senner’s drive to help others started when she witnessed chronic disorganization in her own home growing up. Watt-Senner then spent 18 years as an RCMP officer and her desire to help others magnified from there.

“It’s a passion that I have,” she says. “I love things to be organized and linear and tidy. It’s about feeling relaxed, happy in your space, increasing productivity.”

Everything Organized goes beyond being just neat and clean. They do all different kinds of organizing from residen-

tial to commercial organizing, whether it is a home-based business, small business, or a large corporation. They offer a bereavement and estate liquidation service, as well as a Senior Care Package program, which is the most popular.

Seventy to 80 per cent of Everything Organized’s client base are seniors getting ready to relocate from a full-sized home to a smaller retirement facility.

“Most times seniors live in their home for 20 to 30 years and they accumulate a lot of belongings,” Watt-Senner says. “We downsize with them. If they’re going from a 2,500-square-foot home to 550 square feet, they may not be able to take 10 tablecloths and two sets of furniture.

We work with them and help them make healthy decisions.”

After the move, Everything Organized will hold an estate sale for items that remain, and then prepare the house for the real-estate market. The process is similar for families dealing with the loss of a loved one.

“We coach the family through picking out sentimental items and we deal with the rest,” Watt-Senner says. “We’ll go in and do a purge, then an estate sale liquidation, and then anything that’s left over is boxed and bagged up for a mobile charity of the family’s choice.”

Most importantly, Watt-Senner doesn’t refuse any cases and finds the whole process extremely rewarding.

“I’m the type of person — and it’s probably because of my policing background — that when you give me something challenging, I’m like a dog with a bone, I just like to chew on it,” WattSenner says. “When you leave, people are so appreciative, and that is what is so completely satisfying about this career.

You get a hug, walk out the door and you feel like you’ve made a difference.” KB

Better Benefits Equals Happier Employees A custom benefit plan that makes sure the health of your employees is looked after is vital in today’s workplace.

For more than three decades, the Corrigan Financial Group has been helping companies just like yours find the most cost-effective and comprehensive employee benefits plans possible.

Contact us today for more information on benefits consulting or to learn more about our

investment, insurance and retirement planning services.

Tel. 250-314-0233 • Toll Free: 1-866-314-0233 bob@corriganfinancial.com www.corriganfinancial.com Fax: 250-374-4620 Corrigan Financial Group Inc. • 103 - 418 St. Paul Street • Kamloops, BC V2C 2J6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

33

> new in town

murray mitchell/kamloops business

Manager Amanda Buder displays a fused glass plate amidst a sampling of other art at The Rivers Gallery on Versatile Drive.

New Pride of Pineview Unique location in a mainly industrial area brings art closer to home at Rivers Gallery The Rivers Gallery Amanda Buder, manager Unit B – 1780 Versatile Dr. riversgallery@telus.net

A

t the city’s newest art gallery, you can find grand pieces of work in a grand — and unique — location.

The Rivers Gallery was opened in the Pineview area of Kamloops on Oct. 1 by Horse Barn owner Bob Goode and is managed by Amanda Buder, a Thompson Rivers University fine arts graduate. Her daily tasks include everything from finding and selecting pieces from different artists and artisans, to ordering merchandise, taking care of advertising and organizing events.

The gallery’s inspiration, as Buder simply puts it, is its love of art. And having

the gallery in a predominately industrial area makes it special.

“It’s a big and beautifully unique space,” she said. “We’re not around any other culture centres or other galleries so for people living up in this area, they have a place to go and look at some of that closer to home. We do get a lot of traffic from the highway.”

With a step inside the gallery, you are met by majestic pieces of work by artists and artisans from Kamloops, Lumby, Vernon, Cold Creek and a handful of other small communities within the area.

This is a good sign that The Rivers Gallery has been well received by the region’s arts community. Local artists, such as John Ralph Schnurrenberger, Werner Braun, Kevin Peters and Megs Waterous, to

34 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

name a few, have already jumped on board and have pieces on display.

“We are really selective,” Buder said.

“Right now we have a lot of prints by Robert Bateman, a globally known artist from Vancouver. We’ll probably always have Robert Bateman’s work in. He does huge animal, wildlife and landscape paintings that are very realistic. We also have some works from all over Canada and a lot of it is really high calibre.”

Buder also noted that while there is a current theme of nature-inspired pieces at The Rivers Gallery, the theme will gradually change as the gallery grows.

“We’d like to have more collective shows for our artists. We’d love to bring in more artists, fill this place and see it be really, really successful” Because The Rivers Gallery is not publicly owned, all of the pieces are for sale.

From art cards to full-sized paintings, sculptures to furniture, there is something for everyone with any budget.

Buder is constantly finding new pieces to add to the gallery, so it is always worthwhile to stop by and see what’s new. KB

One-Stop Shop for Feeling Good Spray-tanning, teeth whitening go hand-in-hand at Healthy Tan Healthy Tan Kim Pich, owner 169 Fourth Ave. www.healthytan.ca kim@healthytan.ca

K

im Pich is her own best advertisement. With a glowing tan and bright white teeth, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the picture of health.

The longtime Kamloops resident opened Healthy Tan downtown in July and business has been great, with plenty of people opting for the ease and safety of the Mystic Tan system for the skin, and the Bleach Bright system of teeth whitening.

The tanning is a simple process. The booth heats up prior to a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appointment, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice and warm. Each tanning cartridge is personalized with aromas, bronzers and enhancers, a barrier cream goes on the hands and feet, and the machine walks you through the rest.

The actual spraying takes all of three minutes, your skin is dry by the time you step out of the booth and â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impossible to turn orange,â&#x20AC;? Pich says with a laugh. Colour begins to show up after about four hours, and depending on the client, what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing, and how well he or she exfoliated prior to the tan, it can last up to a week or more.

Pich worked for Pacific Coastal Airlines, and when it ended its Kamloops run she was left wondering what to do next. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a redhead and so fair, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go in the sun. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried tanning booths, and they only let me in for about two minutes at a time, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m barely warm by the time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m done,â&#x20AC;? she says.

murray mitchell/kamloops business

Healthy Tan owner/operator Kim Pich inside a Mystic Tan spray booth at her business on Fourth Avenue in downtown Kamloops.

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d used tanning creams without success and it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until she visited a Mystic Tan studio in Edmonton that she finally got the tan sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d long been after. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never had a tan in my life â&#x20AC;&#x201D; my skin is so fair itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usually see-through,â&#x20AC;? she says. But the tan she got in Edmonton gave her that sought-after glow.

And sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selling that image to her clients, who run the gamut from fair skinned teenagers, to older folks who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to lie out in the sun, to brides-to-be. The tan does a good job of evening out skin tones, muting stretch marks and even minimizing the look of scars. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve even had quite a few men come through,â&#x20AC;? she says.

The teeth-whitening component happened by chance, as Pich says she noticed that when she was tanned, her teeth looked nice and white. Giving her teeth that little extra boost made her feel even better. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A nice tan, and white teeth, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the picture of health, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it?â&#x20AC;? KB

0THNL I` 7L[LY 6SZLU ^^^ VSZLUWOV[VNYHWO` JH

*YLH[P]L :63<;065: MVY ;H_ ;PTL

Kamloops Foundation SERVING THE THOMPSON, NICOLA & SOUTH CARIBOO SINCE 1984

3VJH[PVU! =PJ[VYPH :[YLL[ 2HTSVVWZ )* 6MMPJL /V\YZ! ;\LZKH` -YPKH` HT WT 7OVUL! ,THPS! PUMV'RHTSVVWZMV\UKH[PVU JVT >LIZP[L! ^^^ RHTSVVWZMV\UKH[PVU JVT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

35

Left out of a Will Unfairly?

At Mair Jensen Blair LLP, my colleagues and I are often contacted by individuals that have had the grief of losing a parent compounded by the dismay in finding out that they have been left out of the parent’s Will ( i.e. “disinherited”).

The reasons why this may have happened are diverse and often based on complex family dynamics. Sometimes the inquiry comes from someone who has been excluded from the parent’s Will, in favour of his or her siblings, without being provided any explanation for such exclusion. Others have contacted us when they have been left with a significantly smaller share of the estate than other siblings. If properly drafted, the Will may be valid and enforceable. In certain circumstances, however, a remedy may exist.

by Darren Paulsen

In this province the Wills Variation Act provides the framework that allows a “child” who has been completely disinherited, or inadequately provided for, to apply to Court to alter the terms of a parent’s otherwise valid Will. The Wills Variation Act allows a Court to vary a parent’s Will to provide the child with a portion, or more significant portion, of the parents’ estate. For the purposes of the Wills Variation Act, a “child” is not defined by the age of the individual, but rather by the individual’s relationship to the deceased. Both a natural child and a legally adopted child are considered a child under the Wills Variation Act. It is important to keep in mind that, in most cases, an Action under the Wills Variation Act must be commenced within 6 months from the date of the issue of probate of the Will.

If one qualifies as a child and chooses to commence an Action under the Wills Variation Act, the Action may be settled by agreement amongst the Estate’s beneficiaries. If a settlement does not occur, the Court must ultimately weigh the deceased parent’s right to choose how he or she allocated his or her estate in the Will (i.e. “testamentary autonomy”) against the deceased parent’s legal and moral obligation to apportion his or her estate in a manner that allows for “adequate, just and equitable” provision for all of his or her children. The Court will consider a number of factors in deciding whether a parent’s Will should be altered. The factors considered will depend on the circumstances of the case but the Court will generally review

36 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

the value of the estate and the number of children potentially involved, as well as the age, health and financial need of those children.

The Court will also give consideration to the extent to which the children benefitted from the parent’s assistance during the parent’s lifetime.

Other factors that are routinely considered are whether or not a child was estranged from the parent, and the reasons for the estrangement.

Rather then applying to vary the terms of an existing, otherwise valid Will, a child (or any other potential beneficiary) may seek to challenge the validity of the Will itself. The law allows for a parent to discuss the terms of his or her Will with his or her children and to even receive recommendations from the children, as long as the parent is found to have ultimately exercised his or her own free choice in the creation of the Will. A Will is not legally binding, however, if the parent has been unduly influenced in the creation of the Will. If it is proven that the parent has been forced or somehow coerced in the preparation of the Will, the Will is invalid. Courts in British Columbia have found undue influence to exist in circumstances where one sibling has coerced the parent into either excluding another child from the parent’s Will completely, or increasing the coercive sibling’s share of the estate, at the expense of another sibling.

A Will is invalid if the Court finds that the parent lacked the required mental capacity at the time the Will was created. A Will is also invalid if the parent remarried after creating the Will (marriage revokes a Will). There are a great number of reasons why a Will may not be valid, and this article is not meant to be an exhaustive list.

If you are considering challenging a Will, it is important that you consult with a lawyer and review the details that are specific to your claim.

Similarly, if you are considering drafting a Will, a lawyer can help ensure that your Will not only reflects your individual needs, but also, if necessary, withstands challenge before a Court.

Meet Your Team

Richard Jensen Q.C.

Barry Carter

Dennis Coates Q.C.

Rob Adkin

Dave McDougall

Jim McCreight

Marlene Harrison

Darren Paulsen

Michael Sutherland

Murray Weeres

Terry Bepple

Scott Blackford

Joaquin Mariona

Tamara McKinnon

Heather Mass

Our areas of practice include:

personal injury • icbc claims • estate litigation corporate & commercial law • family law • estate planning trusts • wills & estates • real estate

Mair Jensen Blair LLP - Lawyers 700 - 275 Lansdowne Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 6H6 t Ph: 250-374-3161 t Fax: 250-374-6992 t Toll Free: 1-888-374-3161 t Email: info@mjblaw.com

mjblaw.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

37

> kcbia report

Shopping Downtown Merchants can use their online presence to lure more customers to Kamloops core

BY GAY POOLER >> MANAGER, KCBIA

T

he electronic age has ushered in new options for shopping, although it is evident we ultimately prefer the personal touch for our final purchase.

The phenomenon of online marketing, with its inherent potential, has motivated business to create websites, online shopping tools, facebook pages and twitter tweets.

Research indicates that consumers are responding to their strategies. They use the Web for exploration and information gathering quite extensively. But when it comes to the final purchase, other than a few sectors such as new books and some travel, they still purchase in person.

This presents opportunities for our downtown merchants to use their websites for marketing to local and regional customers and draw them into the downtown core to shop. Several merchants already have websites and are using social media to distribute information.

Links to member websites can be found in the business directory section of kcbia.com.

We are currently exploring the concept of developing a Christmas shopping network service through christmastown.ca.

The premise would be interactive, with children sending in letters to Santa telling the big guy what they really want for Christmas.

Their parents’ email address would be included in the submission. We would then be able to respond to the parents, letting them know what Little Johnny’s desires are and exactly where downtown they are available for purchase.

This could take time to set up and manage, but the concept has massive potential.

The idea won’t be func‘When it comes tion for this season, but we to gift shopping, are soliciting input from our our business business comowners and staff munity.

Take a minare adept at ute and let us know about making your thoughts suggestions — and suggestions. especially if Of course, everything we the recipient is do is meant to a regular entice customers downtown customer.’ to experience what we do best — provide excellent customer service! For that there is no replacement.

It might be something subtle such as the special swirl on top of your cappuccino to brighten your day, or more involved like helping you pick the perfect outfit or custom fit that snappy suit.

The folks downtown can even teach you to walk properly in those spectacular high heels without killing yourself (recent personal experience on the latter — I was grateful, it’s not easy going from flats to heels!)

When it comes to gift shopping, our business owners and staff are adept at making suggestions — especially if the recipient is a regular customer as they know their preferences.

If you ultimately can’t decide on what gift to buy, or prefer to let the giftee pick his or her own, we have the perfect solution: gift certificates.

Many stores have their own gift certifi-

38 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

GAY POOLER cates, but there is the ultimate solution of downtown gift certificates.

These gift certificates can be redeemed at hundreds of businesses within the KCBIA area.

Go out for dinner, buy something to wear, something for the home, get a massage, and even use it for services such as the dentist or chiropractor.

Gift certificates come in $10, $20, and $50 denominations and are as easy to spend as cash! They can be purchased at the KCBIA office and several retail outlets.

Check kcbia.com or christmastown.ca for details.

Whether for personal or corporate giving, downtown gift certificates are the perfect gift solution for family, friends, clients and staff.

We also reward our customers for their patronage downtown. Throughout the year many of our merchants run loyalty programs that give back to their customer.

During the holiday shopping season in Christmas Town, we run the Christmas cash card program.

Pick up your cash card at one of the dozens of participating merchants and collect stamps as you shop. Every $20 spent gets you one stamp, 10 stamps fill the card.

Once full, you can enter your card to win one of five shopping sprees downtown, four $200 early bird weekly draws and the grand prize draw for a $1,000 spree on Dec. 23. KB

Custom Homes & Renovations

Doug Wittal

Building

Mark Poulsen

"Building Reality out of Dreams" eams

communities through Co-op

Best Home Builder

student partnerships 102 - 921 Laval Crescent, Kamloops ops 250-372-5516 Fax 250-3725179

www.dwbuilders.ca

• Yard Maintenance & Clean-ups • Landscape Design & Installation • Sprinkler System Start-ups • Pruning & Gardening • Free Estimates

Brenda Aynsley, Executive Director United Way, Thompson Nicola Cariboo “Having a TRU Co-op Business Student working for our non-profit was a magical combination where business and non-profit met for success.

Call to learn more!

Introducing

Our green alternative to yard maintenance

250.318.0866

Her skills in marketing, facilitation, and event planning added a new dimension to our team.”

MC10-013O

www.culturecare.ca

Amy Berard’s youthful enthusiasm and connectedness to TRU provided an added benefit in moving our Youth Engagement Strategy forward.

P.O. Box 1489 Kamloops, BC V2C 6L8

Contact: Coby Fulton 250.828.5494 or cfulton@tru.ca to learn how a TRU Business Co-op student can advance your organization’s initiatives.

www.tru.ca/business NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

39

> NSBIA REPORT

Signs of Success Residential, commercial developments suggest time is right for the North Shore

BY PETER MUTRIE >> MANAGER, NSBIA

T

he North Shore Business Improvement Association (NSBIA) has a mission to heat up the commercial investment climate within our mandate area. We serve as agents for change and we are working to create more demand for the commercial assets in our area. Our work is not done until people are clamouring to be on the North Shore.

And people are certainly starting to show up. The Trophy Homes residential project at Cherry and Clapperton has been well received with its 46 units all but sold out, while phase one of the residential units of the Library Square project is on track to be occupant-ready by yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth noting that construction of phase two is well underway.

The increasing influx of North Shore residents continues to drive fresh investments in the area. We have a new veterinarian moving to Kamloops and renovating a clinic in the 400 block of the Tranquille Market. We have a doctor relocating a practice and refurbishing new offices in the 500 block. We also have a quilting and fabric shop expanding into the Library Square.

Although we have individual business investments taking place on a regular

basis, the real excitement is in the expansion opportunities that have yet to happen. We have older building stock that is ready for transformation. There is one lot already in demolition mode and another with an application for a demolition permit expected and we have a few remaining lots that are ready for investors now.

The transformation of the North Shore is both guided and supported by the North Shore Neighbourhood Plan. The plan outlines a community vision and development goals along with a set of incentives in the form of cost reductions that developers can negotiate for during the permit processes.

There is a development checklist and a matrix of incentives aimed to not only reduce the hard costs, but also the soft costs associated with development.

These incentives are quantified in the six categories of regulatory conditions, public health and safety, urban design, social sustainability, site accessibility and environmental sustainability. The incentives are then calculated for reductions on property taxes and development cost charges as well as potential relaxation of parking requirements along with considerations for density bonus-

Family Restaurant

1771 East Trans Canada Highway

40 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

PETER MUTRIE ing, public realm partnering and priority within the development approval process.

The plan is one of the key mechanisms for driving future business possibilities on the North Shore. Another key driver is the increased awareness that this area of the city is ready to grow.

There are investment opportunities on the North Shore. More and more people are seeing it; more and more people want to be here. ppp The NSBIA wants to congratulate all of the 2010 recipients of Business Excellence Awards from the Chamber of Commerce. This is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the quality of our business community and one of the premier events on the Kamloops annual calendar. KB

51 Years Same Same Same Same

Valleyview Location Great Food Great Location Great Value

- 2135 ( 250) 372

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT

I’m here to help you with your next purchase!

the freshest ice cream on earthTM Choose from 45 flavours of ice cream 25 mixins & 10 different types of waffle cones We make our ice cream in the store with the freshest local dairy – never processed or preserved – one delicious batch at a time.

We also hand make and roll our freshly baked waffle cones in store.

We travel a lot of miles for the finest ingredients for our ice cream: to the tiny country of Madagascar for vanilla beans, to Holland for cocoa, to Sweden for the world’s best dipping chocolate.

11 am - 10 pm Everyday Summit Shopping Centre (Located near Winner’s & Red Robin)

D104 1180 Columbia Street West, Kamloops, BC 250-377-1990

Larriena Lonsberry - Sales Consultant

RIVERSHORE CHRYSLER•JEEP•DODGE Locally Owned & Operated For Over 20 Years!

"Where Kamloops Comes To Save"

250-372-5588

1 888-445-5588 Local and Long Distance 2477 East Trans Canada Hwy on the Auto Mall Call for Your Text Drive Experience

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

41

> NEW BUSINESS LICENCES New business licences are listed according to the business trade name, mailing address and licencee. The initials HB indicate that it is a home-based business. september Sugar & Spice Beauty Bar 169-4th Ave. V2C 3N3 The Children’s Garden 2620 Argyle Ave. V2B 4T8 (HB)

Great Impressions Screenprint & Digital Ltd. 4-7890 Vantage Way Delta, B.C. V4G 1A7 J. Floris Construction 2094-2776 Bourquin Cres. W. Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 6A4 BC Presents Co. 101-575 Main St. Penticton, B.C. V2A 5C6

Locost Window Cleaning 114-1946 Curlew Rd. V2C 4H7 (HB)

J.J. Kennedy Saw Filing Services F-969 Laval Cres.

V2C 5P4

Dr. Kristopher Bouwmeester 1-737 Seymour St. V2C 2H3

Let Me Clean For You 2256 Erin Valley Cres.

V2C 6A1 (HB)

CJE Sprinklers and Landscaping Inc. 5828 Leonard Pl. V2C 5S9 (HB)

Loni Horsley, RMT 790 Seymour St. V2C 2H3

Happy Faces Family Childcare 2012 Fleetwood Ave. V2B 4S4 (HB)

Westshore Paving & Sealcoating 637 Lombard St. V2C 1B5 (HB)

Delint Air Inc. 103-1262 St. Paul St. Kelowna, B.C.

Jack Hollstedt 718 Fraser Cres.

V2C 3H9 (HB)

Lizzie Bits Baby Co. 300 Lorne St. V2C 1W1

Kustom Kribs 489 Garibaldi Dr. V2E 2B1 (HB)

On Side Restoration 1316 McGill Rd. V2C 6N6

Burnaby, B.C. V5A 3J7 Money Save Construction Ltd. 7428-Fourth St. Burnaby, B.C. V3N 2N8 Mountain Side Earthworks Ltd. 2708 Sun Ridge Place Tappen, B.C. V0E 2X3

Stride Sport and Performance 221 Bestwick Crt. E V2C 1R9 (HB)

Clarks Tile Roofing Inc. PO Box 1803 Vernon, B.C. V1T 8C3

Colt Construction Ltd. 16158-80A Ave. Surrey, B.C. V4N 0J8

Dirty Deeds Mobile Detailing 2250 Bossert Crt. E V2C 1R9 (HB)

Canada Tankless 23907-115A Ave. Maple Ridge, B.C. V2W 1Y4

Central Interior Training & Employment Services 144 Briar Ave. V2B 1C1

Installation Services Organization Ltd. 130-395 Penno Rd. Kelowna, B.C. V1X 7W5

PGA Plumbing & Heating Ltd. 148-1999 Savage Rd. Richmond, B.C. V6V 0A5

Sporty Jen Fitness Consulting 313 Tower Rd. Nelson, B.C. V1L 6E2

Amanda’s Mobile Auto Detailing PO Box 430 Barriere, B.C. V0E 2E0

Derrick Jolly Construction Ltd. 4880 50th NW Salmon Arm, B.C. V1E 3A6

Montana Construction & Development Corp.

7-3111 Millar Ave. Saskatoon, Sask.

S7K 6N3

Brianna’s Custom Homes Ltd. 31943 Samuel Ct. Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 5M7 Krolow Electric 10405 Finlay Rd. Heffley Creek, B.C. V0E 1Z1 (HB)

Creative Caring Consultant Box 352 Sorrento, B.C. V0E 2W0 CCD Structural Services Inc. 4195 McConnell Dr.

Medi-Van Canada Inc. Box 8551-706 Yates St. Victoria, B.C. V8W 3S2 Landmark Sign Ltd. 1250 Glenshire Dr. Victoria, B.C. V9C 3W7 Brause Construction & Restoration Ltd. 1696 Marin Prairie Rd. Pritchard, B.C. V0E 2P0 4 Seasons Drywall 433 Campbell Ave. V2B 3R8 (HB) Mic Stagging 5619 Clearview Dr. V2C 5G1 (HB) Sagebrush Motel A-660 Columbia St. W. V2C 1L1

42 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Simply Feet Home Pedicures 1339 Hamilton St. V2B 2V3 (HB) B. Shan Records 2050 High Schylea Dr. V2E 1S2 (HB) Spa Pure Kamloops 201B-1150 Hillside Dr. V2E 2S5 Kamloops Ford Lincoln Ltd. 1665 Island Pky. V2B 6Y9 Son Mai Spa 459 Lansdowne St. V2C 1Y2 Dr. Ho-Young Chung 101-629 Lansdowne St. V2C 1Y6 Shayleen Georget 979 Laurel Pl. V1S 1R3 (HB) MacQueen’s Manor B&B 1049 Laurel Pl. V1S 1R1 (HB)

Mister Transmission 781 Notre Dame Dr. V2C 5N8 Invis-Brenda Colman 201-805 Notre Dame Dr. V2C 5N8 Nadawn Fraser 2295 Omineca Dr. V2E 1S8 (HB) Gary Van Dyke Flooring Contractor Ltd. 2402 Parkview Dr. V2B 7J1 (HB) Sterling Home Care Services 132 Robson Dr. V2E 1V9 (HB) Platinum Events 2503 Sandalwood Dr. V2B 6V3 (HB) Referral Hub 2525 Sandpiper Dr. V2B 6W9 (HB) Keeper Kleen 963 Schubert Dr. V2B 2G5 (HB)

Zealous Construction Designs 361 Sherwood Dr. V2B 4E2 (HB) Victory Security Systems Ltd. 681 Sicamore Dr. V2B 6R6 (HB) Jared Pastoor 1698 Slater Ave. V2B 4K4 (HB) Independent Senior Services 1603 Spartan Pl. V2B 7S3 (HB) Patenaude Consulting 1864 Springhill Dr. V2E 1P9 (HB) CLH Enterprises 1978 Sunnycrest Ave. V2B 4M1 (HB) Vector Marketing 1-618 Tranquille Rd. V2B 3H6 Back To Health Centre 42-700 Tranquille Rd. V2B 3H9 Instaloans 90B-1967 Trans-Canada Hwy. E V2C 4A4 Cellpod Accessories 1320 Trans-Canada Hwy. W. V1S 1J2

Dynamix Mobile Massage Therapy 2095 Tremerton Dr. V2E 2K7 (HB)

Innovacon FT 712-3190 Creekside Sun Peaks, B.C. V0E 5N0

SD Anderson Construction 2572 Tupela Dr. V2B 6V6 (HB)

Wysegirlz Contracting Inc. 345-3104 30th Ave. Vernon, B.C. V1T 9M9

Geoff’s Performance Motorcycle F-1658 Valleyview Dr. V2C 4B5 Pure Cuisine 442 Victoria St. V2C 2A7 Chahal Priddle LLP 460 Victoria St. V2C 2A7 October

IPS 868-888 Dunsmuir St. Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3K4 Cutting Edge Concrete & Curbs Inc. Box 1148 Vernon, B.C. V1T 6N7 North America General Contractor 42 Cawthra Ave.

Toronto, Ont. M6N 5B3 Greenroads Recycling 5277 Highline Dr. Box 6030 Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M6 Centrecon Inc. 15-467 Edgeley Blvd.

Concord, Ont. L4K 4E9 Genica Development (Kamloops) Ltd. Box 2267 Chilliwack, B.C. V2R 1A6 AAA Clean Air Ltd. Box 628 Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N0

Magna Bay Enterprises Ltd. 6853 Squilax–Anglemont Hwy. Magna Bay, B.C. V0E 1M7 Debbie Ulinder 3127 Shuswap Rd. V2H 1T1 My Interior Motifs Box 2555 RR1 Clearwater, B.C. V0E 2A0 Site Lines Construction 1249 Clearview Dr. V2C 5E7 (HB) Columbia Dental Medical-Dental Group 106-300 Columbia St. V2C 6L1

205-1150 Hillside Dr. V2E 2N1

Traders Refining 660 Columbia St. W V2C 1L5 (HB)

Greentree Electric 21-1855 Hillside Dr. V2E 0A2 (HB)

Halloween Distributors 945 Columbia St. W. V2C 1L5 Anderson’s On The River, B&B 727 Crestline St. V2B 5X2 (HB) Rob Gallaher Photography 285 Cypress Ave. V2B 1H5 (HB) Thesprinklerguy.ca 1852 Foxtail Dr. V1S 0A4 (HB) Aberdeen Chiropractic Clinic

Mary’s Pet Parlour 748 Battle St. V2C 2M5 (HB)

Knotty Kreations 1810 McKinley Crt. V2E 2L9 (HB)

Economy Tree Services 915 Ord Rd. V2B 7B5

Jim’s Mowing Box 75, 4817 Cory Rd. Pritchard, B.C. V0E 5N0 (HB)

An Independent Member Firm of EPR Canada Group Inc. www.epr.ca

A&T Alpine Construction Co. Ltd. 102-1339 McGill Rd. V2C 6K7

Prisa Lighting Ltd. 103-805 Notre Dame Dr. V2C 5N8

National Plumbing & Heating Ltd. 7804 122A St. Surrey, B.C. V2W 3T3

REVIEW, COMPILATION, AUDIT INCOME TAX - PERSONAL - CORPORATE BUSINESS CONSULTATION ESTATE TAX PREPARATION COMMODITY TAXES

Right Guy For The Job … Is A Girl 310 Mattoch-McKeague Rd. V2H 1L1 (HB)

Nails By Sheila 1533 Mt. Dufferin Cres.

V2E 1C3 (HB)

Arcage Retreat 6697 Beaver Cres.

V2C 4V2 (HB)

AC CCOUNTING COUN CO UNTI UN TING TI NG STA TAFF FF, FR FROM OM L LEFT EFT EF T, AMY TAN, LINA INA YIN, DOUG AND DONNA GIBSON AND SANDY GREWAL.

BG Lounge 1665 Island Pky. V2C 1W3

Stamping With Diane 660 Porterfield Rd. V2B 6M6 (HB)

"We believe in the value of relationships. We view every client relationship like a partnership, and truly believe that our success is a result of your success. Our mission is to achieve a high level of client satisfaction and quality of work by continually striving for excellence and maintaining an environment of continuous professional development."

DONNA GIBSON, CGA

GIBSON & ASSOCIATES CERTIFIED GENERAL ACCOUNTANT

767 Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC

250-828-1945 250-828-1630 fax www.gibsoncga.ca

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

43

> Q&A

murray mitchell/kamloops business

The Players Bench team goes pretty deep. It includes (from left) Adam Donnelly, Rich Kohorst, Russ Hunter and Scott Austin.

For Love of the Game First-hand experience in variety of sports provides insight that serves customers well

BY KARA CHOW >> KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

W

hether you’re just starting out in the little leagues or have been in the game for years, Russ Hunter and his team at Players Bench can help you find the equipment you need to excel at your sport without breaking the bank. With 13 years of history in Kamloops and years of experience in a variety of sports, Hunter is certain that when you visit Players Bench you won’t leave disappointed.

ping into all of our teammates’ families.

What is it about this business that you love?

Hunter: The games that we’re involved with. We have a long background in the sports that we carry. Our main specialties are hockey, baseball, soccer, lacrosse and football. My wife and I cover all of those sports as far as having somewhat of a history with them. I played hockey for 37 years, she has played soccer for an equivalent amount of time. Basically, it’s for the love of the game.

What’s some of the history behind Players Bench?

Hunter: My wife and I bought a store that was struggling and we have turned it around because of our history in sports. We knew there was a good opportunity for us because we both played a multitude of sports and now we’re tap-

What kinds of products and services do you have at the store?

Hunter: We have a full-fledged shop, so on the service side with hockey, there’s skate sharpening and repair as well as stick repair. If someone needs their lacrosse stick re-strung, we can do it. If someone needs their bat re-gripped,

44 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

we can do it. If someone needs their glove repaired, say for baseball and relaced, we can do that. Our customer service is a real focus.

Who is your average customer?

Hunter: We get a lot of “word-ofmouth” customers. Unfortunately, we don’t get a lot of beginners because they assume that because we’re specialty that we only have really expensive products when really, we’ve got a fullrange of products, even in the low-end products all the way up to the high end stuff.

What is your advice for people buying their first pieces of equipment?

Hunter: Proper fitting is key. If it’s hockey, you want your skates to fit properly. If it’s ball or soccer, you want your cleats to fit properly. You also need the proper product for the application as well. It’s easy to sell someone something that’s really expensive, but if it’s a hockey mom at 40 who’s looking to join the woman’s league, then she needs to get into some entry-level product and have it fit properly so she can improve as quickly as possible. KB

TD Bank Financial Group is pleased to introduce the newly formed

Kamloops Interior Regions TD Commercial Banking and Small Business Banking Group Located in downtown Kamloops at the corner of Victoria Street and 3rd Avenue, TD Commercial Banking and Small Business Banking can create a flexible and customized business banking strategy to help you achieve your business goals.

We understand that each business has different goals and therefore, take pride in understanding your business and building a strong relationship. With a team approach, extended banking hours, and over 30 years of experience in the community, the Kamloops Interior Regions Team can help you with your business banking solutions.

At TD Commercial Banking and Small Business Banking we provide hands-on cost effective financial services that go beyond credit!

Commercial Banking (250) 314-5052

Ken Plugoway • Jeff Mycyk • Daphane Worsfold • Carolyne Kabatoff

Cash Management

(250) 314-5052

Garry Rink • Sandie Hopkins

Small Business

(250) 314-5035 ext. 223

Traci Froese

Kamloops Interior Regions TD Commercial Banking and Small Business Banking Group 301 Victoria St., Suite 102, Kamloops, BC V2C 2A3 Proud sponsors of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards

Kamloops's Best Read Newspaper for local news, sports... and everything else around town

74% of adults 18+ read the Kamloops Daily News in an average week – source 2007 NAD bank Readership Study –

To Subscribe or Advertise • 250 - 372 - 2331 • www.kamloopsnews.ca NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

45

Armchair Experts By: Kevin McIntyre, President, Underwriters Insurance Brokers One of the urban myths in the insurance business is the commonly held belief that “My insurance is invalid if I go away on holidays”. The armchair expert (who is almost always wrong) will tell you, “Your coverage won’t pay if you are gone more than 4 days unless someone is checking on your house”. Then they will give you all sorts of other incorrect details. Why is it we listen to these people? Sadly, even people in our industry get this stuff wrong sometimes too.

So, let me put your mind at ease. Winter is coming, and lots of people will be going away and leaving their homes unoccupied for a number of days or even months for snowbirds. First and foremost, what they told you is completely false. If you have a fire or a break-in, even if no one was checking your place, you are covered under a normal homeowner’s policy.

There is only “1” thing that changes in your policy when you are away for an extended period from your home. One kind of loss is excluded, and that is: “Water damage, caused by freezing (usually of a frozen and broken pipe) is not covered, when that damage has occurred during the normal heating season, and when your home has been left unoccupied (usually for 4 consecutive days or more), unless you had your home checked on by a competent person to make sure the heating was on.”

So, in layman’s terms, if in the dead of winter you turn off your heat, and head to Phoenix for a month, and your pipes freeze and burst, you won’t have coverage for the ensuing water damage. If however, you leave the heat on, and have someone check on your house regularly to make sure the heat is running, then there are “NO” changes to your coverage. That’s right, none! Take that, armchair expert!

If you can’t arrange for a friend or neighbour to check on your place, you can still get around this issue by simply turning off the water to your house, and draining the pipes.

If I am going to be away for more than a day or two, I usually go into my basement, and turn off the tap where the water comes up through the floor. Then I open a couple of taps to release the pressure in the lines and I know that if the worst happens, there won’t be very much water to drain out.

Contact your own broker to get the proper details for your policy. When you do, have them show you or read you the exact wording on the subject from your policy. Ask questions, until you are comfortable and understand exactly what it says. And the next time an armchair expert starts telling you all you never wanted to know about insurance, you can smile, nod knowingly, giggle a little to yourself, and let him live in his fantasy world while you know the truth.

46 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Are You Eligible For A Wage Subsidy?

Opportunity to learn new skills while on the job

JOB SEEKER

Looking For Work?

A WIN/WIN for Job Seekers and Employers

EMPLOYERS

Looking To Hire?

Save on costs for training new employees

250.372.8890 www.kamhirepower.com Administered by TQM Consulting

The Best Place on Earth

Funded in whole or part through the Canada - British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

47

834 Laval Cres., Kamloops 1.250.372.8141 48 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER