DECEMBER 2015
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–PAGE 15 West Kelowna Business Park Industrial Office Retail
SALMON ARM McDiarmid Construction builds big range of quality projects
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KELOWNA Edgecombe works on both commercial and high end residential projects
Penticton Indian Band recognized as economic development leader Community sees dramatic turnaround after tragic event to build strong future
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ENTICTON – When the Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation (PIBDC) was named the Economic Developer of the Year by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) recently, it was time for Chief Jonathan Kruger to celebrate and reflect. “It’s such an honour to receive an award with this kind of prestige,” says Chief Kruger. “I believe it’s a true reflection of the hard work and vision that this community and its leadership have had. Recognition like this from your peers is very validating, our own internal results have indicated that we’re on the right track, but to get confirmation from an outside source really
makes it special.” Chief Kruger couldn’t help but think back to a triple homicide 11 years ago on Penticton Indian Band lands, as it has become the driving force behind its growth into one of Canada’s leaders in First Nations economic development. Chief Kruger lost his brother in the tragedy, and he has used the fateful event to fuel a dramatic revitalization within his community, both socially and economically. “Going through that kind of deep adversity was the turning point for us,” says Chief Kruger. “It was a serious wake-up call about the needs of our people, and the importance of ensuring that everyone had access to the opportunities they needed to
have a positive future. “We responded by com i ng together and developing a Comprehensive Community Plan focused on eliminating the causes behind the tragedy, and making sure that it never happened again.” The national honour was bestowed on PIBDC at the 22 nd Annual National Conference in Toronto, an accomplishment made possible by a community focused on providing a better future for the next generation. It comes in a year that the Penticton Indian Band was also named as the 2015 Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation Award winner by the Canadian Council SEE PENTICTON INDIAN BAND | PAGE 15
Penticton Indian Band Chief Jonathan Kruger, with the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers’ Economic Developer of the Year award
Coupon book makes fund raising easy Experience has owners focusing on regional business deals BETH HENDRY-YIM
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ELOWNA - Simple. That’s how Don Graston, owner and developer of Lifestyle Coupons, likes to see fund raising. And keeping it simple is why his customers and charities keep coming back year after year. “Our coupon book sells itself,” he said. “Charities get the books on consignment, sell them for $22 and keep $8.50. Whatever they don’t sell, they return.”
For youth groups, churches, schools, and charitable organizations, the returns can be significant and not only for raising funds. The coupons connect the community with special two-forone deals on food, recreation and local attractions. “I select and approach the businesses myself,” said Graston. “I choose them based on what our demographic will appreciate, making sure they are family friendly.”
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Graston is like a one-man show. A graduate of Fanshawe College in marketing and design with 20 years of experience in the field, he not only finds the deals - he also designs the coupons and sells the books to the charities. “It’s made of heavy duty card stock with full colour and easyto-use, pull out cards. The deals include two for one coffee and/or meals, discounts on entertainment, attractions, fast food, retail, and specials on recreational
destinations,” he said, adding that it doesn’t take many coupons to earn the initial investment back. Graston first created the Lifestyle coupon book in 1993 on Vancouver Island. After working in Vancouver as art director on projects that included coupon books, Graston moved his family to Nanaimo and once there, he saw an opportunity to create his own product. SEE COUPON BOOK | PAGE 11