AUGUST 2014
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Andrew Shepherd is savoring the success as one of the four finalists for Telus’
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“The Challenge”
Victoria VICTORIA
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James McKenzie retires as CEO of Monk Office Mark Breslauer takes over the reins of successful family business
PORT HARDY After 20 years Hardy
BY GOODY NIOSI
Buoys has made a
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name for itself on Vancouver Island and beyond.
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INDEX Cowichan Valley Victoria West Shore Sooke Saanich Peninsula Technology Sales Who is Suing Whom Movers and Shakers Opinion Law
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OUR 30TH YEAR
he reins of leadership have been passed on at Monk Office Supply Ltd. On July 3, James McKenzie stepped down as CEO as Mark Breslauer took over. The 58-year-old newly retired McKenzie said that with his business interests in two other active companies, retirement includes anything but sitting back and taking it easy. He noted that the company’s original pick for CEO was cut short when the candidate had to step down due to family issues. “I’m not a giant fan of the expression, ‘Everything happens for a reason,’” he said. “In this case, I actually think we achieved a better fit with the culture of the company. I’m just absolutely thrilled with the shared values that the company has with Mark, and also his business acumen – and his background experience is a perfect fit for where we need to go.” Breslauer was instrumental in bringing the convenience store concept to Shell gas stations.
Most recently he worked at the family-run Princess Auto. Breslauer was also responsible for the B to C e-commerce platform. M c K e n z i e’s c a re e r w i t h Monk Office spanned 32 years.
However, even though his father, Ron McKenzie, owned Monk Office, it was never his intention to follow in those footsteps. “Even six months before I started, if you had asked me if I’d be
involved in the office supply industry, I’d have doubled over laughing,” he said. McKen z ie g radu ated f rom SEE JAMES MCKENZIE | PAGE 12
VICTORIA
Award-winning architects expanding de Hoog and Kierulf Architects have great hopes and expectations of the Harbour City BY GOODY NIOSI
Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240
James McKenzie hands over the reins to Mark Breslauer
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he award-winning Victo r i a f i r m of de Ho og and K ierulf A rchitects ( DH K ) o p e n e d a n o f f i c e i n Nanaimo April 1 at the Westmark
Construction built Pacific Station on Dublin Way. The expansion of the firm is an indicator of the confidence the firm has in Nanaimo’s continued growth and prosperity. DHK principal Charles Kierulf said,
“We really believe there is a growth surge in Nanaimo and we really believe that it’s a market that is underserved architecturally – not just Nanaimo, but the mid and north island. So, we saw an opportunity.” He noted that
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the community has welcomed the firm. “Everyone has been very open and inviting and engaging.” Intern architect Glenn Hill, SEE AWARD-WINNING ARCHITECTS | PAGE 3
Up to 50 Mbps Internet with WiFi* *Translation: “People will order another round just to stay and use the Internet.” Call us today at 1-877-SHAW-BIZ (742-9249) or visit shaw.ca/business
NEWS UPDATE
2 DUNCAN Policy allows liquor to be sold at the Farmer’s Market The City of Duncan approved a policy at a Special Council meeting on July 7, 2014 that authorizes the Duncan Farmer’s Market to accommodate wineries, breweries, and distilleries, with on-site store endorsement to sell their products (for off-site consumption) at its Farmer’s Market on Saturdays from 9 – 2 p.m. The Province recently announced changes to its liquor regulations to give Farmer’s Markets the authority to allow wineries, breweries and distilleries to participate in the Farmers Market, subject to local government giving approval to the Farmer’s Market to host these liquor vendors. The policy endorsed by Council largely mimics the liquor control and licensing branch directive but puts a cap on the number of licensed manufacturers allowed in the Farmer’s Market at one time. Currently the policy authorizes up to 7 vendors on any given Saturday; the Duncan Farmer’s Market advised there is the potential to accommodate up to 18 vendors. Council will monitor the program over the summer to gauge its success and may revisit the policy based on its success.
Mayor Phil Kent stated that “The Cowichan Valley draws a number of tourists to the area with its wineries and cideries. By hosting these vendors in a market atmosphere, it will further enhance the vibrancy of the downtown and bring more tourists to the downtown core. The Farmers’ Markets across BC have been wanting this legislation for some time and Council is pleased that the Liquor Control and Licencing Branch has approved this initiative in time for the summer season.”
SIDNEY B.C. welcomes new flight simulator training centre to Victoria Pacific Sky Aviation and Viking Air Limited have contracted TRU Simulation + Training (formerly Mechtronix) of Montreal, Quebec to develop a state of the art Level “D” Full Flight Simulator / Seaplane Trainer. This will be the world’s first full slight simulator to feature a seaplane configuration, with the highly successful 19-passenger Twin Otter aircraft as the launch platform. The simulator will be ready for training in early 2016, and will be incorporated into a new 13,000 square foot Pacific Sky Aviation training facility to be constructed
adjacent to Viking’s corporate headquarters in Victoria. Michael Coughlin, CEO of Pacific Sky Aviation said, “With the addition of a Level “D” Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for the Twin Otter, Pacific Sky will now be able to offer the same level of training experience for Twin Otter crews as is currently available only to the most advanced commercial airline flight crews. This new simulator will help our clients enhance their safety management programs through improved training capabilities and more detailed simulation of real world scenarios, while greatly reducing the time and cost for operators to develop seaplane captains.” Ba sed at Victoria International Airport, Pacific Sky Aviation specializes in Transport Canada approved flight training for private and commercial pilot licenses and ratings, and has recently begun to offer flight operations and seaplane base consulting services. As a related company to Viking, Pacific Sky also provides Twin Otter development and production flight testing services for all Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft, ferry services to customer locations, and in-country Twin Otter pilot training. David Curtis, President and CEO OF Viking added, “We at Viking are very excited to see this breakthrough in training technology that will deliver the highest possible level of industry training to our Series 400 Twin Otter customers. Market response to the Series 400 has been strong, and we forecast an increasing demand for Twin Otter seaplane operations in existing and new locations throughout the world. This simulator will help new operators get initiated and assist all operators lower training costs and increase aircraft availability.”
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VICTORIA Vancity one of the first to offer payday loan alternative
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A poll released recently by Vancity indicates 67 per cent of payday loan users in the Lower Mainland and Greater Victoria are borrowing several times a year. The credit union poll, which was conducted by Insights West, indicates 35 per cent took out a payday loan once a month or more. Having an unforeseen expense they didn’t anticipate (38 per cent) and getting behind on bills (37 per cent) are the main reasons why borrowers said they used payday loans. Another 22 per cent said it was because they had a debt that was due. Vancity became one of the first mainstream financial institutions to launch an alternative to
AUGUST 2014
payday loans for its members. The new Vancity Fair & Fast Loan reduces costs for borrowers and helps them break the cycle of debt. Under the Vancity Fair & Fast Loan, if a member borrowed $300 for the minimum term of two months and paid it off after two weeks, it would cost $2.20, which is 19 per cent annual percentage rate (APR). Under B.C. legislaƟon, the maximum amount that can be charged for a $300 payday loan is $69, which would be 600 per cent annual percentage rate. According to Consumer Protection BC, the provincial regulator of payday loans, more than 100,000 British Columbians took out 800,000 payday loans in 2013. The Vancity poll indicates up to 60 per cent of payday loan users are somewhat or very likely to consider a short-term, same-day loan from a credit union. It also found 37 per cent of survey respondents carried a balance on their credit card, 23 per cent had to borrow money for an unforeseen expense and 22 per cent got behind on bills.
VICTORIA Helm acquired by ClassNK ClassNK announced the acquisition of Victoria-based maritime software company Helm Operations (Helm). The deal was hailed by both parties as two worldclass companies joining forces to improve safety and operational efficiency in the marine industry, while greatly enhancing the success and capabilities of both organizations. Tokyo-based ClassNK is one of the world’s largest classification societies, providing safety and certification services for more than 8,600 ships, representing about 20% of the global merchant fleet. Founded in 1999, Helm Operations has grown to become a leading provider of personnel, ma i ntena nce, d ispatch, and safety & compliance software to the workboat and offshore industries, and Helm software is currently used on some 1,000 vessels belonging to some of the most respected workboat companies in the world, including SVITZER, Seaspan, Blessey Marine and Florida Marine Transporters. “This is a very exciting day for Helm,” said Ron deBruyne, CEO and Founder of Helm Operations. “Since our founding, Helm has always been about providing great software to the maritime industry. We’ve been able to draw on the incredibly talented IT community here in Victoria, and combine that with the know-how and experience from the workboat industry to create intuitive, user-friendly systems that contribute directly to improving the safety, efficiency, and profitability of workboat
companies. In ClassN K, we’ve fou nd a partner who shares our vision of providing the maritime and offshore support sectors with the best software possible, and we’re incredibly honored and excited by the potential for new developments that this new partnership will create. By working together, we’re convinced we can create a world-class software platform for the global maritime industry.” deBruyne, who will stay on as CEO of Helm added that he is most excited about the prospect of continuing to build Helm in Victoria. “This is a great day for technology in Victoria,” said deBruyne. “Our exposure to new markets around the world means more jobs and opportunity for the tech community here in Victoria.”
LANGFORD Quality Foods WestShore Now Open After about a year and a half of planning and preparation, Vancouver Island owned grocers Quality Foods opened their doors to what they are calling their ‘new store in WestShore’ at 977 Langford Parkway. Store manager Jordan Schley welcomed his new customers amid camera flashes and a sixfoot custom cake. “We are very excited to open the first QF in the Greater Victoria area, and we hope you enjoy everything the new store has to offer.” The new store increases the total number of employed among all twelve QF stores to just under one thousand full and part time people. Quality Foods co-founder Ken Schley introduced the store personnel as a group, many of them local people starting new careers with Quality Foods. “Everyone worked hard to get us to this day,” he added later. The location was completely transformed from a former furniture retail store. “The infrastructure needed for a food store required us to strip it right down to the bare concrete and pillars,” says Schley. To acknowledge the company’s Vancouver Island roots, having started as Qualicum Foods in a single store in Qualicum Beach in 1982, they have integrated the phrase “an Island Original” into their communications. “We are one of a very few grocers who continue to be island owned and grown.” Many of the company’s popular features and departments, such as forno-baked pizza, hot Chinese kitchen and in-store made fresh sushi were all prominent for the opening, along with some new features. “Our Island Smokehouse maple and cherry wood smoker is a first in the grocery industry on Vancouver Island, allowing us to slow-cook such items as pulled pork and beef brisket.”
OFF THE COVER
AUGUST 2014
AWARD-WINNING ARCHITECTS
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“We really believe here
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who heads the Nanaimo office, has been making contacts and establishing a base in the city since 2010. “It’s great having professional space and having the sort of support network that is the bigger office in Victoria,” he said. “Even though this is a smaller office, we can give our clients, customers and consultants the confidence that they’re actually working with a significantly larger company.” DHK had its start in 2001. At that time, Peter de Hoog, who was a partner in another firm, and Kierulf, who had been working for the firm for 10 years, formed a partnership. Over the past 13 years, the firm has achieved significant success. “I think it’s a combination of things,” Kierulf said. “One is quality of service and quality of design. We’re very focused on those aspects of what we do. We know that we’re really a service industry and we solve problems for our clients – we make that job one. We also try to make sure the design doesn’t get lost in cost savings. We focus on the quality of the design and that’s not just in appearance, but in the way the space feels: the light and how it all works.” He noted that the firm works hard to build relationships with its clients – to have clients who want to come back. DHK works on every imaginable type of project including renovat ion s, si n g le-fa m i ly homes, multi family projects, office buildings, tenant improvements, industrial buildings and institutional projects. It has built a number of LEED buildings including the first such project in Victoria, the Capital Regional District headquarters building on Centennial Square.
is a growth surge in Nanaimo and we really believe that it’s a market that is underserved architecturally – not just Nanaimo, but the mid and north island.” CHARLES KIERULF PRINCIPAL, DE HOOG AND KIERULF ARCHITECTS
Charles Kierulf and Glenn Hill are pleased to announce the opening of their Nanaimo office
“It was a great project to get,” Kierulf said. “That’s the one we did right out of the gate when we started the firm. That got us over the hump in terms of, ‘Is this going to work?’” The firm recently finished an office building in the Shelbourne Valley in Victoria as well as the 10-storey Mondrian multi-family residential building. It also helped with the new German Auto Import Network car dealerships in Nanaimo, working together with a Toronto firm. DHK is also about to break ground on the new Snuneymuxw Community Building in Nanaimo.
Over the years, DHK has won a number of commercial building awards, sometimes multiple awards in the same year. Hill said that he plans for the Nanaimo office to follow in the footsteps of the head office in Victoria. “We want to offer design services in a part of the island where I believe they are lacking. We want to be able to deliver projects that will be game changers for the city of Nanaimo and will continue to put the city on the map. And I want to develop my career here and have a significant
part to play in how the city is going to reshape itself as expansion happens and tourism increases. I personally have an ambition to see Nanaimo transform from being a node on a ferry highway to a place where people will stay, visit and call home.” Kierulf said that he expects the firm as a whole to continue to grow, with Nanaimo playing a major role in that growth. He noted that the Victoria office is home to 10 people. “Could this office be the same size as the Victoria office? I don’t know – maybe it could be bigger.
I really believe that Nanaimo is at a bit of a crossroads and it’s already beginning to happen that the types of buildings that are being thought about and constructed are changing. T here’s a lot of opportu n ity for infill renovations and redevelopment work. In terms of opportunities in this area and surrounding areas – I think it’s really big.” de Hoog and Kierulf Architects is at 977 Fort St. in Victoria and #102 – 5190 Dublin Way in Nanaimo. www.dhk.ca
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VANCOUVER ISLAND
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AUGUST 2014
BC Ferries awards contracts for three new Ferries
F
ollowing the completion of an extensive competitive bidding process, BC Ferries has awarded Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. of Gdansk, Poland contracts totaling $165 million to build three new intermediate class vessels. The contracts have been approved by BC Ferries’ Board of Directors, as well as a total project budget of $252 million that includes financing and project management costs that would have been incurred regardless of where the vessels were built. The budget also includes $51 million for Canadian taxes and federal import duties. The total project budget is within the capital envelope set by the BC Ferries Commissioner. “These are design-build, fixedprice contracts that provide BC Ferries with substantial guarantees related to delivery dates, performance criteria, cost certainty and quality construction,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Engineering. “As we begin the next phase of our newbuild program, a key objective is to achieve capital and operating cost savings and efficiencies through an overall class and standardization strategy,” said Wilson. “Standardization offers greater interoperability and lower crew training and
Rendering of BC Ferries’ new Intermediate Class Ferries maintenance costs, and also enhances safety. This is a significant step forward in taking BC Ferries from 17 classes of ships to five classes.” The new intermediate class vessels will be the first vessels in BC Ferries’ fleet to operate as dual-fuel capable using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or diesel fuel for propulsion and power generation. Two of the new ships will replace the 49-year old Queen of Burnaby, which sails between
Comox and Powell River and the 50-year old Queen of Nanaimo, which services the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route. The third vessel will augment peak and shoulder season service on the Southern Gulf Islands route, plus provide refit relief around the fleet. These new 105 metre vessels will accommodate 145 vehicles and 600 passengers. The first new intermediate class vessel is scheduled to arrive in British Columbia in
August 2016, the second in October 2016 and the third in February 2017. Remontowa is responsible for delivering the vessels to Victoria. The first vessel is expected to be in service in the fall of 2016, following extensive crew training and familiarization. The Gdansk ship repair and shipbuilding yard Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A , which is one of the world’s leading shipyards with state-of-the-art design and production facilities, is a member
of the Remontowa Holding capital group specializing in ship design and construction of new ships, conversions and repairs, offshore units and steel structures. The shipyard was established in 1952 and privatized in 2001. BC Ferries conducted an extensive competitive bidding process to ensure that the company secured the best bid for its customers and the taxpayers of British Columbia. One shipyard from BC, Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyard, was among the five shipyards shortlisted and invited to participate in the RFP process, however they decided to withdraw as they indicated t hey h ave m a x i m i z ed t hei r available capacity due to commitments with the federal government building vessels under the National Shipbuilding and Procurement Strategy as well as constructing BC Ferries’ new cable ferry. Criteria for shipyard selection included the design and construction plan, recent experience building intermediate ferries, capability of introducing new technology such as LNG, customer satisfaction (references from other customers), delivery schedule, price and payment terms, financial stability and ability to provide guarantees.
MONK OFFICE SERVICES WHAT IT SELLS
Company offers complete IT solutions
M
onk Office Supply Ltd. is much more than office supplies; more and more businesses are discovering that it is the solution to all their IT problems, not only in sales but also in servicing. IT category manager Frank Baker said, “Not only do people want to buy local, but they also want to service local; it saves them ti me, it saves money, a nd it keeps every th i ng i nside ou r local economy.” Monk Office is able to do that from Victoria to Duncan, Nanaimo and Campbell River. “ We s t r e t c h I s l a n d-w i d e geographically,” Baker said. “And we can take care of the customer wherever it’s best for them–we can come onsite to service an enterprise class MFP or they can carry in their home printer to any one of our locations and get it serviced.” When it comes to technology, Monk Office is known for custom solutions. “W hat you need is not the same as what the person next
to you needs,” Baker said. “Your business is not the same as the local business down the street.” A customized solution starts with questions: where will you be using the system? What will you be using it for? What do you want it to do for you? How do you want it to grow with you? Who will be using it? Baker pointed out that Monk Office has multiple channels to handle multiple solutions. T he company has experts in the retail as well as the office environment. “T he deg ree of tech nolog y that we can bring to enhance a nd ma ke peoples’ busi ness lives easier is so widespread, it’s i ncred ible,” Ba ker sa id, adding that the company definitely likes to service what it sells – and Monk Office sells almost everything from tablets to printers, laptops, desktops – everything from big to small. Monk Office also prides itself on helping business people in emergencies by providing a number of products for rent. “If you fly into town and your projector is dead or your laptop has crashed, we have that stuff readily available to help you when you need it the most,” Baker said. Monk Office Supply Ltd. is at 800 Viewfield Rd. in Victoria. www.monk.ca
What you need, when you need it. Equipment rentals from Monk Office • Cash Registers • Computers • Fax machines • Projectors • Printers • Photocopiers
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COWICHAN VALLEY
AUGUST 2014
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COWICHAN VALLEY
Canada’s Leading Salt Company a Finalist for Prestigious Business Award “The Challenge” Award from TELUS Recognizes Entrepreneurship with $100,000 in Development Funding BY CHRISTOPHER STEPHENS
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Cowichan Valley company known for being Canada’s leading producer of natural sea salt is competing in “The Challenge” through TELUS for $100,000 in business development funds this year. Andrew Shepherd, Founder of Vancouver Island Salt Co. in Cobble Hill explained “We entered the competition, and besides entering, the reason we got through is because we started the Canadian sea salt industry 5 years ago. As pioneers, we jumped in the ocean first as far as working with salt.” With their hand harvested sea salt products available in over 110 retail outlets in BC as well as stores in Ontario and the Maritimes, the business was the first in Canada to harvest sea salt from the ocean. Vancouver Island Salt Company prides in leading the industry and marketing “The quality and sustainability of Canadian Sea Salt,” explains Shepherd. Asked how he started his company, Shepherd says “Somebody told me I couldn’t do it! I had a bet that if we stayed up all night boiling water I would have enough salt to give away and I won the bet! Four months later I was self-employed.” Shepherd identified “Hard work, innovation and community backing as being key to
“If we win, we will try to become a fully global sea salt company within about 8 months of receiving the award. We would like to share more samples and prove that the world desires Canadian Sea Salt.” ANDREW SHEPHERD
FOUNDER, VANCOUVER ISLAND SALT CO.
that are able to clearly articulate the challenge they are facing and what kind of result they would be able to see as a result of the influx of $100,000, says Trusdale.” Trusdale explains “We really want companies that are not only committed to environmental sustainability, development and innovation, but businesses that are able to sustain themselves as a small business in the long term. Vancouver Island Salt Co. had a really great plan, and Andrew was able to articulate exactly what their goals were, and exactly what
Vancouver Island Salt Co. has high hopes for the future of Canadian sea salt in worldwide markets. | RHIANNON LEE HELMES PHOTO partnered with the vegetable oil people. I thought that was amazing he is working with the local business community and using a recycled product. It is very innovative and progressive.” Shepherd sees the broader significance of placing as a finalist in the 2014 TELUS “The Challenge” Award for Small Business in Canada. “We are focused on being connected to our community as a small business, and we are already winners as finalists. But he has high hopes for winning award. “We made a good impression, notes Shepherd. If we do win, we will try to become a fully global salt company within 8 months. We would like to share our product and prove that the world desires
Canadian Sea salt. Artisan salt harvesting and sales is an industry worth 1.3 billion dollar industry per year worldwide and we would like to become a bigger part of that.” Trusdale explained, “All four business were able to tell their stories so clearly and that is a major contribution to why they became finalists. We are really looking forward to getting to the point when we can announce the winner and the provincial winners as well.” The winner will be announced on September 18th, 2014, and 10 regional awards will be distributed over Small Business Week in October. Isla nd Sa lt Compa ny is located at 4235 Teleg raph Road i n Cobble H i l l Visit http://www.visaltco.com/
COURIER, FREIGHT & LOGISTICS
Vancouver Island Salt Co. Founder Andrew Shepherd is proud to have his efforts recognized as a finalist in “The Challenge” award from TELUS. | MARYANNE CARMACK PHOTO success, showing that people will support quality and sustainability.” Timing and business location were also import factors. “The West Coast is the prime location for a food based business and we stepped in at the right moment.” Suzanne Trusdale, vice-president of Small Business Solutions for TELUS and a member of the TELUS expert review panel agrees. “When you think of an entrepreneur they have tons of ambition and grit. This company has overcome many obstacles and they have a clear vision for further development.” Running for the past four years, “The Challenge” is a partnership between TELUS, Canada’s fastest growing communications company and the Globe & Mail, Canada’s National Newspaper. “The award is open to small businesses with 100 employees or less and looks for businesses
they would do with a $100,000 award.” A chef by training, Shepherd has a passion for introducing people to natural sea salt. He attributes being selected as a finalist out of more than 1,000 applicants to his company’s combined vision and tireless work over the past five years. “The judges were interested in our goals of setting the standard for sustainable practices for Canada’s sea salt industry. It is cold in Canada so you have to use fuel. Complete solar evaporation is not feasible,” says Shepherd. In order to be sustainable, Island Salt Co. has converted its entire production system to vegetable oil powered equipment. “We are beyond carbon neutral – we have even sold our carbon credits to the Town of Ladysmith”. “ T h at re a l ly i mpre sse d u s,” say s Trusdale. “I loved the way Andrew has
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VICTORIA
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AUGUST 2014
VICTORIA—A LONG HISTORY WITH TRADE Every dollar that comes into the local economy via an exported product or service creates up to three dollars of economic
VICTORIA
return.
BRUCE CARTER
T
rading has always been an important part of Greater Victoria’s economy. In fact, the city first took root as a trading post. Many of our early trading activities surrounded the harbour, including trading resources like coal and wood to the ship building industry that dates back to 1859, as well as establishing the region as a tourist destination and fishing port. Today, Greater Victoria may not look like your typical exporting town dependent on major manufacturing or industry, but it is still an important part of our local economy. Every dollar that comes into the local economy via an exported product or service creates up to three dollars of economic return. Traditional
manufacturing exports continue to grow through shipbuilding, aircraft and specialty technology goods; however, our unique industries and local talent provide opportunities to expand beyond the traditional “shipping” export mindset.
Although not the first sector that most people think of in terms of exports, tourism is one of Greater Victoria’s largest export industries. Tourism dollars represent money entering local businesses that would not have otherwise. And as anyone recently returned from vacation can attest, vacations usually trigger higher than average spending patterns. The local economic impact of tourism is estimated at $1.9 billion. Advanced technology is another rapidly growing sector in the region and can relate to anything from programs and service to hardware. With an estimated economic impact of $3 billion, Greater Victoria boasts a strong international reputation for innovative technology firms. Along the same lines of intellectual exporting, international students spend approximately $2.3 billion in BC annually. The provincial government’s commitment to increasing the number of international students by 50 per cent by 2016 will be a boon to the region. With three post-secondary institutions, the Capital region is well poised to reap the benefits of strong growth in this sector. W ho says you ca n’t ex port our natural beauty? The film industry in the region provides
benefits both while here shooting as well as spinoff tourism related benefits. The recent inclusion of the Capital region in the Distant Location Tax Credit has made a big difference. The economic spinoffs from this industry include spending on car rentals, restaurants, accommodations and construction. Economically, 2014 has been the best year since 2006 with over $14 million generated to date. It is time to build on these sectors and grow the local economy. The federal government in conjunction with the Greater Victoria Development Agency (GVDA) has launched a three-year $1.5 million Trade and Investment program to find opportunities for exporting both goods and services. In addition to working with key players in the community the GVDA is looking to work with a select few businesses on the cusp of developing export capacity. An opportunity for businesses that should not be missed. You never know what our next greatest export might be.
AUGUST CHAMBER EVENTS ■ Thursday, August 14 Prodigy Group August Mingle 5:00 – 7:00 pm Hosted by Breakwater Café and Bistro ■ Wednesday, August 27 Member Orientation Beer Tasting 4:30 – 6:00 pm Hosted by Vancouver Island Brewery ■ Thursday, August 21 August Business Mixer 5:00 – 7:00 pm Hosted by Fireside Grill ■ Tuesday, September 9 Business without Borders Featuring Gary Doer, Ambassador of Canada to the United States of America 9:00 – 11:00 am Location Cineplex Odeon Victoria Cinemas
Bruce Carter is CEO of Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at bcarter@victoriachamber.ca or (250) 383-7191
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WEST SHORE
AUGUST 2014
7
Policy makers leave businesses scrambling for answers While nobody likes spam, the new rules require any organization to get express consent by 2017 if they wish to
WEST SHORE
continue sending commercial electronic messages to clients.
CRAID SOROCHAN
O
ver the past few months, two different levels of government have wreaked havoc on a large number of businesses and organizations across British Columbia: The Feds rolled out new anti-spam laws, causing anyone with a mailing list to scramble to get “implied” or “express” consent, if they wanted to keep in contact via-email with clients, stakeholders or customers (causing your inbox to be spammed with anti-spam messages). The Province of BC introduced a new regime for recycling, Multi-Materials BC (MMBC), and while doing so caused panic in the long-suffering newspaper industry and for businesses producing products that require packaging. While the intentions of these two new programs are indeed noble, the way in which the programs were rolled out left a lot to be desired, and a whole lot of people scratching their heads. According to the MMBC website www. multimaterialbc.ca, “MMBC is a not-for profit organization formed to develop and
implement a residential stewardship plan for packaging and printed paper”. If you sell paper products or packaged goods you are now a “steward” and in turn responsible for the costs of recycling the materials. After a backlash when the new rules were initially announced, an exemption from the program was put in place for businesses with under $1 million in revenue (thankfully). Now, consider for a moment all of the items in your household or office and where the packaging likely originated, it wasn’t in BC. Why are we slapping a tax on these materials produced in BC only? Because such rules would likely fly in the face of free trade agreements, yet we don’t mind imposing new fees on our already volatile manufacturing sectors and print industries. While the government clearly consulted adequately with the companies involved in the recycling business, it doesn’t seem as though the same level of consultation occurred with manufactures in BC. We won’t even get into the mass confusion that MMBC has caused on the residential side of the spectrum.
The new spam laws (CASL) were rolled out to much fanfare in Ottawa, but to thousands of businesses, non-profits and charities, these new rules have created major headaches… and I doubt your inbox is getting any fewer emails from Nigerian lottery winners looking to share their proceeds with you. While nobody likes spam, the new rules require any organization to get express consent by 2017 if they wish to continue sending commercial electronic messages to clients. According to tech policy expert Michael Geist, “three reasons are causing concern: a shift in approach on consents, the confusion that comes from trying fit into the myriad of exceptions contained in the law, and fear of tough new penalties”. While there are some exemptions under the new laws, most businesses scrambled to send out “expressed consent” emails before Canada Day, and with lots of emails going unopened, mailing lists for many organizations just got a whole lot smaller. The time and resources many organizations
have had to spend trying to figure out just what the new spam the rules are and how to navigate them, clearly shows there were some serious communication gaps between policy makers and the organizations that are affected by CASL. Both the new spam laws (CASL) and recycling rules (MMBC) were brought in with good intentions, but the negative impacts these new rules are having on many organizations seems to have been an afterthought. We will all be happy to see streamlined recycling in BC and for those pesky Nigerian lottery scams to come to a halt, but it appears governments still have far to go when it comes to communicating just how such rules will impact businesses and organizations across British Columbia. Craig Sorochan is manager, communications and community relations, at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce. Reach him at 250478-1130 or craig@westshore.bc.ca
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AUGUST 2014
AIRPORTS Airports impact local economies Local airports infuse millions of dollars BY GOODY NIOSI
A
irports, particularly in smaller centres, make an enormous difference to local economies. That is certainly true of the Comox Valley where the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) has been bringing visitors from Alberta for years, thanks to direct flights with WestJet. CEO Fred Bigelow said that years ago, before the advent of WestJet, annual passenger numbers ran at about 60,000. Today that number is up to about 320,000 per year, bringing tens of millions of dollars into the valley.
“We see opportunities in either increasing frequency with our existing carriers or bringing new careers in
The Comox Valley Airport has adopted new international stndards, meaning more reliable flights
– all of which will have a positive impact on our passenger numbers year over year.” FRED BIGELOW CEO, COMOX VALLEY AIRPORT
Recent news that landing limits have been brought back to normal at the airport following a move by the Department of National Defence to adopt Transport Canada’s new standard, promises to increase those numbers. “That brings us back to normal in terms of our ability to conduct instrument approaches to land when the weather is bad,” Bigelow said. “And that puts us back to being one of the most rel iable a i rports i n BC.” He noted that two years ago Transport Canada identified some obstacles, mainly trees, that required a raising of the landing ceiling. However, Bigelow pointed out that those standards were implemented 40 - 50 years ago when technology wasn’t nearly as advanced as it is today. Recently Transport Canada adopted international standards, which are
WestJet continues to connect the Comox Valley to the rest of the country much less restrictive. “They actually weren’t designed to come into force until next December,” Bigelow said. “But the Air Force had the authority to take them on now, and they did so – principally for our benefit, and as a result we could switch to the new standards now and allow our approaches to get back to normal.”
He said that many not mean much in late summer and early fall, but this is also the time of year that people book winter vacations and YQQ’s direct flights to Puerto Vallarta are very popular. The assurance that those flights can leave and land as scheduled is very important. Bigelow said that he expects traffic at the airport to continue to trend up.
“ We s e e o p p o r t u n it i e s i n either i ncreasi ng frequency with our existing carriers or bringing new careers in – all of which will have a positive impact on our passenger numbers year over year.” The Kelowna International Airport (YLW) continues to outperform most airports in North America. In 2013, the airport
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS
AUGUST 2014
9
The Kelowna Airport will hit 1.6 million passengers this year
Sam Samaddar says the airport needs to expand to meet growing demand exceeded the 1.5 million passenger mark, which means traffic increased by about 4.3%. The first quarter of 2014 is even stronger, said airport director Sam Samaddar, noting that while seat capacity in North America only grew 1% in 2013, in Kelowna it grew 14%.
Fred Bigelow says he’s pleased that landing approaches are back to normal markets.” In the last year, Kelowna added flights to Whitehorse, Cranbrook and Abbotsford; it also completed its first full year of scheduled flights to Los Angeles.. In May, YLW added daily flights to Fort McMurray, which is estimated to add another 65,000 passengers annually. “People are going up there to work,” Samaddar said. “But
Tyler Massee says flight activity is on the increase at the Campbell River Airport “What that’s all about is adding air service,” he said. “it’s also about retaining the air service that you have and growing new
we’re also opening up tourism opportunities for those people to come in this direction, even if they don’t want to live here..”
He noted that the current routing through Vancouver and Calgary made Fort McMurray a six hour trip. A direct flight is less than two hours. “For the working moms and dads who have to travel to the north, it becomes very convenient,” he said. “It also allows people to invest in properties here. And that, he said, makes a big d i f ference to t he local economy. Not only are more people buying real estate in the Okanagan, but more companies are also doing business in the north. Samaddar credited a team from the local business and tourism communities for helping actualize the expansion of the airport. He pointed out that in many cases it takes years to put new connections in place. This September, YLW is adding direct daily flights to San Francisco as well. Samaddar said the benefits will accrue to the tourism sector, the hi-tech sector and to wineries; Mission Hill and Quail’s Gate, for instance, both have wineries in northern California. “We have a lot of good things going on right now,” he said, adding that the higher US dollar will bring more tourists back to the Okanagan as well. However, spectacular growth at the airport also means there is a need to expand. Samaddar said that overnight parking for airplanes is already at capacity. In 2015, the airport plans to expand its outboard baggage system as well as its centre concourse. “We will be making further investment in the airport to make sure that we keep up with our passenger growth, Samaddar said. Although considerably smaller than other airports on Vancouver Island, the Campbell River Airport (YBL) is also investing in infrastructure and looking ahead to future growth. Airport manager Tyler Massee said that in the first quarter of 2014 growth was up by 9%, due mainly to
Campbell River boasts excellent air connections to Vancouver Pacific Coastal’s upping its service to Bela Bela to four flights per week. He noted that Central Mountain Air has also increased its capacity. Campbell River boasts excellent connections to Vancouver with five flights a day from each airline that serves the airport. Among the infrastructure projects on the table is an electrical rehabilitation project worth $1.4 million, funded 95% through the Airport Capital Assistance Program. The airport has also recently completed a review for proposal for an airport master plan to be completed in 2014. “We’re going to look at all our existing facilities,” Massee said.
“We’re going to look at the economy in Campbell River and the projects going around to see if there’s something that we need to do at the airport to prepare for them, and to make it easier for people to access our community.” The last economic impact study undertaken for the airport in 2008 showed that it generated $48.5 million in economic activity annually. “A irports are important to communities,” Massee said. “They’re big economic generators for the local community. The business plan we’re undertaking will show us, as a small airport, where we need to go and whether we need to get new routes.”
CHAMBER REPORTS
10
Employment in Sooke The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce has long promoted the excellent work done by a local leader in the
SOOKE
employment services field on Vancouver Island,
MICHAEL NYIKES
the WorkLink Employment
I
n 2011, Sooke had a population of 11,435, which was an increase of 18% from the 2006 figures. Based on how busy things have been in town for the past couple of years, it wouldn’t be surprising if Sooke’s population had grown by another 18% since 2011. The reasons for this are plentiful, as it is one of the best places in BC to live. This is probably because of its proximity to the ocean and rainforests, its abundance of arts and culture, numerous employment opportunities, and of course, Sooke’s affordability compared to other communities. The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce has long promoted the excellent work done by a local leader in the employment services field on Vancouver Island, the WorkLink Employment
Society.
Society. This assists new and existing residents in finding advantageous employment in the area. This organization has been busy helping the residents of Sooke from their local office since 2008, and has also acted as a valuable resource for surrounding communities including Jordan River and Port Renfrew. In addition, they are well respected for their aboriginal outreach services to
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AUGUST 2014
Think Local First Victoria, a local organization on the rise the First Nations Communities of Beecher Bay, T’Souke and Pacheedaht. In 2012, WorkLink became a WorkBC Employment Centre, contracting with the Province of BC as part of the new Employment Program of British Columbia. WorkLink’s services are free and cover all aspects of employment and counseling including: career decision-making, skills development, job searching and employment retention. The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce strongly believes that businesses and community organizations in Sooke all benefit from their services, as many of the skilled workers employed with local companies have utilized WorkLink over the years. In fact, our Chamber’s very own Office Administrator Aline Doiron came to us through WorkLink! Worklink services such as the “Wage Subsidy” and “Work Experience” programs bring a special advantage to prospective Sooke employers as it minimizes both costs and risks in the hiring process. More information on WorkLink can be found at www.worklink. bc.ca. Michael Nyikes is President of Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at 250-642-6112
THINK LOCAL FIRST GAYLE ROBINSON
A
special thanks goes out to Island Savings for its generous sponsorship of the second annual Think Local First AGM in mid April. Hot on the heels of AGM keynote speaker Katrina Scotto di Carlo’s presentation, we find TLF closer than ever to incorporating an exciting new Loyalty card option for Victorian’s similar to the Supportland concept already in use in Portland Oregon. As membership continues to grow, increasing from 130 to 180 members in the last few months alone, we envision a Victoria movement where local community members are given the incentive and opportunity, through this loyalty program, to directly increase their use of TLF member businesses. Ranging from potential business discounts, as well as exciting contests
Retail sales are on the
events and the Thursday afternoon market in Sidney is increasing and
SAANICH PENINSULA
we are starting to see more and more visitors – particularly from the US.
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and prizes for shoppers, it’s about making the shift in local spending habits and keeping local money working in local businesses. April’s AGM also brought about a new brand for Think Local First. Formerly known as Shop Local Victoria, the organization changed its focus and therefore its name, to “Think Local” rather than simply shopping local. “If we truly think local, then we will have a local consideration in where we invest our money, and the direct trickle down will be to local businesses,” Dr.MatthewKittleson, a TLF business member, said. A reminder message to all member businesses to change store front window decals and all logo use in publications or on the web, to the new updated Think Local First logo. Please contact info@thinklocalvictoria.com for details or logo needs. Remember, it’s not about 100% change, it’s about the 10% shift in your spending habits. It’s about thinking about your choices and understanding that how you spend your money is a reflection on the type of community that we all create. We love Victoria and want to see it thrive!
T
he g loba l meltdow n of 2008 was much less severe on the Peninsula than in many other parts of Canada, but it still hit hard, and the enduring nature of the negative impact has greatly influenced local business. Many expected the slowdown to last for a while, but very few thought we’d still be feeling the impact in 2014. The good news is that we’re now seeing many signs that the recovery is in full swing – at least here on the Peninsula. Retail sales are on the upswing, turnout at our events and the Thursday afternoon market in Sidney is increasing and we are starting to see more and more visitors – particularly from the US. We’re not quite ready to say that all the ground lost over the
last several years has been regained, but we’re very exited to see that business is definitely going in the right direction. We’re also excited to see the considerable upswing in residential and commercial building. An important engine of economic prosperity, construction - particularly residential - is increasing in Sidney and Central Saanich and we’re very hopeful that we’ll soon see similar activity levels in North Saanich. We’re particularly
excited by the appearance of attractively priced smaller floor space units – often referred to as micro-lofts – and small lot projects that will provide housing for those in our community who struggle to afford the larger, more expensive homes that predominate in our area. Also exciting are the prospects for our retail businesses who will reap great benefits from the expected increases in the local population as these new units are occupied. It’s no secret that competition for the consumer dollar is increasing and nothing helps our local economy more than having more people living locally. We are fortunate to have robust local employment with the airport, ferry terminal and a large manufacturing sector but much of that benefit is being siphoned off as so many employees leave the Peninsula at the end of the work day. It is exciting to see the expanding reputation of our local agriculture industry, as well as witnessing the formerly vacant marina slips filling up. Although we’re not quite up to the level of the Pointer Sisters as they belt out “I’m so Excited”, it’s looking good so far! Ian Brown is President of Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
TECHNOLOGY
AUGUST 2014
11
Video Capture Technology Company “Secures” VIATeC Award TECHNOLOGY
CAMACC is an example of local focus and ingenuity
Focusing on custom video integrations, CAMACC invents, builds, installs and services video capture and storage technology, as well as developing software to run it.
ROB COOPER
I
n a night to remember, featuring a “cosmic bar” and infinity mirrors, CAMACC Systems took home the Technology Company of the Year Aw a rd at t h e 201 4 V I ATe C Technology Awards Show. On June 20th, in front of a capacity audience of 750 people at the Victoria Conference Centre, CAMACC CEO Ho Kim accepted the “Freddy” award on behalf of the company. So wh at p uts C A M ACC i n the position to be winning this leading award in its multi-billion dollar local tech industry? Simply put, it is the quintessent ia l Victor ia tech nolog y
success story and a great example of what local focus and ingenuity can achieve. Starting as a small two person busi ness, fou nders K i m a nd partner Dennis Law were able to parlay an early contact with London Drugs into a massive number of international cont racts. Focu si ng on cu stom video integrations, CAMACC invents, builds, installs and ser v ic e s v id e o c ap t u re a nd storage technology, as well as developing software to run it. W h i le busi ness secu rity is
a m a i n fo c u s, it s v id e o i nteg rat ions a lso ex pa nd i nto areas such as measuring store traffic patterns and monitoring staff-to-customer levels. A big differentiator for the company is that it has a software engineering division that allows it to create its own solutions where none otherwise exist, as well as perform meaningful customization of systems for its clients. Si nce its sta rt i n 1998, the compa ny h a s now i n sta l led 8000 systems and in excess of 200,000 cameras, with diverse client such as Petro Canada, Ikea, Toys R Us and hundreds of others. In fact, CA MM AC was chosen as the supplier for the integration of 6700 cameras for an integrated security system installed in every Petro-Canada station in the country. I n its 16 yea rs i n busi ness, C A M ACC h a s g row n to 1 25 employees i n its offices i n Victoria, Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton and Denver. Not bad for a two person Victoria start-up! Rob Cooper writes about local tech companies and is a Director at VIATeC and founder of PlusROI Online Marketing.
The Colin Lennox Award for Technology Champion went to Owen Matthews
Technology Company of the Year, CAMACC Systems. Left of trophy, Jen Mayer, Ho Kim is holding the robot and David Sovka is to the far right.
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REAL ESTATE/OFF THE COVER
A good time to buy or sell in Victoria
Aboriginal Travel Services launched
STEADY MARKET CONDITIONS CONTINUE TO CREATE A
A
BALANCED MARKET.
T
he Victoria Real Estate Board released its monthly report on real estate activity in the Victoria area for June 2014. 680 properties sold in the region in the month of June 2014 compared to 664 in June 2013 - an increase of 2.4% year over year. Compared to last month in May, there were 5% less sales, which follows a common seasonal trend as summer approaches. Compared to 2013, 2014 shows an 8.9% increase in year-todate sales. “We continue to see slow and steady growth in our overall sales numbers,� Victoria Real Estate Board President Tim Ayres says. “May and June represent the top two sales months we have seen since spring 2010.� “Once again we see balanced market conditions in June - as
AUGUST 2014
we did in March, April, and May this year,� adds President Ayres. “Market conditions track the ratio of sales to available inventory and indicate supply and demand. A balanced market is advantageous to sellers and buyers - pricing is more stable and predictable and there is less pressure on price either way.� T he M LS Home Price Index benchmark value for single family homes in the Victoria Core area for
JAMES MCKENZIE
June is $556,200, which represents an increase in value of 1.8% over last year. The most common price range for single family homes in the entire region is $400,000 - $600,000. 48% of sales in June were in this range. Victoria Real Estate Board President Tim Ayres is available for comment. More information on the June 2014 report and the MLS HPI is available from the Victoria Real Estate Board.
boriginal Tourism BC (AtBC) has launched its new Aboriginal Travel Services (ATS), a full-service travel agency dedicated to the business and leisure needs of companies, First Nations bands, organizations and individuals throughout Canada. “The launch is a major achievement and is a reflection of the hard work and dedication by our management team and board of directors,� says Keith Henry, CEO of Aboriginal Tourism BC. “Extensive review and research was completed and AtBC is extremely proud to launch a First Nations owned and operated agency that will reinvest profits into the Aboriginal communities and tourism initiatives – truly a win-win for all involved.� Developed as a social enterprise, ATS’ mandate is to work with First Nations bands and corporations within British Columbia, Canada and across Turtle Island. Working with an established host agency, ATS uses the latest
technology including a comprehensive online booking platform, which allows ATS to provide the best rates with airlines, hotels and car rental companies. Completing the full spectrum of services, it also offers full meeting and event planning. With an extensive knowledge of local, authentic Aboriginal experiences, ATS is also able to provide unique packages to interested leisure and corporate travellers. “Our leadership team has made Aboriginal Travel Services a priority and this demonstrates commitment to our Stakeholders showing that we are working hard to support Aboriginal business with additional marketing and direct travel planning support,� says Brenda Baptiste, Chair of Aboriginal Tourism BC. “It also provides Aboriginal communities with a new corporate travel support service creating and supporting our own communities.� For information about the Aboriginal Travel Services, visit www. AboriginalTravelServices.com.
“It really came down to the
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
point that if I was going to get university with an engineering degree and expected to spend his life designing and building creative projects. However, he discovered that engineering had its limits in creativity, and he actually found himself so bored that he would frequently struggle to stay awake at his drafting board. It was at that point that his father said that Monk Office was in serious trouble. He suggested that if he and his brother, Ian wanted to get involved, this was the time – otherwise, he would shut the business down. The brothers joined in 1982, McKenzie taking on administration and technical duties while his brother managed sales. Between them and their father, they turned the business around. “It was basically starting from my office and working out from there,� McKenzie said. “We didn’t have any kind of strategic plan; we didn’t even know about that kind of stuff.� One of the things they had to do was reduce the staff from 65 to 35. McKenzie said that he still gets emotional when he thinks about it. “When you go through that kind of angst in the early days of a career, you really know that you never want to have to do it again.� He equated that initial learning as receiving an MBA in a year. The next step was developing business to business sales with the help of consultant Keith Dagg. That proved to be an enormously successful move. The company’s sales force quickly grew from three to six to eight; today that force is more than 15 strong. Every penny of profits went back into the business. In 1990, McKenzie’s father decided to leave the business and his brother shortly afterwards. In order to buy them both out, McKenzie brought in Ross Hill as a 25% partner. In 1994 they bought a chain of stores farther up the island that stretched the company’s resources markedly. With the help of staff and the cooperation of the company’s financial institution, Monk Office pulled through and continued to be profitable. In 2009, McKenzie took a six-month sabbatical, during which time he studied
involved in something, I needed to be a leader. So, being a leader at Monk Office, it seemed natural to aspire to be a leader in our community as well.�
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JAMES MCKENZIE
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CEO(RETIRED), MONK OFFICE SUPPLY LTD
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his competitors and the landscape of the industry. He came back with a plan to shift the Monk Office focus to complete office solutions including technology. The company brought on Adam Taft, to grow that side of the business. In its first year that division saw a 10 times growth and has been growing 30% per year since. McKenzie leaves Monk Office on a high note, knowing that the company will prosper and will continue to contribute to the community. Community involvement has been a big part of his life. McKenzie has done fundraising for the Hospital Foundation and Camosun College, has sat on the board of the Victoria Symphony and is currently board chair of Island Savings Credit Union. “I studied leadership,� he said. “And it really came down to the point that if I was going to get involved in something, I needed to be a leader. So, being a leader at Monk Office, it seemed natural to aspire to be a leader in our community as well.� He said that among his ambitions is to mentor his children to be leaders as well. “Both are working outside the business with the intention of coming back some day when they are qualified and when they have the education, and perhaps earn a leadership role in the business.� Monk Office Supply Ltd. is at 800 Viewfield Road in Victoria. www.monk.ca
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13
AUGUST 2014
HARDY BUOYS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
H
ardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc. in Port Hardy celebrates its 20 th anniversary this year. Carol Dirom, who ow ns the compa ny with her husband, Bruce Dirom, said, “ W hen we s t a r te d out we were definitely in it for the long haul. It was our plan to build a company and create an income for ourselves. But did we ever envision it would be the size it is now? I don’t know if we ever looked that far ahead.” Br uce sa id t h at i n h is or ig i na l f ive-yea r pla n, he assu med he’d be rela x i ng on a
“We’ve got the flavour profile down. We’re using the right ingredients. Many other companies’ products don’t compare to what we’re producing.” BRUCE DIROM OWNER, HARDY BUOYS SMOKED FISH INC.
Proud Supporter of Hardy Buoys
Hardy Buoys carries 65 different products
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It's always a pleasure working with the fine folks at Hardy Buoys!
Sustainable Aquaculture www.cermaq.ca
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beach long before this. T hat hasn’t happened – but there is no question that Hardy Buoys has made a name for itself on Vancouver Island and beyond. Today, the company that started off as a part-time job for Bruce, employs 84 people, all of whom appeared in a recent 20th anniversary group photo. “You see the people mingling around the plant but they’re not necessarily all in one spot at one time,” Carol said. “I have to say it was quite a feeling of pride, to see that many people and to know that we help them bring an income into their homes.” She noted that 65 percent of the employees are First Nations from the three reserves in the Port Hardy area. The company works closely with the Frist Nations to ensure that the right people are filling the right jobs and that job satisfaction is high. Carol said that Hardy Buoys had a si mple formu la for its longevity and success. “We’re stubborn. There have been times over the years when we’ve hit some hard times and
had some real challenges when people have said, ‘I don’t understand why you don’t just walk away.’ We’re stubborn. We’re not quitters. We always t r y to ke ep h a n g i n g i n a nd we‘ve come out of challenging times so we know it’s possible. All you need to do is persevere and you’ll get there.” Hardy Buoys has several aspects to its business. It began by processing fish caught by sport fishermen for travel and storage. But that was a seasonal business and the Diroms realized they couldn’t build a strong company on work that lasted only three months every year. The company also ventured into the wholesale market, selling to retail chains like Thrifty Foods. Today the company’s revenue is 8% sports fishing and 92% retail sales. “We found a way to take underutilized salmon species and add value,” Carol said. “That was our niche.” For years, the company purchased the parts of the salmon that other fish pl a nt s h a d no m a rket s for,
“We worked with FCC to expand our business.” Dion Wiebe, President, Rossdown Natural Foods
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smoked them, a nd created a delicious product for retailers. Today the company has to also buy premium fish to keep up with demand. If there are challenges for Hardy Buoys today, the biggest one may wel l be sourcing fish and keeping the product at the retailers’ desired price poi nt. But that, Br uce said, is just one more challenge and the company has a history of overcoming them. Back in 1994 Bruce and Carol had moved to Port Hardy from thei r home i n the Cow icha n Valley for Bruce’s job with BC Hydro. He was an avid sport fisherman and he’d noticed that every community on Vancouver I sl a nd w it h a s p or t f i sh i n g industry had a small custom processing plant to serve the fishermen – every one except Port Hardy. “With the vast amount of fish that were coming through the docks here in Port Hardy there was nothing,” he said. “T he closest one was in Campbell SEE HARDY BUOYS | PAGE 14
14
AUGUST 2014
HARDY BUOYS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
R iver. So rat her t h a n bei ng out fishing every day – which I loved to do – I was actually cutting fish every day – I didn’t like it as much as fishing but I got good at it.” Bruce decided to supplement the family income by starting a small processing facility on t he side. T he pa r t-t i me job quickly became a second fulltime career. “Bruce would get up in the morning, go to work for BC Hydro, get off work and go right to Hardy Buoys and be there until maybe midnight,” Carol recalled. “Often he would go
back at 5 a.m. and be there for a couple of hours and then go to work. Hardy Buoys grew very quickly. As soon as the doors opened, there had been such a need for that type of business, that people just started using it. We were overwhelmed pretty quickly.” For the first few years Bruce and Carol had a work force of only one additional employee, other than themselves. Then Hardy Buoys outgrew its first 1,500 square foot location. In 1999 it moved to a newly renovated 7,500 square foot facility. The couple didn’t want to move again but by then the die was cast. Already in 1996, Bruce had determined that the
Carol and Bruce Dirom are celebrating Hardy Buoys’ 20th anniversary
Congratulations to Hardy Buoys for 20 years of growth and success. We are proud to support an important member of the Vancouver Island community.
www.unisourcepackaging.ca 1-800-unisource
Hardy Buoys wholesales domestically and internationally
Happy
20
FROM THE COMPANY WHO PREPARES IT TO THE HOMES WHO ENJOY IT
th
Hardy Buoys
www.alsco.com
WE COVER YOU ALL Congratulations, Hardy Buoys! Canada has been enjoying your seafood for the past twenty years. We are proud to be a part of your team and look forward to providing all the protection you need in the successful years ahead. CONTACT: Mark Johnson E-MAIL: mjohnson@reliance.bc.ca TEL: (250) 483-1271 TOLL FREE: 877-354-2623 www.reliance.bc.ca Insuring BC Businesses for 34 Years
15
AUGUST 2014
company would have to sell at a retail level through a distributor. That was also when Hardy Buoys began to focus on hot smoked salmon products rather than cutting and processing fish for the sport fishing market. Thrifty Foods was one of Hardy Buoys first retailers and remains one of its best clients
The reason for the company’s rapid ex pa nsion is si mple – p e ople love t h e pro d u c t. “We’ve got the flavour profile down,” Bruce said. “We’re using the right ingredients. Many ot her compa n ie s’ pro ducts don’t compare to what we’re producing.” In January 2008 Hardy Buoys
location on May 15, 2008 and Hardy Buoys was well poised to take on its accounts and clientele. Once again expansion and renovation plans went full steam ahead to take on more of the 50,000 square feet available to them. To d a y H a rd y B u o y s h a s a full line of hot smoked salmon
make a great product. We were small years ago and we did that too. But now we’ve been able to take that step to the next level and not lose that quality.” Carol added that Hardy Buoys believes in being proactive. It became kosher and it is a member of Ocean Wise, the Vancouver Aquarium conservation
the product in order to make sure that the quality is kept up to extremely high standards. When it comes to hot smoked salmon, there isn’t a bigger producer in Western Canada – and the popularity of the product is all about flavour. Bruce said that a typical reaction from a consumer tasting Hardy Buoys
program. Hardy Buoys is also in the process of becoming Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certified. “Food safety, traceability, accountability, sustainability – those things are on everyone’s mind,” Carol said. “More and more grocery stores are going to demand that their suppliers are GFSI certified so we’re not going to wait. Let’s get it now.” Tod ay H a rdy Buoys of fers 65 different products; the list i ncludes I nd ia n Ca ndy Sa lmon Strips, Original Candied Smoked Sa l mon Nuggets, Dressed Up Salmon Nuggets, Natu ra l Smoked Sa l mon, Cracked Peppercorn Smoked Salmon, Cajun Spiced Smoked Sa l mon a nd Ga rl ic Smoke d Salmon. Both Atlantic farmed and Pacific wild salmon are given a lot number when they arrive at the facility and are carefully tracked throughout the process. Bruce said that he still tastes
hot smoked salmon for the first time is, “Wow!” They may say that their grandmother’s home smoked was even better but they’ve never tasted a better commercial product. In 2003 Hardy Buoys won the BC Sensations Award for bringing a new, innovative product to the seafood market in BC. Innovation is still part of the company, although today that involves nuances of seasoning and flavouring to its popular hot smoked products. For Hardy Buoys, the future looks bright. The Dirom’s oldest son, Dylan, is working at the facility with an eye to continuing on in the family business. Carol said she hopes that Hardy Buoys keeps contributing to the community, both as an employer and in its support of local events. Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc. is at 9300 Trustee Road in Port Hardy. www.hardybuoys.com
Hardy Buoys employs 84 people and is a major employer in Port Hardy today. Other independent food chains followed and the business grew. Today, Hardy Buoys products are carried by almost every major retailer in Western Ca nada a nd is cu rrently expanding to the East Coast.
began planning to take on Pacific Seafoods International Ltd., a well-established fish pro c e ssi n g fa ci l it y lo c ate d si x hou rs f rom Por t H a rdy. Pacific Seafoods was scheduled to cease processing at its
Congratulations Hardy Buoys www.serengetifishingcharters.com 1.888.281.2275
products, wholesales domestically and internationally for both private label contracts and their own, is a leader in automation and efficiency, and maintains the high standards imposed on the food manufacturing facility that is Federally Registered, K o s h e r, Q M P, a n d H A AC P compliant. Carol noted that for the first 10 years, every dime the couple made went back into purchasing new equipment and growing the business. It wasn’t until 2004 that Bruce dropped his utilities job and starting putti ng a l l h is ti me i nto Ha rdy Buoys. It’s more than stubbornness that has made Hardy Buoys successful, Bruce said. “We have a g reat product; there’s no doubt about that, and that does set us apart from our competitors, but we also have a facility that can handle volume as well. So we can put out a great product in volume. There are small producers that
INVENTING
16
AUGUST 2014
Improvement Patents (Part II) As long as your company has retained the rights to the first patent, you do not need to worry about licensing, because your company already owns
INVENTING
the patent.
ANNE FLANAGAN
L
ast month I discussed improvement patents that are based on a technology that is patented by someone else. This month, I am going to discuss improvement patents that are based on an improvement on a company’s own technology. The patent must meet the requirements of patentability, which include novelty, non-obviousness and utility. Let’s assume that the invention has a use and focus on novelty and non-obviousness. Last month’s example was an improved screen door. The original patented screen door design was claimed as having “an attachment side, a top member, a bottom member, a latching side and a screen therebetween”. Your company’s improvement
is a roll-up screen door. As long as your company has retained the rights to the first patent, you do not need to worry about licensing, because your company already owns the patent. You do have to worry about any suggestion of the roll-up screen door in the original patent, or in any literature that you have produced, including advertising. While this seems an obvious concern, many companies make just this mistake. It stems from wanting to keep ahead of the competition, but the end result is anything but. This is especially true if they draft and file their own patent applications – a good patent professional will ensure that there are no suggestions of improvements in the initial
filing. If they are involved in the technology strategy side of the business (which is a real asset to any company), they can also vet any promotional material and ensure that there is no hint of disclosure of an as yet protected invention. Prior disclosure is also a real problem with scientific researchers, as they are accustomed to writing their research papers as natural progressions of the prior art. They also love to indicate what they will do next. Both can result in a lack of novelty for what otherwise could have been a good invention. The key to successfully obtaining patent protection for an improvement is to ensure that the patent office understands the utility of the improvement and can see that it is both novel and non-obvious. The value of an improvement patent is that it can keep a company’s patented products one step ahead of the competition and can effectively extend the time for which their products remained protected by patents. Anne Flanagan is the principal at Alliance Patents. She can be reached at anne.flanagan@alliancepatents. com
The Chapel at Saanich Peninsula Hospital
Smile Esthetics brings a new concept in dentistry to Uptown
S
mile Esthetics has opened at Uptown. The storefront dental practice is a new concept that combines cosmetic dentistry, medical esthetics and a retail store to cater to a growing demand for smile makeovers and facial rejuvenation therapies in one location. Owner, Dr. Chris Souliotis is a family dentist who has become known in Greater Victoria for his ability to help people perfect their smiles over the past 22 years. “What I’ve seen in recent years is an increasing number of patients who are looking for my advice about medical esthetics during regular dental exams,” said Dr. Souliotis. “These are everyday people who want to feel good about their entire face. I saw an opportunity to create a niche practice that I see as part of the natural progression of cosmetic dentistry.” Dr. Souliotis spent the last three years immersed in learning more about combining dental innovations like invisalign, used to correct the alignment of teeth with ease, and medical esthetics to build a new business model. His focus was to identify the best preventative and rejuvenating treatments that would serve the wide-variety of people who were showing interest.
Waterfront Residence, Victoria
Many are tired of having cosmetic issues with their teeth that inevitably lead to concerns like cracking and chipping.
“Men, in particular, have a growing interest in their teeth and their skin,” said Dr. Souliotis. “Many are tired of having cosmetic issues with their teeth that inevitably lead to concerns like cracking and chipping.” Smile Esthetics medical esthetic treatments such as Botox and HydraFacial and dental services from teeth whitening to complete smile makeovers are provided in a spa-like setting. The space at Uptown has been completely renovated to include two dental surgeries, treatment rooms and the very best dental and medical esthetics equipment. There’s even a private exit to Uptown’s parking garage for patients who want to leave discreetly following a treatment.
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COWICHAN VALLEY
AUGUST 2014
17
Cowichan Watershed Board Address Drought Enrico Winery’s 2011 Pinot Grigio took home a gold medal and the 2012 Ortega was a finalist for the 2014 Lieutenant
COWICHAN VALLEY KATHY LACHMAN
T
h e C o w i c h a n Wa t e rshed Boa rd met w it h community leaders and stakeholders on July 3, 2014 to discuss actions and options for responding to current drought conditions in the Cowichan watershed. The combination of a dry spring and low snowpack has led to the Cowichan Lake being almost 40 cm lower than it should be at this time of year.
Governor’s Award for Excellence in BC Wines at the 2014 SavorNW wine competition in March.
As a result, river f lows have been reduced from the 7 cubic metres per second required in Catalyst Paper’s water license to 5 cubic metres per second in an effort to conserve water until the rains come in the fall. If water usage is not reduced, the economic impacts could be substantial, including a forced shutdown of Catalyst Paper, reduced recreational opportunities and long term impacts on commercial and sport fisheries. Other potential impacts include localized well failures, lack of water for food crops and conflicts between people with different priorities for water use. Cowichan Lake will continue to be monitored for lake levels a nd water qu a l ity, a nd f u rther reductions to river flows may be necessary. David Slade from the Cowichan Watershed Board, in his presentation to the Cowichan Valley Regional District Regional Services
Committee on June 25th, inv ite d t h e C V R D wate r d i stricts and water users to join the Water Conservation Challenge, promot i ng reduced water usage. T he CV R D has implemented Stage 2 watering restrictions for a nu mber of water systems. More information can be found at www.cvrd. bc.ca. Duncan Farmers’ Market Welcomes Liquor Vendors The Duncan Farmers’ Market announced on July 9th that local liquor manufacturers will be allowed to sell beer, wine and spirits at the market on Saturdays in response to BCLC’s new liquor laws. Duncan City Council approved a resolution per m itt i ng up to 7 l icensed manufacturers per week and vendors will be located in the garden at the Green Door. The new vendors will join several food sellers already located in the garden. The start date for
their participation is scheduled to begin July 19, 2014 according to Dale Letourneau, Market Manager. Enrico Winery Takes Gold Enrico Winery’s 2011 Pinot Grigio took home a gold medal and the 2012 Ortega was a finalist for the 2014 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in BC Wines at the 2014 SavorNW wine competition in March. The competition is designed to showcase Northwest wines and promote awareness of Pacific Northwest. Enrico Winery is located at 3280 Telegraph Road in Mill Bay, BC and for more information go to www. enricowinery.com. Kathy Lachman is the Business Development Officer for Economic Development Cowichan, a division of the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
VANCOUVER ISLAND
New Vice-President, Administration and Finance at VIU
V
ancouver Island University recently announced the appointment of Shelley Legin as Vice-President, Administration and Finance, effective August 11, 2014. Legin comes to VIU with 25 years of progressive management experience within the public and co-operative sectors in western Canada. She joins VIU from Vancouverbased MNP, and also as an independent consultant in both post-secondary and financial services. Legin previously held the position of Senior Vice-President at Celero Solutions in Calgary, an information technology (IT) integrator, where she successfully guided the organization through a transformational IT system replacement. “We are very pleased Shelley has accepted this important role,” said Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “She has an incredible amount of experience and a broad range of skills and expertise, particularly in the areas of information technology and change management. Her leadership in these and other areas will be invaluable as the university continues to grow and meet its mandate of serving the communities on Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and indeed beyond.” Prior to her role at Celero, Legin was VicePresident Strategy and Vice-President Marketing at Farm Credit Canada, a federal Crown Corporation. Earlier in her career she led the investment division of Crown Investment Corporation of Saskatchewan in a vice-president role, with responsibility for direct government investment in economic development pursuits. Her responsibilities included development of partnerships and joint ventures to support economic growth and job creation. “It is a privilege and a pleasure to join the VIU community. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to and be a part of
Shelley Legin, new vice-president at VIU the continued success of the University as it evolves and holds true to its vision of promoting a high quality of life for regional communities through commitment to student success, community engagement and associated scholarship,” says Legin. Community-focused, Legin has held many board appointments, including for the YMCA, and has actively volunteered in the performing arts sector. She has also developed and delivered governance workshops for high profile boards across Canada. Legin holds a Bachelor of Administration degree from the University of Regina, a Masters of Business Administration from Queen’s University and is in the final stages of completing a Certified Professional Accountant, Certified Management Accountant designation. Legin replaces Pat Eagar who is retiring from VIU after serving as Vice-President, Administration and Finance since 2009.
Learn more at GrowingLeadership.com or email growing.leaders.in.nanaimo@gmail.com
18
SALES
AUGUST 2014
Managing Poor Performance Many salespeople became the sales manager because they were great salespeople.
SALES
Sales management is a
JOHN GLENNON
set than required with a
I
selling job.
t wo u ld b e g re at i f yo u r salespeople would just do what should be done and bring in the revenue that is targeted for each month. Some sales managers have said that they don’t want high maintenance people, anyone who needs baby-sitting, or anyone who needs to be managed. The fact is that all of the above are often situations that sales managers have to deal with. Not every salesperson is at the same level or executes the sales process the same way. Some will be proficient and others need help. Regardless of where they are, it’s our job as sales managers to get them to the next level. Some will want to learn and others won’t feel the need. How equ ipped a re most sales managers to make their tea m product ive? M a ny salespeople became the sales
completely different skill
manager because they were great salespeople. Sales management is a completely different skill set than required with a selling job. Ultimately sales managers need to determine what their role is. Most will say it is to make budget. It’s not a bad answer but the real answer is to guide, support, and develops the skills, attitudes, and behaviours of the salespeople to achieve those budget numbers. One focuses on the result, the other focuses on the way to achieve it. Like any success there has to be a system to achieve it. First there has to be an agreed upon method for success. The manager’s job is next to impossible
if each member of the sales team is doing his/her own thing. That never happens in other areas of the business. Standards, expectations, and accountability are a must. If you individually asked each member of the team to describe the selling process they use, the types of questioning they have, how they qualify or disqualify a prospect, how they prevent objections, what their behaviour is to plan to achieve the next month’s financial target, what their funnel looks like, or how they plan to sell on value rather than price, what would you expect to hear? Your ability to know where they are and where you need them to be allows you to fill the gap. That’s your job. Managing poor performance means the sales manager needs to employ the best practices to guide their team to a higher level of success. It begins with you. Copyright 2014 Sandler Training and Insight Sales Consulting Inc. All rights reserved. John Glennon is the owner of Insight Sales Consulting Inc, the authorized Sandler Training Licensee for the Interior of British Columbia. He can be reached at jglennon@sandler. com or toll free at 1-866-645-2047
COWICHAN VALLEY
Island’s resort style cottage development launches
W
oodland Shores, a m u l t i-p h a s e m a ster planned development on t he shores of Cow ichan Lake, launched Vancouver Island’s first ever “Resort Style” lakeside cottage community. “T he l a keside resor t style living concept has been a few years in the making” explains Way ne Hopk i ns, one of t he owners of Woodland Shores, “… it has always been a goal of Woodland Shores to ensure l a keside l iv i ng i s reach able for t he average person, a nd with full cottages, including lot, starting at $279,900, the d re a m of ow n i n g you r ow n lakeside cottage can become a reality” finishes Hopkins. “Over the past few years, we looked at wh at people’s i nd iv idua l cottage d rea ms i ncluded, and we have tried to create a private resort community feeling that offered all the a men ities people d rea m about” states Mark Eraut, the ot her ow ner. “T he Cot ta ge Collection offers the lakefront
and lakeside benefits, a beauti f u l long wa l k out beach, a h u ge s w i m m i n g a re a , b o a t moora ge, a s wel l a s t he resor t ty pe a men it ies such as an outdoor heated pool, hottub, f i re pit a nd clubhouse, basically everything you could ever want to enjoy the cottage lifestyle” T he project is na med “T he Cottage Collection” and care has been taken to ensure that e v e r y c o t t a g e h a s b e a u t iful views of Cowichan Lake. All cottages are individually owned, and all sit on their own lot. There are only 15 lakefront and 38 lakeside cottages available in the Cottage Collection. Purchasers will have up to 6 cottage styles to choose from, each with various options. Wo o d l a nd Shore s, a nd its n e w e s t p h a s e T h e C o t t a ge Collection, is located on the shores of Cow icha n La ke, just over an hour drive from Victoria or Nanaimo, located between the Vi l lage of La ke Cow ich a n a nd t he Tow n of Youbou.
WHO IS SUING WHOM
AUGUST 2014
WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Who’s Suing Whom is provided by a third-party resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date.
DEFENDANT 0668198 BC Ltd 200-911 Yates St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Directcash ATM Processing Partnership CLAIM $ 16,758
DEFENDANT
DEFENDANT
DEFENDANT
DEFENDANT
DFM Holdings Ltd 201-467 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Wannop, Nolan CLAIM $7,873
K&G Installations Ltd 201-467 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Wannop, Nolan CLAIM $7,873
Pacific Eco Tech 26915 River Rd, Maple Ridge, BC PLAINTIFF Whitney, Joshua CLAIM $10,482
Urban Web Design Inc 102-19 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC\ PLAINTIFF Creole Jewellery Design Ltd CLAIM $23,480
DEFENDANT
DEFENDANT
DEFENDANT
DEFENDANT
Don Mann Excavating Ltd 4098 Lochside Dr, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Fortisbc Energy Ltd CLAIM $8,870
Lig h t h o u s e C h r i s t ia n A c a d e my Society 1289 Parkdale Dr, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Stachowski, Tony CLAIM $37,000
Pacific Rim Nutrition Ltd 1002 Wharf St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Beer, Gabriele CLAIM $36,379
Village At Paldi Ent Ltd 2900 Glen Eagles Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC PLAINTIFF Lutz, Donald CLAIM $146,345
DEFENDANT DEFENDANT
19
DEFENDANT
608315 BC Ltd 813 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Cr-92 Holdings Ltd CLAIM $ 69,499
First Source Development Corp 2900 Glen Eagles Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC PLAINTIFF Lutz, Donald CLAIM $146,345
DEFENDANT
DEFENDANT
DEFENDANT
6780695 Canada Inc 2146 Nicklaus Dr, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Driver, Lori CLAIM $21,576
Hunter Construction Ltd 322 John St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF We Haul Cheap Ltd CLAIM $5,030
No Limits Health 2146 Nicklaus Dr, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Driver, Lori CLAIM $21,576
DEFENDANT
DEFENDANT
DEFENDANT
Aerosweep Dryer Vent 656 Caleb Pike Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF A e r o Fu r n a c e D u c t & C h i m n e y Cleaning Ltd CLAIM $25,216
Jor Contracting Ltd 200-1260 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Altech Diesel Ltd CLAIM $8,570
Nr Climate System Ltd 3622 Apsley Ave, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Hynes, Keith CLAIM $38,000
Malloch Industries Ltd 4th Floor 888 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Cr-92 Holdings Ltd CLAIM $95,842
DEFENDANT Pro-Cision Painting 322-1900 Mayfair Dr, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Full Impact Enterprises Ltd CLAIM $13,212
For a chance to win a $1,000 cash reward, visit: iscu.com/UsualSuspects
Weststar Drywall Ltd 552 Stornoway Dr, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Yellow Pages Group Corp CLAIM $8,041
DEFENDANT Stellar Developments Ltd 21-515 Mount View Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Edge Plumbing & Gas Ltd CLAIM $7,266
DEFENDANT Westwater Property Consultants Inc 7th Floor 1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada CLAIM $21,301
DEFENDANT Swain Moving & Storage Ltd 7th Floor 1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFFF Garon, Catherine CLAIM $5,080
Protect your business from the usual suspects. business insurance
DEFENDANT
DEFENDANT Yates & Quadra Integrated Health Centre Inc 201-19 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Halsey Insurance And Investment Services Inc CLAIM $160,000
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
20
AUGUST 2014
at 741 Pembroke Street. Care Funeral Services, located at 2676 Wilfert Road, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Statistics Canada has reported that the value of non-residential building construction in the region has risen $105 million in the second quarter of this year. Greater Victoria’s automotive Salespeople of the Month for June have been announced, and include: Brittani Ison of Harris Auto, Nelson Antoine of Metro Toyota, Joe Halasz of Pacific Mazda, Ryan Brown of Wheaton GMC, David Vollet of Audi Autohaus, Brent Moroz of Volkswagen Victoria, Matt Kennard of Porsche Centre Victoria, Daniel Low of Three Point Motors, Sean Wall of Victoria BMW, Patrick Taylor of Volvo, Frank Burgaretta of Wille Dodge, Ron Howlett of Jenner Chevrolet Buick GMC, Cole Reinhart of Campus Honda, Ian Layne of Campus Infiniti, Aydin Fard of Graham KIA, Frank Pecorelli of Campus Nissan, Phil Hines of Saunders Subaru, Nick Lee of Campus Acura. Bob Streeter will be closing the doors of City Hall News after 99 years of business, 45 of which passed under his ownership. Pemberton Holmes has announced the top 10% of its sales representatives for the month of June, which includes: Susan de Stein, Kelly Anderson, Ken Janicki, Catherine Hobbs, Arvid Chalmers, Cliff Wettlaufer, Allison Ducluzeau, Daniel Hsu, Ross Casey, Rick Couvelier, Josh Prowse, John Ferguson, Jerry Du, Shawn Adye, Jane Johnston, Norman Rothwell,
Vintage Hot Tubs is celebrating its 36th anniversary this year. ROB Dominion Securities has welcomed the addition of its newest Investment Advisor, Tim Crawford, to its team.
Myles Wilson, Corie Meyer, Ivica Kalabric, Jerry Mireau, Gabriella Pakos, Veronica Crha, Nicole Burgess, Walt Burgess, Aaron Hambley, Darron Hambley, Claire Yoo, Jerome Peacock, Yuan Chen. Thrifty Foods’ bakery at its Admirals Walk location has undergone a full renovation and upgrade, which over the eight-week period cost between $800,000 and $1 million. The refit included the addition of a three-level stone hearth oven, display shelves and new product lines. Sandra Foulton has been appointed as the new managing director of Victoria-based Connect Hearing Canada.
organization’s first female president. The Victoria Foundation has welcomed the addition of Mary E. Mouat to its Board of Directors. The organization has also welcomed Carol Hall as its new director of community initiatives and grants. SGpower is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, located at 730 Hillside Avenue. The new Churchill bar located in the Bedford Regency Hotel on Government Street has opened its doors. Rockin’ Rolls sushi restaurant, located at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf, celebrated its grand opening.
Chemistry Consulting has welcomed Stephanie to its executive search service team, specializing in IT recruiting.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has named Kate Masters as its new events co-ordinator.
Ramona Reynolds has been named the new president of the Victoria Flying Club, being the non-profit
Dr. Chris Souliotis has opened Smile Esthetics in the Uptown shopping centre.
The University of Victoria’s ESOSat club won the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge for its design on a nanosatellite. Jim Munro, owner of Munro’s Books, has announced his retirement effective September. The store will be passed on to four longtime employees. Royal LePage has announced its top producers for the month of June in the Greater Victoria area, which includes: Cheryl Bejcar, Sarah West, Cheryl Laidlaw, Mark McDougall, Tammi Dimock, Vicky Turner, Neil Bosdet, Justine Connor, Justen Lalonde, Stacey English, Pat Meadows, Krista MacDonald, Mike Vanderkruyk, Todd Mahovlich, Andrew Swan, Roger Levesque, David Stevens, Andrea Knight-Ratcliff, Sladja Stojkovic, Jackie Adkins, Dean Innes, Hayley John, Sharen Warde, Allen Poole, Alli Munro, Gina Sundberg, Kami Norman. Advance Collision Ltd. is celebrating 51 years in business this year, located
Winners of the 13th annual Victoria Advanced Technology Concil awards have been announced. Winners include: CAMACC Systems for Technology Company of the Year, Red Brick Media for Emerging Technology Company of the Year, Tammara Kennelly of FriesenPress for Executive of the Year, AML Oceanographic for Innovation Excellence, PlusROI Online Marketing for Strategy of the Year, Go2mobi for Product of the Year, Tutela Technologies for Team of the Year, KANO/APPS for Employer of the Year, Owen Matthews for the Colin Lennox Award for Technology Champion, Limbic Media for VIATeC Member of the Year, Danita Stewart of School District 62 Sooke, and Jake West of Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry for Education Champion. Gaslight Heat Services has announced the upcoming opening of a new showroom. MRM Proteomics Inc., a spinoff from the University of Victoria, has announced the appointment of Gary
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Kruppa as its new President and CEO. Theresa Gulliver has been named the new executive director of the Greater Victoria Bike to Work Week effective July 16, replacing Frank Hudson. Lise Richard, formerly the prize co-ordinator, will become the new bike skills co-ordinator. Travel + Leisure magazine has named Vancouver Island as the Best Island in the Continental US and Canada in its August Issue. Address Realty, owned by Rob Angus, has joined forces with Coldwell Banker Slegg Realty, owned by Steve Slegg. Wealth advisory firm Scotia-McLeod in Victoria has welcomed Stephen Gaskin to its team. Nat Bosa, a Vancouver developer and philanthropist, and wife Flora have purchased the Empress Hotel. Jonathan Jia is the new owner and manager of Sidney’s Peninsula Gallery. The Sidney Fire Department is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Tokyo-based ClassNK has purchased marine software developer Helm Operations located at 306-1208 Wharf Street. Founder of the company, Ron deBruyne, will remain as its chief executive officer. Maycock Eyecare is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, located at 1318 Blanshard Street. Construction is underway on the Johnson Street Bridge replacement project, which is estimated for completion in late 2015. The province is currently searching for an operator for the Craigflower Schoolhouse in Saanich, which remains the oldest schoolhouse in BC. ScotiaMcLeod’s Wealth Management for Vancouver Island has welcomed to its firm. Marmalade Tart Boutique has moved its business next door to its former location, at 2506 Beacon Avenue. Toni Desrosiers, creator of Abeego Designs Inc, was the recipient of $25,000 worth of Business Development Bank of Canada consulting services for being the runner-up for the organization’s Young Entrepreneur Award. Island Soda Works, owned by Mandolyn Jonasson, is opening Brewtopia, a farm café at 1430 Errington Road in Errington. The former New England Hotel at 1312 Government Street has completed construction on its remodel, turning it into 22 rental units with ground floor retail to come. Aimee Ippersiel has been appointed as the new director of the Robert Bateman Centre. The United Way Board of Directors congratulated Mel Cooper on achieving a 2014 Honorary Life Membership. A proposal by Bernhardt Contracting Ltd. to build a three-storey, six-unit apartment at 860 Queens Avenue has been recommended for public hearing by Victoria councillors. Local 324 of the United Association of Journeymen Plumbers and Pipefitters has ratified a new four-year agreement with the Island Mechanical Industrial Relations Association.
MOVERS AND SHAKERS Esquimalt has awarded a contract to SLR Consulting (Canada Ltd.) to complete a $200,000 remediation of the Municipal Hall and its old public works yard. Flagship Ford Ltd. congratulated David Faithful on achieving top sales for the month of June. The Cowichan Valley Regional District has welcomed Tauseef Waraich as its new manager of Recycling and Waste Management effective September 8. Duncan’s First Great Canadian Oil Change is now under new ownership. Kiwanis International is celebrating 65 years of service in Duncan. Re/Max Duncan-Mill Bay has named Maria Ng, Don McClintock and Rick Tanner as the top 3 individual performing associates for the month of May. Cal Kaiser, Kim Johannsen and Debbie Meiner’s teams were named the top 3 performing teams for the month. The 3 stars of the month for May at Peter Baljet GM are Steve Aydon, Sam Wilson and Brodie Harris. Trevor Sheck is the May 2014 Salesperson of the Month at Discovery Honda. Salesman Guy Jones has been recognized as one of Honda’s top salespeople in Canada. The dealership has also welcome Joe Graham and Ryan Harrison to its team. Pemberton Holmes has opened a new location in Lake Cowichan at 97 South Shore Rd. Flagship Ford named Chris Tarala salesperson of the month for May. Burger King is in the midst of building a new location at the corner of Coronation Ave. and the Trans-Canada Highway.
Spa last year. A marketing initiative of Tourism Vancouver Island, the Vancouver Island Garden Trail, was a recipient of the Promotion of the Year award by the Canadian Garden Council at the 2014 Canadian Garden Tourism Awards. Butchart Gardens Fireworks and Summer Music Program received the Event of the Year award. Shannon Schafer and Lynn Hoffman have been appointed as vice-presidents with DSA Media Network. The 29th annual Cowichan Valley Car Picnic has moved from its usual location at Brentwood College, and will now be held at Frances Kelsey School on August 10. Victoria’s Abigail’s Hotel has been named among the top recipients in TripAdvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards. Nygard Slims has opened its doors at Uptown shopping centre, located at Unit 101-3600 Uptown Boulevard. Tourism Vancouver Island is holding its 51st Annual Conference & AGM from Sept. 9 to Sept. 11 at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre in Parksville. itgroove has announced that the company now employs four staff with Most Valuable Professional designations. The company congratulated employee Robert Dick on being the only person to receive an Office 365 designation out of the seven new Canadian MVPs who received designations. FH Security has announced the opening of its new Victoria Branch, located at 126-755 Market Street. Elizabeth Backman will head up the operation. Thai Lemongrass Restaurant was named number
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one in four TripAdvisor categories for Victoria Restaurants: Excellent Food, Consistency, Service and Ambience. Sue Cool is the new manager at Shoppers Home Health Care, located at 1561 Hillside Avenue. The Rotary Club of WestShore has announced its new Board of Directors for the 2014/15 term. Members include: President Lindsay Wilson, President Elect Teresa Sutherland, Treasurer Bob Campbell, Secretary Skip Triplett, Past President Harold McNabb, President Elect Nominee Donald Rugg, Vicky Grabb, Dale Collins, George Kogan, Brian Davison, Annette Quan, Tim Stevens, Bill Bull. Story Construction has been selected to complete a tenant improvement for a new 11,000 square-foot surgical eye clinic for Victoria Eye Medical Centre, located at 1537 Hillside Avenue. The company has also been selected to build a new studio location at 1010 Yates Street for Orange Theory Fitness. The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires has recently purchased Royal Victoria Security and Duncan-based CoVal Security. A Sea of Bloom and Inspire Home Décor and Furnishings have reopened their doors as a re-designed and amalgamated business at 2052 Otter Point Road. The Cowichan Valley Regional District has announced the hiring of Brian Carruthers as its new Chief Administrative Officer effective Sept. 2. Geoffrey Beattie, owner of Barclay’s Fine Custom Jewellers in Oak Bay Village, has recently been inaugurated as the Chairman of the Board for the Canadian Jewellers Association.
Scuttle Butts will open a location on Main Street in Chemainus. Badass Fabrications has been welcomed to the business community. They can be found at 1260C Rocky Creek Road. The Cowichan Valley Regional District has hired Tauseef Waraich as its new Manager of Recycling and Waste Management. Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty has announced the addition of Kris Kennedy to its Royal Service Group, Ladysmith branch.
Barclay’s offers a wide e range of services s to to help you find, design or repair that pe p rfect piece of jew wel elle lery y.
Main Street Yarn at 524 1st Avenue and Tall Trees Physio at 102-626 1st Avenue have opened their doors for business in Ladysmith. The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce has moved to 33 Roberts Street. Professional Mechanical Services has opened in a new location at 2-5280 Polkey Road in Duncan. Burger King is set to build a new location in Duncan at the corner of Coronation Avenue and the Trans-Canada Highway. Discovery Honda has welcomed Joe Graham to its team, located on the Island Highway, north of Duncan. The City of Duncan has ratified a three-year deal with CUPE Local 358 that will see a one percent wage increase for workers in January and July of 2014 and 2015, and in January of 2016. Poet’s Cove Resort and Spa on South Pender Island has been sold to undisclosed investors who also paid $32.3 million for Harrison Hot Springs and
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PUBLISHER | Mark A. MacDonald, mark@businessexaminer.net EDITOR | Lise MacDonald, lise@businessvi.ca SALES | Thom Klos, thom@businessexaminer.net; josh@businessvi.ca, shawn@businessvi.ca WRITERS | Goody Niosi, Julia MacDonald
‘Green godfather’ Moore pushes for pipeline
PATRICK MOORE
W
hy am I supportive of the federal government’s recent decision to allow the Northern Gateway Pipeline project to move ahead, subject to tough conditions? As a lifelong environmentalist, I’m often asked myself that question. My answer begins with a single fact: there are a billion cars in the world that need oil products every day. We have no choice but to make those products available somehow. And a pipeline is the best way to get the fuel to the transportation fleet. Given current industry standards, and in particular given the enhancements proposed around Northern Gateway, both by the proponent and by the regulators,
my view is the pipeline is our best and safest option, and certainly better than rail transport. But when I say we have no choice but to deliver oil-based fuels to the transportation fleet, I know I’m on solid ground. I f we stopped usi ng oi l overnight, half the global population would die as a result of a loss of food distribution, health care and emergency services among other crucial fuel-based needs like heating or cooling. Moreover, an immediate end to oil use would result in every accessible tree being cut down for fuel. I’m well aware many activists want to stop the world from using all petroleum products. I’ve followed the rhetoric where pejorative meanings are attached to various energy resources; oil is toxic, dangerous and destructive, activists proclaim. But many things of great social utility are toxic, dangerous and destructive if misused. Meanwhile, in protest against the operation of Russian drilling platforms, my old organization Greenpeace recently piloted a diesel-powered ship to the platform’s location, without a hint
of irony. That’s hypocrisy in my view. Si m i l a rly, Greenpeace I nternational’s program director admitted recently he’s been “commuting between Luxembourg and Amsterdam” via air since 2012. He told the Guardian this week that he makes the round trip about twice a month, despite the organization’s campaign to curb “the growth in aviation” which it says “is ruining our chances of stopping dangerous climate change.” To be consistent, Greenpeace should tie up its boats and park its planes. The more logical path — and the more humanitarian one as well — is a focus on incremental reductions in the use of fossil fuel over time, through improvements in our technology and in our practices, both of which we can implement at home. An example of an improvement in technology is opting to buy a car that’s more fuel-efficient. I don’t mean an $85,000 Tesla plug-in electric. I mean a reasonably-priced, modern economy car like a Toyota Corolla that’s designed for fuel efficiency and has a gasol i ne consu mption
rating of around 7.8 litre per 100 kilometres — 30 miles per gallon — for combined city and highway driving. An example of an improvement in practices is leaving that same Corolla in the driveway from time to time and instead choosing to walk when it comes to picking up milk and eggs for the family. Many such examples exist. And between these two concepts, average people can make a real difference. You’ll enjoy the added benefit of being consistent in your choices and leading by example. The fact is as much as 99 per cent of our global transportation fleet is oil-based and vital. Electric vehicles are expensive and therefore unattainable to most, and trucks, busses and aircraft are just too large to power with a battery. I don’t subscribe to the notion that a modern, carefully planned, heavily regulated and properly maintained pipeline is so fraught with unmanageable peril that it must be stopped at all costs. Nearly 300,000 kilometres of U.S. petroleum transmission
pipelines move crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel and other petroleum products to consumer m a rkets d a i ly. At less t h a n 1,200 k i lometres, Nor thern Gateway seems manageable in comparison. Further, the argument that Canadian oil is more ethical in its production is persuasive to me. Coined by commentator Ezra Levant, the ethical oil argument says that in terms of human rights, labour legislation, well-paid jobs, taking care of worker health and environmental legislation, Canada’s oil is clearly the best choice. We treat people and the environment with respect. The federal government’s approval of Northern Gateway was a decisive step toward Canada no longer being held hostage to the U.S. market for our valuable oil. In this era of strong regulation and intense public scrutiny over energy development and transmission, I support that decision. Patrick Moore is a co-founder and former leader of Greenpeace. An environmentalist for more than four decades, he is based in Vancouver.
Granting Aboriginal title opens era of opportunity and uncertainty If businesses don’t prosper, government coffers aren’t filled, and the financing of the services it provides are MARK MACDONALD
T
he Supreme Cou r t of Canada’s recent decisions granting aboriginal title to the Tsilhqot’in and Gitxaala First Nations opens a new era of uncertainty for all British Columbians. It is a massive change, and it will take years to determine what impact it will have economically and socially in the province. Change is a constant, and is necessary. It can also be good. The initial indications of what might take place sound ominous. The first announcement after the Gitxaala First Nation, which has territory on islands off the north coast of B.C., was to serve notice to sports fishermen, logging firms and
jeopardized. even CN Rail to leave their territory along the Skeena River. Obviously the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline, which, if it proceeds, would need to go through Gitxaala First Nation territory, is immediately impacted. They have already served notice it plans to go to the Federal Court of Appeal to challenge the federal government’s approval of the project. A l l of t h i s cou ld b e ju st a stand-at-attention move to flex their muscles, but it’s a move that has to make business, which likes certainty, skittish. There’s a whole new landscape to navigate now, particularly for major investments.
If this is the first indication of how First Nations groups who gain favourable court rulings are going to negotiate/cooperate with Canadian governments, it’s could be a foreshadowing of a rough ride for both sides: Natives and non-natives. The bottom line with all these announcements is that the target is business. And it is business from which our government revenues are derived, through taxes on profits, and payroll taxes which result from the jobs companies create. And it is those revenues which help pay for government services, including the provisions granted by the Indian Act. For as much as First Nations decries the “injustices” of the Indian Act, the document still provides a means for the Canadian government to meet the needs of aboriginals across the country. Those revenues are derived from businesses and individuals. If businesses don’t prosper, government coffers aren’t filled, and the financing of the services it provides are jeopardized. The Indian Act is in dire need of an overhaul. However, there will need
to be a bridging period before a new, self sustaining First Nations economic model is revealed that looks after the needs of aboriginal people. There are examples of where that new economy is emerging and prospering, the best examples of which are the Osoyoos Indian Band and Westbank First Nation in the Okanagan. But all First Nations are not there yet, and won’t be for some time. In the meantime, the Indian Act, flawed as it may be, is a safety net that can’t be instantly eliminated, for obvious reasons. At the end of the day, First Nations will come to realize they can’t have it both ways. If they want to become economically self sufficient, the road to that destination is through business. That means competing with other organizations and jurisdictions for developments and projects. As it sits, First Nations will have some competitive advantages over non-aboriginal entities. For one, they don’t have the multiple levels of bureaucracy that non-natives “enjoy”. Developers will conceivably be able to fast track new projects which
would otherwise become bogged down as investors wrestle with glacially-paced municipalities and regional districts, and overlapping federal and provincial ministries. These landmark decisions handed down by the Supreme Court will have long-term ramifications for all concerned. What they will do is bring First Nations into new positions where they wean themselves from the Indian Act and implement their own, self-sustaining government. Think partnership. And as much as these rulings bring the dawn of a new era in politics and negotiations, they also bring First Nations into a position whereby they will have to make deals in a competitive environment in order to further the economic and social prospects of their people. Time will tell whether First Nations will try to use their new-found freedom to use a stick or a carrot when it comes to negotiations. Sticks work sometimes, but in the competitive environment that is business, we suggest that carrots which result in win-win scenarios - are more effective.
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WHAT IT TAKES TO BE SUCCESSFUL If you are considering
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establishing a new
Contrary to popular opinion, hard work is not enough
business, you will want to give yourself
I
have worked for a number of persons who established new businesses and, eventually, became multi-millionaires. This gives me some insight as to what it takes to become successful. Any advice I may give in this article must be taken with a grain of salt for, although I am modestly successful, I am not in the same league as the successful clients of whom I speak. Contrary to popular opinion, hard work is not enough. My successful clients studied trends in the industries they served. They then surmised that there would be an ever increasing demand for a particular group of products or services, should that trend continue. When they guessed correctly, they rode the “wave� of that trend to success. The greater the impact of the trend on the industry, the greater the degree of success. As my client/ friend, Bill, puts it “We planned carefully and I knew we were going to be successful, but I had no idea that we would be this
every opportunity to be successful.
Michael Cooper and Douglas B. Thompson, ThompsonCooper LLP successful�. For Bill, the trend hit stronger than he had imagined and carried his business to heights beyond his wildest dreams. What if the trend does not materialize to the extent you imagined? Another client, Steve, built his business on a need for products and methodologies for the non-destructive testing of integrated circuits. Unfortunately, there was a downturn in the sector and his potential market dried up. Steve had to either shut down the business or refocus. He took
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stock of the sensor technologies he had developed for the purpose of non-destructive testing and has now refocused selling sensor technologies for the purpose of wireless equipment condition monitoring. If you are considering establishing a new business, you will want to give yourself every opportunity to be successful. If you are interested in starting a hightech business, or any business based on an innovative idea, I recommend that you take advantage of any available programs
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aimed at assisting high-tech start-ups. For example, the Accelerate Tectoria program offered by VIATeC (based in Victoria) and the SquareOne program offered by Innovation Island (based in Nanaimo). These organizations work with the B.C. Innovation Council to increase the number of successful companies that start and grow in the region. Their 6-month programs are designed to help new businesses overcome any obstacles and accelerate their go-to-market strategy. They provide access to business mentors in the community and professionals (accountants, lawyers, marketers). They have Entrepreneurs-in-Residence who have start-up experience in management positions. They provide access to a work station & workshops put on by experts on topics of interest to managers/owners of new ventures. To check out ViaTec go to viatec.ca. For more information about Accelerate Tectoria go to acceleratetectoria.com or contact Patrick Woodward (pwoodward@viatec. ca). To check out Innovation Island go to Innovationisland. ca. For more information about SquareOne go to thinkbigatsquareone.com or contact Josh Brocklebank (joshua.brocklebank@gmail.com).
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