Business Examiner Vancouver Island - February 2019

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FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

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COMOX VALLEY J. Zsiros Contracting Receives Recognition for Green Business

Mazzei Electric Wins Grant Thornton LLP Business Excellence Award Vancouver Island Companies Honoured As Best In 17 Categories

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INDEX News Update

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Digital Marketing

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Port Alberni

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Nanaimo 9 Cowichan Valley

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Comox Valley

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Sales 28 Who is Suing Whom 30 Movers and Shakers 31 Opinion 34 Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

OUR 15TH YEAR

ANAIMO - Mazzei Elect r ic of L a n g fo rd a n d Na n a i mo wa s n a med Business of the Year for over 50 employees at the 19 th Annual Grant Thornton LLP Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre January 24.

Mazzei Electric Ltd. is a family owned and operated residential, commercial and industrial electrical contracting business that has been operating on Vancouver Island for 24 years and has expanded to northern BC. Company President Ben Mazzei is a thirdgeneration electrician who began working for the company in 2002.

Mazzei Electric specializes in residential, commercial and industrial installations.

There were 85 finalists for the annual celebration of the best of the best in Island business, and 17 different categories. Skye Ryan of CHEK TV was the emcee.

“Every year there are some amazing success stories that are told at this event,” notes Mark MacDonald of Business Examiner, which coordinates the event. “There are a lot of hard working business people who have put everything they have into their companies, and it’s great to have an evening to celebrate their efforts.”

Grant Thornton LLP is the Title Sponsor of the Awards, and along with Gold Sponsor RBC Royal Bank and Business Examiner hosted a morning-after “Breakfast For Champions” business round table for winners of the event.

Black Press wa s a Pl at i num Medium Sponsor of the BE Awards this year, and Elite Promotion Marketing and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre were also Gold Sponsor.

SEE AWARDS | PAGE 14

Ben Mazzei of Mazzei Electric of Nanaimo received the Business of the Year Award from Dan Little of Grant Thornton LLP

MacKay CEO Forums Starting In Nanaimo April 2 MacDonald To Lead Peer Groups That Serve As ‘Unofficial Board Of Directors’

Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

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ANAIMO – It’s lonely at the top.

That’s one of the main reasons Nancy MacKay decided to start MacKay CEO Forums in 2005: Getting business leaders that understand what other business leaders go through, to help solve problems and grow profitably together.

MacKay, the founder and CEO, put actions to her vision to populate the world with better leaders after seeing firsthand the tremendous value of having CEOs come together to learn from each other, and to help each other deal with their toughest issues and challenges.

“The work only gets tougher

when you reach the top. The time demands on CEOs are harsh and the job is often isolating. The pace, complexity and constant challenges are a heavy weight to carry,” MacKay says.

MacKay CEO Forums feature a maximum of 14 non-competitive business leaders that meet seven times a year on a strictly

confidential basis to discuss important company issues and benefit from experience-based solutions shared by peers. They receive input from renowned speakers and attend an annual retreat with other members.

MacKay CEO Forums have been SEE MACKAY CEO | PAGE 22

NEWS UPDATE

2 NANAIMO Tourism Vancouver Island Pens Contract Tourism Vancouver Island has won a contract to promote Nanaimo from April 1 to the end of March 2024.

The five-year contract was signed with the city and is valued at $650,000 annually with annual cost of living increases after the first year. The agreement follows a pair of one-year contracts between the city and Tourism Vancouver Island, which are run under the name Tourism Nanaimo. Work includes tourism marketing and operating the visitor center on Northfield Road.

The organization took the contract after the city, under the previous council, decided to take tourism promotion out of the Nanaimo Economic Development Corp. in 2016. The organization’s chief executive officer was then fired for criticizing the decision and board resignations followed soon after.

Last year, Tourism Nanaimo saw its budget broug ht to $1.3-million from industry and other tourism bodies.

NANAIMO Nanaimo Airport

Traffic Soars Pa ssenger nu mbers at Nanaimo Airport (YCD) soared to new heights this past year, overtaking Comox Airport (YQQ) to become the Island’s second busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers.

In 2018 YCD handled 435,349 passengers while YQQ handled just under 420,000. YCD came in behind Victoria International Airport (YYJ) which handled 2.05 million passengers last year.

Nanaimo Airport’s passenger numbers mark the first time the airport has exceeded Comox in a single year. The numbers represent a 22 per cent increase in passenger traffic from YCD’s previous year and a nearly 40 per cent increase over four years.

This year YCD is expecting to handle over 470,000 passengers.

Air Canada Rouge announced they will increase the frequency of their non-stop service from Nanaimo to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport this summer. The airline will operate five weekly flights to Toronto from June 21 to September 1 and will then switch to four weekly flights beginning September 2.

YCD is continuing to try and attract more flights and has broken ground on a $15-million expansion project that will increase the terminal’s floor space by 60 per cent when construction is completed in 2020.

FEBRUARY 2019

CAMPBELL RIVER Cermaq Bringing Closed Fish Containment to Canada Cermaq, a Norwegian based aquaculture company, is looking to open an experimental closed containment fish farming facility in Canada as early as 2020. The company is marketing the facility as a safer mode of fish farming that reduces interactions with the marine habitat.

The structures are built with a surrounding net that limits the ability of farmed fish to interact with the environment outside.

They are designed to pump seawater through the system from 13 meters below sea level and are designed to minimize the spread of parasites and diseases to the surrounding fish population.

Fish in a test facility Cermaq developed north of the Arctic circle are adapting well according to the company. The fish are experiencing lower mortality rates than those in its traditional net pen structure in the same area.

Cermaq is currently in discussions with provincial and federal regulators to gain approval for the system. They anticipate being fully operational in Canadian waters 12 months after internal and external approvals are complete.

The system would be built in

either Norway and shipped across or the company would find a local supplier. The system involves a conventional net used for handling the fish and is enclosed by a heavy tarp-like material that is similar to Kevlar.

Cermaq Canada is based in Campbell River and is a subsidiary of the Oslo-based Cermaq Group.

NANAIMO Council Votes on Dispensary Na na i mo cou nci lors voted unanimously to pass the first two readings of a rezoning application for what could become the city’s first provincially licensed cannabis store at a recent meeting. The Bud Barn at 115-111 Nicol Street is behind the application that seeks to allow for a non-medicinal retail cannabis store.

The shop has been located on Nicol Street since 2016 and plans to operate between 9 am and 11 pm seven days a week. The store stopped selling marijuana and marijuana related products prior to legalization last October in order to avoid upsetting provincial and federal authorities.

A retail cannabis store has also been proposed at 52 Victoria Crescent – 430 meters away

from the Bud Barn’s site. Endorsement from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch as well as a community contribution of $10,000 to the city are required prior to final adoption of the bylaw.

The Bud Barn is one of 13 applications requesting a retail cannabis store zoning designation that staff have received. A public hearing on the application has been scheduled for February 7 at the Shaw Auditorium.

CAMPBELL RIVER BC Ferries Looks to Add Vessels BC Ferries is expected to bring two new Island class ferries to replace the current ferry servicing the run from Campbell River and Quadra Island.

T he move wou ld a l low the crown corporation to replace the Queen of Powell River, which holds 59 vehicles, with two ferries capable of transporting 47 vehicles. BC Ferries is planning to have a contract to start work by the spring.

The expanded capacity from having two vessels service the route will eliminate the need to expand the terminals. Both SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

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NEWS UPDATE

FEBRUARY 2019

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

vessels are expected to be ready by 2020, while vessels planned for the route between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island are expected to be ready by the following year.

Each Island-class vessel is capable of carrying up to 450 passengers along with crew and are double-ended, for easy loading and unloading. The ferries will be battery hybrid-electric vessels designed using cutting edge clean marine technology in the world.

The new vessels are a part of a move to standardize the BC Ferries fleet. The crown corporation is spending $3.9-billion over 12 years to upgrade its fleet and terminals.

TOFINO Gym Cost Estimate Doubles Westerly News Tofino is moving forward with a grant application to build a gym facility, though the estimated cost of the project has doubled from $5 million to $10 million.

The town has long been planning to build a gym adjacent to the community hall on Arnet Road and that pursuit heated up with the launch of a new Community, Culture, and Recreation funding program announced by the federal government last year.

Tofino’s municipal council agreed to spend roughly $116,000 last year on design and cost estimates in order to submit an application to build a gym facility through that program.

Prior to those cost estimates being completed, the district believed a gym would cost roughly $5 million, but the work led to a cost estimate of $10 million. The federal grant, if approved, would cover roughly $7 million of that, leaving the district to borrow an additional $3 million to complete the project.

That potential loan would cost roughly $183,086 a year over a 25year period to pay off. In a report to council, Tofino’s director of finance Nyla Attiana wrote that she could not recommend moving

forward with the gym.

She noted the district is also planning to take out a roughly $16 million loan for a wastewater treatment facility. Tofino’s manager of community sustainability Aaron Rodgers, however, argued that a gym is a vital need in Tofino and suggested the facility would cost closer to $7 million than $10 million.

The gym is designed to allow for future expansion, with room for a potential swimming pool left adjacent to it. Council unanimously supported moving ahead with the grant application.

COWICHAN VALLEY

Technology to sa mple water in the Lake and develop recommendations for Council’s consideration.

CHEMAINUS Chemainus Library Contract Awarded The new Chemainus library has taken an important step towards construction. CCM Construction Ltd (CCM), a Vancouver Island-based construction firm, was awarded the contract to build the state-of-the-art new library for the community of Chemainus.

“This is an exciting development that I know has been a long time coming for library lovers

in Chemainus,” says Vancouver Island Regional Library’s (VIRL) Executive Director, Rosemary Bonanno. “With the contract soon to be awarded, we can take the final step towards shovels in the ground. I would like to thank everyone in the community for their patience and understanding throughout this process.”

The tender process (extended from the original October 31 deadline to ensure all questions from prospective bidders were answered) closed on November 21. The bid evaluations and final negotiations with CCM wrapped last week and we expect to have the contract signed this week.

A construction timeline will be made publicly available once VIRL receives it from CCM.

Cowichan New Home for Rowing Facility Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) announced that North Cowichan will be the future home of the RCA National Training Centre following an extensive review and Request for Proposal (RFP).

The Municipality of North Cowichan was selected as the future home for Canada’s National Rowing teams based on a high level of community support, access to suitable bodies of water, dedicated and tailored boathouse facility and dryland facilities in close proximity.

RCA launched an RFP process for the 2020 National Training Centre (NTC) in May 2018. The R FP process allowed for any community in Canada to submit an Expression of Interest and proposal.

A total of ten Expressions of Interest were submitted to the NTC Project Committee with five formal proposals presented in September 2018. RCA will build on our long-standing relationship with North Cowichan as the primary NTC site. Additionally, RCA National Teams will continue to benefit from the ongoing partnership with Shawnigan Lake School.

North Cowichan is currently investing in water quality of Quamichan Lake by engaging a local biologist and researchers f rom the BC Institute of

3 The plan for the new library encompasses all aspects of the project, including construction, furniture, IT infrastructure, and more.

VANCOUVER ISLAND Housing Market Continues Cooldown The mortgage stress test, also known as Guideline B-20, is taking a toll on housing sales throughout the province, and Vancouver Island is no exception. Sa les of si ng le-fa m i ly SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 4

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NEWS UPDATE

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FEBRUARY 2019

NEWS UPDATE

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homes in January dropped by 28 per cent from one year ago, albeit they did rise by 23 per cent from December 2018.

Last month, 209 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service System compared to 170 in December and 290 one year ago. Apartment sales were 20 per cent lower than in January 2018, while 34 townhouses sold last month compared to 33 the previous year.

Inventory of single-family homes in January rose by 32 per cent from one year ago (987 compared to 748) and was nearly five per cent higher than in December. Active listings of apartments climbed by 38 per cent (219 to 303) year over year and townhouses by 60 per cent (103 to 165).

The 2018 housing market behaved as expected, moderating after the record-setting pace set in 2016 and 2017.

Guideline B20 eroded the purchasing power of some prospective home buyers by as much as 20 per cent.

D e s pite lower d em a nd , howe ver, year-over-year benchmark prices of single-family homes continue to rise board-wide, up around nine per cent from January 2018. Price increases in individual markets ranged from five per cent in Nanaimo to 17 per cent in Por t A lber n i. Modest mont h-overmonth price reductions occu rred in Campbell River, the Comox Valley, and Parksville-Qualicum while prices in Duncan, Nanaimo, and Port A lberni increased slightly from December 2018.

The year over-year benchmark prices of apartments and townhouses boardwide increased by 11 and 10 per cent,

respectively.

The benchmark price of a single-family home board-wide was $504,500 in January, a nine per cent increase from one year ago but a slight drop from December. (Benchmark pricing tracks the value of a typical home in the reported area.) In the apartment category, the benchmark price climbed to $318,800, up 11 per cent from last year and slightly less than in December. The benchmark price of a townhouse hit $407,600 last month, up 10 per cent over January 2018 but down slightly from December.

NANAIMO Passenger Ferry Passes Hurdles Island Ferry Services Ltd. has made the case for moving walk-on passengers between Vancouver and Nanaimo as early as this summer. If the company obtains investment financing, it will bring two 376-passenger catamaran ferries currently under construction in Singapore to Nanaimo.

Isl a nd Fer r y h a s been work i ng on bringing the service to the Nanaimo harbour for several years but has been slowed by financing and various approval delays.

In 2015, the City of Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Port Authority sought interest from companies to run such a walk on ferry service and Island Ferry was chosen as the subsequent favourite. The service was anticipated to start last year but was delayed since key approvals for the project still needed to be finalized.

SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 7

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VANCOUVER ISLAND COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT PROPERTIES RICKY’S ALL DAY GRILL - COURTENAY

DELIVERY & STORAGE COMPANY Mid-Island Based - $1,755,000 12 Yr. Old Highly Successful Operation Sale includes Fleet of 5-Tonne Trucks, Warehouse & Industrial Yard plus Extensive Customer List Logistic Operations cover Vancouver Island Business Only is Available for $705,000 Information Portfolio

COMMERCIAL LEASE SPACE Nanaimo - $12.00/Sq.Ft + TN Large, Nicely Appointed 3,948 Sq. Ft.

Second Floor Office Space

Located in a Quality Building Downtown Triple Net Expense includes HVAC, Hydro

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Available for March 1, 2019

2- STOREY CONCRETE COMMERCIAL BUILDING

Quality Full Service 135 Seat Restaurant Franchise Over 20 Years in this Location $379,900 Full Training Available to New Owner

3,600 Sq. Ft. over 2 levels close to downtown Nanaimo Complete Reno’s approx. 10 yrs ago $449,900 Information Portfolio Available

Great Location in Townsite Plaza Restaurant is on Skip the Dishes List

Excellent Holding Property Solid Revenue Stream/Info Package

LEASES

2,033 Sq. Ft. 2nd Floor Office Space – Downtown Nanaimo, T.N. includes HVAC, Hydro & Utilities. Available for Immediate Occupancy $9.50/SF + TN Light Industrial Space in Diver Lake Area 1,380 Sq. Ft. 2nd Level, Gross BUSINESS W/BUILDING & LAND DAKOVA SQUARE - DUNCAN Lease + GST, Tenant pays own Hydro. Available Jan 1/19 $9.75/SF + GST 12 Yr Old Highly Successful Mid-Island Operation Suite 102 is 2,890 Sq. Ft. Main Level Unit 1,630 Sq. Ft. Main Level Unit - Downtown Nanaimo High Visibility location Sale incl/Truck Fleet, Warehouse,

12 Ft Ceilings, Residential Above $719,900 $3,600,000 $1,755,000 Industrial Yard & Customer List with use of sign off building, Heat (HVAC) & Hydro are included in gross rent.

Gateway Entrance to Downtown DT-4 Commercial Zoned. Ready for immediate occupancy $2,000/Mo+ GST COURT ORDERED SALE - VACANT LAND STIR FRY RESTAURANT - DUNCAN 2 Commercial Units for Lease Near Downtown Nanaimo – Corner Quality Location across from Somass River - Port Alberni Very Successful Restaurant with 35 Seats Location, DT-2 Zoning uses within restaurant/retail/office & service Potential Development Opportunity of Great Location across from School

$129,900 $279,900 Information Portfolio Available Multi/Single Family/Senior Housing industries, Unit B is 1,500 Sq. Ft. Unit D is 900 Sq. Ft.- $12/Sq. Ft. + TN DELIVERY & STORAGE BUSINESS - MID-ISLAND Dakova Square - Downtown Duncan - 3 Commercial Units for Lease – NEW COMMERCIAL STRATA UNIT - DUNCAN 12 Foot Ceilings, Main Level, 4 Floors of Residential Suites above, Designated Suite 103 is 3,104 Sq Ft Main Level Unit-Dakova Square Highly Successful Provider of Trucking, Delivery and Parking for Commercial Units - #101 - 2,287 Sq. Ft. #102 - 2,890 Sq. Ft. Great Visibility, Close to Downtown Warehousing Services $769,900 Residential Suites above $705,000 Information Portfolio Available #103 - 3,104 Sq. Ft. Each Unit is NOW REDUCED TO $16/Sq. Ft. + TN 1,199 Sq. Ft. Main Level Corner Unit - Parksville - Great Exposure in COMMERCIAL HERITAGE BUILDING NANAIMO RESTAURANT & GROCERY STORE - NANAIMO Shopping Centre Location close to Downtown $12/SF + TN Prime Downtown Location, All 3 Units are Tenanted

Popular Mediterranean Café & Market Business

$29,000

AUTO REPAIR SERVICE STATION Highly Visible Family Business since 1960's Strong & Loyal Business in Place $1,299,000 Chemainus, Info Package Available

NEW COMMERCIAL SUITE - DAKOVA SQUARE Suite 101 is 2,287 Sq. Ft. Main Level in Duncan 12 Ft. Ceilings, Vacant and Ready Parking Avail. for Commercial Suites

$569,900

SOLD

$1,199,000

WELL ESTABLISHED SHOE STORE Upscale Women’s Footwear Store in Courtenay, BC High Visibility Boutique Location $39,900 Loyal Clientele, Long-term Suppliers

LUCRATIVE FAMILY RUN BUSINESS Well Respected Livestock Service and Wrap Facility Approx. 2,000 SF Building on 4.9 Acres $749,000 Government Certified & Inspected

BUSINESSES Divine Glow Tanning Salon - Old City Quarter - Nanaimo SOLD Ricky’s Family Restaurant - All Day Grill Franchise - Courtenay $379,900 $705,000 Delivery & Storage Business - Mid-Island $39,900 Shoebiz Shoe Store - Courtenay $129,900 Baan Do’s Stir Fry Restaurant - Duncan $29,000 Sinbad’s Café - Townsite Plaza - Nanaimo

DIGITAL MARKETING

FEBRUARY 2019

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PROGRAMMATIC: WHOEVER, WHEREVER, WHATEVER Automated Ad Buying Provides Limitless Opportunity

DIGITAL MARKETING JOHN MACDONALD

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IGITAL MARKETING – Robots are taking your jobs!

As organizations continually look for competitive advantages and ways to grow, programmatic has presented a unique opportunity to target audiences with incredible precision.

This form of digital marketing relies on software and algorithms that display your company’s advertisements in real time to your audience across any device they own with internet connectivity.

It also provides the ability for businesses to measure their return on marketing investments down to the penny.

Problems involving the development of new business or higher margin clients, challenges with recruiting new employees, or disappointment with the results of previous marketing campaigns are the most common situations where programmatic is used.

To keep things simple – as marketing buzzwords are manufactured on a near daily basis – we refer to programmatic as any form of online advertising where a computer is bidding for the right to display your ad to someone on an online platform.

These include, but are not limited to, Google AdWords, the Google Display

Network (GDN), programmatic display networks, mobile phones and tablets, and social media apps and websites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube).

To advertise on these platforms effectively, you need to identify your audience through three parameters. Where is your audience located, who are they, and what are they doing online? Once these questions are answered a blend of the aforementioned platforms are used to accomplish your objective.

This combination of location, demographics and online behaviour is different for every company.

You could market directly to visitors of your competitor’s physical location or website, visitors to your website, attendees to a tradeshow or conference you’re sponsoring, or an individual that has a similar online profile to one of your existing customers. There is a near limitless variety of uses for programmatic advertising.

Once your company has identified a pool of prospective customers, each time someone fitting the parameters you’ve selected opens an app on their phone, surfs the web, searches on Google, or visits a social media platform, they are shown your company’s ad.

The objective being to drive them to your website, call your office, or fill out a form for future follow up.

The good news about programmatic and digital marketing is that it makes a wide-variety of marketing opportunities accessible to anyone with a computer and internet access.

If you have the time to do your own research, check out some of the great

resources and guides on Lynda.com (a LinkedIn company).

If you don’t, schedule a call with our team and find how BE Digital can help your business grow.

John MacDonald is the Director of Business Development at the Business Examiner News Group. He can be reached at john@ businessexaminer.ca or 866.758.2684, EXT. 130.

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FEBRUARY 2019

FEMALE-OWNED AUTO BUSINESS SHINES AT BUSINESS AWARDS

NEW OWNERS HAVE DUNCAN FOOD PRODUCERS SHIPPING COAST TO COAST Arbutus Ridge Farms Recognized as Finalist at Grant Thornton Business Excellence Awards

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Cowichan Auto Repair was founded two-and-a-half years ago by Elly Ruge

Cowichan Auto Repair Cowichan Auto Repair Wins Automotive Company of the Year

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UNCAN - On January 25, Cowichan Auto Repair stood out as Automotive Company of the Year at the Grant T hornton Va ncouver Isla nd Business Excellence Awards in Nanaimo.

Opening two-and-a-half years ago, Cowichan Auto Repair is a female-owned, full-service automotive repair, maintenance, and detailing facility that serves the Cowichan Valley.

The company boasts a community-minded approach and offers free services such as towing, loaner vehicles, online auto maintenance schedules, and friendly reminders to let customers know when their car is due for service.

Owned by Elly Ruge, the company boasts a female-friendly atmosphere for an industry that can often focus on male clientele.

In March 2017, Elly offered her first Women & Wheels Workshop, which aims to help women stay more informed about the world of auto repair. This first workshop was attended by 57 women of all ages. Since then, she has expanded these workshops, in some cases, opening them up to men.

Workshop titles include “Vehicle Safety and YOU,” “Teens and Wheels,” “How to Save 75% on Vehicle Repairs,” and “Lipstick and Dipsticks”.

With all clients, the team at Cowichan Auto Repair takes the time to explain every job, providing them with an estimate in advance.

All mechanics and technicians are properly trained and certified to repair vehicles of all kinds. Additionally, the team goes to great lengths to make their customers

is a female-owned, fullservice automotive repair, maintenance, and detailing facility that serves the Cowichan Valley feel comfortable, welcome, and satisfied with the end product.

Additionally, the company is Vancouver Island’s only hybrid and EV center. They specialize in the repair and servicing of Hybrid vehicles including: Toyota Prius, Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, and many more.

Their exclusive, patented technology allows them to service and repair every hybrid and electric component of a client’s vehicle, including High Voltage Battery (the most expensive part of your Hybrid or EV).

To find out more, visit www. cowichanautorepair.com

UNCAN - Fresh, clean label, and exciting.

T h a t’s h o w A rbutu s Ridge Farms Ltd. General Manager Stephen Ford describes his company’s ready-to-eat delistyle products and home meal replacements.

“Our products can be found in grocery stores from coast to coast,” says Ford. “We make over 150 items, but our most popular products are our salads.

“I believe we are making the freshest, most exciting, innovative salads in the world, produced right here in Duncan. They’re clean label, which means that we’re looking to minimize the use of chemicals in our product at every point.”

The company maintains an exceedingly high food safety standard, and is well on its way to achieving Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification. SQF is the highest global standard for food safety in the industry.

Others are starting to notice the achievements of the local company, and this year, Arbutus Ridge Farms Ltd. was recognized as a Finalist for the Food and Food Production Category in the 2019 Grant Thornton Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards.

The company was founded 23 years ago by local farming enthusiasts Don and Debra McMurray, after a poor growing season prompted them to make a salsa out of tomatoes that weren’t sellable to super markets. After receiving an extremely positive reception at a local farm market, they gradually expanded their product line to include other types of salads, salsas, and dips.

“Over nearly 20 years, they had built an incredible business

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Stephen Ford is General Manager of Arbutus Ridge Farms Ltd.

Ford describes co-owner Nels Dugstad (pictured) as a “visionary food guru” with some great products,” says Ford. “Then, about six years ago, current owner Nels Dugstad approached the company with his ideas, essentially supercharging the company. The McMurrays were getti ng ready to reti re so it was perfect timing for a transition.”

Today, Arbutus Farms is owned

by Jade Fine Foods, which was founded by Dugstad and Alex Campbell, a member of the family who founded Thrifty Foods.

“Before Nels and Alex came on boa rd, we were focussed on Island sales, with a modest but effective distributor on the ma i n la nd,” Ford conti nues.

“Once Nels and Alex came in, they brought a vision for the freshest possible, most exciting

food, and started selling it to almost all of the major retail players across Canada. With that infusion of energy, the company grew 300 per cent in three years, and we’re continuing to grow at an incredible pace.

“Nels is a visionary food guru who loves to create new, innovative products. He’s extremely passionate about amazing, clean, great-tasting food, and it’s contagious. Alex has deep roots in the business and shares Nels’ passion for food.”

The company is always looking to create exciting food combinations that are both delicious and interesting for consumers. These products include a Buddha Bowl Grain Salad, Pineapple Curry Couscous, Roasted Garlic Hummus, and more.

Looking forward, Ford anticipates further growth for the company, but plans on keeping a laser focus on quality and food safety.

“We envision ourselves making the world’s best food products out of our little plant in Duncan,” he says. “We want to make the most exciting, greatest tasting, most interesting food products we can, and that remains the goal of our team at all times. I believe that if we stay true to that - if we make incredibly safe, super delicious, really exciting food, the growth will take care of itself.” www.arbutusridgefarms.ca

NEWS UPDATE

FEBRUARY 2019

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Most of those have since been done and further plans are underway.

The cost of the project including past investments is $90-milion. If the proposed service goes forward, two ferries that will service the route would undergo trials in Asia and would be brought to Nanaimo for additional trials. Both boats cost in the range of $23- and $24-million.

A one-way ticket is estimated to come in at around $31, with frequent travelers paying around $24 or $25. Six round trips are planned each day, dropping to four during the winter months. Terms of a lease offer for up to 20 years have been agreed upon between the Nanaimo Port Authority and Island Ferry. Improvements required at the port of Nanaimo include installing a system to bring potable water to the pier, a sewage line to move material from the vessel and an extension of electrical supply to the berth.

PORT HARDY Senior Housing Proposed for Hardy North Island Gazette T he North Island Seniors Housing Foundation has been granted charitable status by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

“We had to become a society first, and then I wrote up an application to the CRA’s charities directorate, and we just got the letter,” stated the foundation’s treasurer Dan Foster, who added it was about a six-month process in total.

The foundation is currently working to build a supportive living facility in Port Hardy to serve seniors in the North Island.

“A lot of people end up going down island or staying in their homes long past being able to operate in their homes,” noted Foster, who added this type of housing would include private living spaces and certain services to assist with daily living. Meal service will be included, but units will have kitchenettes as well.

“We are hoping the complex will have space for the Hardy Bay Seniors to use along with other amenities, including bathing facilities currently in very short supply for seniors who require assistance or special equipment for this activity,” noted Foster. “This is a real serious problem, Eagle Ridge is the only place where seniors can go for bathing services, and they can only get in once a week. That’s not what we would like for our seniors.”

The foundation has approached the District of Port Hardy for a piece of land owned by the district on Trustee Road near the North Island Mall.

“We’ve been in some discussions with the district, up by the North Island Mall parking lot there is an empty space of a few acres that the district seems to favor, and we think it would be quite useful for our purposes,” stated Foster. “We’re initially looking at about 24 units, hoping to increase it to 48 units at some point, as we believe the need is there.”

Fundraising in support of this venture and application to government agencies such as BC Housing is now underway, and the foundation will be talking with local stakeholders as well.

7

BILLY-JOE CHECKO JOINS HUB INTERNATIONAL Commercial Insurance Broker Serves Clients All Over Island

V

IC T OR I A - H U B International welcomes Commercial Insurance Account Executive Billy-Joe Checko to their team.

Serving clients throughout Va ncouver I sl a nd, Checko brings nearly 20 years of sales, financial services, management, and business experience to the team, offering clients unique insights and creative solutions.

“Having owned and operated my own business, I bring a lot of experience to the table that’s quite unique in this industry,” says Checko. “I’ve been on the other side of the table, so I have a different point of view when I come into an account.

“I know how hard it is to be successful in business, so I want to protect that business the best I can.

It’s not just about selling a policy and making a sale.

It’s about making sure I’m

Billy-Joe Checko brings nearly 20 years of sales, financial services, management, and business experience to HUB International protecting assets the best way I can.”

C u r rent ly, Che cko i s working out of both Victoria a nd Pa rksv i l le, spending about half of his time in each location. Between these two locations, he is well suited to serve clients throughout Vancouver Island.

“Because I’m an active member i n t hese communities, I work to find the value add wherever I can,”

he says. “I have a great track record with claims advocacy, and have seen denied claims overturned due to my tenacity.

“I’ve h ad cl ients w i n business awards because I’ve submitted their names.

I’ve found new clients and service providers for my clients, and I look to be of service wherever I can.”

For Checko, this commitment to the client was behind his move to HUB International.

“Although HUB is one of the largest insurance brokerages in the world, their corporate structure allows for regional autonomy,” he says. “This perfect blend of size and regional focus allows me to offer the products and services normally reserved for Fortune 500 companies but still be flexible enough to tailor solutions to the specific needs of clients.

“Having the support of the H U B ma nagement, staff, technology and insuring partners will help me better serve my clients and grow as an Insurance Broker.”

Contact him at billyjoe. checko@hubinternational. com

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FEBRUARY 2019

A TRIO OF PROGRAMS IMPROVING THE LOOK OF PORT ALBERNI

PORT ALBERNI PAT DEAKIN

P

ort Alberni’s very successful Façade Improvement Program is being offered for the third year running and will be complemented in 2019 by a Graffiti Removal Program and

an Enhanced Security Initiative Program. The two new programs are based on many of the same principles utilized in the Façade Improvement Program which are matching funds, an easy one-page application form and fast reviews of the applications.

The Façade Improvement Program has been instrumental in improving the look of many commercial buildings in Port Alberni. As in previous years, the City and Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot have combined funding to offer matching grants and architectural services to businesses improving the look of their building. The Program offers up to

$5,000 per building for single face improvements, up to $7,500 per building on corner lots or where two faces are visible and an additional $1,000 per building if it’s located in a priority area identified

by Council. Applications for the matching funds are being received up to March 31st and applicants will be notified by April 12th if they have been successful. Successful proponents have until December 31st to complete the project.

The Graffiti Removal Program applies to residences as well as businesses although it is mostly the latter that are affected. When graffiti is identified by the property owner or a City Bylaw Officer, the

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Program provides the impacted owner with a voucher for a free can of paint matching the existing colour and a paintbrush. All retail stores carrying paint have been introduced to the program. Seven days are then allowed for the removal of the graffiti.

The Enhanced Security Initiative Program applies to commercial buildings within the City and allows for a one-time matching grant of up to $1,000. Video surveillance equipment; security systems; enhanced lighting for the exterior of the building, a parking lot, and a laneway are examples of eligible expenditures. Applications will be received up to Feb 21st and

decisions made by March 8th. The projects will be reviewed by the Manager of Bylaw Services and a representative of the RCMP. We expect the two new programs will contribute to the look and ‘feel’ of the community and are delighted to report that the Façade Improvement Program alone has already inspired the investment of approximately two million dollars in building improvements.

Pat Deakin is the Economic Development Manager for the City of Port Alberni. He can be reached at 250-720-2527 or Patrick_deakin@ portalberni.ca

NANAIMO

FEBRUARY 2019

9

WEST COAST LEAGUE BASEBALL LOOKING AT NANAIMO Planet Fitness Opens New Location On Metral Drive

NANAIMO MARK MACDONALD

A

new level of baseball for Nanaimo? The owners of the Victoria Harbour Cats, which includes John Wilson of The Wilson Group, which runs Vancouver Island Coach Lines, has submitted a proposal to add a second Vancouver Island team in the West Coast League, for either the 2020 or 2021 season.

The team would play out of Serauxmen Stadium and other teams in the collegiate summer league include Bellingham, Port Angeles and Kelowna.

Congratulations to Sean McClintock and his team at RE/MAX of Nanaimo, for making the Top 100 Western Canada list for RE/ MAX of Western Canada. Sean’s team finished the year ranked 29th overall.

Nanaimo’s loss is Winnipeg’s game, as far as the Western Hockey League is concerned.

The most likely club to relocate to Nanaimo if the referendum for the Events Centre was successful two years ago was the Cranbrook-based Kootenay Ice. The new owners of the team have announced they’re moving the team to Winnipeg, Manitoba, for the 2019-20 WHL season.

Frank Malaga has retired after many years cutting hair at Village Cut & Style on Dunsmuir Street downtown.

Byron Horner, who grew up in Nanaimo as his parents were long-time local physicians, is the Executive Producer and shareholder in the new IMAX movie

narrated by Ryan Reynolds titled “Great Bear Rainforest”.

Byron is busy these days as the Conservative party candidate in the Courtenay-Alberni riding for the next federal election, slated for this upcoming October.

Planet Fitness held the Grand Opening of its new location at 108-6461 Metral Drive on February 5.

It’s the first Planet Fitness club in Nanaimo, and third in BC u nder the ECO-PF Holdings Group, Inc., as they also have outlets in Abbotsford and Kamloops.

Practa rent a car is moving to 111 Terminal Avenue downtown.

Pete and Vivian Maltesen have closed their New York Style restaurant in north Nanaimo, on Dover Road. They have moved back downtown to the former Eaton’s building, and they are sti l l ma k i ng the Ma n hatta n dressing they are famous for, which is also available throughout the Island in grocery stores.

Roger McKinnon is pleased to announce his second location of SignAge Canada has opened, at 3025 Comox Road in Courtenay, the former location of Portuguese Joe’s.

Jeff Barlow is the Branch Manager.

Roger’s other store, at 103-2046 Boxwood Road, is managed by Blair Howell.

Concise Strata Management has moved to #3-4488 Wellington Road.

Thai Massage has announced it is moving in to 310 Fitzwilliam Street.

Shoreline Orthodontics continues to expand, adding to their current locations in Nanaimo, Victoria, Courtenay and Campbell River.

T heir next location will be opening at 300 Brae Road in Duncan.

Nanaimo’s Ivory Design Group is doing the interior design for the new Tourism Tofino building.

Cassidy Country Kitchen is going to offer a Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, starting Mother’s Day weekend and running through mid-September.

Hub International is moving in Nanaimo North Town Centre to a new location in the mall, the former Scotia Bank site across

from London Drugs.

in May.

Davey Tree Services is moving above the Soak House on Bowen Road.

Nanaimo Auto Transmission has announced plans to move to Terminal Avenue, across from Turley’s Florist.

Trail Appliances will be moving in to 6334 Metral Drive. They also have a store in Victoria.

John Russel will be the new manager at Sharecost Rentals and Sales, as Jonathon Ridley is leaving at the end of February.

Steve Nash Fitness will be opening in Country Club Centre, in the former La-Z-Boy location,

Wheaton Hyundai (formerly Jim Pattison Hyundai) has a new sales manager in Jay MacLeod. He was formerly at Laird Wheaton Pontiac Buick GMC. Mark MacDonald writes about business in Nanaimo. Tell him your news by emailing him at mark@ businessexaminer.ca

10

FEBRUARY 2019

QUALITY, CREATIVITY COME FIRST FOR SARTORI CUSTOM HOMES High-End Custom Home Builder Brings Decades of Experience to Vancouver Island

N

ANOOSE BAY - Walking into a recently completed show home in Nanoose Bay, it becomes clear why Dan Sartori has earned such a strong reputation in his industry.

As the second generation owner of Sartori Custom Homes, Dan expanded the company to Vancouver Island in 2017 after over four decades in Western Canada.

Since then, he has been taking on various custom projects on the Island, bringing a trademark attention to detail to each build.

A recent Sartori Nanoose Bay project features massive windows that highlight the location’s pristine views and allow for an abundance of natural light.

It includes a floating staircase and a fireplace area made from granite that was excavated from the site during the construction process. The exterior of the home is a modern West Coast design that carries Sartori’s unique fingerprint.

“The company was founded by my father in 1973,” he says. “He’s an Italian immigrant and a mason by trade (which, in Europe, is essentially a homebuilder). When he came to the country, he learned how to build Canadian-style homes.”

Dan started working with the company at a young age, helping out on weekends and during the summer. After attending university, he jumped into the family business full-time.

“Back then, I was fortunate enough to land a couple of prestigious custom home builds,” he says. “Success during those projects, along with positive word of mouth afterwards is how I carved out my own little niche in this industry.”

Since taking over the company 12 years ago, Dan has continued to focus on distinctive

The front entrance of Sartori’s Nanoose Bay showhome and interesting custom builds, developing a unique, transparent hands-on approach.

“Now, we primarily build custom home projects with one-ofa-kind designs, thoughtfully tailored to the client’s lifestyle and tastes,” he says. “We prefer out of the ordinary, complicated projects and welcome the challenge. We like to stand out, so therefore look to our team of designers and suppliers to help us find new and exciting materials. We want to be unique at all times.”

In 2016, Dan decided it was time for a new challenge and began looking into expanding to Vancouver Island. After developing some relationships with reputable local companies, he made the move to Nanoose Bay, where the company is currently based.

“We moved for a combination of professional and personal

reasons,” he says. “The Island has a strong economy, and both my own family and my wife’s family are here. Additionally, we were attracted by the geography and lifestyle of the region.”

Sartori relies on local sub trades and suppliers who have a reputation for excellence and attention to detail. In order to maintain the quality of each build, Sartori Custom Homes purposefully limits the number of projects taken on at any given time.

“I am the owner of the company, and am personally involved in every aspect of the process every step from initial contact, to quoting, to daily supervision, to client interaction, to final walkthrough, and everything in between,” says Dan. “The primary benefit of this is that there is no opportunity for information to be SEE SARTORI | PAGE 11

Proud supporter of Sartori Custom Homes, congratulations on all your success!

Parksville 1500 Springhill Rd, Parksville P: 250.954.1789

Nanaimo 2 – 4341 Boban Drive, Nanaimo P: 250.585.2118

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Dan Sartori is the second generation owner of Sartori Custom Homes

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11

FEBRUARY 2019

“We prefer out of the ordinary, complicated projects and welcome the challenge. We like to stand out, so therefore look to our team of designers and suppliers to help us find new and exciting materials. We want to be unique at all times.”

DAN SARTORI OWNER OF SARTORI CUSTOM HOMES

A picturesque room in a Nanoose Bay showhome built by Sartori

that functions perfectly. Something they see may look great in a magazine, but not work for an individual’s needs.

“Having worked in other parts of Western Canada, I have had plenty of exposure to different building styles, and have been able to bring what I’ve learned to the Island. I’ve also been able to learn many of the local styles and trends, and can offer clients a unique package that combines the best of both worlds.”

As the company’s reputation continues to grow on the Island, Sartori Custom Homes plans on continuing to limit its number of projects. This will allow for consistency in the company’s trademark attention to detail for years to come. www.sartoricustomhomes.ca

The kitchen in the Nanoose Bay showhome boasts breathtaking views of the home’s natural surroundings

SARTORI CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

lost in translation between client and builder.”

Sartori also operates using a completely open book process, where clients are able to see all quotes and invoices, allowing them to know exactly where every single dollar of their money is going. According to Dan, the company’s unofficial motto is “on time and on budget.”

“With all our builds, the client is very much involved in the process, and we work hard to ensure all their needs are met,” he says. “We give practical advice when necessary, making sure the customer has an end-product

Congratulations to Dan and the team at Sartori Custom Homes on your 45th Anniversary!

P: 778.760.8478 E: info@remotecaresystems.com www.remotecaresystems.com

Proud User

Proud partner of Dan and the team at Sartori Custom Homes!

Jonathan Zeiler 250.734.1329 jz@chromapaint.ca

COWICHAN VALLEY

12

FEBRUARY 2019

NEXUS GLOBAL RAMPS UP WITH SUSTAINABLE MODULAR INFRASTRUCTURE

T ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COWICHAN AMY MELMOCK

he Cow icha n reg ion is rapidly becoming home to companies that reach across a variety of sectors to find innovative and practical ways of doing business.

Nexus Global, an emerging modular construction firm in Cowichan is setting its sights on building a sustainable future for the region. The company, formed

by Cowichan Valley residents Dave Slang and Al Jackson in 2017, incorporates current building codes and sustainability into its modular designs, creating commercial and residential buildings that are unique and affordable.

Nexus Global is realizing the

Dan Adelman, Nexus COO potential for harnessing niche opportunities in small to medium scale cannabis production. Modular structures can be incorporated into a variety of applications for the sector, from lab testing to production facilities that support low energy and water consumption.

The company also hopes to play a role in fulfilling the need for affordable rental housing on Vancouver Island. Nexus will soon be profiling garden home designs that help fill the gap for “missing middle” housing, and they see the potential for creating much-needed entry-level housing for students and workers.

“Our business model is built around designing structures that are adaptable and that can be customized to suit different needs,” says Daniel Adelman, the company’s new partner and Chief Operating Officer. “The common thread in our designs is to incorporate maximum energy

efficiency and space utilization.”

In the months to come, Nexus is ramping up its workforce and its ability to take on projects that match opportunity with innovation. For more information on the company, visit www.nexusglobalbuilding.com Contact Amy Melmock at amelmock@cvrd.bc.ca or visit the Economic Development Cowichan website at www.ecdevcowichan.com.

Amy Melmock is the Manager of the Economic Development Cowichan Valley Regional District. She can be reache at amelmock@cvrd.bc.ca

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FEBRUARY 2019

PLANNING YIELDS SUCCESS IN THE COMOX VALLEY Innovation and technology viewed as target sectors to supplement economy

C

OMOX VALLEY – Careful planning has been a hallmark of Comox Valley Economic Development Society, and the results of that foresight are visible throughout the area.

Almost two decades ago, CVEDS, together with key agrifood industry partners, identified agriculture and aquaculture as huge opportunities for economic development. Fast-forward to today, and the Comox Valley is dotted with new land and waterbased food growing operations.

Innovate 2030 is the moniker for an update for their current economic development strategy, a guiding master plan that w i l l i n for m pol icy, develop clear actions and outcomes for sustainable economic growth, and suggest key strategies and business case examples for major projects over the next decade.

This time, the future focus will be on innovation and technology.

“This new strategy is intended to serve as a unifying plan, spurring action to support a sustainable and growing economy through innovation and technology,” says CVEDS CEO John Watson. “Emerging technologies, such as automation and digitization, are now shaping and impacting local economic development opportunities and businesses across all sectors.

“When combining these disruptive technologies, together with environmental challenges and constraints, and the changing trade environment, it is clear that a new, longer term approach to economic development is required to keep pace in planning and promoting the Comox Valley.”

A n Innovate 2030 Advisory Committee, comprised of leading companies and industry associations representing a wide range of sectors and small businesses, are working towards a docu ment that w i l l become the g u idel i nes to help d rive long‐term initiatives within the community. Key components of Innovate 2030 will include a Community Economic Development Strategy, an Agrifood/Seafood Sector Innovation Strategy and a Technology and Innovation Growth Strategy.

The Innovate 2030 Advisory Committee is co‐Chaired by Deana Simkin, CVEDS Board and Executive, owner of High Tide Public House; Lara Austin, Investment Advisor, RBC Dominion Securities. This broad industry and stakeholder engagement process has included numerous information and input gathering sessions, a January

Innovate 2030 received input from all regions and interested parties in the Comox Valley 23-25 Forum featuring a series of facilitated feedback sessions, with additional business surveys and open houses planned.

“We approached it a little bit differently this time,” says CVEDS President Justin Rigsby.

“We sought out people from the local business community that wanted to be part of an advisory group, and we have around 30 members now.

“Obviously we’ve been pretty successful around aquaculture, particularly with the BC Seafood Festival, where we introduce our producers to buyers from throughout the world,” he says, adding that with a technology/innovation focus, they’ll be reaching out to organizations like Innovation Island, and others.

Rigsby noted that there is still plenty of room to growth in the agri-food sector, as recent studies showed that Comox Valley agri-food producers yield about $850 per acre in terms of economic activity. “The Fraser Valley is something like $17,000 per acre, so we target that,” he says.

Why focus on Technology and Innovation?

Based on the Comox Valley’s Employ ment a nd I ndustria l Lands‐based Foreign Direct Investment Strategy completed in 2016, the technology sector was identified as a strong opportunity for growth in the region.

The BC Government has identified technology as one of the fastest growing sectors in the province. The most recent BC Stats profile of the sector shows the immense and growing impact it is having on BC’s job growth and GDP. While much of the growth in the technology sector has been in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna, there are 1,481 technology businesses on Vancouver Island (15% of the provincial total) and 96 in the Comox Valley, according to the BC Technology Strategy (2016).

The overarching goal is to attract and support technology initiatives within the Comox Valley while assessing the impact

on key areas of growth.

Nodes in the Comox Valley The Comox Valley was named a pilot community for the new Export Navigator Program through the province and Small Business BC, as a result of the area’s strong exporting companies.

T h e p i l o t p r o v i d e s n e w, streamlined export services designed to help and support business growth through exporting, and for those that are already exporting.

There have been a number of beneficiaries of the pilot program, including Mac’s Oysters and Wayward Distillation House.

M a c’s O y s te rs a re k n o w n worldwide, thanks to an increased emphasis on exporting the company’s products, which are sold under several name brands – named depending on the method used to grow the oysters and the body of water where they are harvested.

Wayward produces True Craft Unruly Gin, Unruly Vodka and ot her s pi r it s t h at a re honey-based, with vodka infusions.

It is the first distillery in Canada using honey as the base for all of its spirits.

The company’s website states: “Our signature Unruly Vodka and Unruly Gin are beautiful, hand-crafted examples of what can happen when unruly people meet unruly bees. Couple this with our seasonally changing, ultra-small batch experimental Wayward Order Line and you will truly understand our need to break moulds and blaze trails.

CV EDS has also developed a new Export Products Catalogue to assist companies in their pursuit of new customers and exploring new markets and international trade.

Development Nodes For those looking for opportunities within the Comox Valley, CVEDS has developed an online downtown interactive map (available through www. investcomoxvalley.com) that shows exactly where development opportunities are available.

This tool has proven to be effective, as important information was ready when Anandia Laboratories was exploring options to build their new Cannabis Innovation Centre outside the very expensive lower mainland.

The Town of Comox had land rezoned near the Comox Valley Airport years ago and added “cannabis” to its zoning allowances, and it was a perfect fit.

Other land is available near the Comox Valley Airport for development as well.

In the southern area of the Comox Valley, Union Bay Estates (formerly known as Kensington

Island Properties), i s a new 346-hectare real estate development development overlooking Denman Island.

A long w it h a new m a r i n a, shopping and restaurants, Union Bay Estates will be home to a new community of condominium, townhome and single-family neighbourhoods.

The project involves development of m i xed com mercia l, multi-family and single-family residential and affordable housing for a total of 2,949 new residential units. The project will be built in phases over 10-15 years, including redeveloping the Union Bay beachfront and adding two hotels and a marina.

T here is always something happen i ng at Mt. Wash i ngton Alpine Resort, where new ow ners, Uta h-based Pacific Group Resorts Inc. purchased the ski area, which has served Vancouver Island skiers since 1979. They will be adding a new Zipline this July.

To the north, Saratoga Beach Estates is a 76.6 acre residential development 25 minutes north f rom Cou r ten ay nea r Bl ack Creek, on the only large parcel of land that is not in the agricultural reserve.

The first phase is approved for a 143 lot subdivision on 35 acres of land, and all of the underground services are now in place. Current zoning is for 1-2 acre residentia l lots, a lthough pla ns include higher density residential in later phases.

These projects illustrate the fact that, just as the forecasting planning for the future aims at diversification, development in the Comox Valley is spread out throughout the area. www.investcomoxvalley.com

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BE AWARDS

14

FEBRUARY 2019

Vancouver Companies Honoured As Best In 17 Categories AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Category sponsors include HeliJet, Country Grocer, Vancouver Island Coach Lines, B.E. Digital, Grieg Seafood, Invest Comox Valley, and Coastal Community Credit Union.

Category winners are:

• Automotive: Cowichan Auto Repair of Duncan.

Cowichan Auto Repair opened two-anda-half years ago. It is a female-owned, full service, automotive repair, maintenance, and detailing facility in Duncan, serving the entire Cowichan Valley. The company takes a community-minded approach, offering free services including towing,

Wendy Hampton, Mark and Neelam Nagra of M & N Mattress at the Grant Thornton LLP Business Excellence Awards. M & N was named Retail Business of the Year

Audit • Tax • Advisory

Excellence always deserves recognition.

Elly Ruge of Cowichan Auto Repair receives the Automotive Business of the Year award from Dave Van Deventer of Black Press

Jennifer Lestage of VI Creature Teachers of Campbell River receives the Small Business of the Year Award from Derek Lewis, Senior Regional Manager, Commercial Services for Coastal Community Credit Union

Hearty congratulations to all of the finalists of this year’s Business Excellence Awards. Your hard work and perseverance are exemplary, and you’re an inspiration to everyone in the Vancouver Island business community.

Victoria | Duncan | Nanaimo T +1 888 746 4406 GrantThornton.ca © Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd

At Grant Thornton LLP, we’re proud to sponsor this prestigious event. We firmly believe that when private businesses succeed, we succeed.

That’s why our dedicated team of professionals is committed to finding solutions that help private business unlock their potential for growth.

loaner vehicles, and on-line auto maintenance schedules, followed up with friendly reminders that let customers know when their car is due for service. * Brewery: Twin City Brewing of Port Alberni.

Twin City Brewing Company is Port Alberni’s first Craft Brewery. Owner and Brewmaster Aaron Colyn was inspired to bring the community together over three things: expertly-prepared pizza and worldly pub cuisine, a comfortable and inviting lounge with a focus on service and guest experience, and interesting styles of carefully-crafted ales made with local and premium ingredients whenever possible.

• Construction/ Development/Real Estate: Tectonica of Nanaimo.

Te c to n i c a M a n a ge m e n t I n c . i s a SEE AWARDS | PAGE 15

BE AWARDS

FEBRUARY 2019

15

WINNER - First place #1 Retail Business on Vancouver Island 2019 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Tectonica of Nanaimo was named Construction/Development Business of the Year.

From left: Darren Moss of Tectonica, Ron Sawyer of sponsor RBC Royal Bank, and Tectonica’s Bil Derby and Al Staight

AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Nanaimo-based Construction Management firm serving commercial and institutional clients in the central Vancouver Island area.

By applying their unique and diversified professional consulting experience with deep industry experience they provide a construction process that is value-driven and balances the often-competing project interests of cost, schedule, and design.

• Entrepreneur: McTavish Academy of Art of Saanich.

• Food & Food Production: Urban Bee Honey Farm of Victoria.

• G re e n : J. Zsiros Contracting of Courtenay.

J. Zsiros Contracting Ltd. has been a fixture in the Comox Valley area for over 15 years. Specializing in energy efficient builds and renovations, the company prides itself on quality building and SEE AWARDS | PAGE 16

I’d like to thank all of our team, who we call the A-team, for their excellent work and continuing to strive for customer service excellence.

Also, thank you to all of our customers for their support over the last 18 and counting years.

We wouldn’t be here without them.

Thank you for voting us as Vancouver Island's "Retail Business of the Year."

We could not have done it without our wonderful staff and valued customers!

Regards, Mark Nagra, President

Parksville, BC | 250.248.7133 info@parksvillemattress.com Mark

Neelam

www.ParksvilleMattress.com

BE AWARDS

16

FEBRUARY 2019

A big thank you to our crew for their incredible work.

We are honoured to be a winner of a 2019 Business Excellence Award.

Members of Gold Sponsor Vancouver Island Conference Centre enjoy dinner at the Business Excellence Awards

AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

customer satisfaction.

Due to the energy saving standards of builds by J. Zsiros Contracting Ltd. the company was approached

by Built Green Canada to host a workshop on one of the company’s builds in progress to demonstrate the techniques and products used. This seminar was considered a great success by attendees, industry representatives, and Built Green Canada alike.

• Health Care: Bayshore Home Health of Saanich.

• Ho s p i t a li t y: Cr ystal Cove Beach Resort of Tofino.

Crystal Cove Beach Resort consists of 34 modern

chic, self contained log cabins, from beachfront cabins with private hot tubs, to secluded cabins set in the rainforest. For those who prefer to rough it in style, they also offer sixty well treed, private RV sites only a short walk f rom t he beach. T hose without their own RV can take advantage of the Tofino Glamping Experience, w it h 9 l a rge 5t h wheel trailer units available for nightly rentals, offering the feel of camping but with all the comforts of a cabin.

• Manufacturer: VMAC Air of Nanaimo.

Founded in 1986, VMAC has grown to be a global le ader i n mobi le compressed air, designing and

manufacturing the most innovative mobile air compressors and multi-power systems available. VMAC is one of the only true air c ompre s sor m a nu fa cturers in North America.

They design, engineer and manufacture our air compressors and multi-power systems in-house, at their 40,000 ft² headquarters in Nanaimo.

• Professional: Waymark Architecture of Victoria.

• Retail: M & N Mattress of Parksville.

M&N Mattress Shop has been in business for the last 18 years and counting.

They specialize in BC made bedroom furniture, mattresses, cabinet beds and SEE AWARDS | PAGE 17

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17

CONGRATULATIONS to all the nominees Yvonne and John Colyn represented Port Alberni’s Twin City Brewery, which was named Brewery of the Year. Presenting the award is Tony Drolet of Elite Professional Marketing

Here’s to your continued success, from all of us at RBC® Vancouver Island Commercial Banking.

Tom Siemens Jack Leung Vice-President Commercial Banking South Vancouver Island 707 Fort St. 2nd Floor Victoria, BC 250-356-4544

Kevin Gillanders Kevin

Vice-President Commercial Banking North Vancouver Island 205 Commercial St. Nanaimo, BC 250-741-3516

Marty and Etanda Morelli of the Quarterway Pub in Nanaimo were finalists in the Hospitality Category

AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

now recently sofas and recliners. They offer one of the best warranties and exchanges in the industry.

• Technology: Trich Analytics of Victoria.

• Tourism: Surf Sister Surf School of Tofino.

Surf Sister Surf School was created in 1999 in Tofino, BC to encourage more women to participate in the sport of surfing.

Since its inception, Surf Sister has evolved from a one woman shop to become the largest surf school in Canada and a well-recognized brand. They introduce men, women, and children of all abilities to the sport of surfing.

They do so in a fun, safe and supportive environment.

• Trades: Westcom Plumbing & Gas of Sooke.

• Wood Products: D&H Woodworks of Sooke.

• Small Business of the Year – Under 50 Employees: VI Creature Teachers of Campbell River.

VI Creature Teachers offers live, educational reptile shows for birthdays, schools and events covering the entirety of Vancouver Island. They take in sick or unwanted reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, rehabilitate them and then bring them on location to educate the public on various topics including biology,

ecology and pet care. Their shows offer the public a unique, handson experience.

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18

FEBRUARY 2019

NESPRESSO ON COURSE FOR 100 PER CENT SUSTAINABILITY BY 2020 Debbie Beach Reveals Why She’s Passionate About the Nespresso Brand

V

ANCOUVER ISLAND Nearly one year in, Debbie Beach is loving her job as the Nespresso Professional Territory Manager for Vancouver Island/ Sunshine Coast/Gulf Islands.

Beach joined the company March of last year, bringing nearly 2 decades of food service industry and hospitality experience with her.

“The main aspects that attracted me to Nespresso are its core values of providing a perfect cup of coffee time after time with 100 per cent recyclable capsules and their commitment to unparalleled customer care,” she says. “The company’s commitments to farmers, female empowerment and progressive machinery are extremely impressive, and it’s on course for 100 per cent sustainability by end of 2020.

To be able to bring an exemplary product to my fellow Islanders is one thing; to do it with a commitment to the environmental care is another.”

The Nespresso brand began in 1996, providing premium products and customer service to worldclass hotels, restaurants, and cafes.

Served by over 750 of the world’s

Debbie Beach is the Nespresso Professional Territory Manager for Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast/Gulf Islands top chefs, Nespresso has formed important partnerships with associations of renowned gastronomists, Chefs and Sommeliers around the world.

These include Relais & Chateaux, Le Bocuse d’Or (a prestigious biannual international culinary competition in France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon), and the Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe association, which connects passionate young restaurateurs. Additionally, Nespresso is the proud partner of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) and the world’s best Sommelier, Paolo Basso.

In addition to its reputation as a fine dining product, the brand describes its’ history as “steeped in sustainability.” In 2003, they collaborated with the Rainforest Alliance to launch the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Program, a unique responsible coffee sourcing standard. This was eventually followed by the launch of Positive Cup in 2014. Since then, Nespresso has been increasingly sourcing top-tier coffee from AAA farms, enabling and encouraging the recycling of all Nespresso capsules, and working to reduce the carbon footprint of every cup of coffee.

The Nespresso Ecolaboraton

Program™ is committed to continuous improvement in sustainability. At Nespresso we know that ensuring future supply highest quality coffee means protecting the environment and supporting farming communities. The Nespresso Ecolaboration Program brings together NGOs, consultants, academics, technical experts and business partners to improve our sustainability performance from Cherry to cup.

Since 2003, Nespresso has partnered with rainforest Alliance to build the Innovative AAA sustainable quality program. The program ensures highest quality coffee cultivation methods that are environmentally sound and beneficial to farming communities. Through rear tack Network, R&D teams, machine suppliers, designers and sustainability experts, they are designing green machines for the future to achieve our goal by reducing CO2 emissions. They are examining new energy supplies and ways of recycling waste materials.

For example, their latest machines are equipped with automatic power save and power off functions.

Nespresso uses aluminium for their capsules because of its infinite use, Maarten G. Labberton of the European Aluminium Association describes the metal as “a sustainable and even permanent material - it is produced, used and endlessly recycled without

losing its intrinsic and valuable properties.”

“We follow a zero waste recycling program for our used capsules,” says Beach. “The recycling is free for our Professional customers.

Thanks to our streamlined process, many amazing companies around the world are using our recycled aluminium for their products.”

Nespresso is finding growing demand in office spaces where the product serves both the employees and customers of these businesses.

“We’re seeing more businesses looking for commercial machines that can produce high quality coffee in easy to use and carefor machines”, Beach continues.

“We have brilliant machines that can create flawless milk-based espresso drinks in seconds. This is very appealing for businesses like car dealerships, resorts, client care establishments and busy restaurants.”

As a local representative for Nespresso Professional, Debbie Beach uses her extensive knowledge in food service and customer care to bring premium coffee solutions to all Island businesses and prides herself on knowing her client base, their needs and has become a valued business partner.

Fi nd out more at w w w.nespresso.com, www.evspro.ca, or by emailing debbie.beach@ evs-pro.com

Vancouver Island’s 2019 Business of the Year!

Thank you for your support! www.mazzeielectric.com Serving Vancouver Island and Northern BC

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

19

FEBRUARY 2019

5TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL NANAIMO COMING THIS MARCH

N

ANAIMO - This March, the Harbour City, will be welcoming Spring with T he 5th A nnual Festival Nanaimo. This popular community festival will celebrate the city with activities including great shows, dance, theatre, visual art, heritage & mystery events, culinary art with whisk(e)y, bacon & bevy tastings and, of course, plenty of Nanaimo Bars.

“We started this event five years ago with a goal of working with others to create a fun-filled month for locals and visitors alike,” says Margot Holmes, CEO of the Vancouver Island Symphony and creator of Festival Nanaimo. “Five years later, many of our partners will purposefully pick events for the month of March just so they can be part of this amazing event!”

Festival Nanaimo would not be possible without the support of their Title Sponsor for the last four years, McDonald’s, as well as their Signature Partners: The Port Theatre, Tourism Nanaimo, Nanaimo Hospitality Association, the Nanaimo Airport, and the Vancouver Island Symphony.

Festival Nanaimo features 10 Signature Events which include: 1. March 8 - Crimson Coast Dance’s 17th Annual Wee Tipple Party at The Grand Hotel. The evening, as always, offers a range of whiskies from blends to single

malt scotches. It is an evening of sophistication with a splash of humour. Presented by the Crimson Coast Dance Society.

2. March 9 - The Vancouver Island Symphony is joined by the Jean n’ Classics Band to pay homage to David Bowie! With hits like Ziggy Stardust, Station to Station, Low, Heroes, Scary Monsters - David Bowie blazed the trail, and became one of the greatest pop/glam/rock enigmas in music history.

3. M a rc h 10 - L i zt A l fonso Dance Cuba presents CUBA VIBRA! Come enjoy the music and dance of Cuba – from the 1950s to today. Presented by the Port Theatre.

4. March 13 - The Award-winning COUNTERMEASURE is in Nanaimo! Countermeasure is the fresh face of Canadian a cappella, known for their upbeat sound, sophisticated harmonies, and infectious energy.

5. M a rch 15 is t he Nanaimo Bacon Bevy Bash. This is a brand new food and drink event in Nanaimo, held at the Beban Park Social Centre. The evening features some of Vancouver Island’s very best craft breweries, cideries and distilleries accompanied by a tasty selection of smoky, porky treats. Presented by Pacific Island Entertainment.

6. March 16 is David Gogo’s 50th Birthday Blues Bash! Gogo will

share the stage with musicians David Vest and Ken Hamm and event host Terry David Mulligan.

7. March 17 - Have an East Coast St. Paddy’s Day Party with the award winning Derina Harvey Band from Newfoundland at the Port Theatre.

8. Ma rch 21 – T he u lti mate Happy Hour! Symphony SoundBites is a one-hour symphony show featuring J.S. Bach’s famous Goldberg’s Variations. Appetizer Bites are served before the 5:30 performance, and dessert will be served with the 7:15 show.

9. M a rch 2 2 - Circle G ame: Reimagining the Music of Joni Mitchell is a Port Theatre Spotlight Series presentation, and was winner of the 2017 Ovation Awards for Outstanding Professional Production and Outstanding Music Direction. Presented by the Port Theatre.

10. March 29 - Capping off the month is the 5th Annual PirateFest Family Fun Day, sponsored by Country Club Centre. Kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite pirate, and the event will include crafts, games, entertainment by Vesta Fire, and the ever popular pirate parade.

In addition to the 10 Signature Events, the festival will feature a variety of additional activities for all ages. Check out a complete listing of events at www.festivalnanaimo.com

MARCH 2019

Explore Nanaimo!

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1O Signature Events!

Great Entertainment Culinary Events with Whisk(e)y, Bacon, Bevies & Nanaimo Bars Galore!

Music, Dance, Theatre, Comedy, Visual Art, St. Paddy’s Day, Guided Forest & Heritage Walks, Nanaimo Mysteries and so much more!

Come Stay and Play in the Heart of the Island this March.

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20

FEBRUARY 2019

CALEDONIA FIRE PROTECTION THRIVES WITH FULL-SERVICE APPROACH

The team at Caledonia Fire Protection

“We have a great customer base that

Scottish Business Owners Find Unique Niche in Island Market

has been increasing organically since 2006

N

ANAIMO – Emigrating from Scotland and settling in Nanaimo, Alan and Christina Maddock wanted a better opportunity for their 3 children.

T hei r compa ny, Caledonia Fire Protection LTD., designs, installs, inspects, maintains, commissions, and decommissions fire protection systems for commercial, industrial, institutional and residential buildings in communities all over Vancouver Island and adjacent/remote islands. The work is completed by a multi-disciplined staff that is fully trained and certified.

Maddock got his start as an electrical apprentice in Scotland in 1977 and completed his apprenticeship in 1982, working in industrial and commercial projects for 20 years. Prior to considering emigration to Canada he was a contract manager for a facilities management company and was responsible for 18 Mark

due to our hard work, honesty and integrity, and in being able to attend emergency service calls on the same day as they occur, as we will do Alan Maddock, owner of Caledonia Fire Protection LTD. and Spencer department stores in Scotland. He eventually began to consider emigration, eventually deciding to bring his family to Canada.

“We were initially thinking of moving to Vancouver and flew out in 2001 to look at areas to live,” says Maddock. “On the plane, we met Andy and Kay Anderberg from Comox, and they invited us to visit them during our trip, in doing so we fell in love with the Island.” They applied to

whatever it takes to get there.”

ALAN MADDOCK OWNER OF CALEDONIA FIRE PROTECTION LTD.

emigrate in September 2001 and immigrated in June 2002 with their three teenage kids, seven dogs and a cat.

As his professional credentials were not recognised in Canada he upgraded his multi-discipline skill set through manufacturer and British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) courses in fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, fire suppression systems, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers. This enabled him to be certified through the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) as a fire protection service technician, and in 2013, he was awarded a Tops in Technology award in Nanaimo from ASTTBC. In December 2006, Maddock started Caledonia Fire Protection LTD. in his home. He offered his customers an opportunity to have all their fire protection requirements met by a single company, which was well received. Before Caledonia came on the scene, these customers respective fire protection requirements were being carried out by up to three separate companies.

As Caledonia has grown from one ma n a nd a va n work i ng from home, they now provide

employment for 10 full time employees. Due to their success, they have moved several times, settling into their current 2,400 square foot location at 290 Fry Street just over a year ago.

“There are three main factors that have contributed to our growth,” says Maddock.

“First, customer satisfaction, retention and referrals. We have a great customer base that has been increasing organically since 2006 due to our hard work, honesty and integrity, and in being able to attend emergency service calls on the same day as they occur, as we will do whatever it takes to get there.

“The second factor is our innovation in welcoming the advances of the digital age for faster reporting via electronic reports between our administration, service technicians and customers.

This has also enabled us to offset our environmental footprint.

“Third, we have service technicians in different areas who can provide localized service, and we don’t charge for travel in most cases. If we’re working in your area, we’ll do all the jobs in the area at the same time. For us, travel time isn’t an additional cost. It’s the cost of doing business.” www.caledoniafireprotection.com

21

FEBRUARY 2019

J. ZSIROS CONTRACTING WINS BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR “GREEN” BUSINESS Recognition has been rolling in for the company that builds “twenty-five years ahead”

C

OMOX – Jim Zsiros, founder of J. Zsiros Contracting Ltd., never suspected that his company woud be nominated for a Business Excellence Award. But on January 24th, the noted custom home builder took home Best Green Business at Vancouver Island’s Business Excellence Awards.

“I never thought we’d be getting the attention we are lately,” says Zsiros, with characteristic humility. “Someone thought to nominate us for this award, and it’s just the latest honour we’ve received that we didn’t expect.”

J. Zsiros Contracting builds custom homes in the Comox Valley and around Vancouver Island—but with a difference.

Like all custom home builders, J. Zsiros creates one-of-a-kind dwellings to suit the lifestyles of

their clients. Clients can make their dream homes realities, and control factors such as layout, lot size, and accessibility.

But as a certified “Built Green” company, J. Zsiros only builds “h igh performa nce homes”, those with the highest energy efficiency ratings. And Jim and h i s tea m h ave been bl a z i ng eco-friendly trails since 2008, when he first took a green building course.

When it comes to ensuring high performance, all of the details matter. As Zsiros explains, “We always give our clients what they want in a home. We just make sure we’re always putting in the right stuff—high quality products that are highly efficient and will lower utlitity bills.”

Choosing the right products for the build is just the start. Zsiros goes out of his way to find build materials that can be repurposed.

He regularly salvages high quality elements from demolitions, and gets creative when he finds useable materials on-site.

A nd before the first shovel breaks ground, J. Zsiros’ energy advisor always models the home

Company founder Jim Zsiros is honoured at the 2019 Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards

Zsiros project showcases the company’s attention to detail to ensure that the plan will allow for maximum energy efficiency.

“We’re so lucky that we linked up with an excellent energy advisor from the start,” says Zsiros.

“Having the right consultation on board is so important.”

No matter how a J. Zsiros home comes together, it always receives a Platinum rating from Built Green, the association that certifies the industry’s most energy efficient buildings. And for its obvious commitment to sustainable building practices, J. Zsiros Contracting is being recognized in multiple ways.

First, Built Green recently asked the company to host a course on building to eliminate air leakage on one of their worksites. “In our damp climate, air leakage can cause any number of problems, including mold,” explains Zsiros.

“Built Green used our build as an example of how to get air leakage under 1 per cent. It was a great experience.”

Even more notably, J. Zsiros is building the North Island’s first “Net Zero Ready” home, in accordance with the province’s “Net Zero” goals. Zsiros explains that by 2032, BC aims for new

homes to be built according to “Net Zero” or “Net Zero Ready” standards.

“A ‘Net Zero’ home has a solar power unit as well as a hook-up to hydro, so that during sunny months, it stores up energy and feeds it back into the system.

During months with less sun, it draws upon hydro, but its net impact is to be self-sufficient.”

“A ‘Net Zero Ready’ home is set up to get that solar panel sometime down the line when it’s more affordable to the home buyer.”

J. Zsiros’ North Island “Net Zero Ready” home is unique among all others, because “ours is under $400,000, whereas the others so far have been million dollar homes.” It’s important work, as it paves the way for self-sufficient homes for first or second-time buyers, not just wealthy clients.

To maintain a company that eagerly leaps ahead to where the rest of its industry will be forced to go by 2032, Zsiros is always learning. “I’m a very hands on guy,” he says, “but I’m constantly taking courses and keeping up with new knowledge. It’s a full time job!”

J. Zsiros’ passion for

sustainability hasn’t come at the cost of business. Although clients might not be drawn to the company for its energy efficiency, they perk up when they learn about the rebates in store for them.

“When you’re getting $2,2003,400 in rebates from BC Hydro and Fortis and exactly the house you want, it’s a great feeling.”

To find out more, visit zsiroscontracting.ca

Proud supporter of J.Zsiros Contracting LTD. 250-338-1012

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22

FEBRUARY 2019

MacDonald To Lead Peer Groups That Serve As ‘Unofficial Board Of Directors’ MACKAY CEO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

operating in Victoria for years, and central Vancouver Island is the next target, and will be chaired by Business Examiner President Mark MacDonald. It kicks off with an April 2 Breakfast event, followed by the inaugural Forum meeting, at the Coast Bastion Hotel in Nanaimo.

MacDonald sees this as the next step following publishing his book “It Worked For Them, It Will Work For Me: The Secrets of Small Business I Learned From Successful Friends” in the fall.

“The book uses real-life examples of local business people about the essentials of running a successful company,” he notes.

“From the hundreds of interviews conducted over the years, plus our own experiences in business, I look at that as unofficial ‘training’ for a Forum like this.

Sharing those principles with a group of CEOs is a challenge that I am excited about, and welcome with open arms.”

MacDonald was introduced to MacKay CEO Forums by longtime friend Ken MacLeod and liked what he saw.

“I have been involved in two peer-based executive groups in the past, and they’ve been immensely helpful in assisting me

MARK MACDONALD

NANCY MACKAY

in making key decisions for our business,” says MacDonald. “It’s like having a trusted, unofficial ‘board of directors’ for small business, and working closely and confidentially with other successful business operators.

“MacKay CEO Forums focus on ‘shared experiences’ when problems are discussed and possible solutions sought, as opposed to advice. The input, therefore, is first-hand solutions that have already worked for other members.

“The MacKay CEO Forums take it a step further by providing key strategic advice and tools.”

MacKay CEO Forums helps members to:

• Help master their time.

• Connect with other successful CEOs. • Get agenda-free, confidential feedback from peers.

• Put top minds to work on the most pressing issues.

• Leverage best practices and experience to accomplish objectives faster.

• Be inspired, motivated and held accountable by peers and the Forum Chair.

• Get access to the best “trusted advisors” for CEOs through the Forum Chair.

Stuart Suls, P resident a nd CEO of Mr. Lube, says “The diversity of the group, quality of

experience exchange, speaker punch, professional orchestration and confidentiality all work together beautifully.”

Adds George Melville, former Chairman and owner, Boston Pizza International Inc.: “Nowhere else can I get such honest, direct, agenda-free input.”

MacKay is the keynote speaker for the April 2 breakfast event, and will share on how to maximize time usage with her Time Mastery seminar.

“At MacKay CEO Forums, we continually help CEOs achieve time mastery. We do this principally through peer learning exchange in our CEO forums.

Learning from the mistakes and successes of fellow CEOs who have ‘been there and done that before’ saves our members valuable time and helps them raise their game.”

MacKay is a CEO coach, keynote speaker, and published author. Nancy focuses on strategy and culture, is the driving force behind the firm’s strategic partnerships and is a strong advocate of recognizing CEO talent in Canada through the BC CEO Awards and the Most Admired CEO Awards. She is a National judge for the Deloitte Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program and is a Vice-Chair on the Board of Governors of the

Waterstone Canada’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures Program.

MacKay got her start as a university professor teaching in the business faculty of several universities, including Simon Fraser University.

MacKay lives in North Vancouver, and co-authored “The Talent Advantage” by Wiley Publishing and she is the host of The CEO EDGE podcast series theceoedge. ca – 10min-20min interviews with CEOs and CEO Advisors on the topic of Exponential Change.

“Our forums enable exceptional leaders to surround themselves with successful peers who help them to become inspiring CEOs, accelerate their business results and achieve their life goals,” she says. “Our Forum Chairs are all highly skilled and trusted advisors, expert facilitators and experienced business leaders who share a passion for helping CEOs and their companies accelerate performance. “ National partners include Deloitte, RBC and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

For more information on the April 2 Time Mastery Breakfast and about the MacKay CEO Forum, contact Mark MacDonald at 1-250-713-2684 or email: mark. macdonald@mackayceoforums. com

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COMOX VALLEY

FEBRUARY 2019

23

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS – GOOD FOR PEOPLE, GOOD FOR BUSINESS

CHEMISTRY CONSULTING MARCIA HAMMONDS

T

he start of a new year is a good time to focus on the health of your business and your employees. Find out how a wellness program can give you a kick start.

In spite of an increased focus on the overa l l hea lth a nd

wellness of employees, many efforts in this area remain concentrated on traditional health concerns (i.e., employee dental and drug plans) or safety and security issues. As the personal and professional lives of our employees continue to intertw i ne, a nd thus prov ide i ncreased pressures and demands from all areas, it becomes more important (both from a practical and cultural perspective) for employers to be aware of the ways they can support not only the physical side of employee good health, but also the emotional and social aspects.

With some innovative thinking and a minimal amount of time and cost, a focus on “wellness” can significantly and positively impact culture, employee

engagement and attendance.

The specifics in terms of how your organization’s Wellness Program is developed, implemented and promoted should be unique and reflective of your culture and values – and also dependent on your current and medium to long-term needs.

“Rome was not built in a day” and neither is an effective Wellness Program. Instead, laying out a road-map that includes short and long-term initiatives, ongoing activities and incentives, and formal supports (i.e., Employee Assistance Program) that will build momentum and integrate a feeling of wellness into the cultural fabric of your organization is the key to sustainability and success.

The input and commitment

2019: AN ENTIRE YEAR OF CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION!

T

his year marks the 100th anniversary of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate our centennial with the community we’ve championed since 1919.

Did you know that, in 1940, the Chamber asked the City of Courtenay to put up a sign warning visitors about our 25-cycle electrical system after a poor tourist’s radio blew up? Or that our president made a humble request in 1938 that planes travelling from Vancouver stop in Courtenay on their way to Zeballos? Yeah, we had to read that a couple of times too!

From the little things to the big things, the Chamber of Commerce has defended and supported our community for 10 decades. The plan for 2019 is to commemorate that dedication with a year-long celebration—with periodic jaunts down memory lane—culminating with one of the biggest parties we’ve ever thrown!

is best-served as an employee-d riven g roup w ith a significant amount of autonomy to ma ke decisions a nd d rive outcomes.

Awareness and improvements in overall health and wellness will only serve to benefit employees – and in turn the organization. Why not start working on putting together something that works for you a nd you r employees? You w i l l not be disappointed in the results – and neither will your team.

Marcia Hammonds is an HR Consultant with Chemistry Consulting Group. She offers more than 20 years experience in the area of human resources and recruitment.

Reach The Masses Words and Images are what Communication Ink Social Media & Public Relations is all about - getting your message out to the masses clearly, concisely and powerfully.

Whether it be press releases for your company, writing for your website, photography and videos, or communication through Social Media, our team of writers and strategists is ready to get to work!

COMOX VALLEY CHAMBER DIANNE HAWKINS

of employees is vital to building and maintaining a robust wel l ne ss prog ra m t h at c a n address the needs, priorities and interests of those who will pa r ticipate, as wel l as thei r dependents. To that end, the d evelopment of a Wel l ne ss Com m ittee is a necessa ry component of a ny wel l ness program. Surveying team members to understand what they would like to have included in a wellness program is time wellserved. Furthermore, employees should remain involved in the process to keep things ontrack, supporting initiatives and addressing ongoing and/ or changing wellness needs and concerns. Although requiring the support and buy-in of senior leadership, this Committee

Social Media On September 28, we invite you and 225 of your closest friends to party like it’s 1919 at the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay. Together, we’ll twist, jive, jitterbug and maybe even moonwalk through the ages to the music of the Time Benders, a wildly entertaining group that changes genres, eras and costumes more than a dozen times in a single set.

Tickets, which include appies, live music and all the dancing you can handle, are just $50 and are available starting April 1 at www. comoxvalleychamber.com. ◼◼◼ A Century Of Comox Valley Memories Throughout our centennial year, we’ll be publishing a series of articles exploring some of the various ways we’ve been there for the Comox Valley as it’s grown from a frontier outpost into the modern community we know and love today.

Based largely on the work of Bob Scales, who compiled 136 pages of newspaper

clippings and other local historical accounts, these articles will provide you with a fascinating and entertaining look at the Valley’s past endeavours and contemporary obsessions.

Each one will appear in its entirety on our website at www.comoxvalleychamber.com, with an abridged version running bi-monthly in this space.

We’re so proud to be part of a 100 per cent community-funded organization with such a strong track record of helping make the Comox Valley a better place. We’ve really enjoyed looking back on these past 100 years, and we think you’ll enjoy coming along with us for the ride over the next several months!

Dianne Hawkins, CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber: Building Good Business.

For more information on the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit: www. comoxvalleychamber.com or call 250-334-3234.

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FEBRUARY 2019

PROLINE MANAGEMENT EXPANDS INTO COMOX VALLEY Island-Based Property Management Firm Opens New Courtenay Office

C

OURT ENAY - In 2013, Proline Management Ltd. created a five-year plan that involved expanding into the Courtenay/Comox/Campbel l R iver ma rket. On November 1, 2018, the company’s fourth office opened its doors in Courtenay.

P rol i n e i s a lo c a l f a m i lyowned property management firm that manages over 10,000

The new branch is managed by Russell Tibbles, who has deep roots in the Comox Valley

units across Vancouver Island.

Founded 32 years ago, they are continuing to grow, offering a unique education-focussed approach to the industry.

“We’re very excited about this new office, which will allow us to bring our high level of service to the Comox Valley and surrounding area,” says Proline President Andy Spurling.

The new branch is managed

by Russell Tibbles, who has a strong relationship with the community.

“We knew that if we were going to move into the area, we needed somebody who has a deep connection to the community,” says

Spurling. “Russell has lived in Comox 15 years, and was running a large development company in Victoria.

“After he finished his last major development, he invited me out for coffee and brought up the idea of working for us in the Comox Valley. We ended up hiring Russell to get things going in the area, starting in September. After he gained some traction, we opened up the office, and have been very well-received by the community.”

T he company has created a number of in-house education sessions that they run at no cost to their clients. These sessions

help clients understand the industry better and find information that they need to serve their communities.

“We bring a relentless focus on client education and client understanding,” says Spurling.

“It’s a foundational principle of ou r orga n ization. We a re passionate about seeing strata corporations as more than just a business entity. They are a community. With a network of over 10,000 units, we have been able to help clients get a better understanding of best practices and assist in creating thriving communities.” www.prolinemanagement.com

ISLAND SAVINGS APPOINTS NEW CASH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR For Rina Lawson, working at a credit union means supporting “sustainable community”

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ANAIMO – Rina Lawson, Island Savings’ new Cash Management Advisor for its Woodgrove, Cedar, and Ladysmith branches, is passionate about her work. A nd she’s passionate about where she provides her personalized service for “larger or more complex business members.”

Va nc ouver I sl a nd i s t r u ly where Lawson belongs.

Lawson explains that when she’s not at work, she’s liable to be “celebrating all of the wonderful things on the Island. I’m ex tremely passionate about Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands and all of their wonderful parks, beautiful places, friendly people, and amazing local businesses.”

Of course, her passion for the place she lives extends beyond appreciati ng its “i ncred ible local artisans, breweries, restaurants, and shops”. Lawson, who once studied tourism and recreation management at Vancouver Island University, knows her work at Island Savings is helping to create a “healthy, sustainable community.”

“In university I learned […] that I can make a difference by the choices I make like where I spend my money and the kind of company I work for. Once I graduated I knew I had to work for a company with similar beliefs: a local business who values and honestly cares about the local people; a company I could really grow with. A credit union was a perfect fit.”

A s a d iv ision of First West Credit Union, Island Savings is

Rina Lawson is Island Savings’ new Cash Management Advisor part of the second largest Credit Union in BC. Starting out as Duncan & District Credit Union in 1951, Island Savings has been serving islanders for nearly 70 years. Lawson has worked with both its personal and business memb ers i n L adysm it h a nd Cedar for 12 of those years.

Lawson’s goals for her new role include sharing her knowledge with the business community and helping them to see that where they bank matters. She hopes she can help members to understand the “whys and hows” of their credit union’s processes and products the way she does.

“I’ve developed great relationships with our members. I’ll get to meet more people in this role, especially in Nanaimo, and get to really understand their business. I love getting to know a person’s story, what challenges they face, and celebrate their successes with them.”

To learn more, visit islandsavings.ca

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26

FEBRUARY 2019

WASTE MANAGEMENT Education Needed to Prevent Illegal Waste Disposal Methods Regional Districts, Waste Disposal Companies Battle Harmful Dumping Practices

T

his “quick fix” can have long-term consequences.

According to a 2018 press release from Comox Strathcona Waste Management, more than 600 illegal dump sites have been documented in the region (covering Comox Valley to Sayward, and west to Gold River) since 2012.

Illegal dumping, which may seem like a simple, quick solution at the time, has a negative environmental impact and often requires laborious, extensive solutions, costing municipalities and regional districts.

A fter launching the Illegal D u mpi n g P rog ra m i n 2017, the Comox Strathcona Waste Management program resulted in

the recovery and disposal of over 70 tonnes of the region’s illegally dumped waste in its first year. A similar program in the Nanaimo Regional District resulted in 35 tonnes of illegally disposed material being removed and properly processed.

In a press release, Michael Dinesen, Bylaw Compliance Officer and Illegal Dumping Program Coordinator for the Comox Valley stated, “This is a huge area to cover and we depend on members of the public and our municipal partners to help us identify illegal dumpsites. We think people in the Comox Valley are pretty well SEE WASTE MANAGEMENT | PAGE 27

An educational diagram produced by WorkSafeBC

WAS YOUR HOME BUILT BEFORE 1990?

ARE YOU PLANNING A RENOVATION OR DEMOLITION?

H

ere a re the a nswers to some Frequently Asked Questions: Before doing anything else, you need to test for asbestos content.

If you are doing a small reno, like a kitchen facelift or wall removal, you can start with a “Bulk Sample Analysis.” It’s best to hire an environmental company to do this testing for you. Some abatement (removal) companies also offer this service.

Just be sure that whoever takes these samples has had training on sampling protocols and procedures such as the AHERA Asbestos Building Inspector designation.

Homeowners, building inspectors or contractors without training may end up sampling the wrong material, overlook material (such as hidden layers of flooring), cross contaminate samples, or take the wrong number or size of samples.

Correct sampling and analysis will help avoid surprises and additional expenses while in the midst of renovations.

Your asbestos analysis report will indicate what materials contain asbestos and which do not. It’s important to understand that if just one drywall compound sample in your home comes back as “asbestos-containing” (a minimum of three should be collected), it is presumed that all the drywall compounds throughout your

home contain asbestos. This is called “homogenous.” Once you have received your report, you can better plan your renovation. For example—if the bedroom floor comes back as containing, you may decide to cover it instead of removing it.

Before scheduling your planned renovation, you will need to contact the environmental company that did the sampling and have them prepare a Hazardous Materials Survey. They will use your asbestos analysis report, take more samples if necessary, map out where the samples were taken from, recommend protocols for removal, and present this information as a complete survey. Asbestos removal contractors will require this assessment to provide you with a quotation.

If you are planning a large renovation or demolition of a structure (including a mobile home), you and your contractor can go straight to booking the Hazardous Materials Survey. This report is required for renovation and demolition permits, and WorkSafeBC will also need a copy.

When hiring an abatement company, make sure that they are in good standing with WorkSafeBC, follow WorkSafeBC guidelines, and are insured with industry-required liability insurance called “pollution insurance.” Don’t hesitate to ask for copies of their WorkSafe

Clearance Letter and pollution insurance for references.

A professional abatement company will conduct or sub-contract the following from start to finish: • Apply for a BC Waste Generation Number; • Prepare a Risk Assessment (determine moderate or high risk level); • Draw up Safe Work Procedures; • Submit a Notice of Project to WorkSafeBC along with the Work Procedures, Risk Assessment, and Hazardous Materials Survey; • Set up containment with decontamination units and negative air (2 stage for moderate risk, 3 stage for high risk); • Remove and safely bag your material; • C o n d u c t A i r M o n i t o r i n g throughout the job (high risk abatement); • Run a Final Air Clearance test (high risk abatement); • Contract a company to dispose of the material at the landfill; • Provide a Clearance Letter and, if high risk, a copy of your Final Air Clearance Report.

A professional abatement company should guide you through this process and make it easy for you.

Want to know more? Call Home SOULutions Remediation Ltd.: 1-855-483-1090.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

FEBRUARY 2019

27

Advice for handling asbestos can be found at www.hiddenkiller.ca

2018-2019 Directors for Coast Waste Management Association

WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

informed and we are now focussing our resources further north.”

Citizens who witness environmental violations in progress anywhere in BC are asked call the Provincial Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877952-7277 to report the incident.

In certain areas, fines of up to $200,000 can be issued to those caught dumping illegally.

One of the growing difficulties surrounding waste disposal is changing disposal regulations

that directly affect the construction industry.

“At one point, we had markets for the end material of construction projects,” says Will Burrows, Executive Director of the Coast Waste Management Association (CWMA). “You used to be able to grind up the wood, and we had several mills that would buy the material as fuel for their operations.

“With a greater awareness of lead paint and other contaminants and changes in the paper industry, markets for that have decreased. Those that are still

there can only accept clean, untreated, unpainted wood, which means no plywood or particle board.

“An additional challenge exists for some developers who have a restricted time frame between when they can get a demolition permit and when new construction can go up. This doesn’t allow for much deconstruction, where the materials could be sold. The good news is that there are incentives related to this problem, and it’s certainly worthwhile to investigate these.”

An additional challenge is posed

as a result of changing laws related to asbestos exposure.

“This has been a big issue of the last four years or so after WorkSafeBC changed the threshold for exposure to asbestos,” says Burrows.

For those living on Vancouver Island, there are now only four landfills that accept asbestos-containing construction waste (Campbell River, Port Alberni, Cedar, and Victoria).

In certain areas, like the Cowichan Valley, private enterprises have takeon on the role of drywall disposal.

WorkSafeBC explains the dangers related to asbestos exposure on their website hiddenkiller.ca.

The fibrous material was used extensively as an insulator from the 1950s to the 1990s. Depending on the age of a structure, the material

can be found in the paper backing of linoleum, mechanical insulation, spray applied fireproofing, cement pipes, drywall, and more.

If not handled correctly, workers can suffer serious consequences related to inhaling asbestos-contaminated air. Exposure can result in various asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening.

Due to the serious health effects of asbestos exposure, the issue has been named the number one workplace hazard in the nation.

For those handling and disposing of asbestos, it is recommended that they consult a professional and learn about the proper procedures surrounding asbestos (available through WorkSafeBC).

Find out more at www.hiddenkiller.ca

VI LANDFILLS TIGHTEN UP ON DRYWALL DISPOSAL

D

ue to possible asbestos c ontent i n c on s t r u ction waste, la nd f i l ls are getting fussy about taking construction material—in pa r ticu la r, d r y wa l l. T h is is because the landfills no longer want their staff exposed to asbestos.

Homeowners who are taking on their own renovation project and removing construction materials—especially drywall— from homes built before 1991 should have asbestos testing conducted first. It’s best to call an environmental company before disturbing any material.

This way you can make educated decisions about what and how you are going to renovate and understand the protocols for disposal. The environmental company will take samples from the areas you are planning to renovate. This is called Bulk Sample Analysis.

If the materials sampled are determined to be asbestos-containing material (ACM), you should consider hiring a professional asbestos abatement (re m o v a l) c o m p a ny. Un d e r WorkSafe BC guidelines and M i n istr y of Env i ron ment protocols, an abatement contractor will remove ACM safely and dispose of it correctly.

If you choose to do the renov a t i o n w o rk y o u r s e l f, i t i s

important that you double-bag any ACM in two 6 ml plastic bags with the outer one marked “Asbestos”. These bags need to be sealed properly in a gooseneck fashion and washed. You can purchase these special bags from a safety supply store, or the landfill may sell them to you. Keep i n m i nd there a re only four landfills on Vancouver Island that will take asbestos-containing construction waste: Victoria, Cedar, Port Alberni, and Campbell River.

The landfill will also require that you complete some paperwork, provide your Bulk Sample Analysis report, and set an appointment for disposal. Homeowners are allowed to transport bagged ACM to the la nd fi l l.

You may want to hire a Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) courier to take this to the landfill for you. A TDG courier is a trucking company that is licensed through the Ministry of Environment to transport ACM to the landfill. Renovation contractors or regular trucking companies are not licensed.

Let’s say your Bulk Sample A na lysis report determ i ned your materials do not contain asbestos. If you are planning to take this material to the landfill yourself, you may still need to complete some forms as required by the landfill. You will

also need to present your Bulk Sample Analysis report proving there is no asbestos content.

Double-bagging in special bags is not required.

Any contractor renovating a home built before 1991 is required to have an Environmental Testing Company conduct a Hazardous Materials Survey (HazMat Survey) before renovations begin. A HazMat Survey includes the Bulk Sample Analysis but is the professional ‘step up’. If you do this step first, there will be no surprises later. You can review the survey with your clients and make decisions together.

If the HazMat Survey identifies materials being disturbed as ACM, ideally, it’s best for you to sub-contract a professional abatement company who will handle everything, including d isposa l. However, i f i n the end, you have double-bagged ACM material that needs to be disposed of, you will need to hire a TDG courier. A renovation contractor is not licensed to tra nsport ACM. A homeowner still can; however, it may be too much material for them to tra nsport or, someti mes, they simply won’t want to.

Central Island Disposal would be pleased to answer any questions you have. Go to www.centralislanddisposal.ca

Call today for more info or a quote.

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28

SALES

FEBRUARY 2019

WHAT’S STANDING IN YOUR WAY?

SALES JOHN GLENNON

W

hen you look at the things you want and how you’d like your life to be, if you had to guess,

what is standing in your way?

L et me go back a couple of steps. What do you want to be doing in sales monthly a year f rom now? You h ave a goa l, don’t you? It’s written down, isn’t it? A nd you have a date when you want to accomplish it, r ig ht? Wel l i f you don’t, yo u’ l l n o w t a k e s o m e t i m e and write those goals down, as specifically as you can. And you’ll put a date by when you want to make it happen.

What is it you want? A family vacation to Disney World, an earlier retirement, financing

you r k ids’ education, house renovations? If you can dream is it possible you can work to make it happen?

Okay now . . . Take a look at where you want to be in twelve months. Take a look at where you are now. What’s standing i n you r way f rom m a k i ng it happen? What do you need to overcome, start doing better or what do you have to stop d o i n g to a c c o m p l i s h t h e s e goals? Let’s not get confused about lots of hard work or the m a rket, t he comp et it ion or the economy. Let’s focus on

what we can control—mostly the behaviours you do every day, every week and the attitudes a nd bel iefs that g u ide your actions.

W hen you ta ke cont rol of your behaviour you take control of your destiny. When you own the responsibility for your production, your goal accomplishment, and your achievem e n t s , yo u n o l o n ge r h a v e anyone else to blame for your lack of achievement.

Tape your goals to your mirror where you’ll see them every morning and every evening. At

the same time you can say hello to the person who is responsible for making them happen.

Co p y r i gh t 2018 Sa n d l e r T ra i n i n g a n d I n s i g h t S a l e s Consulting Inc. All rights reserved.

John Glennon is the owner of Insight Sales Consulting Inc, the authorized Sandler Training Licensee for the Interior of British Columbia. He can be reached at jglennon@sandler.com, toll free at 1-866-645-2047 or visit www. glennon.sandler.com

COMOX VALLEY

FEBRUARY 2019

29

NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR SENIORS’ CARE BEDS IN THE COMOX VALLEY be built.

Clarice Coty is the founder of

Building Links. Contact: clarice@ buildinglinks.ca or find Building Links on Facebook at www. facebook.com/BuildingLinks

BUILDING LINKS Artist rendering CLARICE COTY

T

he M i n i st r y of Hea lt h held a press conference in Courtenay recently and announced that residents will be able to access the long term and end-of-life care with the addition of permanent beds to the Comox Valley. Golden Life Management Corp. is one of the successful proponents, following a request for proposals to build and operate a new long-term care facility in Courtenay. Their facility will have 126 publicly funded beds, which includes 120 residential beds and six publicly funded hospice beds. This project will be located on Cliffe Ave. in Courtenay, adjacent to the A & W Restaurant.

A development permit was submitted and received 4th reading in 2018 and it is expected that it will be approved soon. A building permit application is scheduled to be submitted by the spring of 2019.

Also, an additional 78 independent living suites will be built in a separate wing of the project, which will include underground parking. Golden Life Management will be the construction manager on the project and tenders are expected to be issued in the spring of

2019. Project value of this building is $55 million.

An additional 31 permanent beds will be built at the old St. Joseph’s Hospital Site in Comox

by Providence Residential and Community Care Society.

Providence Residential and Community Care (PRCC), a new corporate arm created by Catholic healthcare provider Providence Health Care, announced more details on their plans to create a “dementia village” at the St. Joseph’s Hospital site in Comox, which currently houses the Views, 116-bed seniors’ care centre. PRCC will be taking over ownership of the 17-acre site April 1st, 2019, which includes the Views and the old hospital building. The Comox dementia village includes smaller households for residents who share a common bond. The perimeter of the village would be secured using “creative structure and technology”, and it would include a grocery store, pub, and music room for residents and their families.

Some buildings will have to be demolished in order to construct the dementia village and other residential buildings. In addition to the dementia village, there are

opportunities to build and provide numerous other services and programs on the campus to meet local, community and regional needs. These services may include more housing solutions, respite care, bathing and meal programs, primary care services, youth services, and Indigenous health services. Preliminary planning will commence once consultations with Island Health, the provincial health ministry, and the local community decide what services are needed at the location. When it is determined what those services are, it will determine the sequencing, the timing as well as the cost all of those components.

Also, decisions will be made as to which buildings will be renovated and what new buildings might

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30 WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Who’s Suing Whom is provided by a third-party resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date.

DEFENDANT 1053290 BC Ltd 2239 Ara Ave, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Mid Island Consumer Services Co-Operative CLAIM $7,047 DEFENDANT 107975 BC Ltd 1386 Turner Lane, Cobble Hill, BC PLAINTIFF Schneider, Lee CLAIM $36,233 DEFENDANT Bennefield Construction 1000 Braithwaite Dr, Cobble Hill, BC PLAINTIFF Maxxam Insurance Services Inc CLAIM $10,846 DEFENDANT Biff Contracting 1000 Braithwaite Dr, Cobble Hill BC PLAINTIFF Maxxam Insurance Services Inc

WHO IS SUING WHOM CLAIM $10,846 DEFENDANT Bowtie Transport 2239 Ara Ave, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Mid Island Consumer Services Co-Operative CLAIM $7,047 DEFENDANT Campbell River Boatland 1982 Ltd 3125 Island Hwy North, Campbell River, BC Atkinson, Douglas James CLAIM $5,307 DEFENDANT Charman Hill Roofing 4144 Carey Rd Victoria, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Aiden & Selina Investments Ltd CLAIM $39,000 DEFENDANT Charman Roofing 4144 Carey Rd Victoria, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Aiden & Selina Investments Ltd CLAIM $39,000 DEFENDANT Edwards Electric 2003 Ltd 3-6820 Veyaness Rd, Saanichton, BC

PLAINTIFF V I Electric Ltd CLAIM $200,000 DEFENDANT GT Farms 157 Trunk Rd, Cobble Hill, BC PLAINTIFF Schneider, Lee CLAIM $36,233 DEFENDANT Home Depot Of Canada Inc 400-725 Granville St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Belanger, Louis CLAIM $30,403 DEFENDANT Hypersport Activewear Inc 10825 Mcdonald Park Rd, North Saanich, BC PLAINTIFF Wolverine Worldwide Canada LLC CLAIM $10,310 DEFENDANT Hypersport Activewear Inc 10825 Mcdonald Park Rd, North Saanich, BC PLAINTIFF Skechers Usa Canada Inc CLAIM $25,443 DEFENDANT Hypersport Activewear Inc

FEBRUARY 2019

10825 Mcdonald Park Rd, North Saanich, BC PLAINTIFF New Balance Athletic Shoe Company Inc CLAIM $6,253 DEFENDANT Jin Tone Investment Ltd 5734 Pioneer Ave, Burnaby, BC PLAINTIFF Coastal Drain Cleaning Services CLAIM $12,868 DEFENDANT Khalsa Diwan Society Of Victoria 1210 Topaz Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Bridgeman Plumbing & Heating Ltd CLAIM $14,732 DEFENDANT L & R Holdings 4080 Riverside Rd, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Schneider, Lee CLAIM $26,233 DEFENDANT RBI Developments Inc 3200-10180 101 St, Edmonton, AB PLAINTIFF Masland Carpets Inc $57,682 DEFENDANT Resolution Construction Systems 200-1260 Shoppers Row, North

Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Westcoast Appliance Centre 2014 Ltd CLAIM $43,600 DEFENDANT Strata Plan Eps2816 202-1250 Stewart Ave, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF 0885216 BC Ltd CLAIM $35,216 DEFENDANT W O M Mastercraft Construction Ltd 201-19 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Westcoast Appliance Centre 2014 Ltd CLAIM $43,600

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

FEBRUARY 2019

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NORTH ISLAND Port McNeill’s long-time beloved Mayor, ambassador and successful businessman Gerry Furney passed away February 4. One of the Island’s true characters, Gerry will be missed, for his kindness and great sense of humour, wisdom and insight into matters that stretched across the North Island and throughout the province. He was Mayor of Port McNeill for almost 40 years.

The 46th annual Port McNeill and District Chamber of Commerce Excellence Gala was recently held at Archipelago Bistro. This year’s winners were Strategic Natural Resource Consultants as Business of the Year; Aussie Signs, Decals & Designs in Small Business of the Year; Archipelago Bistro in New Business of the Year; KPH Photography in Home-Based Business of the Year; MacKay Whale Watching in Tourism; Melissa Legacy of Archipelago Bistro in Customer Service Excellence; Jackie Hildering in Professional Merit; Karen Stewart and Spencer Andrews in Chamber Spirit; Christina Hinton in Senior of the Year; Clayton Harder and Stephanie Lacasse in Youth of the Year; Gaby Wickstrom in Community Spirit; and Kim Leonard, Cats Meow in Non-Profit of the Year.

Parr’s Construction Ltd. appoints Jeremy Sandeman as operations manager at 7030B Market Street

31

in Port Hardy. Jeremy and his wife previously owned and operated Captain Hardy’s restaurant for over 20 years and look forward to moving back to the area.

E.J. Klassen Motorcade Ltd. adds Val Hart to their team and welcomes back Ben Myketiac who was previously with Klassen’s and has over 23 years of experience in body work and painting. Val takes on a role in customer service and administration for the shop at 9045 Granville Street.

Port Hardy Dental Centre celebrates its grand opening February 9 at 9250 Trustee Road in Port Hardy.

Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre (SWFC), a Port Hardy-based First Nations’ society, is launching a bus service to be used by Indigenous persons wanting to get to SWFC programs. The service is currently free for those who need transportation to attend any of the center’s programs, primarily for programs intended for parents with young children or Elders.

BC Ferries has confirmed the Northern Sea Wolf will sail on its first in-service route from Port Hardy to Bella Coola on June 3 this year. The vessel will begin running along the route on May 18th before beginning its regular service.

CAMPBELL RIVER Shelter Point Distillery received a number of awards at the recent Canadian Whisky Awards in Victoria. The local distillery saw its Montfort District Lot 141 receive a gold medal and an award of excellence for innovation. The company also received silver medals for the Strath Edition of its Classic Single Malt and its Double Barreled Single Malt. Bronze medals went to the distillery’s Avant-Garde Barley, Cask Strength and Classic Single Malt whiskies.

The City of Campbell River has given Muse Cannabis Stores Ltd. the SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 32

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

32

ARE YOU READY TO INCREASE YOUR PROFIT MARGINS? ?ssenisub ruoy worg ot tnaW

contractors across Vancouver Island, give them effective strategies to boost the profitability of both their

go ahead to open a legal cannabis dispensary for its Jak’s Beer Wine Spirits location in the Discovery Foods plaza on the South Island Highway. The shop still must be approved by the provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch before being able to legally operate.

The Campbell River Storm have hired Mike Wilson as their new head coach, replacing Cam Basarab. Wilson was an associate coach with the Storm from 2015 to 2017 and is a former player in the PJHL and collegiate player with the University of the Fraser Valley and Concordia University of Edmonton.

individual projects and overall business.

Call Mark Taylor P.Eng., G.S.C. Construction Advisory Services

COMOX VALLEY Kelly & Carlos O’Bryan’s restaurant opened for business in Courtenay at 2910 Kilpatrick Avenue, the former space of Applebee’s and Chad’s West Coast Grill and Bar. Brown’s Social House is opening soon in Courtenay, near the Thrifty Foods store on Cliffe Avenue. There is also a Brown’s location in Nanaimo.

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T h e V i ew s a t S t . Joseph’s – a 117-bed seniors care home in Comox has reached an agreement that will see them transfer ownership and operations to Providence Residential & Community Care Services Society (PRCC). PRCC is an entity formed by the Providence family in 2017.

The transition of ownership and staff has been initiated and is targeted for completion on April 1. The View is a non-profit Catholic health care organization that was previously owned and operated by the Bishop of Victoria.

Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC announces that Kary Zimmerman is the top salesperson of the month for the dealership at 2145 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay.

bdc.ca

Coastal Community BDCad_BusinessExaminer_4.8x6.2_en.indd 1

2018-10-24 1:40 PM

clients in the private and public sectors share their stories through strategic and creative communications.

50th Parallel will host a grand opening event in April for clients, friends and members of the public.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

Congratulations to Ron May and Justin Lynn on being the top salespeople of the month for Bill Howich Chrysler RV & Marine.

providing consulting services that

Phone: 250.668.8050 www.mtcasl.com

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Ironwood Auto Technicians welcomes back Brandon to their team as a red seal auto technician at 995 Ironwood Street.

We help general and trade

FEBRUARY 2019

Natalie Walker Private Wealth Group welcomes Natalie Walker to their team as an associate private wealth advisor.

Odlum Brown Limited welcomes Duncan Muller to their Courtenay branch at 1001A Fitzgerald Avenue.

Duncan has over a decade of experience in the financial industry and looks forward to servicing his clients as an investment advisor.

Cottage Medical Family Physicians welcomes Dr. Lindsay Stevenson to their team at 559 6 th Street in Courtenay.

The K’omoks First Nation re-elected Chief Nicole Rempel for a second two-year term and elected councilors Barbara Mitchell, Katherine Frank and Richard Hardy.

Courtenay council endorsed Ace Brewing Company’s proposal to open an establishment at 150 Mansfield Drive near the Courtenay Air Park. Council agreed to recommend licensing approval by the Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). The brewery plans call for a lounge and open hours from 11 am to 11 pm on days of the week excluding Sunday to Wednesday.

The Thrifty Foods liquor store at the Westerly Hotel is moving across the street to the strip mall next to Thrifty Foods. The new location is expected to be open by spring.

Saputo, formerly Dairyland, is closing its dairy plant in Courtenay on March 29 after more than a century of dairy processing in the Comox Valley. The closure will impact 29 employees including three managers, though there will be a possibility for transfers to Abbotsford or Burnaby.

50th Parallel Public Relations announced the opening of its first headquarters space to accommodate its growing team and portfolio at 105 – 2456 Rosewall Crescent in Tin Town next to the Tin Town Café. The company, founded in 2013

by Nazaneen Dizai, helps

PORT ALBERNI Coulson Ice Blast was named the Most Innovative Industrial Cleaning Tech Company 2019 by Corporate Business Magazine’s Canadian Business Awards.

They were also named one of the Top Ten in the Small Business BC Awards for best innovation.

Royal LePage realtors have been recognized for their efforts this past year at the annual Royal LePage National Awards. The awards honoured Port Alberni realtors including recognizing Chris Fenton as a BC Top Ten Team. Esther Fenton, Gary Gray and Maureen Mackenzie were presented Diamond Awards; Marilyn Koehle and Sonja Sutton received the Directors’ Platinum award; Kat Dwolinsky, Dylan Gauthier and Vittoria Solda took home President’s Gold; Amanda Douglas and Lukh Saran won out in Master Sales; and Dean Wickman in Sales Achievement.

Canadian Maritime Engineering’s new manufacturing building is under construction on the vacant lot between Alberni Pacific Division Sawmill and Canal Waterfront Park. The building is expected to be completed early next year.

This is the first phase of construction for the building which is planned to also include a dock and possibly a machine shop.

Animal Ark has added Jake Echols as a professional groomer to their team at 3020 3rd Avenue.

Bosley’s at the Pacific Rim Mall nearly doubled their floor space in a renovation that has allowed room for more products, including raw food, dog washing stations and Beta fish and aquariums and supplies.

The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding their Annual Community Excellence Awards on April 26th at the Italian Hall Events Centre. Nominations for the award are now open and can be submitted on the chamber’s website.

SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 33

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

FEBRUARY 2019

Congratulations to Janine Gortan of Arbutus RV Port Alberni on being the top salesperson of the year.

Darwin Cole has started The Dogs We Love, a business to help dog owners find the right people to look after their dog’s needs.

Rob Bremner has opened Alpha Gold and Silver at the old Chinese Canadian Hall on Third Avenue. The new shop will be buying gold and silver, sports memorabilia, vintage watches and antiques as well as selling gold, silver and bullion.

The City of Parksville announced the departure of Debbie Comis as the City’s chief administrative officer.

Council appointed the city’s director of administrative services, Keeva Kehler, as the city’s acting CAO at a special meeting on January 21.

Mid Island Cabinets opened a new showroom at 1500 Springhill Road in Parksville.

Renovations are nearly done at the Blackstone Barbershop. Owner Dave Blackstone has added a shampoo station and shaving station to the space, making it a full-service men’s barbershop.

The Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce’s annual Community Awards will be presented at a gala event on Wednesday February 20 at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Tickets for the gala are $45 each and are now on sale.

TOFINOUCLUELET

Coombs Junction Furniture and Mattresses has reopened their store after undergoing a major renovation and adding a showroom at 2701 Alberni Highway in Coombs.

Pete and Ashleigh Clarke welcomed their first guests to Wildpod Tofino recently, their new luxury ‘glamping’ site. The waterfront resort features six themed domes, each equipped with an ensuite bathroom, kitchenette and propane fire. The site is at the tip of Grice Point on the edge of Tofino’s townsite.

Ucluelet was named one of Canada’s top seven fishing destinations for 2019 in a ranking from the international trip-booking platform FishingBooker. The region was chosen based on the number of bookings it received on the platform as well as the quality of its reviews.

Two Vancouver Island students have been awarded Glenn Spartz Scholarships from Boating BC to further pursue their careers in the marine industry. Devon Norris of Chemainus who works at Stones Boat Yard in Nanaimo and Sebastian Eaves of Ucluelet, employed

by Rod’s Power and Marine in Tofino both received the scholarship. Both students are entering Level 2 of the Marine Mechanical Technician Program at BCIT.

NANAIMO The Port of Nanaimo has promoted Ian Marr to permanent CEO from co-CEO. Marr co-led the organization with Mike Davidson who becomes Chief Operating Officer. Both Davidson and Marr have been with the port since the 1980s.

Planet Fitness celebrated their grand opening on February 5th at Unit 108 - 6461 Metral Drive. This marks Planet Fitness’ first location in Nanaimo and third operated by the ECP-PF Holdings Group Inc. in BC, alongside Kamloops and Abbotsford.

Terminal Park Dental Clinic welcomes Dr. Gill to the clinic and wishes Dr. Claude Savoie a happy retirement. The clinic is at #4 – 1559 Estevan Road and is accepting new patients.

La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings and Décor recently celebrated the grand opening of their location at 4950 Uplands Drive.

Vancouver Island University is the 13th recipient of

!

D E T N E C -S D R

The Grotto Spa at Tigh-NaMara has been named the No. 1 spa in Canada and the top ocean spa in North America by Spas of America. The Parksville spa earned the top spot on the organization’s annual list based on website page views.

A

Elements Registered Massage Therapy welcomes Megan Skjodal to the team as a registered massage therapist at 3823 Anderson Avenue.

PARKSVILLEQUALICUM BEACH W

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

A

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

33

Ian Marr the Perry Shawana Award from the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society. The award recognizes leadership in supporting indigenous learners and building relationships within the community. VIU was chosen for their commitment to enhancing the learning experience of aboriginal students in First Nations studies, child and youth care and early childhood education. This is the first time in the award’s history that it was presented to an institution. VIU shared the award with long-time child advocate Mabel Louie, one of the founding members of the BC Aboriginal Care Society.

Dr. Patrick Brouder, a professor at Vancouver Island University has been named BC Regional Innovation Chair for Tourism and Sustainable Rural Development.

In this endowed research chair position, Brouder will focus on three interrelated areas of innovation in tourism across the province – Indigenous tourism, creative tourism and the evolution of tourism labour markets and entrepreneurship.

Woodgrove Chrysler congratulates Guy Pedden on his 20th anniversary of working with the dealership. Guy is the parts manager for the dealership at 6800 Island Highway North.

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The City of Nanaimo announced that Jack Rudolph has agreed to a new one-year contract to continue serving as the city’s chief administrative officer until the end of 2019. Rudolph is no longer considered an interim CAO. Kw’umut Lelum Child and Family Services hosted a grand opening for its new offices at 233 Prideaux Street.

The center provides support for aboriginal families living in urban areas with coordinated, culturally informed child safety and support services that are guided by Coast Salish values. This year the Nanaimo hub will handle up to 60 files transferred from the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 35

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OPINION

34

FEBRUARY 2019 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Vancouver Island Office 25 Cavan Street,Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T9 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Lise MacDonald SALES | John MacDonald – john@businessexaminer.ca, Josh Higgins – josh@businessexaminer.ca, Alex Muir – Alex@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Julia MacDonald, Beth Hendry-Yim, David Holmes, Kristin Van Vloten, Val Lennox, Robert MacDonald WEBSITE | John MacDonald – john@businessexaminer.ca

MR. BEENS OFFERS PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO HELP SOLVE HOUSING CRISIS

MARK MACDONALD

I

t takes a great deal of restraint to avoid the temptation to bash the GreeNDP for their lack of economic sense.

Obviously I’ve demonstrated I can’t resist, especially since the target is rather large and easy to hit.

But what good does it do, really, in terms of changing their collective mindset? The NDP has been in opposition far longer than they have been in government, and are used to sitting back and complaining about most everything done by the party in power.

So now, w ith the Na na i mo by-election completed, it is more than likely that the GreeNDP will go the distance as government in Victoria. Thus far, it is clear – and true to their form – that taxation is their preferred route. They’ve pummeled existing property in order to raise

revenue – which it might do in the short term, but will undoubtedly result in decreasing contributions from the real estate/construction sector over the long term.

But when the NDP inevitably fails to find adequate funding through taxation alone for their self-concocted solution for more low income housing, perhaps they may open their collective minds a crack – just a crack – and consider market-driven solutions that actually have proven to work, to the benefit of everyone.

Kurt Beens is now retired after decades in the banking and real estate industries, and has put his thinking cap on to provide some incentive-based solutions to increase the supply of affordable rental accommodation.

Kurt recalls that in the 1970’s and 1980’s, the federal government introduced the Assisted Home Ownership Program (AHOP) and Multi Units Residential Program (MURB), while the BC Second Mortgage Prog ra m wa s i n pl ace f rom t he 1970’s to the late 1980’s.

The result?

“The housing market was reasonably balanced and functional,” he says. “And developers/ builders provided an affordable

housing stock.”

Successive federal and provincial governments eliminated the incentives, even adding taxes onto new housing. Now the GreeN DP govern ment is proceeding with punitive taxation on second home ownership in BC. “Cities and Regional District authorities have increased the bu reaucratic process to u nacceptable levels,” he adds.

“The process from rezoning of land to development of housing amounts to years in many areas.

“Add to this, rapidly increasing Development Cost Charges (DCC’s), and you wonder why the builders have turned away from providing rental housing.”

Not to mention that municipal and regional governments are worthily stereotyped as “NDP Farm Teams”, since they typically consist of anti-growth and development individuals who are content to put up roadblocks to new construction.

That is perhaps the biggest reason there isn’t enough new rental housing on the market.

How many developers are willing to leave their cash in personal escrow, waiting for planners to reluctantly approve their projects, while they continue to pay

interest on borrowed financing.

Mr. Beens says it’s no mystery why builders have turned to the more-profitable condominium construction, adding that the increase in population and rent controls haven’t helped the rental market either.

The solution? Incentives for the building industry.

Ku r t suggests el i m i nati ng the GST on new rental housing. Accelerate the depreciation allowance on apartments, perhaps as high as 10 per cent per yea r. Don’t places ta xes on the recapture of the Capital Cost A llowance, as long as it gets re-invested in rental accommodation.

Or how about this? “Set up a Housing Investment Fund, making contributions ta x deductible, similar to RRSPs, with a generous limit. Invite mutual funds, banks and private investors to participate. “ I nve s tors’ i nc om e c o u ld b e ta x f ree, i f t hei r i nvestment is in residential rental accommodation.”

Provincially, he suggests encouraging homeowners to rent their basement units and provide a rental grant for those who do so, similar to the Home Owners’ Grant.

At the local level, he notes that

all housing be fast-tracked.

“The common excuse by cities is ‘we are short-staffed or there are holiday issues’,” he observes.

“Well, allow the builders to provide their own professional engineers, geotechnical experts a nd the other professiona ls needed to sign off on projects.”

As the market responds and the housing stock increases – resulting in lower cost housing – a review of the Tenancy Act should be considered.

“The turnaround will not happen overnight, but governments must start somewhere or the social costs will be considerably higher than tax incentives,” he adds.

G re a t i d e a s . A l l o f t h e m .

They’ve proven to work on many levels.

It’s not like the GreeNDP or municipalities have to re-invent the development/housing wheel, so to speak. The answers and solutions are already there, and available for implementation – if their brain trust is willing to bridge the philosophical divide and incentivize the private sector to help solve the problem.

Instead of punishing the real estate and construction industry, their chosen “road most traveled” every time they become government.

FEDERAL SPENDING DANGEROUSLY NEAR RECORD CANADIAN LEVELS

THE FRASER INSTITUTE JAKE FUSS

F

iscal prudence is a key aspect of any prime minister’s legacy. The choice to increase the size and role of government almost always comes with larger deficits, mounting debt and/or tax increases.

Unfortunately, the federal government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has ignored these consequences and is spending at unprecedented levels outside of war or recession.

A recent Fraser Institute study compared per-person program spending (inflation-adjusted) by each Canadian prime minister since 1870. It provides historical context for program spending and demonstrates that the current government is spending at one of the highest levels in Canadian history.

During Stephen Harper’s last year as prime minister, program spending was budgeted to reach $263.2 billion. This meant per person spending would be $7,727 in 2015.

However, Trudeau immediately increased spending after winning the election in late 2015 and spending grew to $8,117 per person, an increase of more than five per cent in less than six months.

The current government then ramped up spending even more in 2016, as per-person spending reached $8,396. In 2018-19, federal spending is projected to reach $320.2 billion or $8,639 per person. This represents an increase of almost 12 per cent in

real per-person spending.

For context, the Harper government during the 2009 recession recorded the all-time high level of per-person program spending ($8,711). The Trudeau government is projected to spend only $72 less per person than the alltime high, which was recorded during a deep global recession.

Moreover, federal spending would have been higher had the current government delivered on its infrastructure spending commitment. Consistent delays in executing infrastructure spending have increasingly deferred such spending into the 2020s. For instance, Budget 2018 moved $3.6 billion of short-term infrastructure spending to future years.

So this government’s record level of per-person spending (outside of recession or war) would likely have reached an all-time high if it had delivered on its infrastructure spending promises.

There are two problems (among

many) to consider. First and perhaps most obvious is the risk to federal finances of a recession.

Revenues decline and spending increases automatically during a recession, before governments take any discretionary actions.

On average, Canada has experienced a recession roughly every eight-and-a-half years, and with the last recession recorded in 2008-09, the risks of a recession this year or next are real. Indeed, equity markets are signalling as much now.

An analysis of the potential effects of a recession on federal finances released in 2018 indicated that the annual deficit could easily reach more than $42 billion, depending on the depth of the recession and the government response.

Given that the Department of Finance currently expects deficits to persist until 2040, a recession this year, based on the current deficit, could weigh on public finances for the foreseeable future.

Beyond the risks of deteriorating public finances from overspending during times of economic growth, there’s also the real question of what benefits Canadians receive from this near-unprecedented level of spending. The same Department of Finance report forecasts economic growth to remain below the average levels of the recent past. And as a number of reports have shown, business investment

by Canadians and foreigners is collapsing.

This government has voluntarily increased spending to a level not seen outside of recession or large-scale military conflict.

The risks to current and future federal finances are significant and the benefits to Canadians are not readily apparent.

Jake Fuss, Milagros Palacios and Jason Clemens are economists with the Fraser Institute and the authors of Prime Ministers and Government Spending: 2019 Edition

SUBCRIPTIONS | $45 PER YEAR (12 ISSUES), $80 FOR 2 YEARS (24 ISSUES), SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA. DISTRIBUTION: SECOND 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 Vancouver Island, 2018. Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

FEBRUARY 2019

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

month for their dealership at 2555 Bowen Road.

Vancouver Island University opened a unique fish health research lab thanks to $215,000 in funding from the provincial government.

The laboratory, dubbed the Centre for Innovation in Fish Health, will allow researchers to study the impacts of climate change on fish and shellfish populations in the province’s coastal waters.

Harbourview Volkswagen announced that Sean Krepps is their top salesperson of the month for their dealership at 4921 Wellington Road.

Dave Fullerton is the Nanaimo Concert Band’s new director, succeeding Gerry Klaassen, who retired after leading the group for 22 years.

High Street Dental under the leadership of Dr. Holly Blaikie has reached its 15th anniversary. The clinic at 225 High Street in Ladysmith has nearly completed an expansion that will make more room for patients and create a new space to learn about healthier food and lifestyle choices.

Vina Lash Studio is now open for business at Nanaimo North Town Centre. The new business offers services including lash extensions, waxing, microblading and much more.

The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is receiving nominations for the 19th annual Nanaimo Business Awards until February 14th.

Online voting for finalists in each of the categories begins on February 15th. The awards gala will be held on April 11th at The Port Theatre.

The numbers are in and Michelle Olsen of Arbutus RV in Nanaimo was the top salesperson of the year for 2018 at the dealerships Nanaimo location next to Nanaimo Airport.

Nanaimo Toyota named Kirsten Michieli their top salesperson of the

LADYSMITHCHEMAINUS

Rita’s Apron opened its doors for business at A 720 First Avenue, formerly the site of Renee’s Soup and Sandwich. The shop offers a selection of frozen dinners, including lasagnas and casseroles, fruit pies and other baked goods.

Ladysmith District Credit Union has added Victor Malli, CFP and Krista Hansen to their team of financial specialists at 330 1st Avenue.

Chemainus photographer’s Ashley Marston and Rose Ungvari had photos chosen by National Geographic’s Your Shot best photos of 2018. The photos were among a special selection from over

10,000 submissions from National Geographic’s photographer community.

Community Link Connexions, a member of Mid Island EmployNet, recognized the following local businesses for championing diversity in the workplace: Ladysmith Pharmasave, Ladysmith Home Hardware, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association and Maya Norte. Each company was presented with a Diversity at Work award and a sticker to place in their window thanks to their commitment to inclusive hiring practices.

COWICHAN VALLEY Marcel Aubin has been appointed the new executive director for Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island Society. Marcel has lived and worked in the Valley for many years and is looking forward to taking on a leading role with the organization that will work on at least eight new homes in the Cowichan Valley this year. Marcel has served as chair and board member of several non-profit boards including the Cowichan Intercultural Society, Literacy Now, the BC Association of Friendship Centers and most recently the Cowichan BC Summer Games.

Discovery Honda congratulates their top salespeople of the month for their dealership on the Island

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Denise Augustine Highway north of Duncan. They are Dave Pears, Joe Graham and Guy Jones.

The 2019 Business Expo and Community Social is taking place on Wednesday February 20th from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre. The event is hosted by the Duncan Chamber of Commerce and is an excellent opportunity for chamber members to showcase and sell their products and services to the community.

The City of Duncan and the Municipality of North Cowichan have both been awarded the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers’ Association of the United States and Canada for 2017. The award recognizes excellence in government accounting and financial reporting and represents a significant accomplishment by local government.

Dr. Andrew Nguyen welcomes Kim Nakatsu to their team as a full-time hygienist at 301 Festubert Street in Duncan.

35 Denise Augustine (Swee’alt) has accepted an 18-month appointment to the provincial Ministry of Education to provide leadership as the BC Tripartite Education Agreement is implemented. Augustine is the director of Aboriginal education and learner engagement for the Cowichan Valley School District. The agreement will be the foundation of First Nations Education in the province, focusing on language, culture, transportation, and technologies while including new accountabilities for different levels of government.

Island Chevrolet Buick GMC congratulates Mike Hearn on being their top salesperson of the year for the dealership at 630 Trans-Canada Highway in Duncan.

Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union, announced the winners of the 2018 Fan Choice Awards and among them was Duncan’s own Hair at 60 Queens.

The popular local salon has been a Fan Choice Award recipient for three years in a row.

Arbutus RV Mill Bay named Karen Young the top salesperson of the year for the dealership.

The Cowichan Family Life Thrift Store on Canada Avenue closed their doors for business for the last time on January 31st. The store owner cited spiralizing overhead costs, an overabundance of thrift stores in the area and a declining volunteer base as the reasons for the closure.

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