Business Examiner Thompson/Okanagan February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

» MAXIMIZE GOAL SETTING FOR SUCCESS

– PAGE 23

VERNON Heritage Stone Paving & Landscaping specializes in interlocking paving stones

Thompson/Okanagan WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA

Manufacturing Firm A Leader In Botanical Oil Extraction

PAGE 8

KELOWNA

BY DAVID HOLMES

Multi award winning 3rd Generation Homes

K

PAGE 16

INDEX News Update

Vitalis Extraction Technology Nominated For A Trio Of Small Business Awards

3

Kelowna 5 Kamloops 6 Penticton 6 Salmon Arm

10

Lake Country

11

Summerland 15 Vernon 18 Movers and Shakers 19 Opinion 22

ELOWNA – There’s green in them there buds! According to the Chicagobased cannabis market research firm the Brightfield Group, the international market for cannabis is projected to hit $31.2 billion (US) by the year 2021, up from the $7.7 billion value reported in 2017. Benefiting from that exponential growth, Kelowna’s Vitalis Extraction Technology and its innovative line of botanical oil extraction systems, is poised for growth every bit as dynamic as the overall global demand for cannabis-based products.

“What is Vitalis? What we are is a manufacturing company. We build the equipment used to extract cannabis oils that are then used in a wide variety of products, including for medicinal uses. We don’t extract the oils ourselves, but sell the equipment used by the companies that do,” explained Pete Patterson Vitalis’ Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The team from Vitalis Extraction displaying their system at the Marijuana Business Conference & Expo 2017 in Las Vegas

Sales 23

SEE VITALIS EXTRACTION | PAGE 14

Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

CHBA: Building Community in the Central Interior

OUR 9TH YEAR

Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

T

he new executive officer for the Canadian Homebuilders Association, Central Interior, may also be the organization’s biggest fan.

“I am privileged to be working here and to be working with these members,” says Rose Choy, who was appointed as Executive Officer in December 2017. Her appointment followed almost 11 years of dedicated service to the organization, starting as

membership services manager shortly after she arrived in Canada. She then tackled every task that appeared, so was well prepared to step into the top post.

“I’ve been doing parts of the job over the years because I’m a jack-of-all-trades kind of person so now I have the title to match,” Choy said. She had originally come to Canada from the Philippines, where she had worked as an office administrator. Fluent in

English, which she started learning in grade school, she combined her experience and work ethic to serve Kamloops’ construction community.

Her favourite task is promoting the Association and its members, especially their annual generosity in creating the Y Dream Home. This annual fundraiser for the Kamloops YMCA is now entering its 28th year, with work well underway on the house for

2018.

The Y Dream House is a threeway project that combined the ex pertise of loca l Ca nad ia n H o m e b u i l d e rs A s s o c i a t io n members, the energy of trades students from Thompson Rivers University (TRU), and the community base of the YMCA. The first step is a donation of a lot at a discount, which is SEE CHBA | PAGE 12

YOUR PEOPLE ARE YOUR

GREATEST ASSET. Protect them when they drive for work.

Register for Road Safety at Work Week March 5 - 9, 2018 roadsafetyatwork.ca

NEWS UPDATE

FEBRUARY 2018

OKANAGAN Purchase of CP Rail Corridor Between Armstrong and Sicamous Finalized Columbia Shuswap Regional District The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) have successfully concluded the purchase of a section of CP Rail corridor that runs from Sicamous and Armstrong, excluding a number of sections owned by the Splatsin, after a legal and environmental examination of the property coming back as being satisfactory.

RDNO Board Chair, Bob Fleming, credits the successful purchase to a collective regional vision and a commitment to cooperation.

“Similar to the Okanagan Rail Trail, this purchase of rail corridor will provide numerous benefits to the North Okanagan and Columbia Shuswap areas, including significant recreation and economic opportunities,” says Fleming.

In partnership with Splatsin and their segments of rail property, this strategic land acquisition will ensure the continued public ownership of a key linear corridor to be used for recreational opportunities, including walking and cycling, while retaining it for future transportation and economic development needs. There is also long-term potential to connect this corridor to the Okanagan Rail Trail, which is currently under development, connecting the City of Kelowna to the District of Coldstream.

“From the beginning this project has helped to initiate relationships with our Splatsin and RDNO partners. The CSRD is excited to continue to build on these relationships with the opportunities for regional economic and recreational development, as well as the opportunity to learn more of the cultural history of the rail line,” says CSRD Board Chair, Rhona Martin. “This new way of connecting our communities will go a long way in creating a stronger region. I am excited to see these benefits unfold.”

The total cost of the purchase was $6.5 million dollars, and with the Provincial Government’s contribution of $2.17 million dollars announced in March 2017, the RDNO and the CSRD have paid for the purchase on a 50:50 basis, with the RDNO securing funding through borrow i ng approved

through public assent, and the CSRD funding their portion through a combination of borrowing and contributions from the Sicamous/ Area “E” Economic Opportunity Fund ($250,000), and from the Revelstoke/Area “B” Economic Opportunity Fund ($100,000).

Economic Indicators for 4th Quarter in 2017

OKANAGAN

Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission In an effort to keep the public and business community informed on the economy of the region, The Regional District of Central Okanagan’s Economic Development Commission (COEDC) has released a publically available quarterly Economic Indicators Report highlighting key economic data for the Central Okanagan.

The Q4 Economic Indicators Report includes cumulative statistics for 10 key economic indicators for 2017. The report is publically available in the Resources page in the COEDC website.

Highlights as reported by the Labour Force Survey include an increase in the Central Okanagan’s labour force (7.2 per cent) and an average unemployment rate of 5.5 per cent for 2017. The Central Okanagan experienced a 29 per cent increase in job postings in 2017, with an average of 1298 jobs posted per month. T he top three categories for job postings included – Sales and Service Occupations (32.4 per cent), Trades, Transport & Equipment Operator Occupations (9.9 per cent) and Business, Finance and Administration Occupations (9.9 per cent).

2017 was a record-breaking year for residential construction in the Kelowna CMA. Total building permit values saw a 23 per cent increase from 2016 sitting at just over $900 Million for the Jan-Nov 2017 period. Multi-family units accounted for most of the g row t h ex per ienced i n residential construction – up 88 per cent from 2016 and 512 per cent in the last 5 years.

The Kelowna Airport saw just under 1.9 million passengers in 2017, setting an all-time traffic record with a growth rate of 9.3 per cent - representing over 161,000 additional travellers.

Note the Com m ission collects the above third party statistical data from BC Stats, Statistics Canada, CMHC, and local governments in the Central Okanagan. Caution should be used in the interpretation of month-to-month statistics, in particular the Labour Force Survey, a monthly sample survey which provides unemployment rates of the Canadian labour market.

COEDC Releases

SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 4

LAKE COUNTRY Lake Country Wins National Public Engagement Award District of Lake Country Signs, signs, everywhere a sign. . . The District of Lake Country has recently won a national public engagement award for improving the development notification signage in the community.

Inspired by a 2010 TED Talk

by Toronto based social entrepreneur Dave Meslin, the Dazzling Notice Awards program was created to recognize excellence in government outreach. The award panel notes that “citizen engagement is an important part of inclusive decision making. Residents can offer a local perspective, a diversity of circumstantial experience and creative solutions.

While the final decision for any project or policy belongs to City Council, the consultation process can greatly improve the outcome.”

Motivated to enrich the conversation with Lake Country citizens about community development, “we empowered two of our team members, Jocelyn Ratzlaff and AJ Taylor to create something impactful,” explains the District’s Director of Community Services, Mark Koch. The award selection committee noticed these efforts, along with acknowledging the work of fellow award recipients, Brampton, Oakville and Toronto.

T h e D a z z l i n g No t i c e Awards recognizes municipalities who’ve made a substantial effort to inform the public about opportunities for participation. In line with these goals, Lake Country Mayor, James Baker notes that “before our residents are able to engage, they must be informed – making these efforts to connect with our citizens especially important.” The bright, new, easy to read and understand signs will be phased in as inventory of the old sign runs out.

Kasian is focused on creating exceptional design for people and their communities.

Edmonton | Calgary | Vancouver | Toronto | Doha

Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd @KasianDesign

THINK DIFFERENT RETURN-TO-WORK SOLUTIONS THINK DIFFERENT RETURN-TO-WORK SOLUTIONS RETURN-TO-WORK SOLUTIONS

THINK DIFFERENT THINK DIFFERENT

RETURN-TO-WORK SOLUTIONS ties

s asbaiblisilitiem s i i D t D n e t s e v i i e eeism Pr en bilitnn ee teteem a s PrevdD s b s i A sD c/ osts b e c A ile u i t s t e i e i R n c T e e/W u iseeaanb LCB ts te sB Red D Prev r s c C e D b tA W TeDe icssoms n e e e t s c s v t o a u C L e TD e/ n PerDdecre WACbLBs sts R o c e D e T 1-888-402-8222 / LPh: redausc e c B R e C D e WEmail: s Ph:info@diversifiedrehab.ca 1-888-402-8222 a e r c Ph: 1-888-402-8222 e D Email: www.diversifiedrehab.ca info@diversifiedrehab.ca

Ph: 1-888-402-8222 Email: info@diversifi edrehab.ca www.diversifiedrehab.ca Email: info@diversifiedrehab.ca www.diversifiedrehab.ca www.diversifiedrehab.ca

3

NEWS UPDATE

4

FEBRUARY 2018

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

VERNON

NOW AVAILABLE

SITE SIGNAGE including

COROPLAST FENCE MESH SITE STICKERS AND MORE! Proudly Serving the Okanagan for Over 15 Years!

120-1715 Dickson Avenue, Kelowna, BC 1-800-605-3355 www.cancadd.ca FCM

S&C GRM provides Sealants, Coatings, and Caulking services for commercial businesses, as well as residential buildings across the Okanagan. Our team of experts know how to combine functionality and aesthetics ensuring hassle-free maintenance and safety for staff, visitors, and residents.

Contact us for more information at

1-844-248-7669

www.

grmin c

.ca

GRM 4-1718 Byland Rd, West Kelowna, BC

• Industrial floor coatings • Food grade floor coatings, sealants and waterproofing • Exterior building sealants • Anti-slip coatings for tiles and concrete • Concrete restoration, including crack repair and shot blasting

Procurement Award Presented to the City of Vernon

The opening ceremony took place in the new residential care home located in downtown Vernon and i ncluded a ribbon cutting event with community members and Interior Health and H&H Total Care Services Inc. staff members.

Construction of the new residential care home began in March 2016. Located at 3050 29th Ave., the six storey building houses 85 publicly-funded and 15 private pay residential complex care beds, as well as 52 private pay assisted living units.

“This expansion of services to assist seniors with complex care needs in the North Okanagan will help IH serve those who are among the most fragile members of our society,” said IH Board Chair Dr. Doug Cochrane.

“These additional beds will also help us reduce pressures in other health-care facilities in the area.”

H&H Total Care Services Inc. was awarded the contract to house the 85 publicly-funded beds by Interior Health in October 2015.

Today, Interior Health funds 5,836 residential care beds, providing 24/7 care and support to people with complex care needs, who are no longer able to live independently. This includes people who have been assessed as needing 24-hour professional nursing supervision and care that cannot be met in their home.

The new and expanded care homes across IH are designed to provide culturally safe settings, achieved by working with the local indigenous communities.

The City of Vernon has been recognized by the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) for excellence in procurement this year, a first for the industry.

Procuring construction services in the public sector is a highly specialized practice requiring unique ex perience, knowledge and skill. With contractors in demand, resources at a premium and timelines tight—now more than ever procurement professionals hold the master key to a successful project delivery.

With $75.1 billion worth of construction projects underway in BC this year, there were plenty of projects and owners considered for this honour. Chris Sheel, Manager of Procurement Services has received this honour for the following procurement: Vernon MultiUse Facility Expansion, Provided project budget estimate information online, Used BidCentral Online Bidding for Subcontractors for submission of Trade Contractor Bids to provide a fair, open and transparent bidding for Trade Contractors, Responded in a timely manner to Bidder inquiries during the procurement stage, Posted a list of site visit participants during the tender phase, creating visibility around potential bidders, Ensured easy access to Bid Documents by posting on both industry and government digital plat- Financial Group GRM FCM forms, Provided Bid results Completes Strategic Our Facility Contract Maintenance and award information to division provides year-round all bidders and Published Acquisition the list of named trademaintenance concommercial property CWB Financial Group retractor bidders. including Parking Lot Maintenance cently completed its previA panel of industrial, comously announced acquisition mercial, and institutional of the Canadian Commercial construction owners, adand Vendor Finance assets visors and executives idenof ECN Capital Corp. The • Asphalt repair tified these public owners equipment finance and and projects for•distinction.

Line marking leasing assets acquired are The panel considered num• Crack sealing fully aligned with CWB’s erous factors, with a focus balanced growth strategy, on fair, open and transparand the acquisition supent practices as outlined by ports continued progress the Capital Asset Managetoward strategic objectives ment Framework (CAMF). for industry and geographic diversification. The portfolio is primarily comprised of loans and leases concentrated within the transporNew Care Home tation, construction and Officially Open healthcare industries, with exposures broadly distribIn Vernon uted across the country.

The Hamlets at Vernon CWB will leverage compleofficially opened its doors mentary strengths across to more than 100 new resi- its group of companies to dential care clients recently. integrate this portfolio. This

BC

VERNON

will include key operational and business development contributions from CWB National Leasing, CWB Maxium and CWB Equipment Finance. The balance of acquired loans and leases is approximately $850 million.

With total owned and managed assets of more than US$3.6 billion, ECN Capital Corp. is one of North America’s leading finance companies. ECN Capital operates in four verticals: Home Improvement Finance, Manufactured Housi ng Fi n a nce, R a i l F i n a n c e a n d Av i a t i o n Finance.

BC BC Home Sales Above 100,000 for Third Consecutive Year The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 103,763 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service across the province in 2017, a decline of 7.5 per cent from a record 112,211 unit sales in 2016.

The average MLS residential price in BC was $709,579 in 2017, up 2.7 per cent from the previous year. Total sales dollar volume was $73.63 billion, down 5.1 per cent from 2016.

“Robust housing demand in 2017 was underpinned by a strong economy, employment growth and rising wages,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “Above trend migration, both international and interprovincial, also bolstered housing demand, while broader demographic fundamentals added fuel to condominium sales in urban centres and to all home types in retirement-oriented communities.”

The BC housing market ended the year with a strong December. Home sales increased 4 per cent from November, on a seasonally adjusted basis. However, the year-end results were likely pushed higher by some homebuyers advancing their purchases to avoid tougher mortgage qualification rules in the new year.

In December, a total of 5,738 residential unit sales were recorded by the MLS across the province, an increase of 21.5 per cent from the same period last year.

Total sales dollar volume was $4.2 billion, up 36.3 per cent from December 2016.

The average MLS residential price in the province was $734,108, up 12.1 per cent from the same month last year.

KELOWNA

FEBRUARY 2018

5

AND LET THE JOCKEYING BEGIN

KELOWNA DAN ROGERS

A

s the calendar f l ip p e d a nd 2018 arrived it took very little time for whispers to begin across the Okanagan (and across the Province), as to who will be putting her or his name forward for public office.

Yes: 2018 is a local election year and thousands of Mayors, Councilors and Regional District Directo r s w i l l b e b u s y o v e r the coming months getting ready for October`s election day. T hey w i l l be looking to gather support, seek financial backers and win the favour of organizations they believe could have an inf luence over their success.

In Kelowna, Mayor Colin Basran is expected to seek a second term, and given the growth numbers in the Okanagan (fastest growing region in BC and sixth fastest growing in the country), it is unlikely that anyone else of substance will step forward to challenge his grip on the Mayor’s Chair. But, of course – it is still early, and, this is BC! The Kelowna Chamber is already making plans to keep our members informed, but we also had a bit of a head-start because for us, 2018 is bringing not one but two elections. The Premier finally got around to announcing the date for the provincial by-election in Kelowna-West, making Valentine`s Day the day when voters in KelownaWest can show their love, and decide who will represent them in Victoria.

The Kelowna Chamber is working with our partners at the Greater Westside Board of Trade in hosting an all-candidates forum and making information available to our members so they can make an informed decision.

T he r id i ng h as been a conservative stronghold and was previously held b y L i b e ra l L e a d e r a n d Prem ier Christie Clark.

B en Stewa r t i s b a c k a s the BC Liberal Candidate a nd is the f ront r u n ner hoping to ensure the seat rem a i n s on t he L ibera l side of the Leg islatu re.

Both the Greens and the NDP are putting signific a nt e f for t s i nto t h e i r campaigns, and there is a L i b e r t a r i a n P a r t y of Canada candidate, but it is believed that Stewart will be the one to beat. By the ides of February, the result will be known: as expected, or, if an upset has occu rred, it w i l l be chalked up as just another average day in BC politics where you never k now what might happen.

••• Spea k i ng of ca st i ng a ballot, we all may also be called on this year to fill out a referendum questionnaire from the Province on electoral reform.

A vote is expected in the fall of 2018. There hasn`t been a whole lot of discussion around what options and questions will be put before us and even less on what the potential impact on businesses and residents would be with a different electoral system.

Wi l l it res u lt i n more politicians? (Because we all know the world would be a better place if only we had more politicians.)

Will it mean the issues being discussed in Victoria become more focused on the subjects that are only important to the largest population regions in the prov i nce? Wi l l it mea n elected individuals won`t be directly accountable to the constituents that elect t hem but i n ste ad to a party that has prov id e d t he se at? W i l l it spell the end to majority governments?

For all this uncertainty, many Chambers outside the lower ma i n la nd a re getti ng a l ittle nervous of what`s being planned – no doubt more discussion on the subject w ill b e fo r t h c o m i n g i n t h e next few months and will likely be a key issue at the BC Chamber AGM when i t u n fol d s t h i s M a y i n Kamloops.

••• K u d o s to o u r f r i e n d s at Accelerate Okanagan who recently received a half-million-dollar grant from the Federal Government to expand a couple of it s k e y p ro g ra m s to other technology driven entities province-wide.

Accelerate Oka naga n`s prog ra m s a re a i med at

h e lpi n g e nt re pre n e u rs sta rt tech compa n ies while also helping existing tech companies stabilize and grow.

K elow n a-L a ke Cou ntry Libera l M P Stephen Fuhr made the f u nd i ng announcement on behalf of federal Minister of Inn ov at io n , S c i e n c e a n d Economic Development Navdeep Singh Bains and Wester n E conom ic D iversification at Accelerate Okanagan`s new multimillion-dollar downtown Okanagan Centre for Inn ova t i o n t h a t o p e n e d l a s t ye a r i n dow ntow n Kelowna.

T he Feds ae prov id ing AO with $473,000 to expand its Start Up Basics a nd Rev Up prog ra ms to h e l p e n t r e p r e n e u r s a nd te ch compa n ie s i n Ka m loops, the Kootenays, Nanaimo and Prince George.

A c c elerate Ok a n a g a n CEO Raghwa Gopal told the Kelowna Courier at the time of the announcement that these initiatives are g row i n g ou r e c onomy, add ing that tech nolog y will continue to play an important role in a diverse economic ecosystem.

The Tech Sector is one of the biggest economic engines in the Okanagan Valley, with 630 companies with 7,600 employees doing $1.3 billion worth o f b u s i n e s s a n n u a l l y.

T he g row t h rate of t he local tech sector is 15 per cent a year, the fastest in Canada.

••• A s p e ci a l welc ome to our new Chamber members i nclud i ng; Optus Advisors, Inc.; Christian L a b o u r A s s o ci at i o n of Canada (CLAC); Red Fox Club; CRAFT Beer Market; Kelowna Chevrolet; Silver Lining Management Consulting; Technical Safety BC; CareRX; Valley Garage Doors; Linttell Projects Inc.; Organize My Space; Cork and Tap Home Bar Outfitters; Everlasting Home Renos Ltd.; P a rke P a c i f i c P r o j e ct s Ltd.; KidSport Kelowna; and Kelowna Foundation for Hope & Social Innovation (upgraded to Platinum from Not-for-Profit).

Welcome all!

Dan Rogers is the Executive Director of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. To find out more information about the organization please visit www. kelownachamber.org.

We are a full service Commercial Real Estate brokerage providing the Okanagan & Southern Interior professional transaction, management and advisory services including:

• • • •

Sales & Leasing Brokerage Buyer & Tenant Representation Full Service Property Management Business & Agricultural Brokerage

Our experienced professionals combine their expertise and local market knowledge to help our clients achieve their objectives.

Learn more at www.NAIOkanagan.ca 219 - 1980 Cooper Rd. Kelowna, BC • V1Y 8K5 P. 250-868-1879 F. 888-877-4805

6

KAMLOOPS/PENTICTON

FEBRUARY 2018

ADVOCACY - MAKING THE BORING POWERFUL

Residential & Commercial 24 Hour Emergency Service

Your Expectation

• Immediate Response • Clean, Courteous Service Professionals • Exact Price Upon Arrival • Install, Service & Repair • Scheduled Appointment Times

Our Expertise

• Security - Landscape Lighting • Lighting - Fixtures - Fans - Ballasts • High Tech Troubleshooting • New Outlets - Circuits - Data Lines • Panel Upgrades - Code Corrections

Mr. Electric of Kamloops

250-372-5500

www.mrelectric.com/kamloops Independently Owned & Operated © 2015 Mr. Electric LLC Licensed • Bonded • Insured • License #04054807

KAMLOOPS DEB MCLELLAND

I

f you mention government advocacy work to most people, their eyes glaze over, they yawn a little bit and then turn around to look for some way out of the room.

If you ask a savvy business person about government advocacy, their eyes light up, they lean in a little and they listen for the gold.

Government advocacy is a mainstay for Chambers across Ca nada. We act and lobby government on issues brought forward by our members. Our simple goal in advocacy is to build a better business environment where businesses can thrive.

Examples of Kamloops wins in public policy change include:

▪ 10 year passports. We saw the need to streamline travel and ensure that business people experienced a minimum of disruption as they traversed the world to conduct business. We also saw the need for a shorter and less expensive renewal process and this is what the Kamloops Chamber advocated for. (You’re welcome!)

▪ Cabotage. We advocated for companies that purchase or ship container loads of goods. In the past, containers arrived at a Canadian port and had only 30 days to deliver goods, be utilized within the country and then must be shipped out through the same port. New law now allows the container to move about the country for 365 days and be utilized by Canadian companies to ship within the country. And, the container can leave the country from any port!

▪ Tax Changes. The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in leading the charge this past summer against proposed federal tax changes that would have devastated small businesses and owner operators. By working across our network in Canada, we

were able to push back on the changes and the Minister of Finance tabled a set of changes which were more reasonable for business.

When business teams up and works together, there are significant gains that can be made at the civic, prov i nci a l a nd federa l level. While policy recommendations seem dull and mundane, they are directly responsible for creating the positives in your business community.

This year, when you see a potential win for business, consider making a submission to the Chamber. We may be able to help.

Coming up at the Kamloops Chamber are: ▪ Monthly Socials are the first Wednesday of every month.

▪ Coffee Mob is at the Residences at Orchards Walk February 20th ▪ Business to Business Networking at the RIH Tower is February 22nd Deb McClelland is the executive director of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached email at deb@ kamloopschamber.ca

THE GROWTH OF OKANAGAN WINE TOURISM

PENTICTON KIM KIRKHAM

T

he Okanagan is becoming a buzzword in travel circles. The valley has been on so many top ten lists in recent years, it’s hard to keep track of all the accolades, and chefs are migrating here — yearround and seasonally — where farm-to-table is as easy as a walk to a local market.

While the South Okanagan may still be undiscovered in the grand scheme of wine regions, the growth of the industry here means more economic activity.

T he Canadian wine industry’s economic impact is almost $7 billion, and for every bottle of wine

produced in our country, $31 of domestic economic impact is generated. Our region plays an important role in generating those numbers.

A lot of work goes into a bottle of wine, and each step in the process can involve a large amount of economic activity. The vines need to be tended by workers, from planting to pruning to picking. The bins at harvest need to be organized. Equipment for sorting and crushing grapes, then storing the juice needs to be purchased and maintained.

Bottles are bought, bottling line equipment must be ready, labels printed, and finally sales and marketing tools and tasting room staff get the wine to consumers.

Of course, the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to shop local.

That also includes making a choice to choose locally produced wines, spirits or craft beer, for your cellar and your dinner parties.

And a number of businesses have created products from the by-products of

wine, such as cheeses and breads, even artisan soaps, or items that enhance your wine and cheese pairings – cutting boards, glassware, coasters, even artwork. How about a local soda made with rosé?

Then, there is wine tourism. How many times have you been asked by visitors where to stay, where to eat, AND where to buy wine?

When someone comes to visit our area they may buy one bottle of wine or several cases, but they also spend money on a hotel, meals, activities, attractions, or have registered for one of our many sporting events, or are attending a conference or festival.

The next time you open a bottle of local wine, think about everything that went into making it, and how our local economy benefits from this growth – pun intended – industry.

Kim is Executive Director at the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 778-4763111 ext. 102.

7

FEBRUARY 2018

$4 MILLION EXPANSION EFFORT AT PENTICTON LAKESIDE RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTRE Project To Nearly Double Resort’s Conference Space

P

ENTICTON – Having recently completed the development of its spectacular West Wing last summer, an expansion that added 70 additional rooms and suites (bringing the hotel’s capacity up to 273), the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre is now preparing for the Spring opening of a new addition to its current conference facilities.

“While it’s set to open in May, the planning for the new East Ballroom actually began a couple of years ago. Once it’s completed it will include 15,000 square feet of space with floor to ceiling glass windows, 2,000 square feet of that will consist of heated patios open air decks that will offer panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and Okanagan Lake Park,” explained Brannigan Mosses the Penticton Lakeside Resort’s Director of Regional Sales and Marketing.

The $4 million East Ballroom expansion is the successful redevelopment of what had previously been the Gateway Casino, which had operated at the site from 2000

“The expansion will complement our recently renovated conference space, allowing us to host even larger events.”

BRANNIGAN MOSSES DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SALES, PENTICTON LAKESIDE RESORT

to 2017. The Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre has had to extensively renovate the casino location to convert it into a modern conference facility, but it estimates the project would have cost nearly $17 million if it had been built from scratch.

“We had to remove all of the structural beams and we then had to order a special steel element that spans the roof to allow us to open it up as a conference space. The original casino space is still there but obviously tons of renovation work was required to complete the conversion,” she said.

The Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre originally opened for business in 1982, successfully serving the business, event and tourism sector for nearly four decades. Acquired by RPB Hotels & Resorts in 1993, the new

owners embarked on a series of expansion efforts and facelifts that have enhanced its functionality and visitor appeal.

Once the East Ballroom project is complete the Resort’s Conference Centre will have a total of 32,318 square feet of usable space, making it one of the region’s largest conference and trade show venues.

“The expansion will complement our recently renovated conference space, allowing us to host even larger events. It will be the perfect place for conferences, trade shows, weddings or just about any special event. In addition the hotel has seven different break-out rooms, ideal for business meetings and other smaller gatherings,” Mosses explained.

With its expansive facilities, and located as it is on 7.5 acres of idyllic lake and mountain-view land, the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre can readily accommodate groups from 10 to 1,500.

“The view really is a big part of the experience. All of our breakout rooms take advantage of the views but this project will really take that to the next level. With the large windows and heated decks it will offer guests a chance to enjoy Okanagan scenery any time of the year in the most spectacular way,” she said. www.pentictonlakesideresort.com

From left to right: Rose Lariviere, Jeffrey Durrant, Jennifer Wells, Jared Cook, Ashley Odermatt, Curtis Krause.

Success Adds Up

Success is the result of perseverance, hard work and the ability to capitalize on opportunities. MNP proudly congratulates our Kelowna office candidates on successfully completing the 2017 Common Final Exam (CFE). Extra special congratulations to Jennifer Wells making the Chartered Professional Accountant’s National Honour Roll. As one of Canada’s largest national accounting and business consulting firms, here are six more ways we can help your business succeed.

Contact Trina Warren, Thompson - Okanagan Regional Managing Partner, at 250.979.1749 or trina.warren@mnp.ca

MNP.ca

8

FEBRUARY 2018

HERITAGE STONE PAVING & LANDSCAPING HAS BEEN SERVING THE INTERIOR SINCE 2006 Landscaping Firm Specializes In Inter-locking Paving Stones

V

ERNON - Heritage Stone Paving & Landscaping is a successful example of what can happen when Old World skills and craftsmanship are transplanted into the new. Spanning two decades and two continents, Heritage Stone Paving has introduced the time honoured appeal and benefits of stone paving to a new audience in the British Columbia Interior.

“While I’ve been working here in Vernon for the past 11 years, the origins for the company itself actually goes back more than 20, to a similar business I operated when still living in Britain,” explained Andi Towns, the owner of Heritage Stone Paving.

“I had been landscaping back in the UK for about the same period of time, where in addition to my landscaping business I worked as a sailing instructor abroad. I actually had been teaching sailing all around the world and eventually met my future wife, a Canadian when we were both in the Canary Islands.”

Married in 1993, the pair spent a few years travelling the world before electing to immigrate to her native Canada, arriving in Vancouver with their two young sons in 2006. Continuing their vagabond lifestyle in their new home, the Towns family acquired a travel trailer and a four wheel drive vehicle so they could explore their new province in greater detail, with much of their exploration devoted to the Okanagan region.

“It was sort of like we were on ‘walkabout’ - driving around the area looking for a new home. In our travels we came across Vernon, and it had the right amount of people to set up a landscaping business, modelled after the landscaping business I had been operating back in the UK. It was really all about finding the right location to allow us to go after our

Company owner Andi Towns (right) enjoying a little time with George who was his very first customer dreams,” Towns explained.

Officially launched in 2006, Heritage Stone Paving & Landscaping provides a wide range of services for its clients, primarily residential homeowners. Specializing in delivering complete landscaping services, the company’s real forte is its distinctive stonework and use of concrete paving stones, a rugged material used in everything from driveways and pathways to swimming pool decks and even waterfalls and other water features.

Towns learned the art and craft of landscaping and stone paving when operating the British forerunner of the current company, Heritage Landscaping and Paving Stones, a skill he was quickly able to transplant in his new home.

“The original company was a small family-business based in a small village which I operated for about 12 years, when we moved here in 2006 I decided to launch a similar business here and carried the name through – so really the company has been around more than 20 years, in spirit,” he explained.

Specializing in the use of interlocking paving stones, Heritage Stone Paving has quickly found a ready market for its distinctive products and personalized service. The company and its product line has been so well received the enterprise is a Silver Finalist for a 2018 Keystone Award (Best Landscape – New or Renovated

“Landscaping is very much the finishing touch to a home, it’s really a vast concept as the sky can be the limit.”

ANDI TOWNS OWNER, HERITAGE STONE PAVING & LANDSCAPING

category), from the Canadian Homebuilder’s Association of Central Interior (CHBA-CI).

Established to recognize and honour excellence in the home building sector in the Kamloops and Thompson Nicola Regional District, the Keystone Awards are the CHBA-CI’s premier Home Builder Awards of Excellence, and solid confirmation of the positive impact Heritage Stone Paving & Landscaping has had on the regional marketplace.

The central part of the company’s success, and what has helped to set it apart from the competition, is its use of interlocking paving stones. The style of pavers favoured by Heritage Stone Paving are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours and are suitable for an equally diverse range of applications. The product’s uniform size and high quality allows them to fit tightly together to form a strong, interlocking surface.

“They are crack-resistant, easy

The use of inter-locking stone paving stones is the core part of Heritage Stone Paving & Landscaping’s business to repair and resistant to deterioration from the annual freeze / thaw cycles. They also stand up to common de-icing salts. It’s also easy to fit lighting into the paver pattern to define patios, walkways and driveways, while adding that finishing touch,” he explained.

Another of the keys to the company’s ongoing success is its willingness to learn and to adapt to the specific needs, and challenges of the region it is serving. “We worked with a lot of natural stones back in the UK and that’s also becoming important here. Unlike in the small village where I had been working there are a lot more opportunities for my services here, especially with all of the large houses in the Okanagan,” he said.

“So obviously how I run my business has changed now that I’m here, we’ve had to adapt to the significant change in the market and the needs of the client. Things have definitely changed throughout my career as a landscaper, but it’s been a great experience all the way through.”

One of the business adaptations the Canadian incarnation of Heritage Stone Paving has had to make is the realization that landscaping in Vernon is much more seasonal in nature than was the

Congrats, Andi on your nomination for the Keystone Awards! from the team at RONA Vernon Landscaping Outdoor Lighting RONA Home Centre - Vernon Lawn and Garden Care Outdoor Power Equipment 2201 -58th Ave. Vernon Gardening Tools Plants and Flowers T: (250) 545-3332 Watering and Irrigation E: info.Nanaimo61030@rona.ca

case in England. Winter is a reality that can’t be avoided and as such the company also provides a snow plowing service in the offseason as an additional income stream.

“In England landscaping is a year round business, all the way through the Christmas period so clearly there was a need to adapt to operate a business here. I’ve collected quite a bit of equipment now so to keep working in the winter time I do a bit of snow removal. I try to not take too much on in the winter, as I’m so busy during the summer months I frankly enjoy a bit of down time with the family, but you have to keep paying the bills so that’s why I do it,” he said.

The seasonal nature of his work means the size of the company also fluctuates depending on the time of the year, with as many as four additional staff members on the job during the peak summer months. The bulk of the company’s workload is with its expanding list of residential clients. Working in close harmony with the individual homeowners, Towns has worked in concert with landscape architects in the past but more often takes the initial vision of the client and helps to turn it into a tangible reality.

Congratulations Andi!

All the best for your continued success Pryce Landscape Products 609 Kalamalka Lake Road Vernon, BC

250.542.7520

E: prycelandscapeproducts@gmail.com

9

FEBRUARY 2018

Andi Towns (right) and his full time employee Tulsa (for the past 12 years) are the backbone of the company – Luna is in the truck “Often the client will have an idea what they would like and we then discuss the pros and cons of their yard, and take the project from there. It all depends on their needs. Do they want a patio or a fire pit area or a hot tub area? We then find the best way to achieve it. Landscaping is very much the finishing touch to a home, it’s really a vast concept as the sky can be the limit – depending on the budget and the property itself of course,” Towns explained.

As a professional landscaper in the BC Interior, the heat of summer and the arid nature of the local environment present challenges he never had to face in England. “I’ve learned so much by coming to Canada, including that we have to have irrigation here. Back in the UK irrigation came from the sky, but here it’s semi-desert so I’ve had to take a few courses in irrigation to bring me up to speed – but that’s all part of the learning process,” he said.

Among his personal upgrades Towns has been certified by the Canadian Interlocking Concrete Institute (ICPI) and has completed a number of irrigation courses to allow him to continue to grow his business and to better serve his regional clients, such as making the maximum use of the limited water resources available to his customers.

“It’s all about collecting the water and reusing the water such as from a cistern. I’ve taken a lot of courses to allow me to become certified, and in the final analysis

to provide my clients with a more professional level of service,” he said.

By coming to Canada and adapting to its geographic challenges, and by expanding on the fundamental skills he perfected in his native UK, Towns has developed a market and a regional reputation for quality landscaping, paving and stonework. “I really think the big thing when it comes to business success is honesty, that and having the ability to see the vision the customer has for their property. There’s a lot that goes into a successful landscaping project, not least of which is creativity. Each job is unique, there’s no one size fits all approach when it comes to landscaping,” Towns explained.

Established, accomplished, recognized and resilient to changing needs and circumstances, Heritage Stone Paving & Landscaping has become a regional landscaping leader by listening to the client and by doing the job right every time. For the future the company’s founder anticipates continuing that legacy for his expanding client base.

“Every day is a new experience.

Every time you walk into somebody’s backyard you see something new. It all comes down to making a livable space even nicer.

It doesn’t matter how big a house you’ve got, or how small it is, it’s all about making living there nicer for them – that’s really what it’s all about,” he said. www.heritagestonepaving.com

CONGRATULATIONS

on your Keystone Award Nomination!

Business Banking & Cash Management

Borrowing Solutions

Landscaping and decorative stonework can help to complete a property, while adding to the enjoyment of its owner

Having learned his craft in his native UK, Andi Towns has helped to introduce the benefits of stonework to his clients

Darrell Oshiro,

Branch Manager Vernon Branch D: 250-541-7401 Wealth Management

Congratulations Andi!

We’re proud to be working with you and your team.

5770 Petworth Rd. Vernon, BC | 250.549.2967 or 1.800.453.8873 | lavingtonturf.com Congratulations Andi Towns!

Proud to support Heritage Stone Paving & Landscaping!

OPEN: March 1st - Nov. 30 • 250-542-8191 • 4620-23 Street www.vernonlandscape.com • Behind ICBC OFFICES, OFF SILVER STAR RD. rd

Congratulations on your nomination,

ANDI! We’r e g l a d t o b e working with you

AND YOUR TEAM!

THE INLAND GROUP www.inland-group.com

1051 Middleton Way Vernon, BC. Office: 250-545-4424

SALMON ARM

10

FEBRUARY 2018

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL COMES TO SALMON ARM

INDUSTRIAL & HYDROVAC LTD. ABORIGINAL CONTRACTOR

SALMON ARM CORRYN GRAYSTON HYDROVACS - WATER TRUCKS - TDG VACUUM COMBO TRUCKS - SPILL RESPONSE - WASHING / STEAMING / FLUSHING

UTILITIES INSTALL / REPAIR -EXCAVATION - HDD-DIRECTIONAL DRILLING - LINECOMBO / UTILITY LOCATING HYDROVACS - WATER TRUCKS TDG VACUUM TRUCKS SPILL RESPONSE - WASHING / STEAMING / FLUSHING UTILITIES INSTALL / REPAIR - EXCAVATION - SEPTIC HDD DIRECTIONAL DRILLING - LINE / UTILITY LOCATING

PROUDLY SERVING ALL REGIONS OF BC OUR CLIENTS DEMAND 24/7/365 DISPATCH 250.320.7570

www.lynxcreekhydrovac.com | www.lynxlocates.com

250.320.7570

Kamloops, BC

T

h e Shuswap Fi l m Society is once again busy organizing the 2018 International Film Festival which will be held Friday, February 16 – Saturday, February 24. The festival offers an impressive list of internationallyacclaimed films that draws an ever-growing crowd of film enthusiasts. With a variety of films presented over the course of the 8 days this event brings a crowd from the Shuswap region and further afield.

To see the notable line-up of films and showing dates go to www.shuswapfilm. net. All movies play at the Salmar Classic Theatre in downtown Salmon Arm which is our beautifully maintained vintage style

theatre. Tickets are $7 at the door or you can purchase a 5 film pass for $30.

See you at the movies!

••• The Salmon Arm Chamb e r i s ve r y pl e a s e d to a n n o u n c e Va l L it w i n , President & CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce will be the guest speaker for our Ma rch A n nua l G enera l Meeting. The AGM will be hosted on March 27th at the Prestige Harbourfront Resort. Details are still being finalized and will be available on our website www.sachamber.bc.ca in the latter part of February.

••• Salmon Arm Economic Development Society has finalized their relocation into the newly renovated Monarch Building on Shuswap Street in downtown Salmon Arm and are eager to continue working on the Innovation Centre and Tech-Maker space that is also slated for that location. For more information on all the resources and services available through Salmon Arm Economic Development check out www.saeds.ca.

••• The Executive Director of the Chamber recently

attended a 5-hour workshop to participate and lea r n more about l a nd lease opportunities within Salmon A rm and the su rrou nd i ng a rea. T he workshop was a collective venture with Young Agrarians, Shuswap Food Action Co-Op, CFDC and others to explore the possibilities of offering agricultural land leases to young farmers who are interested in farming but are not yet able to purchase the land needed to build their agricultural business. Very exciting to see over 60 people attend this workshop and determine that we have both land and interested agrarians who are keen to join up and build upon our existing agricultural sector. This initiative will continue to develop over the course of the year and we anticipate subsequent growth from this exciting project – from both a community and farming perspective.

Corryn Grayston is the General Manager at the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at (250) 832-6247 or admin@sachamber.bc.ca.

Residential Sales Volume On-Trend for Time of Year

T

ypical for December, volumes in residential sales declined this past month, with 459 sales posted to the MLS, a 24 per cent decrease from November, but comparable to last year’s sales of 453 units reports the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB).

“Outside of a couple of variances, the market is doing what it generally does this time of year,” says OMREB President Tanis Read noting a general slowing of activity. “Sales and listing volumes were both on-trend for this time of year, but, interestingly, average price and days on market bounced back from November.”

New listings were 465, down 65 per cent from November, but relatively consistent with this time last year, when new listings were 407. Average price, however, rose 3.5 per cent over November and 12 per cent over a year ago. Also of note was the days on market, which declined to 79 from last month’s 132 and last year’s 91.

“Higher average price can often reflect the composition of product sold over the course of the month,” says Read, adding “But

coupled with the fewer days on market, it may also suggest a continued lag in resale product availability, potentially coupled with consumers possibly looking to lock in purchases before new mortgage rules take effect in January,” comments Read.

Read adds that, regardless of the current market characteristics, it pays to engage a real estate professional well-versed in the complexities of the real estate transaction and knowledgeable about the local market.

Effective January 1, new federal mortgage tightening rules require borrowers with a down payment of 20 per cent or more to face a stress test when renewing or refinancing a mortgage to prove they can cope with the risk of higher interest rates.

“The seventh round of rule tightening by Canada’s federal financial regulator since 2008, these new rules impact both those seeking a mortgage as well as those refinancing their mortgage,” notes Read, adding “the impact may be that those now in the market for a home may have to settle for a less expensive home or wait and save up for a larger down payment.” Read points out

that lenders won’t have to apply the stress test to clients who are renewing an existing mortgage.

Taking a look at buyers of homes in the region, the results of which lag the market stats by one month, we find the majority continue to be from within the board region at 54 per cent, with Lower Mainland/Vancouver Island buyers well-represented at 21 per cent up 17 per cent from October.

Buyers from Alberta were at 8.5 per cent and those from outside Canada were a relatively small percentage at 3 per cent.

Consistent with previous months, those relocating and moving to similar property types, first-time buyers and move-up buyers were all within points of each other at 21 per cent, 19 per cent and 19 per cent respectively.

Likew ise, two-parent families with children and couples without children were close at 29 per cent and 26 per cent, with empty nesters/retired buyers the next largest group at 17 per cent of the buyer population.

For detailed statistics specific to each of the three regions served by OMREB, visit www.omreb.com

LAKE COUNTRY

FEBRUARY 2018

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS – TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

LAKE COUNTRY KIMBERLEY KRISTIANSEN

W

e are excited to announce that our 15th Annual Lake Country Business Excellence Awards Gala will be held once again this year at the Four Points by Sheraton Airport Hotel Kelowna on February 23, 2018. Come out and celebrate with us as we honour business excellence in our community!

This prestigious awards gala will bring together our members, local politicians, residents, media and business owners to celebrate

and recognize hard work and dedication in business.

Last year’s gala was a huge success with tickets selling out well in advance.

To purchase your tickets, please visit the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce website at www.lakecountrychamber.com.

Are you interested in sponsoring this event? Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, please call Kimberley at 250-766-5670 ••• The Lake Country Chamber of Commerce welcomed over 40 members and guests, including Honorable Stephen Fuhr a n d H o n o ra b l e M a yo r James Baker, to their January Business After Hours event at Ditto’s Printing Services. Not to be deterred by the heavy snow fall earlier that day, members and guests enjoyed an evening of exquisite wine from Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards at Greata Ranch and an array of delicious

appetizers! Thank you to our host Holgar Nierfeld owner of Ditto’s Printing Services on Main Street in Lake Country! Are you interested in joining us for an upcoming Business After Hours Event? Members $5 Non-Members $10. Your ticket includes 2 glasses of wine, appetizers and a great networking opportunity! Please visit the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce website for a list of our upcoming Business After Hours events in 2018.

••• Membership continues to grow at the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce!

We are excited to announce the following new memb ers: Kelow na Toyota, Jim Pattison Group Beach Radio, Invati Yoga and The Chase Wines.

Kimberley Kristiansen is Executive Director of Lake Country Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250-766-5670.

Compugen Joins with Kamloops Innovation to Promote Regional Economy “Compugen believes that technology can improve lives and simplify business, and that Canadian entrepreneurs are second to none in the world in the quality of their ideas and their potential to drive economic development. Kamloops Innovation offers regional start-ups a support system that brings those ideas together with smart people and investors to help them go to the next level,” said Terry Mirza, Compugen's VP of Sales, Canada West and United States, in joining the board of Kamloops Innovation.

“We welcome Compugen as an important new backer of Kamloops Innovation,” said Lincoln Smith, Executive Director. “I look forward to working with Terry as we together build supports for new technologies that will change our lives for the better by creating a stronger, technology-based regional economy, good jobs for our tech graduates, and a nurturing environment for our amazing entrepreneurs.”

Kamloops Innovation is a non-profit society and is a BCIC Acceleration Network partner supported by the British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC), National Research Council (NRC-IRAP), Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust (SIDIT) and many Start-up Community Backers.

Compugen is one of Canada's top IT solutions providers, with offices across Canada and in the USA. Their motto is Simplifying the Business of Technology . . .

Together.

Terry Mirza

WHAT’S IN YOUR WALLET?’

THOMPSON OKANAGAN TOURISM GLENN MANDZIUK

I

t is amazing that so much of our world is digitized and yet so many of us struggle with the concept of a digital currency; aka bitcoin.

The hard truth is that several years ago I was offered an opportunity to purchase a Bitcoin for just under $400.

Ever the skeptic, (as in I still don’t really believe they put a man on the moon), I turned the offer down certain that it was a scam or at the very least a pyramid scheme. Today that same single Bitcoin is worth $22,700 Canadian dollars.

The issue for me, outside of the fact that I am devastated I did not buy bitcoin when they were affordable, is that I don’t understand the concept of the currency. I don’t understand why that one single online coin is worth so much money today and I don’t know why, how or even if, it will continue

to grow in value over time.

Without question I am personally guilty of having not taken the time to look deeper into what is actually taking place preferring to pass the idea of Bitcoin off as a passing trend, or something far worse, far more sinister.

On those rare occasions when I do start to search online for more information it does not take long for my eyes to glaze over with terms like block-chain, mining, cryptocurrency or hexadecimal coding. It takes almost no time for my attention to move quickly away from educating myself on bitcoin to something far more understandable and comforting like old episodes of America’s Got Talent.

Nevertheless, whether we collectively understand this currency or not, Bitcoin seems to be coming back into the news time and again. It appears to be somewhat inevitable that either Bitcoin or an alternative will find its way into our imaginary wallets sooner than later. Here are just a few facts about Bitcoin that may (or may not) lead you to want to learn more: Bitcoin has a founder, Satoshi Nakamoto, who decided at the outset there would only ever by 21 million Bitcoins issued Bitcoin is entirely digital – no one has a physical Bitcoin.

Bitcoin uses hexadecimal

coding making them far more difficult to steal than credit card numbers In some countries you can purchase food, clothes and other items using Bitcoin In August 2017 Bitcoin split into Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash – which seems to be important however I cannot indicate why Some analysts indicate that Bitcoin value could rise to $500,000 per coin by 2030 while others predict the value will drop to $0.00.

So, even now after having stayed awake to learn more about this 10-year-old and ever growing phenomena I can yet again say that I am besmirched as to what it all means.

I do believe that every trend is worth monitoring and staying open to new possibilities and ways of advancing our businesses should always be top of mind. Could there be a competitive advantage to consider by accepting Bitcoin currency? Maybe not yet or possibly not ever, but we would be wise to stay open to the potential.

In the words of Albert Einstein, “If at first, the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.”

Glenn Mandziuk is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Region. He can be reached at ceo@totabc.com

11

Compugen's VP of Sales Canada West and USA

All Your IT in one place.

We will work with you to develop a Technology Plan for your entire business.

MANAGED TECH SUPPORT|WEB HOSTING|BACKUP 250-828-1198 www.atws.ca | info@atws.ca

OFF THE COVER

12

FEBRUARY 2018

CHBA: Building Community in the Central Interior The Okanagan Shuswap’s Exterior Specialists since 1994

Rose Choy, Executive Officer for CHBA – Central Interior

Available with a minimum 10 year warranty and up to a 30 year warranty!

CHBA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ns

if certain conditio are met.

We are proud to be the first to offer

FLEXSTONE

to the Shuswap and North Okanagan.

A seamless deck membrane that is CCMC approved for outdoor living space and roofing.

Mobile: 250-833-8899

| Office: 250-832-0610 | Vernon: 250-545-3061

www.streamlineexteriors.ca

usually provided by one of the association’s member developers. Design is donated by a member house designer.

T he house prov ides hands-on training for construction and trades students from TRU, overseen by instructors and also assisted by Homebuilders Association members with expertise in construction, trades like electrical and plumbing, landscaping, painting, HVAC and all the other skills required to build a home.

Materials are often donated by members a nd frequently include cutting edge products. This both enhances the value of the finished house and serves as a showcase to the community of new products and techniques.

“The generosity of our members – to me – is outstanding. Being involved with this is a privilege because of all the products and skills that are donated,” Choy added.

The results are impressive: last year’s three-floor, almost 4,000 square foot Y Dream Home was a shows top p er w it h a m a z i n g views which was appraised at more than $700,000.

Once the home is completed, it is opened to the public for tours during the three months leading up to the draw. However the $100 tickets usually sell out early. Last year, all 11,500 tickets sold out in 12 days.

The raff le raises more than $1 million annually for the YMCA, funding the organization for a year.

The 2017 training house project was also recognized at the region’s Tommie Awards, receiving the Gold Award at the January 27 gala for Excellence in Public or Private Partnership. The award was shared

by CHBA Central Interior

Starting on the next Y Dream House, construction students from Thompson Rivers University (TRU) hone their skills on a high-end residential home that also benefits the community. TRU and the local Canadian Homebuilders Association jointly create the home, which is raffled to raise money for the local YMCA

The 2017 Y Dream House was a three-floor, 4,000 square foot residence valued at more than $700,000

“It comes full circle. Building community by giving and giving back.”

branch and the TRU Trades and Technology program.

T he Y Drea m home is one of many construction projects underway in Kamloops. Choy notes a mild winter has allowed a busy construction year to extend over the winter.

“Everybody is very busy and there is a very high demand,” she said.

Although prices are not high by Vancouver or Kelowna standards, Choy says prices for Kamloops homes have gone up.

D e m a n d fo r h o u s i n g currently exceeds supply: construction of both single family and multi-family homes has increased.

“They can’t build fast enough to keep up with the demand,” she said.

Statistics from the City of Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District confirm her report.

The number of residences completed in the city and in the district is up 29 per cent.

In Kamloops, the value of residential construction permits has jumped 70 per cent between December 2016 and December 2017.

Year-to-date construction values for the city are up 19 per cent or $23.7 million compared to 2016.

The success has created challenges for builders who are now having difficulty filling positions. Every day Choy says she gets calls from contractors seeking experienced framers and qualified tradesmen.

“There’s just not enough trades to keep up with the demand.”

Even so, she hopes the boom will continue since it benefits the industry and economy as a whole.

It also provides work for the students who build the training house each year to graduate into waiting jobs.

Over the years, Choy has seen students who worked on t h e t ra i n i n g ho u s e graduate, form their own businesses, join the Association, and support the next generation of students in building the Y Dream House for that year.

“It comes full circle,” she said. “Building community by giving and giving back.”

CUSTOMER SERVICE

FEBRUARY 2018

13

KEEP THE FOCUS ON QUALITY

CUSTOMER SERVICE LUCY GLENNON

T

he ultimate goal of customer service is to meet – or exceed – customer expectations.

But how can we know what every customer wants when expectations vary from customer to customer? We could ask customers, individually or as a group, what they want.

But sometimes it’s smarter (and more economical) to anticipate what your customers want. After all, they probably have better things to do than educate you in the basics of customer service.

Can you define the hallmarks of quality service and products? Here are five suggestions to keep in mind.

Customers want their products and services…

Quick. Customers’ time is precious; they don’t want to waste it by having to wait.

After all, their needs exist now, and the culture we live in seldom supports the virtues of delayed gratification.

Some customers might actually incur a cost for each hour or day that your service

or product is delayed. Even customers who don’t lose money may be inconvenienced if you fail to respond quickly.

Affordable. We are a nation of bargain hunters. However, with sophisticated customers, total cost is what they want to minimize, not just the purchase price. They don’t want to pay a very low price initially for products that end up costing them dearly because of constant repairs. In the same way, they won’t select inexpensive services that, dollar for dollar, don’t deliver the same value as higher priced – but higher valued – services.

Right. Customers expect that your products will perform as promised and that your services will have the result you predict. That’s their right. And they want quality, which means, at the very least, reliability and functionality. They count on you to stand behind your guarantees. Flawed products and services are never acceptable, no matter how quickly delivered or cheap the price.

Convenient. Customers don’t want to have to jump through hoops to get your product or service. They’re not happy about filling out long forms, don’t appreciate being bounced around from one employee to another, would rather not have to travel across town, and they can’t afford to earn a Ph.D. just to use your product or

service effectively. It’s easier than you think to make it easy for your customers. (Sometimes this just means doing less, rather than more.)

Personalized. These days many customers are willing to pay a little more to receive better attention and more personalized service. They like having their self-esteem bolstered by a hotel desk clerk who remembers their name.

They enjoy the ability to revise the standard plans of a home being built for them.

They see value in customfitted clothing, and they’ll pay more to avoid walking those extra steps from a remote parking lot. Customers are individuals, so what works for one may not work for another. Your products or services are not personalized if they don’t reflect that individuality. So be prepared to offer choices.

There they are: Five hallmarks of quality service and products. Your own ideas may differ slightly, but unless they express the same basic principles, you might want to take a closer look at your current policies to ensure that you provide products and services that are – Quick, Affordable, Right, Convenient, and Personalized.

Lucy Glennon specializes in customer service training and recruitment and hiring. She can be reached at 866-6452047 or lucyg@hireguru.com. www.hireguru.ca.

Kelowna Approves Final Phase of Urbana at Central Green

K

ELOW NA - Kelowna City Council has approved the development permit for Urbana at Central Green, which allows the third and final phase of condominiums at Central Green to proceed.

A collection of 55 new homes, Urbana will transform what was previously an open, city-owned lot at the corner of Richter Street and Harvey Avenue into a sustainable community featuring heritage-inspired architecture and urban living beside an expansive five-acre park.

More tha n 160 homes have been sold in less than two years since Mission Group broke ground on Central Green One in 2016.

Upon full buildout, Mission Group will have completed 225 new homes at Central Green. Over 40 per cent of Central Green’s land area

is reserved for Kelowna’s largest urban park, which is being developed by the City of Kelowna.

During December’s City of Kelowna budget deliberations, Council allocated another $1.35 million towards the construction of Phase 2 of Rowcliffe Park.

The total park value is estimated just over $3M. Construction on the park will start in spring 2018.

The park will feature a perimeter walking circuit, a children’s playground, a fenced off-leash dog park, com mu n ity ga rdens, a stage for performing arts, and a field area for informal games of soccer, frisbee, volleyball and football and picnics.

“This is an exciting moment for u s, for m a ny years the site lay bare,” says Randy Shier, president of Mission Group. “In partnership with Al Stober

Construction, we had a vision to turn an empty lot into the new hub of Kelowna. Now with Urbana coming to fruition, we are seeing the vision become reality.”

L ocated dow ntow n, Central Green makes the most of open space with good connections within the neighbourhood and s u r rou nd i n g a re a s for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.

“I love living downtown, every th i ng is wa l kable wh ich is so n ice,” says Laurie Baird, a resident at Central Green. “I got this beautiful loft home with tons of windows, high ceilings and a great view over the park. I know my neighbour that bought the loft home beside me and I met a girl from the local bank who bought a home also, so I think it’s going to be a really neat community.”

Your Local Packaging Specialists

Kelowna

250.765.6988 1.877.861.3444

www.glbc.com

Glendinning

Insurance Services

Employee Benefits and Resource Specialist 1562 Water St #2, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J7 Phone: (250) 764-0142

www.gisbc.ca

Live a Life Worth Insuring!

OFF THE COVER

14

FEBRUARY 2018

Vitalis Extraction Technology Nominated For A Trio Of Small Business Awards VITALIS EXTRACTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“Our customers come from all sorts of different sectors. Our customers extract things with our equipment, but we got into this business purely as a manufacturer, to develop a piece of equipment for use in different market sectors, but specifically the cannabis sector.”

Only incorporated in 2016, Vitalis Extraction Technology has experienced unprecedented and dramatic growth, anticipating revenues of more than $15 million in its first full year of operations.

The company operates from an administrative office and a 7,000 square foot production facility located at #102 480 Neave Court in Kelowna. The firm envisions its revenues will top the $30 million mark by the end of 2019, as the demand for is extraction systems continues to grow.

In addition to Patterson, Vitalis Extraction Technology is the brainchild of two other principals, Joel Sherlock who serves as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing and James Seabrook, the company’s Chief Technology Officer.

“The whole cannabis industry has grown dramatically and has really taken us for a pretty wild ride. While we incorporated in 2016, we spent about two and a half years before that researching,

Chief Operating Officer Pete Patterson checks out a Q-90 system following the installation of its extraction vessels The team at Vitalis Extraction Technology is justifiably proud of the progress the start-up firm has made since opening in 2016 planning, modelling and protot y pi n g b efore we of f ici a l ly launched the business which really allowed us to hit the ground running,” he explained.

“We researched the products that were out there and realized that many were inefficient and antiquated. So I went to a friend, James Seabrook who was an oil and gas engineer with our design and asked him if he could build five of these for us, and that’s when he got involved with us,” Sherlock explained.

Much like an industrial distillation system, Vitalis’ botanical oil

extraction systems take the raw product and using supercritical Carbon Dioxide (CO²) as a solvent within a pressurized vessel, reduces the material to concentrated Cannabidiol oil that has a wide range of applications, both medicinal and recreational. The company’s dramatic growth has not gone unnoticed, as it has been nominated for no less than three BC Small Business Awards from Small Business BC. In addition to being in the top five for the Best International Trade award (Vitalis sells more than 85 per cent of its products

outside of Canada) the company has also been nominated in the Best Innovation and the Best Apprentice Training categories.

From a running start in 2016, the company currently has a staff count of more than 30, and is already planning to expand its production capacity with the acquisition of a new facility.

“Right now we’ve already deployed more than 30 machines, at more than $500,000 apiece, and we can’t keep up with the demand. With our current facility we can build about one machine per week, something

like 50 machines per year. We’re presently looking to pick up something like 25,000 to 40,000 square feet of additional production space. So you can see that we’ve grown really fast, especially as we didn’t actually hire our first sales rep until November 2016,” Patterson said.

For Sherlock the company is only beginning to realize the full business potentials the cannabis industry can provide. “There are billion dollar cannabis companies on Canadian stock exchanges.

Canada is really looked at as an industry leader across the board which has been a real boon to us when marketing our products outside of the country,” he said. www.vitaliset.com

Looking for the Perfect Location for a Conference, Retreat or Trade Show?

How about the heart of Silver Star Mountain Resort?

The Vance Creek Hotel & Conference Centre offers a setting like no other.

Revitalize your team at our Winter Wonderland or Summer Paradise.

Open year-round for groups, conferences and retreats.

www.vancecreekhotel.com 250-309-1110 or 1-800-610-0805 vicki@vancecreekhotel.com

SUMMERLAND

FEBRUARY 2018

EXCELLENCE AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

SUMMERLAND CHRISTINE PETKAU

E

ach ye a r t he Su m merla nd Cha mber of Commerce holds its Business a nd Com mu n ity E xcel lence Awards Gala, celebrating individuals and businesses who have contributed to the fabric and growth of our community.

Their entrepreneurial spirit, leadership and best business practices are to be commended. ​A l l of the awa rd nom i nees w i l l b e h o n o u re d a t a f r e e Nominees Reception sponsored

by Nesters Market, with support from Bottleneck Drive, on Friday, Febr uar y 2nd f rom 5:00 pm to 7:0 0 pm. T he w i n ne r s w ill be announced at the Awards Gala, held on March 3rd at Centre Stage Theatre. Tickets for the Gala will be available for purchase on the Summerland Chamber of Commerce website on the event page.

T he 2018 l i st of nom i nees is ava i lable on ou r website here: http://w w w.su mmerlandchamber.com/ business-community-awards ••• The Summerland Arts Council has been awarded a Community Gaming Grant for $250,000 for the renovations of the Arts & Culture Centre. The Capital Project Grant comes through the BC M i n istr y of Mu n icipal A ffairs and Housing and m atche s t he $250,000 t h at the District of Su m merla nd budgeted for th is project i n 2017.

••• The Summerland Chamber of Commerce and the Summerland Housing Task Force was held January 30th at the Summerland Library. The Housing Task Force was created to help facilitate housing projects by bringing stakeholders together.

Representat ives f rom BC Housing, the District of Summerland a nd severa l orga ni z at ion s d i sc u sse d some of the challenges and opportunities around housing in the region. In addition, the Alliance Church, the United Church, Parkdale Housing Society, and Su m merla nd Food Ba n k a nd Resource Centre all made presentations and shared the latest

details on affordable housing projects they’re working on.

A n n Howa rd a nd Matthew Bro d ie o f B C H o u s i n g s a i d securing land, having a realistic plan and building community collaboration and support are the keys to getting projects off the ground. Howard added BC Housing is available to answer questions, provide guidance, and in some cases, financial assistance to community groups.

••• A re you i nterested i n ta king a more active role with the Summerland Chamber of Commerce? The Chamber’s board of directors is hoping to fill four director’s positions at the Annual General Meeting on March 20th.

The board is responsible for setti ng goa ls a nd d i rection, ensuring the financial health of the organization, and developing policies and procedures to guide the Chamber’s work.

New ideas and perspectives are welcome!

Christine Petkau is Executive Director of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Summerland. She can be reached at cpetkau@summerlandchamber. com.

Flair Airlines Poised for Growth

F

lair A irlines Ltd ., Canada’s only low airfare carrier, recently a n nou nced that Jim Scott, will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer of Flair Airlines and will be joined by Jerry Presley t he compa ny’s new E xecutive Boa rd Chairman, representing the majority stakeholde r i n v e s t m e n t g ro u p.

The airline has made the announcement six months following the purchase of NewLeaf Travel Company’s assets in June 2017.

Flair A irlines Founder, and former President, Jim Rogers has sold his shares, but will remain on the Advisory Council until 2019. “ F l a i r i s fo r t u n a t e to have a talented executive like Jim Scott as its next leader. With significant plans to expand their route network and offering a premium ULCC service; there is simply no one better to take on this challenge,” said Jim Rogers.

Scott, who i s a for mer airline pilot with extensive airline operational experience is an entrepreneur at his core; having been responsible for fo u nd i n g, a nd ra i s i n g

start-up funds for other s u c c e s s f u l v e n t u r e s .

“I a m look i ng for wa rd to the challenge of leading the transformation of how and what Canadians shou ld ex pect f rom a premium ULCC. We will drive forward significant i mprovements i n c u stomer experience, operate with reliability and execute with an impressive team in a competitive market,” stated Jim Scott, Ch ief Executive Officer, Flair A irlines.

Flair Airlines currently prov id e s ser v ic e f rom s e v e n C a n a d i a n c i ties; Toronto, Hamilton, Wi n n ip eg, E d monton, Abbotsford, Kelowna and Vancouver with fares as

S W E N

low as $39 for short haul flights and $99 for longer haul routes like Toronto to Edmonton. The company has plans to expand its route network and fleet with public announcements to be made shortly. “ We b e l i e v e i n b a lanced growth, reducing our costs, elevating our brand story, and we will cont i nue to i nvest i n improving our customer experience,” noted Scott.

Flair Airlines transported over 400,000 passengers after entering the scheduled airline business, and under the premium ultralow cost ca rrier model ( U L CC) e x p e c t s to f ly nearly one million passengers in 2018.

Visit

BusinessExaminer.ca

Today!

15

BCREA - What’s Coming in 2018

L

ooking forward, 2018 will be a significant year for housing affordability, real estate practice and cannabis reg ulation—three key issues for BCREA. The provincial government has made housing affordability one of their top priorities, with the beginning of a housing strategy expected in the February 2018 budget.

In the 2017 election, the NDP prom i se d to ta ke act ion on speculation and foreign buyers, so the housi ng strateg y will likely address those issues.

BCREA has recommended ways to ensure renters, buyers and homeowners have access to appropriate and affordable housing options.

Regulations for the practice of real estate are also expected to change this year. In addition to changes affecting how real estate licensees represent consumers, which take effect M a rch 15, t he O f f ice of t he Superintendent of Real Estate (OSRE) is developing new policies for managing brokers and a regulatory code of ethics for all licensees. BCREA is worki ng w it h memb er b oa rd s to gather evidence and supporting

materials to inform the future changes.

Ca n nabis w i l l be lega l ized and regulated across Canada this year, according the federal government’s proposed plan.

The BC government has been preparing by consulting with stakeholders and the public.

The full results of this consultation are expected to be publicly available early in 2018, and legislative changes introduced in the spring session.

BCREA is concerned with personal cultivation of cannabis.

If someone grows cannabis in their home, as with other types of drug production, electrical issues and mould can result, putting property and people at risk. There are currently no provincial standards for how to remed iate a proper ty a fter drugs have been produced onsite.

BCREA has commissioned research to identify how BC could implement a province-wide, consistent remediation process for properties used to produce drugs. Given that more people may grow cannabis at home in the near future, this study is incredibly timely. www.bcrea.bc.ca

It’s just better

downtown.

Join the Kelowna Downtown YMCA — the only full-service fitness facility in the downtown area.

Express classes to suit work schedules Full access to two centres Modern equipment Proactive approach to health A membership at the Y is a socially responsible choice. As a charity, all profits go back into our community, providing support systems for those less fortunate.

Kelowna Downtown Y

250-491-9622 | ymcaokanagan.ca 1011-505 Doyle Ave, Kelowna BC V1X 2M9 Charity Registration # 11924 0224 RR0001

16

FEBRUARY 2018

3RD GENERATION HOMES: MULTI AWARD-WINNING HOMEBUILDER Family Owned Construction Firm Specializes In High End Custom Homes

K

E L OW N A – T h e re’s something genetic about the building trades, an indefinable appeal that often sees multiple generations of the same family remaining dedicated to their inherited craft. Just ask the owners of Kelowna`s family owned and operated 3rd Generation Homes, who’s corporate name isn’t just marketing, it’s a statement of fact.

“On my side and on my husband’s side, both of our parents and our grandparents were builders, so that’s really where the name came from,” explained compa ny co-ow ner Cassidy DeVeer.

“This isn’t an inherited company, but was something that was started by us in 2010. My husband Gerald DeVeer and I started it together as an entirely new venture. While we had builders in both of our families they weren’t actually in competition or anything.”

Cassidy’s family connection leads back to her paternal grandfather who had been a builder in Abbotsford for many years, with her father following in his footsteps, before moving the family and his business to the Kelowna area in the 1980s. Her father is now the owner / operator of a local flooring store.

For Gerald, his construction lineage stretches back to his grandfather, a builder from Manitoba who moved west, ironically to Abbotsford as well. In time Gerald’s father also took the construction path, operating his own construction business in Salmon Arm. While experienced handling smaller commercial projects, and completing one or two of the type per year, the vast majority of the 3rd Generation Homes workload is taken up with the construction of high end custom homes and the

Cassidy DeVeer is the coowner of 3rd Generation Homes, which has been serving the Kelowna region since 2010

Hallmarks of a 3rd Generation Homes project is the use of high end building materials and exceptional workmanship

Working alongside his wife and business partner, Gerald DeVeer is 3rd Generation Homes other co-owner occasional larger scale renovation project.

3rd Generation’s projects are so well received it has won multiple Tommie Awards from the Canadian Home Builders Association of Central Okanagan (CHBA-CO) over the years, most recently being a Silver Finalist for a 2018 Tommie Award (Excellence in Bathroom Renovations – $20K and under category), for a project known as the Lakeshore Renovation. In 2016 the company won a Gold Tommie Award for Excellence in a Single Family Home ($750,000 to $1 million category) as well as a number of Silver Awards – tangible industry testaments to the firm’s focus on

“When the customer reaches out to us they’re directly dealing with the owner of the company.”

CASSIDY DEVEER CO-OWNER, 3RD GENERATION HOMES

quality and its ongoing attention to detail.

“Certainly the Tommie award is quite competitive, especially as there are so many high end builders in our area, but it’s very important to be a part of it, and to be recognized in this way,” she said.

“It’s definitely nice when people walk into the office and can see all of the awards you’ve won. Today, with the competitive nature of the market it’s the sort of thing prospective clients are interested in.

When they’re looking for a builder today they want to work with one

The team at 3rd Generation Homes strives to deliver quality homes and open communications to its clients that has won awards. For them it’s a sort of confirmation that they can do the job.”

Since its inception 3rd Generation’s focus has been on residential new home construction, but it has carried out several selective commercial projects in the past.

“While we seldom pursue commercial projects we will do them if an existing client asks us to. We

451 Banks Rd, Kelowna, BC

Proud to be working with 3rd Generation Homes!

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry Vernon: 8111 Highland Place • Kelowna: 1794 Baron Road

E: sales@kekulibaycabinetry.com

Congratulations 3rd Generation Homes on being a 2018 Tommie Award Silver Finalist!

250.762.7771 | TF (BC only) 1.800.611.BATH (2284) Email: Melissa@bathsbydesign.net

bathsbydesign.net

have one client whom we built a house for who owns Connects Wireless, so we went and worked in a number of his stores for example,” she said.

“Basically we only do commercial work when it’s a special request from an existing client – those that are already part of our family so to speak.”

Based in Kelowna much of 3rd Generation’s current efforts take place at the nearby McKinley Beach development, a project of high end properties that is much more than a typical subdivision – but is in many ways an engineered community in its own right.

Overlooking Okanagan Lake, the development encompasses 872 acres of prime, protected indigenous landscape, designated parks and trails, and a kilometre of sunny beach — the perfect location for the custom homebuilding talents of 3rd Generation Homes to showcase its finest work.

“We never really work beyond the immediate Kelowna area as we’re kept busy enough. Currently about half of our time is spent at the McKinley Beach

17

FEBRUARY 2018

3rd Generation Homes is the creative force behind some of the most innovative and beautiful houses in the region

Modern, energy efficient, striking and distinctive are just some of the terms needed to describe a 3rd Generation Homes project subdivision, which is a really unique development that’s only really been on the market for the past couple of years. McKinley Beach has already sold 180 lots to date and is one of Kelowna’s hottest new neighbourhoods,” DeVeer explained.

“It’s an incredible place. It’s right on the lake, has its own marina and is an amazing new development. We’re one of the five select builders to be taking part in the project, so easily half of all of our work takes place there.”

Beyond McKinley Beach 3rd Generation spends about one third of its time working in Kelowna’s Upper Mission area with the balance dispersed all across the city. While focusing on new construction, renovation jobs have occasionally been handled by the company, but only rarely.

“For our business model, renovation jobs just don’t really make sense, unless a home is being just about bulldozed down, at that point it’s really more of a new build,” she explained.

“Right now actually we are working on something that technically could be described as an add-on to an existing home. But we’re adding on 6,000 additional square feet, so to me that’s pretty much a new build.”

As is the case with many leading builders the actual staff count at 3rd Generation Homes is relatively small, less than a dozen, but when working on a project the firm is directly responsible for a team of trusted sub trades and other specialists such as designers and architects. Located at 202 – 474 West Avenue in Kelowna, 3rd Generation was formally launched

in 2010 but as the husband and wife ownership team both came

from construction families each basically grew up in the business, as though destined to eventually operate their own business.

“I was very involved in construction since I was a young kid. My parents used to joke that when I was five I received a Barbie house for Christmas and when I unwrapped it the first thing I said about it was that it had no stairs, so how could Ken and Barbie get upstairs if there weren’t any? My parents said you’re five years old why do you care about this? But my only concern was that the house was poorly designed – so I guess that’s when my interest in construction really started,” DeVeer said.

Established, award-winning and the continuance of a lineage of residential construction stretching back decades, family-owned 3rd Generation Homes eagerly looks forward to helping build the Kelowna of tomorrow. Central to that future presence is its ongoing corporate emphasis on customer service and fiscal openness.

“Customer service isn’t just important, it’s everything. When the customer reaches out to us they’re

directly dealing with the owner of the company, I am their point of contact. They are never a number.

They’re never submitting a request to some low level employee before being funneled through channels and taking three weeks to get an answer. I’m in contact with all of my clients on a regular if not daily basis. When any construction company becomes construction-based instead of service-based, they are going to struggle,” DeVeer explained.

The other corporate pillar that makes 3rd Generation distinctive is a financial policy that sees the client paying the bills as they arise, not all in one lump. “We let our clients pay the bills. Many customers are very concerned about writing huge cheques to their builder and them in turn not paying their trades, leaving them with a project burdened with liens, or left incomplete,” she stated.

“In our business model the clients write cheques directly to the trades, not to us. We continue to serve as the project managers, providing accounting and budgeting services, but the client has much more security knowing the work contracted for is being paid which heads off potential problems. This provides much more control for the customer on their project.”

For the future 3rd Generation anticipates continuing to serve the greater Kelowna marketplace at its current pace, with expansive corporate growth not a real part of its long range plans. “Right now we have about 12 homes under construction, which is about where we like to cap it. If we grew much more we might lose that personal touch, that ongoing communication with the client which is not something we want to see happen,” DeVeer said.

“Working at that pace means we always have jobs underway, being finished and just being started – we can keep everyone working.

Generally a home will take between eight months and a year to build, depending on the complexity, so that ensures an ongoing but sustainable workload. It’s really not all about growth, but about doing the job right.” www.3rdgenhomes.com

Contract Interiors Proud to be working with 3rd Generation Homes!

CUSTOM CLOSET SPECIALISTS

. By Pass and Bi-Fold Mirrored Doors

Catering to discriminating tastes

Proud supplier to 3rd Generation Homes.

Happy to be working with your team!

800 McCurdy Rd, Kelowna, BC 250.765.2366 Email: info@centurylane.net

www.centurylane.net

Making Kitchen Dreams a Reality for over 25 Years T: 250.769.3161 E: contractinteriors@shawbiz.ca 1540 Stevens Rd. West Kelowna

. Tri-Access Closet Doors . Closet Organizers . Panel Sliding Doors . Vanity Mirrors . Shower Doors Congratulations to 3rd Generation Homes for being a 2018 Tommie Awards Silver Finalist!

595 Adams Rd., Kelowna

250-765-5127

centralcityhardwarekelowna.com

18

VERNON

FEBRUARY 2018

SUCCESSION PLANNING

HR DAWN ROBSON

I

We support local business

Saving time and money is critical to your success Our team can help you establish, grow or maintain your business with support for what you need: • Banking packages that grow with you • Borrowing that fits your needs • Tools to help manage cash flow • Planning for the future you want

Let us help your business prosper!

Proudly serving the Okanagan for 15 years 1.888.440.4480 | prospera.ca

n today’s strong economy and tight labour market, the importance of a focus on your employees and succession planning becomes even more critical.

Succession planning is the process of identifying and developing staff so that they can grow within your organization and take on key roles that become vacant in the future. With this process, you try to ensure that you will not have a key role open for which another employee is not prepared. Succession planning can be done on an informal basis or through a more formal process and it provides a great safety net for the organization.

To sta r t, you need to identify the key roles in you r b u s i ne ss. W h ic h positions are vital to your organization’s success?

Which roles could you not do without? You need to

prepare yourself in case the current incumbent moves to another role in your organization, or out of your business altogether. Having a strong understanding of the key responsibilities and accountabilities of the role, as well as the skills and knowledge required to be successful is an important step in the process. The key roles addressed in succession planning efforts are often the more senior positions within the company.

With succession planning, management will identify high potential employees and support their development in such a way that they get the exposure and experience required to make any transition easier.

A frank discussion would be held in order for the employee to understand the confidence that the leadership has in their abilities and to collaborate on a career plan.

If succession planning is done informally, a manager may take on this responsibility personally. A high performing individual may be given additional tasks or responsibilities, or prov ided w ith mentorship that allows for a greater understanding of the business. The individual may even be seen as the second in charge by other staff members in the department. The challenge

with an informal program is that other leaders in the organization may not be aware of the individual’s potential and would not be in a position to support his/her development.

If the company is implementing a more formal program, there would be conversations about succession planning at the senior level, thus ensuring all members of the leadership group know about the employee’s potential and skills.

Some of the ways that a company can support a high potential employee include mentoring, crosstraining, project work, lateral moves and/or opportunities for training and education. Communication and feedback are also important to help the employee focus on the skills and knowledge development needed to succeed.

At the end of the day, most people want to feel valued in their work and part of a bigger team, so many of these suggestions cou ld a l so apply to a l l members of your team. At this time of low unemployment, it will serve you well to do whatever you can to support all of your team!

Dawn Robson is an HR Consultant with Chemistry Consulting

Reservoir Land Development Concepts Presented

V

ERNON - City of Vernon Council received a presentation on January 22, 2018 on preliminary development concepts for the 20 acre McMechan reservoir site located at 901 39 Avenue.

Vernon Reservoir Developments Ltd. and their design team, including Bluegreen Architecture - the architecture firm behind The Outback development, presented a neighbourhood concept with approximately 170 homes, a new park and trail system and walkable streets designed to slow automobile traffic while encouraging travel by foot and by bike.

A variety of housing types are proposed for the new neighbourhood, including single family homes on small lots, duplexes, townhouses and row houses. Secondary suites and carriage home options are included to act as mortgage helpers and to provide more rental housing in the city. The vision of the proposed development was guided by Vernon’s Official Community Plan (OCP).

After hearing the presentation, Council supported the concepts being presented to the public both on EngageVernon.ca and at a public Open House on January 31.

The City was approached in April 2017 by the developer regarding the Cityowned lands. The site was previously used as a water reservoir for Greater Vernon Water and was decommissioned in 2006. Since that time, the City has explored a variety of ways to prepare the

site for sale and development, all of which required the City to make a significant investment. The sale to Vernon Reservoir Developments Ltd., for just under $6.5 million, requires the developer to apply to rezone the land and obtain a phased development agreement. The developer will undertake all of the engineering, planning and site preparation necessary for development.

“The development concepts for this site address many of the things Vernon residents have told us they want to see in their community, including more parks, better trail connectivity and more types of housing to choose from,” said Mayor Mund. “We look forward to hearing the ideas that the community brings forward to make this neighbourhood even better.” www.Vernon.ca

MOVERS & SHAKERS

FEBRUARY 2018

Business Examiner

upgraded facility, as well as their pub “Match.”

Chef Taylor Snyder has opened up new restaurant, Tay’s Table, at #5 – 3045 Tutt Street. The menu is updated frequently and features high-quality, fresh, local ingredients.

KELOWNA Innov8 Digital Solutions Ltd. has been named among the top 10 finalists for this year’s BC Small Business Awards, in the category of Best Employer.

former vice-chair of the board for Okanagan College, and councilor with the Westbank First Nation, has been elected as board chair.

The Prestige Beach House in Kelowna welcomes Tania Rutt as their new General Manager.

Mission Group has launched their final phase of condominium construction, Urbana, at Central Green, after having received their development permit from Kelowna City Council. The development features a sustainable community of 55 new heritage-design inspired homes, as well as a park spanning five acres. The City is developing the park, and construction is scheduled to begin this spring.

Kelowna’s Flair Airlines company welcomes Jim Scott as their new CEO. The BC Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, Melanie Mark, announced the addition of 2,900 new spaces for students in technology industry programs in BC post-secondary institutions. The provincial government has allocated $4.4 million, with the aim of eventually increasing to $42 million, resulting in 1,000 more graduates each year by 2023.

Best Western Plus Wine Country Hotel & Suites has announced the appointment of Rosemary Paterson as General Manager.

Orthoquest and Kelowna Kinesiology, owned and operated by Canadian certified pedorthists, Sean MacMillan and Lise Dallien MacMillan, has reached their 10th anniversary in business.

Thom Killingsworth has been named as the new Executive Director for the Kelowna Yacht Club.

Killingsworth has also recently been elected as Chair of the Board for Tourism Kelowna.

Chris Derickson The Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna has appointed Daniel Craig as their new Executive Chef.

A 2.84-acre parcel of land located on Sunset Drive beside the Delta Grand Hotel on Lake Okanagan, across from the Prospera Place Arena, has sold for $9.2 million. The deal was brokered by HM Commercial.

Natalie Corbett is t he new General Manager of Accent Inn Kelowna.

George Marine has been appointed as General Manager for Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites.

Julia Garner of Tourism Kelowna is congratulated on achieving Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from the Events Industry Council. The designation is internationally recognized within the meeting, event, convention and exhibition industry.

Sponsors

Integrated Power Systems (IPS), located at #101 – 2387 Dominion Road, in West Kelowna, celebrates their 25th anniversary this year.

The company is a solar supplier, contractor and service and warranty location that offers quality products and technical support to clients.

Guards and Security Services Serving the Okanagan Valley

The recently revamped casino location on Water Street at the Delta Grand has been re-branded by their parent company, Playtime Entertainment. This March marks the re-opening of their brand new

Wherever Business Takes You Kelowna | Vernon | Kamloops

Toll Free: 1-844-776-4376 www.herosecurity.com

Communications Workshop Learn How To Open the Doors of Communication Are you?

• Frustrated with others not getting your message or seeing your point?

• Wondering why some people love you instantly while others do not?

• Tired of guessing how to connect with others quickly?

• Feeling like you’re wasting your time asking for help when you can just do it yourself?

• Exhausted by the “drama” triangle?

Kelowna will be the site of this year’s British Columbia Tourism Industry Conference, which will take place on March 7-9th. The three-day conference will be held at Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, and will focus on key issues that affect the tourism industry.

Boyd Autobody has received their Gold ARA Certification, while their Rutland location has achieved Gold Plus designation.

Gloria Morgan, former Chief of the Splatsin Band, has been acclaimed as the vice-chair for Okanagan College’s board of directors. Chris Derickson, the

Gold Event

SEE MOVERS AND SHAKERS | PAGE 20

Three accounting students from BDO Canada LLP: Andrew Shaw, Jozef Vogel, and Khristian Koulev, have achieved their CPA designations upon passing their final examinations.

Gloria Morgan

19

When: Where: Details:

Tuesday March 6, 2018 1:00pm – 2:30pm Sandler Training Center, Kelowna, BC www.glennon.sandler.com

glennon.sandler.com

®®

* Unfortunately seating is limited, you must pre-register and pre-qualify to attend

20

MOVERS & SHAKERS

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Local company, Associated Property Management (APM), located at 1441 St. Paul Street, has been acquired by new owners, Sean Paulsen and Robert Zivkovic.

Milkcrate Records, a company owned by Richard Rafton, has moved locations from Ellis Street to 527 Lawrence Avenue. The business sells both new records and preowned vinyl to customers. In addition to the record business, new company NiceTees Custom T-Shirt Printing has opened up their operations inside Milkcrate. NiceTees is owned by Karim “Rocky” Rajabally, and offers custom print services as well as retro style prints.

The Greater Westside Board of Trade has voted in their 2018 Board of Directors, featuring: Bobby Gidda with Volcanic Hills Winery – Chair; Craig Garries of PostNet West Kelowna – Vice-Chair; Brett Wike of BDO Canada – Second Vice-Chair; Sarah Sabo of Aries Accounting – Treasurer; and Gord Milson of IPC Investment – Secretary. The Directors include: Ed Stephens of YLW, Sara Lussier of Royal LePage, Ray Kandola of City Furniture and Appliances, Amber Hall of TELUS, Debbie Dupasquier of Distinctly Kelowna Tours, Alex Draper of West Kelowna Warriors, Nelson Derickson of Westbank First Nation EDC, and Calvin Barr of Every-Clear Window Cleaning.

Kelowna Toyota, Jim Pattison Group, Annette Denk – Realtor, Power Industrial Training Services, Adventure After School Program, and Customs Cleaning Solutions.

February 23rd marks the date of the Lake Country Business Excellence Awards Gala.

Winners of this year will be announced at the event, held at the Four Points Sheraton at 5:30pm. Tickets are available for $69 per person.

VERNON David Gibbs, General Manager of the Prestige Hotel & Conference Centre in Vernon, has reached his 20th year with Prestige Hotels.

Predator Ridge Pastry Chef, Tina Tang, has achieved a spot as one of six BC junior chefs competing on behalf of Canada in the 2020 International Cutlery Olympics in Stuttgart, Germany.

Vernon construction company, Bercum Builders - owned by Darren Witt, received nominations for six awards at this year’s Tommie Awards Gala. Their Bella Vita lakeside project brought them four gold awards and a Home of the Year grand Tommie Award. Bercum Builders also took home an Excellence in Kitchen Design $150,000 and Over, Excellence in Outdoor Living Spaces, and Excellence in Single Family Detached Home over $5-million. The Tommie Awards Gala was held at the Delta Grand Hotel this year, and recognizes exceptional work in the home building industry in the Okanagan.

The team at Mickelson Family Chiropractic Clinic welcome Registered Massage Therapist, Nicole Gnadt, to their location at 3100 – 26th Street.

LAKE COUNTRY The Lake Country Chamber of Commerce welcomed a number of new members last month, including: The Chase Wines, Lake Country Heating and Air Conditioning,

Roger is an accomplished architect with over 15 years of experience in design and project management. Roger has experience in all project phases, from programming, planning and design to project delivery.

Before joining MQN in 2016 Roger worked with DGBK Architects in Vancouver, BC and Fowler, Bauld & Mitchell Ltd. in Halifax, NS. Roger has managed a wide range of projects from small renovations to projects in excess of $100 million, including Institutional, Residential and Commercial facilities.

Roger Green, MQN Architecture & Interior Design

MQN Architecture & Interior Design welcomes Roger Green to their Partnership.

Vernon’s Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy has achieved the honour of being the first massage therapy program in Canada to be nationally accredited. As of the spring 2017, the Canadian Council for Massage Therapy Accreditation has now made it possible for massage therapy programs to receive national accreditation.

Kent-Macpherson is seeking a full-time Senior Commercial Appraiser in Kelowna, BC. We have immediate openings for appraisers servicing the Greater Okanagan area and extending across Western Canada. The ideal candidate will be an AACI with a minimum of five years direct related experience.

Kent-Macpherson has been serving clients across the province for over 40 years. We offer a wide range of services covering all disciplines of real estate appraisal and consultation.

With a reputation for professionalism and excellence in our industry, Kent-Macpherson has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading authorities in real estate valuation and consultation. We offer stability, the opportunity to work with a diverse client base and highvolume portfolio, training and career development. Remuneration comprises a base salary plus incentive.

We are seeking a motivated and entrepreneurial AACI, P.App to join our dynamic and growing team. Experienced candidates are also welcome. Please submit your resume to Shannan Schimmelmann at sschimmelmann@kent-macpherson.com for immediate consideration or call 250.763.2236 if you have any questions.

Connect with Us:

304 - 1708 Dolphin Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9S4 | 250.763.2236 www.kent-macpherson.com | twitter@kent_macpherson

A new business development program, Launch-a-Preneur, has been designed by Enactus Okanagan College, Community Futures Shuswap, and the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society. The program aims to help entrepreneurs create a successful business launch plan in the Shuswap area. The Launch-a-Preneur Startup Weekend program will take place on February 17-18th at the Innovation Centre, on 220 Shuswap Street.

The staff at BDO Salmon Arm extend congratulations to Bianca Dewitt and Carlee-Ann Clingwall on their successful completion of the 2017 Common Final Evaluation (CFE), and on achieving Chartered Professional Accountant status in Canada.

Hardie Home Decorating, located at 303 – 251 Trans Canada Highway NW in Lakeshore Village, celebrates their 16th anniversary in business this year.

KAMLOOPS The Secwepemc Museum & Historic Park has a new Curator / Administrator as Glen Guthrie joins their staff.

The Board of Directors for the Kamloops and District Real Estate Association (KADREA) welcome Trevor Koot as their new Executive Officer.

Sandi Dixon has joined the team at Royal LePage Downtown Realty, bringing with her more than 13 years of professional experience.

Local Mexican eatery, Little Tex Restaurant, has been acquired by Tracy and Shamis Burrell. The restaurant has undergone a revitalization featuring updated menus, and a grand reopening was recently held on January 31st.

SENIOR APPRAISER/COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE APPRAISER • KELOWNA, BC

FEBRUARY 2018

Okanagan Rawsome, a raw foods business owned by entrepreneur Afke Zonderland, has been named as a finalist for the Small Business BC Awards’ Premier’s People’s Choice category. Winners will be announced at the Small Business BC Awards Gala at the end of this month.

Ryan Irving and Allyson Edwards have been named as new partners with Nixon Wenger LLP firm.

The team at Watkin Motors Ford Dealership, located at 4602 – 27th Street, congratulate Lorne Pearson on being named Salesman of the Year for 2017.

SALMON ARM The Great Canadian Oil Change celebrated their six-and-a-half-year anniversary this January with a customer appreciation. This anniversary marks more than 50,000 vehicles serviced at their location.

Enrollment is now open for new South Canoe Outdoor Learning School, open September 2018 near Salmon Arm. The program will provide an outdoor-based program for children from kindergarten to grade 6. Currently, South Canoe is awaiting approval for land used for school purposes from the City of Salmon Arm and the Agricultural Land Commission.

Trevor Koot, Executive Officer, KADREA

Tourism Kamloops welcomes on Amy Thompson as their new Senior Marketing & Experience Strategist.

Thompson Rivers University has named Doug Ellis as their Interim Dean for the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism.

Local software company, iCompass Technologies Inc., has been acquired by an American investor. iCompass’s CEO, Paulin Laberge, confirmed that the company will continue its operations out of Kamloops, and that the buyer plans to help expand its operations.

Maike Mayden has joined the staff at Four Points by Sheraton Kamloops as their General Manager.

A new Sephora cosmetics chain location is scheduled to open in the Aberdeen Mall, in place of outgoing Le Chateau. The store will be open by the summer of 2018.

DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops has named Rhian Williams as their new General Manager.

The Thompson Rivers University school of trades and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Central Interior took home the Excellence in Public or Private Partnership Award for the 2017 Training House. They received their gold medal at the annual Tommie Awards Gala in Kelowna, which SEE MOVERS AND SHAKERS | PAGE 21

MOVERS & SHAKERS

FEBRUARY 2018

21

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Community Excellence Awards, hosted by the Summerland Chamber of Commerce.

There are 14 awards categories this year: Business of the Year, sponsored by Sumcelebrates building excellence in the Okamerland Credit Union; Rising Star / New nagan region.

Business, sponsored by RBC Royal Bank; Two Kamloops-based business improve- Sustainability Leader Award, sponsored ment associations have new heads: Carl by SummerGate Winery; Technology and DeSantis is the new Executive Director for Innovation Award, sponsored by Accelthe Kamloops Central Business Improve- erate Okanagan; Award for Excellence ment Association, while Jeremy Heigh- in Agriculture, sponsored by Summerton was named Executive Director for land’s Bottleneck Drive Winery AssoThe partners at Daley & Company LLP are pleased to the North Shore Business Improvement ciation; Professional Services Excellence congratulate Kateryna Chorna, Kubby Mann and Megan Association.

Award, sponsored by Brown Benefits; Higgins on successfully passing their Common Final Exam Trade Services Excellence, sponsored by Tourism Kamloops prepares to host their Alder Street Auto Body; Manufacturing / on their journey to qualify as a Chartered Professional second annual Bold Hospitality Awards, Industrial Excellence, sponsored by ComAccountant. and have released their list of nominees munity Futures Okanagan Similkameen; for the six awards categories this year: Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Tourism Services Leader of the Year, Toursponsored by IGA Summerland; Tourism Attractions Leader of the Year, Food & ism / Hospitality Excellence, sponsored Beverage of the Year – Back of House, Food

by Sumac Ridge Estate Winery; Retail & Beverage of the Year – Front of House, Excellence sponsored by the SumThe partners at Daley Award, & Company LLP are Accommodation of the Year – Back of House, merland Review; Award for Excellence and Accommodation of the Year –pleased Front of to congratulate Kateryna Chorna, in Customer Service, sponsored by RE/ House. There are 49 local nominations Kubbyin Mann, andOrchard Megan Higgins onThe Arts Award; MAX Country; total for all categories, and winners will Excellence inone Community Youth Leadersuccessfully completing of the rigorous be announced at an awards reception on shippassing Award,their sponsored

by Neighbourlink. requirements, Common Final February 28th, at the Valley First Lounge The partners at Daley & Company LLP are This year’s winners will be announced at in Sandman Centre.

Exams, on their journeyGala to qualify as a 3rd, at Centre pleased to congratulate Kateryna Chorna, the Awards on March Kateryna Chorna Kubby Mann Kubby Mann Megan Higgins Megan Higgins Kateryna Chorna Chartered Accountant.

Downtown Kamloops hotel, Hotel 540, Professional Stage Theatre.

Kubby Mann, and Megan Higgins on is scheduled to become a Delta Hotel as of successfully completing one of the rigorous Last month, the Summerland Chamber of April 2019. The hotel’s parent company, Commerce welcomed three new members: requirements, passing their Common Final National Hospitality Group, secured a fran900 - 235Unlimited 1st Avenue ȏ T: 250.374.5577 ȏ Vision, specializing in photogExams, on their journey to qualify as a chise agreement with Marriott Internationraphy, videography and graphic design; Kateryna Chorna al to bring about the change to the property Chartered Professional Accountant.

Antlers Surf, a surf and sup lifestyle and on Victoria Street. The establishment will Daley & Company LLP is Kamloops’ largest independent accounting and business advisory firm. board shaping brand, built on a love for continue to be managed by Bryan Pilbeam, water and a more sustainable way of livand will undergo extensive renovations. ing; and real estate brokerage, Parker Real 900 - 235 1st Avenue ȏ T: 250.374.5577 ȏ Estate.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

CONGRATULATIONS Kateryna, Kubby & Megan

CONGRATULATIONS Kateryna, Kubby, & Megan

CONGRATULATIONS Kateryna, Kubby, & Megan

daleyllp.ca

daleyllp.ca

PENTICTON Tickets are now on sale for this year’s 2018 BDO CSSHL Championships, hosted by the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL). This will be the fourth year with the City of Penticton as host for the event, which will take place from March 9-18th, 2018. Last year the Championships saw 68 teams and more than 1200 student athletes attend, with a $2.89-million economic boost for the City. This year the event is expected to bring in more than $3.10-million for Penticton.

Royal LePage Locations West, located on 484 Main Street, has achieved top status in Penticton for 36 years, and now holds 54 per cent Market Share as of 2017.

Travel Penticton has changed locations to 888 Westminster Avenue, and will be fully operational at their new address by the end of this month.

Two local businesses have advanced to the finalists round of this year’s Small Business BC Awards. Winecrush was named as a finalist for the Best Innovation Award, while Duffy Baker Construction Corp was named as a finalist for Premier’s People’s Choice. Winners will be announced at an Awards Gala at the end of February.

Chris Wood is congratulated on being named Top Producer for the year 2017 at Penticton Toyota, at 2405 Skaha Lake Road.

Sun Village Retirement Residence, at 1147 Main Street, welcomes new Seniors Living General Manager, Charmaine Kramer, to their team.

SUMMERLAND Nominees have been released for the 80th Annual Summerland Business and

The Summerland Arts Council has been awarded a Community Gaming Grant for $250,000 for the renovations of the Arts & Culture Centre. The Capital Project Grant comes through the BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and matches the $250,000 that the District of Summerland budgeted for this project in 2017.

Daley & Company LLP is Kamloops’ largest independent accounting and business advisory firm.

The British Columbia Wine Authority has relocated from Penticton, making Summerland their new home. The organization supervises the British Columbia Vintners Quality Alliance and has moved both their testing and regulatory equipment and their office to Unit 3, 7519 Prairie Valley Road.

Parker Real & Associates have announced the opening of Parker Real Estate. The new staff features owner Shelley Parker, Blaine Brennan and Angella Dykstra, and is located at 13242 Victoria Road North.

The team at Royal LePage Summerland Parkside Realty, located at 9925 Main Street, welcome Al and Shannon Vandermey to their team. The Vandermeys bring with them over 35 years of industry experience in the Summerland and South Okanagan areas.

BRIGHT HORIZONS

BUILDING FOR SKILLS

OLIVER / OSOYOOS

VERNON TRADES TRAINING CENTRE

The Women’s Executive Network (WXN) has named Ingrid Jarrett of Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos, as one of the country’s most powerful women.

OPPORTUNITY IS KNOCKING

Plans for what would be the province’s largest medical cannabis facility are eyed for Oliver. Poplar Grove Winery, owned by Tony Holler, hopes to open the 700,000 square-foot Sunniva facility, which would produce an estimated 100,000 kilograms of medical-grade cannabis annually. The company is currently awaiting approval from Health Canada for the project.

You can help our students open the door to their future. Support our: • Capital Expansion • Student Awards • Equipment and Program Development To learn more or donate call 1-888-650-6968 or visit

okanagan.bc.ca/campaign

Kubby Man

OPINION

22

FEBRUARY 2018 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Thompson Okanagan Office #210-347 Leon Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8C7 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Lise MacDonald, lise@businessexaminer.ca SALES | Joanne Iormetti – joanne@businessexaminer.ca, Josh Higgins – josh@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | John MacDonald, Beth Hendry-Yim, David Holmes, Kristin van Vloten WEBSITE | John MacDonald

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO BE ‘OPEN FOR BUSINESS’

MARK MACDONLD

W

hile the voting public may ingest placeboes when a government claims it is “open for business”, business just sits back and waits.

Words mean little if there is no action, and investors and entrepreneurs tend to survey the situation in front of them before deciding to inject hard earned dollars into an environment. They vote with their feet, demonstrating their decisions by how they move, where they move, and how quickly. Or if they don’t.

“Open for business” has become a political buzzword used by every politician these days, and we are witnessing the latest with Premier John Horgan touring Asia declaring that under his government, BC is, truly, “open for business”.

Non-business people who don’t understand what that really should mean, seem puzzled if business

doesn’t respond appropriately to such cute words of flirtation.

“What more do you want? Didn’t you hear what they said? They want business.”

But what politicians say and what the business community needs are worlds apart.

Open for business means making it easy to do business, and providing an opportunity for free enterprisers to see a profitable future from their hard work and investment.

To simplify, what business wants is this: Eliminate unnecessary regulations and obstacles to getting ventures started, and favourable taxation.

That’s it. That’s all.

Anything outside of those boundaries is political-speak and isn’t what any business owner/investor is looking for. And if they don’t find it in one jurisdiction, they move elsewhere.

That’s why certain communities in BC thrive and prosper, no matter what the larger economic forecast is.

Langford and Surrey didn’t actually have a recession during the 2008 downturn because their political leadership decided to do something proactively and make their cities more welcoming. They eliminated costly, and unnecessary development cost charges, and builders moved their projects within those civic boundaries.

W hen first elected in 1993,

Langford Mayor Stew Young promised building permits within a week – and delivered. He’s been re-elected ever since, and Langford continues to grow, and grow. Chopping DCC’s and introducing tax breaks for developers as the recession broke, kept developers investing – knowing that the cycle would eventually end – and people working. In Langford, and Surrey.

Several years back, Langley produced a building permit for a highend automobile dealership in one week. As a result, there’s not just one, but several beautiful vehicle buildings in the east end of the city, bringing jobs and yielding long-term taxation into civic coffers.

Communities that really want investment do what is necessary to get that investment. Those that don’t want investment put up barriers, red tape and, yes, excessive taxation to make sure it doesn’t happen.

It’s a mystery why politicians and bureaucrats don’t get this: That these “customers” who inject millions just to get their buildings built, yield many thousands of dollars annually once they are built, for many years to come. Since commercial/industrial tax rates are higher than residential, it allows any city to function better fiscally, while avoiding having to reach out to their other main source of revenue – homeowners, who are also voters – for more money.

The public decries the ever-increasing cost of housing, and politicians wring their hands and promise to find a solution through regulation and subsidization. There is one simple solution to a situation that boils down to supply and demand.

Increase supply. Build more homes and dwelling places. By increasing supply, demand will be satisfied and at some point satiated, and the result will be lower prices.

That may not make sense to antidevelopment voices that pique the interest of candidates, or not what they want to hear. But it’s the truth.

As reported in the Financial Post, on Jan. 17, Apple Inc. announced it will pay about $38 billion in taxes on hundreds of billions of overseas dollars, plus spend tens of billions on domestic jobs, manufacturing and data centers in the U.S. in the next few years. It will also create 20,000 new jobs and make capital expenditures of $30 billion over five years in the U.S. Jobs. Investment. Tax revenue.

Why? Because the U.S. has drastically lowered its tax rates, thus demonstrating it is truly “open for business”.

Speaking of Horgan’s overseas jaunt, one might view it as damage control. After not one but two major Liquid Natural Gas projects, one on Vancouver Island and the other major one in northwestern BC

collapsed once the GreeNDP stole power, Horgan is now saying they want it – but with new conditions.

Conditions the industry and investors reject, by the way.

There were two customers already here and ready to move forward with LNG. Why did they leave?

Wouldn’t have anything to do with the GreeNDP’s incessant threats of increased regulation, taxation and general disdain for resource-based wealth, would it?

Mark it down: There won’t be any further LNG development in BC while the GreeNDP forms government. Why? Because of the same reasons the other groups that were here left: Endless regulation and the “promise” of punitive taxation – clear signs these parties don’t want that industry here.

And the political dance continues, with Green leader Andrew Weaver threatening to bring down the NDP government if LNG proceeds.

Crocodile tears. He knows LNG isn’t going forward under this regime and their stipulations, and won’t bust up the coalition until the only evident thing Green wants is accomplished: Proportional representation.

Open for business? Here’s the simple recipe for any government: Reduce taxation, strangulation by red tape regulations, and developmental delays. Anything else is just empty words.

UNPLUGGED FROM THE REALITY OF OUR ENERGY NEEDS

MARK MILKE

I

f you ever wonder how academics and activists combine to end up utopian, anti-poor and anti-middle class all at once, look no further than calls for savings and pension divestment from Canadian oil and gas companies.

One academic from Toronto’s Ryerson University wrote of how “we are facing an impending disaster” from fossil fuels. The professor had several demands: That companies “reduce their carbon footprint to net zero” or be forcibly wound down.

If they don’t voluntarily commit economic hara-kiri, towns and cities must even more massively subsidize green industries to put hydrocarbon industries out of business.

Finally, a demand that the Canada

Pension Plan drop its oil and natural gas holdings.

That last idea isn’t as unthinkable as it should be: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this month that he would direct the city’s five pension funds to dump US$5 billion worth of fossil fuel investments, which he boasted will be the biggest municipal divestment in the U.S. so far.

Calls to kill off carbon-based energy investments are also pushed by the more extreme voices in some environmental groups. One duo claimed (incorrectly) that “The end of the fossil-fuel era is on the horizon.”

Such woolly thinking, a perennial problem in human societies, is evident in the notion that Canadians can just cut off one of the country’s comparative economic advantages, oil and gas. And then replace it, and the many products for end-use consumers, with solar, wind and other costly alternatives.

Reality check: Most alternative green energy, like wind and solar, is inconsistent in terms of power production, requiring conventional backups fuelled by fossil fuels or nuclear energy. Nor are other alternatives such as biofuels and batteries yet capable of replacing, for example,

the jet fuel necessary to fly airplanes or the diesel that trucks use to transport food, medicine and consumer goods. Anyone who believes the end of fossil fuels is near is not operating in the realm of reason.

It’s why the International Energy Agency wants more renewable and other alternative energy, but is realistic that oil and natural gas consumption will rise for decades. The IEA forecasts a 30 per cent rise in energy demand between now and 2040, the equivalent of adding another China and India to the global demand curve. The IEA predicts the world will consume 105 million barrels of oil daily in 2040, up from an average of 96 million barrels daily in 2016. It also predicts natural gas consumption will rise dramatically.

For instance, natural gas demand in China is forecast to triple between now and 2040.

Even California Gov. Jerry Brown, a champion of green energy, has continued to encourage oil and natural gas development. That’s why California remains the third-largest oilproducing U.S. state. As 60 Minutes noted in a recent profile of Brown, “he refuses to curb oil production until there’s a viable alternative.”

Sure, one could demand that governments just enlist consumers and

taxpayers in ever-more subsidies for alternative energy efforts. Yet most renewable energy, from wind to solar, is already heavily subsidized, and remains unreliable and expensive to end consumers.

For example, Ontarians between 2006 and 2014 spent $37 billion on above-market-price subsidies to providers of wind, solar and other energy alternatives. To produce even more will be additionally costly.

Also, as I detailed in my recent report Corporate Welfare Cash for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, alternative energy is already much more subsidized in Canada than is oil and gas. (That noted, oil, gas and renewable energy companies alike should be cut off from taxpayerfunded subsidies; that would help even the playing field among all potential energy suppliers.)

Lastly, the notion that building subsidized wind turbines and solar panels in Canada can replace the jobs, incomes, exports and tax revenues of a long-profitable sector is folly. From Newfoundland to northern British Columbia, there are 300,000 people directly employed in the oil and gas business with 650,000 spinoff jobs. Oil and gas products represent $136 billion in exports to the United States and $22 billion in

annual tax revenues to governments.

And that brings us back to advocacy against investment in the energy sector, the so-called divestment movement. In a rebuke to the divestment demands, Quebec credit union Desjardins Group recently ended its moratorium on pipeline project financing. Depending on where Desjardins goes on a more general social and environmental framework, that decision could be positive or merely a prelude to antienergy investment decisions.

Meanwhile, calls are growing for the Canada Pension Plan to be divested of energy investment. If that happened, a useful investment criteria - returns - would be sacrificed to anti-reality advocacy.

Plus, Canadian employment and income would be reduced by such a decision. It would harm the middle class and the poor. That’s the problem with anti-consumer and anti-empirical advocacy dreamed up in academia and furthered by reality-blind activism. Ideas have consequences, especially bad ones.

Mark Milke is an author, an independent policy analyst and contributing writer to Canadians for Affordable Energy.

SUBCRIPTIONS | $45 PER YEAR (12 ISSUES), $80 FOR 2 YEARS (24 ISSUES), SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA. DISTRIBUTION: FOURTH WEEK OF EACH MONTH VIA CANADA POST AD MAIL. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Produced and published in British Columbia. All contents copyright Business Examiner Thompson Okanagan, 2017. Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

GREENSHEET/SALES 15

FEBRUARY 2018

GREEN SHEET BUILDING BRIEFS CITY OF

778-753-2650 Fax 753-1448 DEVELOPER Troika Developments – 114 1856 Ambrosi Rd, Kelowna V1Y 4R9 250-869-4945

ment SIMONE SUNDERLAND

SIMONE SUNDERLAND WEST KELOWNA

ny

ment

n to poser to lone last ish a oals the and om-

onal e viany.

The cos viyour ieve Imf the r cor the ed to

make beould real

ng C. 645m. m.

23

ACHIEVE YOUR RESOLUTIONS

SALES

determine what isn’t working and implement specific adjustments to get back on track.

Not enoug h orga n i zat ion s commemorate the small victories on the journey toward each goal. As you reach certain milestones, those achievements should be celebrated!

T h is is as much about motivating your team as it is about honouring what you’ve accomplished.

3 . Stay t h e co u rs e. O f te n when a company is struggling to reach its goals, it is because leadership has not given serious consideration to the steps above. When leadership loses sight of the prize or waffles on the best way to achieve success, the ripple effect can be devastating.

Sometimes when goals are not being met, leaders panic and change the action plan midstream. This sudden change in direction will inevitably be a major blow to employees’ confidence in the leadership team.

Keep in mind that changes to your company’s strategic vision only delay the completion of your objectives.

None of these steps are easy, but achieving organizational success rarely is. When building a leadership team, be intentional about getting the right people in the right positions.

Leaders who can successfully motivate employees to reach a common company goal will benefit everyone. By following these steps, your business will have a much better chance of joining the ranks of companies achieving their resolutions this year.

Copyright 2013 Sandler Training and Insight Sales Consulting Inc. All rights reserved.

PROJECT STATUS PROJECT Construction start anticipated New water treatment facility LOCATION - the disspring/18 2211 Campbell Rd – trict is currently testing several methARCHITECT Condominiums – Commercial JOHN GLENNON LOCATION ods including membrane technology LOCATION IHS Design – 644 Arrowleaf – Blackmun Bay Village 1805 45 Ave – Townhouses STATUS Kelowna V1W 4Y5 250arly into the New Year, 175 Kokanee Way - Ramada Hotel Lane, PROJECT PROJECT TYPE 764-8417 year after year, many of us PROJECT TYPE Design underway - Tender call for PROJECT TYPE Mixed-use dev Multi-family new DEVELOPER make promises to instill General Contractor anticipated commercial new Kofoed Carlton Homes Ltd completion change in our personal lives.

PROJECT July/14 construction PROJECT – 11925 McGowan Rd, Lake New mixed use developWhether it’s an effort to exerPROJECT anticipated late 2015 New townhouse development LOCATION Country V4V 1J2 250-801-3939 ment – a variety of buildings cise more or read a book every New Ramada Hotel in the Campbell – 4 structures – 12 units – 2 CONSULTANT including townhouses, gardenRd - Mission month, it seems like just about 2241 Springfield Creek industrial park - 4 storeys storeys – 2 fourplexes and 2 condominiums and 3 mid-rise everyone th i n ks about thei r Opus Dayton Knight 255 1715 Crossing Westside duplexes frame con- - pool 3,780 sm - – 80wood rooms - restaurant towers stepping up the slopes individual goals and makes at Dickson Ave, V1Y 9G6 250-868-4925 struction with waterslide - elevators - concrete – u/g parkingPROJECT – green TYPE roofs least one of these resolutions.

OWNER construction - roof articulation with commercial – 464 sm restaurant andnew 268 While our intentions are good, PROJECT STATUS porte cochere - start asphalt shingles - 98 District of Sicamous - 1214 slip marina facility Construction anticipated – public the truth is that by sometime in PROJECT surface parking stalls Riverside Ave, Sicamous V0Ebeach 2V0 area spring/18 LOCATION mid-March, most of us have all New commercial urbanbut lifestyle 13098250-836-2477 Shoreline Way – forgotten these “commitPROJECT STATUS DEVELOPER PROJECT STATUS centre 6 buildings 2 to 7 storeys Townhouses – Apex at the ments.”

In fact, researchers at PROJECT MANAGER 0776928 BCstart Ltd –anticipated 302 2520 late Rezoning application resubConstruction - retail commercial at ground level of Scranton state Lakes the University 53 Ave, Vernon V1T 8G4 250mitted – anticipate to go to 2014 MHPM - 550 555 W 12th Ave, with office units abovethat - underground only 8 per cent of people 550-9888 council spring/18 PROJECT TYPE V5Z 3X7 604-714-0988 Vancouver parkade - 80 above ground short New Year’s resoluwho make ARCHITECT Multi-family new SURVEYOR ARCHITECT term parking stalls tions are successful in achievDF Architecture Inc - 1205 Monashee Surveying & 4871 Shell IBI Architects – 500 611 PROJECT PROJECT STATUS ing them!

Rd, Richmond V6X 3Z6 604-284-5194 Geomatics – 3710A 28th St, New townhouse development Meredith Rd NE, Calgary T2E Leadership teams should conDevelopment permit application Vernon V1T 9X2 250-545-5990 – 17 structures, duplexes, 2W5 403-270-5600 sider the following points when DEVELOPER submitted fourplexes, fiveplexes and sixdeterm i n i ng orga n izationa l OWNER Prism Ventures Inc - 3571 Barmond plexesLOCATION – 83 units – 3 storeys goals for the coming year…

ARCHITECT Solunqua Orchards Inc No. Ave, Richmond V7E 1A4 604-338-4656 Be Determined - IcetoFacility – 2 to To 4 bedrooms – 1,246 ​​1. Make the goals specific and Ekistics TownRd, Planning - 1925 Main 698011 – 2225 Campbell 1,875 PROJECT sf units –TYPE double and relevant. Many organizations OWNER West Kelowna 1S9 250St,V1Z Vancouver V5T 3C1commit 604-739-7526 tandem garages – fiber cement to doing things differPrism Hotels and Resorts - 800 LOCATION 769-4740 DEVELOPER institutional add/alter lapsiding with stone veneer ently in the New Year in order to 14800 Landmark Blvd, 3400 Centennial Dr – Dallas Texas PROJECT exterior positive R366 Enterprises Ltd -infuse 4870B Chute, change, but they Condominiums – Rental Units 75254 214-987-9300 often fall short because they New ice facility for the Greater Kelowna V1W 4M3 250-764-8963 PROJECT STATUS fail to outline the steps needed PROJECT TYPE area toand replace the aging PhaseVernon 1 site works foundaGENERAL CONTRACTOR Multi-family new to make those changes come to Civic Arena - 4,000 seats - may be tions underway LOCATION fruition. Ltd Lambert and Paul Construction an addition to Kal Tire Place or the PROJECT 284 Brunswick St2000 & 285Spall Rd, Kelowna This can a daunting task, ARCHITECT 300 V1Ybe 9P6 New condominiums – 1 strucPriest Valley Arena construction of Ave W – Affordable Fougere Architecture Inc or – 202 Nanaimo but laying out a specific path 250-860-2331 LOCATION ture – 5 storeys – 60 units a new iceSt,facility 2425 Quebec Vancouver Housing Complex to ach ieve compa ny goa ls is – studio to 3St bedrooms – 394Okana451 Shuswap - SD 83 North V5T 4L6 604-873-2907 critical to success.

PROJECT STATUS sf to 1,032 sfAdministration units – approxBuilding PROJECT TYPE gan Shuswap If company goals are relevant, Feasibility study and cost analysis 11,677 sf – patios – u/g parkMulti-family new DEVELOPER challenging and attainable, you PROJECT TYPE study anticipatedCorp shortly ing – wood frame construction Citimark Development – - the will get buy-in from employees.

PROJECT institutional – vinyl and new brick exterior 2248 13353 Pkwy, Committee GreaterCommerce Vernon Advisory New affordable housing devel2. Track the progress of the Richmond V6V 3A1 will decide in 604-273June whether oropment not to – 1 structure – 4 stoPROJECT go a l s yo u’ve s e t. I t i s i m- John Glennon is the owner of Insight PROJECT STATUS 1221 hold a referendum in November/14 Construction start building anticipated reys – 52 units – studio to 3 portant to revisit your list of Sales Consulting Inc, the authorized New administration on the to fund a new ice facility - location, summer/18 bedrooms – wheelchair accesgoals and analyze progress to Sandler Training Licensee for the old JL Jackson school site - 2,640 sm preliminary design and estimated sible – outdoor amenity area gauge whether or not you are Interior of British Columbia. He can 2DEVELOPER storeys - 75 parking stalls cost to be determined – indoor amenity room advancing. If you are making be reached at jglennon@sandler.

Ironclad STATUS Developments Inc PROJECT progress, be sure to celebrate com, toll free at 1-866-645-2047 or LOCATION OWNER – 101 57158 Symington Rd, PROJECT STATUS Site work underway LOCATION those victories.

Vintage Boulevard, Okanagan Falls - If you are not, visit www.glennon.sandler.com Springfield R2J 4L6 240-777Building permit approval City of Vernon - 1900 3626 Mission Springs Dr – 48th Ave, ARCHITECT 1972 anticipated early/18 – conVintage Views Vernon V1T 5E6 250-545-1361 Condominiums – Green Square struction start anticipated MQN Architects - 100 3313 32 Ave, VERT PROJECT TYPE spring/18 Vernon V1T 2E1 250-542-1199 subdivisions PROJECT TYPE ARCHITECT OWNER Multi-family new PROJECT VIA Architecture Inc – 270 School District 83 - North Okanagan NewSt,subdivision 601 W Cordova Vancouver- 30 SFD lots PROJECT Shuswap - 220 Shuswap St NE, LOCATION New condominium developV6B 1G1 604-683-1024 PROJECT STATUS Salmon Arm V1E 4N2 250-832-2157ment – 4 structures – 134 12075 Oceola Rd – CONSTRUCTION MANAGER start anticipated Construction PROJECT MANAGER Townhouses units – 5 and 6 storeys – 1, 2 Greyback Construction Ltd – June/14 PROJECT TYPE bedrooms – 545 sm to Glendale Tirecraft has been in operation for 50 years.

Stantec - 400 1620 Dickson Ave, and 3 LOCATION 402 E Warren Ave, Penticton Multi-family new 1560 sm units – fiber cement OWNER Kelowna V1Y 9Y2 250-860-3225 V2A 3M2 250-493-7972 2425grain Orlincladding Rd - Addition PROJECT and wood exte-to the Vintage View Developments This c/o successful enterprise is a turnkey tire and Village at Smith Creek New townhouse development rior DEVELOPER Robert Milanovic 250-492-5939 ■ mechanical business with increasing sales over – 17 structures – 65 units, 14 Catalyst Community PROJECT PROJECT STATUSTYPE fourplexes, 3 triplexes – 3 stoDevelopments Society – 501 $600,000 per year. This is a unique opportunity to live seniorsunderway housing as of Foundations reys – single and tandem car 211 E Georgia St, Vancouver January/18 and work in the beautiful town Nelson B.C. PROJECT garages – wood and concrete V6A 1Z6 604-312-5835 LOCATION construction cement ARCHITECT Addition to the Village at Smith Creek 524 Dabell St -–Mara Lakeboard Water OWNER and brick exteriors – existing BlueGreen Architecture Inc 1,810 sm - 4 Contact Pat Siller-owner {250-352-3591} seniors housing facilityTreatment Facility City of Penticton – 171 Main structures on site to be demol- (Kelowna) – 202 110 Highway storeys - 23 units - 8 additional for complete information package.

St, u/g Penticton V2A 5AP 250PROJECT TYPE ished 33 West, Kelowna 1X7cement board parking stallsV1X - fibre 490-2400

VERNON KAMLOOPS

CENTRAL OKANAGAN REGIONAL DISTRICT

E

LAKE COUNTRY

VERNON

VERNON

PENTICTON

SALMON ARM

KELOWNA

LAKE COUNTRY

DISTRICT OF WEST KELOWNA

SICAMOUS

OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN REGIONAL DISTRICT

Looking for a successful business in the Kootenays?

Jeff Boschert 1-800-667-1939

industrial new

exterior - 4th floor stepped back as gables

7YL IPK

PROJECT STATUS

250-545-5344

RiverFresh salmon products are available year round at great prices

Chinook | Sockeye | Coho | Pink Salmon | Chum Salmon 680 Athabasca Street West, Kamloops, BC Sales: 778.471.8225 | Retail Store: 778.471.8210 Email: info@riverfreshkamloops.com

riverfreshkamloops.com