OCTOBER 2015
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TERRACE For nearly 35 years Main Logging Ltd.
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has operated across the province, from Northern BC to Vancouver Island
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Now in Prince Geeorge
New Downtown Condo Project Has A Global Pedigree PAGE 14
DAWSON CREEK
BY DAVID HOLMES
New labour and
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PAGE 12
INDEX News Update
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Prince George
3
South Cariboo
3
Quesnel
5
Kitimat
7
Smithers
8
Real Estate
By next spring a new six-story, 33 unit condominium building should be in place in downtown Prince George
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Movers and Shakers 20 Opinion
22
Law/Sales
23
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RINCE GEORGE – A new condominium project about to take shape in downtown Prince George is both a welcome addition to the available inventory of residential properties located in the city’s inner core, and a showpiece for some of the most advanced building technology found anywhere. “There are two keys to this project, one is that this is a new venture for a light steel manufacturing company with truly global connections and experience who are wanting to break into the Canadian marketplace,� explained project developer Clint Dahl. “We’ve partnered up with the creator of the light steel construction technique, Yag Inc., as they want to become established in Canada. The other key is that their first Canadian project will
Clint Dahl is the local developer working with Yag Inc. on the new downtown condo project
Here’s an artist’s representation of how the planned condominium project will look once it’s completed next spring
be this six-story condominium project in downtown Prince George.� T he parent company of the construction project is based in Turkey and has been involved in the construction of literally
hundreds of projects across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The firm has pioneered the use of light steel construction, where rolled steel components can be manufactured to match any size or shape for use as primary
SEE DOWNTOWN CONDO PROJECT | PAGE 17
Canadian Western Bank Introduces Personal Banking Services The Canadian Western Bank was created to service the banking needs of Western Canadians
P
R I NCE GEORGE – T he lights are on at Canadian Western Ba n k’s (C W B) newly expanded branch on the corner of Third Avenue and Victoria Street and they’re open for business. Operating in Prince George as a specialized lending centre since 2004, the branch primarily provided equipment financing within the local forestry and transportation industries. Now, following their recent
expansion, the local branch now offers a full range of traditional banking services for both business and personal clients. “In this particular location it was a big step to go from a specialized lending branch to a full service one. We know this market and we see the opportunity in it. The way we do business – friendly, responsive and local – goes over well here. We are excited to continue our investment in the
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Prince George market. Not only does that mean doing more business here, but it also means adding 10 full time employees to our branch and getting more active in the community,� explained Derek Dougherty, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager. “For us, it’s about building partnerships with our clients. We want to be seen as a partner in whatever they’re trying to achieve, whether it’s to grow
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their business, buy their first home or to go on a vacation,� Angela Saveraux, CWB’s Manager of Public Relations and Community Investment, said. Dougherty says this expansion brings benefits for both new and existing clients, “For those who have already been working with us for equipment financing, they can now get that same level of SEE CANADIAN WESTERN BANK | PAGE 6
NEWS UPDATE
2 NORTHERN BC
Festival and Event funding program Up to $2,500 in annual grant funding is now available for Northern BC’s unique festivals and events. A new source of funding will help unique festivals and events throughout Northern BC grow and support local economic diversification beginning in 2016. Northern Development announced recently the launch of its Fabulous Festivals and Events program, which provides nonprofit organizations with up to $2,500 in annual grant funding to support unique events and festivals throughout the region that contribute to service sector revenues in the local economy. The grants provide a source of reliable annual event hosting capacity funding, and supports the sustainability and expansion of local festivals and events that improve community quality of life. The funding can be used to promote or market a festival or event, purchase materials or equipment to support the festival or event or offset administrative and operational expenses. Festival and event tourism is one of the fastest growing forms of tourism in Canada, drawing people and potential new residents to communities they might not otherwise visit. Northern BC is home to more than 200 unique festivals and events that generate positive impacts for local businesses, hotels and restaurants. Applications for the program can be downloaded online now and will be accepted on a continuous intake cycle. The first funding approvals will be announced
in early 2016. “Northern BC is home to a variety of world-class festivals and events – this funding will not only help support local economic diversification but also promote the region to people who might not have considered visiting our communities before,” said Evan Saugstad, Chair of Northern Development.
PRINCE RUPERT Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Signs Project Agreement With Metlakatla First Nation TransCanada Corporation announced that its Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project (PRGT) has signed a Project Agreement with the Metlakatla First Nation, a member of the Coast Tsimshian Nation. The Project Agreement - the eighth with First Nations along the pipeline route - outlines financial and other benefits and commitments that will be provided for as long as the project is in service. “Achieving this agreement with the Metlakatla First Nation is a major milestone for us, particularly since it has a significant interest in the Skeena estuary and wants to ensure that the environment around the Pacific NorthWest liquefaction facility is protected. The agreement is a strong indicator of the importance we place on engaging with First Nations to ensure their input on environmental and cultural impacts is genuinely incorporated into our project, and that they benefit from the construction and operation of the PRGT pipeline project,” said Dean Patry, president of PRGT. “We are pleased that the Metlakatla First Nation will have a role in monitoring the construction and operation of the project.”
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The Metlakatla First Nation is located near Port Edward and considers Lelu Island, the proposed location for the Pacific NorthWest LNG facility, as a significant part of its traditional territory. Chief Harold Leighton expressed support for the project by saying, “The pipeline project and the Pacific NorthWest facility will benefit our members for many years to come. We are confident that TransCanada will work diligently to ensure our way of life and the environment, and in particular Lelu Island, will not be negatively affected by the project.” While the specific terms of the agreement remain confidential, it includes: Access to employment; Training and capacity development; and Initial and annual payments for the life of the project. The Metlakatla First Nation Project Agreement is the second signed with a member of the Tsimshian Nation. A previous agreement with the Kitselas First Nation was announced in April. Metlakatla First Nation has separately completed a term sheet agreement with Pacific NorthWest LNG. Along the pipeline route, PRGT has also signed project agreements with Doig River, Halfway River and Yekooche First Nations, Gitanyow First Nation, Kitselas First Nation, Lake Babine Nation and Nisga’a Lisims Government. PRGT is proposing to design, build, own and operate (subject to required regulatory and commercial approvals) a 900 kilometre natural gas pipeline to deliver natural gas from a point near Hudson’s Hope to the proposed Pacific NorthWest LNG facility at Lelu Island, off the coast of Port Edward, near Prince Rupert.
TUMBLER RIDGE Underground coal mine approval means economic benefits for BC The project, located in northeast British Columbia, about 12 kilometres south of Tumbler Ridge, is the first proposed longwall coal mine in British Columbia and would be the first operating underground long-wall mining operation in Canada. The mine’s owner, HD Mining International Ltd., estimates the capital cost for the project will be roughly $688 million. The company predicts that during its 25year operating life, the mine is expected to create 780 jobs. During operation, the mine will produce up to 4.8 million tonnes of clean coal per year and the company estimates the project will contribute more than $1 billion in total tax revenues to the province. HD Mining also estimates that the Murray River Coal project will contribute about $7.9 billion in direct, indirect and induced economic benefits in BC The Province issued an environmental assessment certificate to HD Mining International Ltd. for the Murray River Coal project on Oct. 1, 2015. British Columbia’s environmental assessment process involves a rigorous, thorough review that provides for significant opportunities for Aboriginal groups, government agencies and the public to influence the outcome of environmental assessments by providing input on the potential for environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects from a proposed project. Input from Aboriginal groups during the environmental assessment of the Murray River Coal Project influenced both the design of the project and the legally binding conditions that form part of the environmental assessment certificate.
HD Mining has advised that it plans to begin construction once it receives the necessary permits and approvals. Operations are expected to begin three years after the start of construction and would end after approximately 25 years. Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett said, “The Murray Coal Project shows that this government’s policies are working to attract global investment in British Columbia’s mining sector. Through our trade missions in China, India and other jurisdictions, we continue to build our economic portfolio, and create jobs and opportunities for British Columbians now and in the future. I think it’s also important to recognize that this mine, the first underground longwall coal mine in BC, will provide access to a huge quantity of high-quality, steelmaking coal while having a much lower impact on our environment.”
BC Brad Bennett appointed new chair of BC Hydro Premier Christy Clark announced the appointment of Brad Bennett to the position of chair of the BC Hydro board of directors. Bennett replaces outgoing chair Stephen Bellringer, whose term expires on Sept. 30, 2015. “Brad Bennett’s longstanding passion for reliable, affordable electricity has served the BC Hydro board – and all British Columbians – well for three years. He’ll bring that same dedication, business experience, and acumen to his new role,” said Premier Clark. “It will take someone of Brad’s ability to follow Stephen Bellringer, who has guided BC Hydro through an unparalleled period of renewal, including the approval of the Site C Clean Energy Project, the largest infrastructure project in the history of our province.” Brad Bennett is president of McIntosh Properties Ltd, a real estate and private equity investment company. In addition to the BC Hydro board he has served on a number of public and private company boards and his previous public service positions include chair of the University of British Columbia, chair of Okanagan University College (now Okanagan College), and chair of the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. Stephen Bellringer has served as BC Hydro chair since November 2012 and as chair of the Powerex board since October 2014. Prior to that he had served on the BC Hydro board as director for nine years over two separate terms. In addition to the final investment decision to proceed with the Site C dam, Bellringer has overseen the launch of a capital plan that will re-invest over $2-billion a year in BC Hydro’s aging system, and the release of an Integrated Resource Plan which maps BC Hydro’s future needs for the next generation. Also during his term, BC Hydro completed the Northwest Transmission Line, which is opening new economic opportunity in British Columbia’s northwest region, installed and commissioned a fifth generating unit at the Mica dam and generating station, and began the modernization of the BC Hydro electricity grid.
BC Up to $75-million Rural Dividend will help smaller communities Acting on the recommendation from the Rural Advisory Council, Premier Christy
NEWS UPDATE
OCTOBER 2015
Clark announced the up to $75-million Rural Dividend to assist communities transition their economies, during her speech to Union of British Columbia Municipalities’ delegates recently. Rural communities struggling to reinvigorate and diversify their local economies will be supported in building and implementing their own solutions, based on their community’s values and needs. The Rural Dividend will support innovative and ambitious ideas and solutions with potential for the greatest impact on rural communities. Supporting rural community transition and stability, the Rural Dividend will be focussed on the following priorities: building community capacity and quality of life; expanding learning and skill development opportunities; providing opportunities for rural youth to stay and return to rural communities and encouraging collaboration and partnerships between rural British Columbians and First Nations. The $25-million per-year pilot program will run from 2016-17 to 2018-19, and only be available to communities, outside urban areas, with a population of 25,000 or under. Communities will need to clearly articulate what the funds will be used for and demonstrate the need to be filled. The eligibility criteria and other program details will be finalized by March 2016. The application process will be fully operational starting 2016-17. The funding will be administered by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, given its responsibility for rural development. “As the global resource economy is in transition, some of the communities that contribute the most to BC are feeling the pinch. The Rural Advisory Council was set up to help identify opportunities for communities to diversify their economies – and now we’re delivering on our commitment to a Rural Dividend,” said Premier Christy Clark. The Rural Advisory Council was formed in March 2015 and chaired by Parliamentary Secretary Donna Barnett, the council is comprised of 14 other members from rural BC.
PRINCE RUPERT TransCanada Donates $250,000 to Support Aboriginal Skills Training and Education With TRICORP TransCanada’s Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project and Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project announced a $250,000 partnership with the Tribal Resources
Investment Corporation (TRICORP) to offer skills development and training for Aboriginal people in northwestern BC through TransCanada’s Pathway to Pipeline Readiness program. Since August of 2014, TransCanada has spent over $1 million on skills training initiatives in northern BC, supporting local colleges and Aboriginal training organizations. “TransCanada is committed to helping build stronger communities and a better quality of life for those living in northern BC Partnerships like this help communities take advantage of economic opportunities related to TransCanada’s BC pipeline projects,” says Tony Palmer, TransCanada’s senior Vice President, Stakeholder Relations. “Aboriginal and local communities, as well as the socio-economic assessments from both the Coastal GasLink and Prince Rupert pipeline projects, have identified the need for skills training and industry certification programs in northern BC. This partnership is a direct response to that feedback and we look forward to the contribution that these students will make to our industry.” “TRICORP has partnered with TransCanada and Service Canada to provide a unique opportunity for Aboriginal people in the Pacific Northwest to obtain the training needed to work in the LNG and other industry sectors,” adds Jacquie Ridley, Chief Operating Officer for TRICORP. “This ‘Training to Employment Program (TEP)’ will also provide the essential skills needed for those participants who are looking for further educational opportunities.” The program includes three, 10-week courses that will be offered through late 2015-2016 in northwest BC communities. Currently, programs are planned for Prince Rupert and two further courses are planned in other communities within TRICORP’s service area. It’s expected a total of 42 students will be served by this programming. TRICORP is the Service Canada delivery agent in the Northwest BC region for the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). The organization’s mission statement is “Our Vision for Our People; Economic Self Reliance”. TRICORP’s programs and services are targeted to entrepreneurs to start or expand their business, as well as increase capacity to deliver quality employment programming that offers skills development and training initiatives to Aboriginal citizens living in northwestern BC. Coastal GasLink is proposing to construct and operate (subject to required regulatory and commercial approvals) a 670-kilometre natural gas pipeline from the Groundbirch area near Dawson Creek. BC to the proposed LNG Canada liquefied natural gas
The Chamber requests your presence
Saturday, October 24, 2015 5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Tickets $95 PRINCE GEORGE CIVIC CENTRE
export facility near Kitimat. Project details can be found at www.coastalgaslink.com.
PRINCE GEORGE City Of Prince George Wins Community Energy Award At the recent Union of BC Municipalities convention held in Vancouver, the Honorable Mary Polak, BC’s Minister of Environment, presented awards recognizing the leadership of the City of Prince George. Prince George received one of only two awards presented to local governments. Prince George won in the “Corporate Operations” category for its new RCMP facility, which was built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The building has been designed to use 64 per cent less energy than a similar building built to the Canadian Building Code and uses solar energy, biomass, and waste heat for heating as well as an aquifer for geoexchange cooling. These enable the building to achieve greenhouse gas reductions of approximately 234 tonnes per year. Solar energy is used to pre-heat both the water and air used in the building. “This is the first major civic building constructed since adopting our Energy Efficiency and GHG policy,” says Mayor Lyn Hall. “In addition to helping the City meet our GHG reduction goals, this building supports downtown economic revitalization, conserves valuable resources, and enabled the extension of our District Energy System.” The City’s District Energy System utilizes sawmill residue from Lakeland Mills to heat nine buildings, including the RCMP building, in the downtown. This bioenergy system significantly reduces the consumption of natural gas for heating. “Local governments have been instrumental in helping the Province reach its GHG emission reduction targets,” says Minister Polak. “These awards celebrate how B.C.’s local governments are reducing GHG emissions from both transportation and buildings through thoughtful community and corporate planning and project implementation.”
BURNS LAKE Northern BC First Nation Studies Clean Energy Options The Wet’suwet’en First Nation will explore potential clean energy opportunities and ways of reducing energy use through
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the development of a new community energy plan. The community has identified the clean energy sector as a strategic priority. The plan will support the community’s examination of clean energy opportunities within its traditional territory and determine if it can or outline how it will provide a source of revenue, create employment opportunities, and contribute to more sustainable energy use. “Clean energy initiatives align with our goal of preserving and maintaining our environment. WFN is committed to ensuring we balance our environmental concerns with any future energy projects we might pursue in our traditional territory. This funding will help us explore some of the clean energy options that might be available,” explained Wet’suwet’en First Nation Chief Karen Ogen. The plan will also study the community’s energy use and total greenhouse gas emissions and provide options to reduce community energy use. To assist in developing the plan, the Wet’suwet’en First Nation will receive $30,000 in funding support from BC’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund. Through B.C.’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, $40,000 is also being provided to the Kitsumkalum First Nation, near Terrace, to study the feasibility of developing a 15-megawatt wood-burning, biomass electrical plant on the nation’s reserve lands. “This funding helps First Nations communities explore a variety of potential benefits, including reduced power consumption, job creation, and new revenue sources from clean energy development,” said John Rustad, MLA, Nechako Lakes. Funding for these projects and other agreements is part of the Province’s commitment to reconciliation with First Nations. This includes ensuring more nations are involved in economic opportunities that make their communities and the rest of the province stronger. Since 2011, more than 100 Aboriginal communities have benefited from $6.9 million in funding through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund. The fund supports First Nations participation in ocean and wind energy, biomass, solar, run-of river hydroelectric power, clean energy planning and related projects. The fund also allows First Nations with revenue-sharing agreements to receive a portion of water and land rents charged by the Province for new clean energy projects. BC has 35 clean energy revenue-sharing agreements with 27 First Nations. The clean energy technology industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in BC, with more than 200 organizations, 68 per cent of which were formed in the past decade.
PRINCE GEORGE
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OCTOBER 2015
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS AROUND THE CORNER
PRINCE GEORGE CHRISTIE RAY
Y
ou k now those moments in life when you re a l ly h it you r s t r id e a n d fe e l l i k e yo u a re d oi n g w h a t y o u ’ r e m e a n t t o d o? Our Chamber team is in that ‘zone’ this month. October i s Sm a l l Bu si ness Month a nd it is a ti me when we enthusiastically celebrate and serve our members in an ex t ra sp eci a l way. T he m ajority of ou r members a re small businesses, which isn’t surprising since 98 per cent of a l l b u s i n e s s e s i n B C a re considered small businesses (fe w e r t h a n 5 0 e m p l o y e e s) a nd employ over 1 m i l l ion British Columbians. For a g roup of p eople who
The majority of our members are small businesses, which isn’t surprising since 98 per cent of all businesses in BC are considered small businesses (fewer than 50 employees) and employ over 1 million British Columbians
risk so much, put their hearts into their work, and who receive ver y few accolades, it becomes even more i mportant to find ways to say thank you to t he sma l l busi ness owners who lend so much local support and add character to our city. How i s t h e P r i n c e G e orge Chamber celebrating our local businesses? October is the busiest month of our calendar yea r, made even busier th is ye a r w it h t he fe d era l ele ction activ ities goi ng on. On all our social media channels, you’ll see us giving shout outs to many of our members. We hope to bring attention to exceptional members by highl ig hti ng thei r work, specia l award recipients, and the effor ts t hey m a ke to en h a nce ou r loca l shoppi ng a nd service experiences. As networking is one of the b i g ge s t re a s o n s t h a t b u s inesses joi n the cha mber, we a re a l so host i n g a B u si ness A f ter 5 event on October 20 w it h t h e S cot i ab a n k where members ca n joi n us for refreshments, door prizes and, most importantly, an opportunity to make business connections with others. Fou r days later, is ou r bigge s t e v e n t o f t h e y e a r, t h e
Business Excellence Awards, which is a ‘Godfather’ theme this year. We are encouraging guests to don their best 1920s i nspi red att i re to come joi n the busi ness ‘fa m i l ies’ of P r i n c e G e o rge a t t h e C i v i c Centre. Our experience over t he yea rs i s t h at by m a k i ng this celebration highly entertaining, we not only increase the profile of exceptional loca l bu si nesses but we show the lighter side of business. F i n a l l y, w i t h t h e f e d e ra l election happen i ng th is month, we have taken it upon ou rselves to i ncite the b u si ness com mu n it y to get in touch with their local political candidates and educate themselves on the platforms presented. It is pa rticu la rly important for local business people to consider how business interests will be served by t he va r iou s pa r t ie s. B ut none of t h i s m atters u n less we vote! Chamber activities focus on action and one of the best ways business people can make things happen in their community is to vote on October 19th. For more i n for m at ion a nd reg ist rat ion for a l l t hese events and more, please visit o u r w e b s i te a t p gc h a m b e r. bc.ca and follow us on Twitter
(@pgchamber1) and Facebook for reg u l a r up d ates. H appy Small Business month! Christie Ray is the CEO of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at christie.ray@ pgchamber.bc.ca
FRESH THINKING, EXPEDITING CHANGE
SOUTH CARIBOO
The amount of insight and ideas that these speakers brought to the group could fill a room.
SHELLY MORTON
O
Suite 130 – 177 Victoria Street Prince George, BC
ctober is Small Business Month in British Columbia! Small businesses make up a major part of the South Cariboo’s business community and play a critical role in drivi ng loca l economy a nd creating jobs. It’s time to celebrate the hard working entrepreneurs with the same spirit as they bring to our community. As the Chamber Committee starts to gear up for our Business Excellence Awards in the spring, it’s time for you to think about your favorite small businesses. D id yo u k n o w, s m a l l businesses are not only the backbone of many of our organizations, but are the life blood of the BC
economy? Small businesses represent 98 per cent of all businesses in BC and employ over 1 million British Columbians. There is no doubt small business is a key driver of the provincial economies, as well as the local economies they do business in. You ca n a lso suppor t small businesses by nominating them for the13th Annual Small Business BC Awards. Please visit the Small Business BC Awards website (sbbcawards.ca) to nominate your favorite business and to see the benefits of having your business nominated. ■■■ The next South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce
Luncheon will take place on November 2nd with guest speakers from United Way. The topic will be “United Way is Good for Business”. Contact the Chamber Office to RSVP. ■■■ Are you interested in the benefits of becom i ng a chamber member? If you are joining for the first time as a new member, you can submit your registration as early as November 1 st for 2016 and it includes November and December of 2015. Welcome to our newest members Dan Rimell – LifeCycle Financials and Jodi Christianon – Rustic Elements, a brand new business in 100 Mile House. Visit our website www. southcariboochamber.org for a complete list of our business members. Shelly Morton is Executive Director of the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce, which covers from Clinton to Lac La Hache, including 100 Mile House. She can be contacted at manager@ southcariboochamber.org or 250-395-6124.
QUESNEL
OCTOBER 2015
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SMALL BUSINESS WEEK CELEBRATES LOCAL BUSINESSES The 2015 Business Excellence Awards will be Oct 24th, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at the Quesnel Seniors Centre
QUESNEL WILLIAM LACY
T
he third week of October m a rk s Sm a l l B u si ness Week in Canada. From the 18th to the 24th, Chambers of Commerce and other business related organizations across the country will be holding events, workshops, trade fairs, and more, to celebrate and highlight small businesses. The Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce has close to 250 members and 89 per cent of these members are made up of Small Businesses, businesses that have less than 50 employees. With such a large portion of our membership made up of small businesses, it is important to us to celebrate these businesses and their success. The Ministry of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction has
launched a Small Business Profile for the month of October. Each day throughout the month, a small business from the province is highlighted. Minister Coralee Oakes reached out to Chambers in the province to put forward a small business in their area that participates in community
events and provide valuable products and services. The Quesnel Chamber chose to submit Big Canyon Rafting for this project. Big Canyon Rafting has operated in Quesnel since 1998, rafting down the rivers of the CaribooChilcotin. With many years of experience, enthusiasm and passion, Big Canyon Rafting is an asset to the community. During Small Business Week, t he Ch a mb er w i l l hold t wo events, a 12@12 lunch session and our 2015 Business Excellence Awards. The 12@12 session will focus on businesses that offer services for businesses such as insurance companies, banks and financial institutions, realtors, and more. Nine owners and managers will be invited to lunch to discuss how their businesses are doing, how they are affected by changes in the economy and what these businesses consider to be challenges for our local small businesses. The 2015 Business Excellence Awards will be Oct 24th, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at the Quesnel Seniors Centre. There are ten categories to be awarded including Employee of the Year, Business Person of the Year, and Business of the Year Under and Over 10 employees. A total of 56 nominations were received by members of the public for this year’s awards. Previously held
in February, the Chamber Board of Directors opted to move the Business Excellence Awards to October to coincide with Small Business Week to further highlight our successful businesses. The night will feature a buffet dinner, awards presentation, and entertainment by magician, Jesaja Class. Tickets for the event are $50.00 each and can be purchased in advance at the Quesnel Visitor Centre. ‘It is important to all of us at the Chamber that our focus is on supporting our local businesses. We have worked very hard to implement programs and services that we believe will be beneficial
and valuable to our members and to the business community. The Board of Directors are always coming up with new and fresh ideas and are not afraid to try something new and creative to accomplish our goals. We are especially proud of our Policy and Advocacy work and how we have continued to develop our procedures in this area to ensure that our voice is being heard,” said Amber Gregg, Chamber Manager. William Lacy is President and Chair of the Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached through qchamber@quesnelbc.com.
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6 CANADIAN WESTERN BANK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
service for their other business and personal banking needs. The responsiveness, the ability to make decisions locally and to build those relationships face to face with our clients, those are some of the things we see as our key differentiators.” “Because of our business model and the way we function we’re more nimble than the big banks. We can act faster, make a decision sooner,” Dougherty said. “Our decisions are made locally - that’s what sets us apart. You walk into any branch of one of Canada’s large banks and they’ll be sending off their files to a credit centre in Vancouver or Calgary or Toronto and you’ll be dealing with a credit centre that adjudicates for the entire country. So what number are you?” Canadian Western Bank was created specifically to counteract that feeling of being a number and to match the needs of business and personal clients in Western Canada. “Our story really starts in 1984. Alberta was experiencing a low cycle at that time, somewhat similar to what we’re seeing now,” explained Saveraux. “A local group of entrepreneurs recognized that the major financial institutions (which were all based in the east) were pulling investment out of the west. They came together and decided ‘we
OCTOBER 2015
“We’re very focused on building relationships with our clients” ANGELA SAVERAUX PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER
A fixture in Prince George for more than a decade, Canadian Western Bank is no longer strictly a business-only banking institution can offer something we think would be better’ in terms of a financial institution that is based in the west and supports the efforts of Western Canadian individuals and businesses.” Today, CWB has 41 branches across the four western provinces, and has grown into a full service financial institution offering banking, trust, and wealth management services. Saveraux stated, “What hasn’t changed during that growth period is our commitment to working hard for
our clients, providing responsive service, having an in-depth knowledge of our markets and really delivering on our commitment to provide a unique brand of client service. We’re very focused on building relationships with our clients.” For Dougherty, that level of local knowledge and personal service is what sets his bank apart and gives it an edge over the competition. “When you walk into our branch my office is the first one you find, not some corner
office in the back where I hide and only deal with the big clients, I’m actually the first person you meet.” he said. “A bank should be welcoming, not intimidating. Our business clients say gone are the days at other banks when you can walk into a branch, grab a cup of coffee and just sit down and talk business with the Branch Manager. That’s still the way it is at our bank and our clients appreciate that. It’s friendly, it’s inviting and it’s personal.”
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KITIMAT
OCTOBER 2015
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CFIB releases Property Tax Report Focus is on tax gap
K
ITIMAT – Are businesses being taxed unfairly by municipalities when compa red to residentia l ta x payers? That was the question asked by t he Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) when it recently released its latest Property Tax Report. Unveiled at the September meeting of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) the Federation’s report (its ninth annual) examined statistics collected from more than 160 municipalities from across the province over a 10 year period (2004 to 2014). The results confirmed what business owners already know, business tax rates are higher, five or six times higher (or more in extreme cases) when compared to what municipalities levy residential property tax payers. “The good news is some modest progress is being made to na rrow the gap a nd ma ke municipal property taxes fairer for small business. The bad news is a lot of heavy lifting remains to be done, especially by the bigger cities that too often are the biggest offenders,” stated Richard Truscott, CFIB’s Vice-President for BC and Alberta during the UBCM session. In the preface to the Report the CFIB analysts state: “As in previous years, this report focuses on the “property tax gap”, the difference between what a commercial property owner and a residential property owner pay in taxes based on the same assessed value of property. CFIB analysis shows the overall tax gap across all
BC municipalities has fluctuated considerably over the last ten years. From 2004 to 2009, the property tax gap expanded from 2.54 to 2.90. Thankfully, in the five years since, the tax gap has na rrowed by a more modest amount to 2.61.” The Report went on to indicate that while improving, the size of the tax gap varies wildly from municipality to municipality. “However, much more remains to be done. Although the overall tax gap has begun to decline in recent years, too many municipalities, including most of the largest cities in the province, continue to levy three, four, or even close to five times the tax on a commercial property compared to a residential property,” the Report stated. I n N o r t h e r n B r i t i s h C o lumbia the City of K itimat is among the province’s hardest hit ranked 160 out of 161 mun icipalities polled, w ith the Report indicating a one-year increase in the ta x gap from 2013 to 201 4 of 19 p erc ent. T he Report goes on to state: “The ten-year trend increase for Kitimat, however, is even more alarming: 80.6 percent. This increase is largely due to how Kitimat taxes commercial versus residential properties. Kitimat employs a flat tax and a small variable rate on residential properties, while charging commercial properties a higher variable rate and no f lat tax. This artificially def lates the residential tax rate when assessed property values increase as the flat tax is not sensitive to these changes. Consequently, the tax cost increases at a
The results confirmed what business owners already know, business tax rates are higher, five or six times higher when compared to what municipalities levy residential property tax payers
much faster rate for commercial properties than residential properties. Kitimat’s average property va lue i ncreased by 74 per cent between 2011 and 2014, burgeoning the tax gap and unfairly hitting businesses by increasing their total tax bill much more than for residents.” T he Report a lso goes on to show that of the province’s 10 most populous cities, Coquitlam had the largest tax gap at 4.31, followed by Va ncouver (4.27), a nd B u r n aby ( 3.99). “T h at mea n s, for i n sta nce, b a s e d o n a v e ra ge p ro p e r t y values, a resident in Vancouver would pay $5,052 in total property taxes (including the prov i ncia l portion), wh i le a business would pay $21,508, over four times more,” the Report stated. “Over the past decade, it’s simply been easier for the politicia ns to stick more of the prop er t y ta x bi l l to pay for e v e r-e x p a n d i n g m u n i c i p a l gover n ments on loca l busin e s s e s . Fo r s m a l l e r f i r m s , ma ny of wh ich operate on razor-thin profit margins and i n h ig h ly comp et it ive m a rkets, shou lderi ng a h igh ta x burden can mean the difference between success and failu re,” ex pla i ned T r uscott at the UBCM. In a recent CFIB survey, 61 per cent of business owners ranked property taxes as the most ha rm f u l ta x for their operations. The small ski resort community of Sun Peaks, located east of Kamloops has the dubious distinction of having the widest tax gap in the province, a jaw-d roppi ng 2 2.5 p ercent.
T he u n ique m a ke-up of t he community, being developed as an adjunct to the Sun Peaks R esor t, skews t he nu mb ers when it is compared to more t rad it ion a l com mu n it ies i n the province. Only incorporated in 2010 the community has a resident popu lation of less than 400, with fewer than 1,000 additional non-resident property ow ners ca lling the area home. The latest analysis provided by the CFIB shows the overall tax gap for all BC municipalities has fluctuated considerably over the past 10 years: growing from 2.54 in 2004 to 2.90 in 2009 before narrowing by a small amount to 2.61 by 2014. “Small businesses are sick and tired of being treated like a cash cow. Mayors and councils should commit to creating a deliberate and meaningful plan to make their property tax systems much more fair for entrepreneurs”, Truscott said in his concluding remarks. The full CFIB report can be viewed at: http://www.cfibfcei.ca/cfib-documents/ bc1030.pdf
CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – CANADA’S RESOURCE CITIES INITIATIVE
KITIMAT TRISH PARSONS
A
s pa rt of the Resou rce C it i e s i n it i at ive, t h e Canadian Chamber of Commerce orga n i zed a BC tou r that h ig h l ig hted the i mpor ta nce of the natu ra l resou rces i ndustr y to the success of the local, provincial and national economies. T he tou r a l lowed 10 execut ives f rom loca l ch a mbers of com merce across Ca nada to v i sit t he West Coa st a nd lea r n about t he i ndu st r y i n
The Partnership for Resource Trade seeks to create greater awareness among all Canadians regarding the importance of our natural resources to the growth of the Canadian economy and the continued prosperity of Canada.
va rious regions. T he goa l of the tou r is that the pa rticipants will take what they’ve lea rned a nd relay the i n form at ion back to t hei r loca l communities so that they too ca n be more in formed about Ca n ad a’s n atu ra l resou rces industries. T he Gateway to A si a Tou r g r o u p i n c l u d e d Wa r r e n Everson, Sen ior Vice P resident, Policy, of the Canadian Ch a mb er of Com merce a nd representatives from the Kelow n a , S pr u c e G rove, Sa sk atchewa n, Dawson Creek, B e l l e v i l l e , Fo r t S a s k a t c hewan, Red Deer and Cambridge Chambers of Commerce. The three day tour began in Vancouver on September 29, conti nu i ng on to P ri nce Rupert and concluding with a stop in Kitimat on October 1 st . The opportunities in Asia and for British Columbia are not
just about oil. Other sectors of Canada’s natural resource sector including the Seafood Producers Association of BC, Council of Forest Industries a nd the M i n i ng A ssociation of British Columbia shared an overview of their industries at meetings in Vancouver. Tours of transportation infrastructu re i ncluded CN Rail, Port Metro Vancouver and Kinder Morgan. In Prince Rupert opportunities were provided for tours of Prince Rupert Grain, Fairview Container Terminal and Ridley Terminals. Tour participants arrived in Kitimat for a luncheon hosted b y t h e K it i m at Ch a m b er of Commerce on October 1 with keynote speakers Gaby Porier, G enera l Ma nager, R io T into a nd Seiichi Tsurumi, of t he Project Team for LNG Canada. Following the luncheon, the
g roup v isited the LNG Ca nada site i n K iti mat for more detailed information of their proposed project and facility in Kitimat. T he Ca nad ia n Cha mber of Com merce has pa rtnered with other leading organizations and individuals to form the Partnership for Resource T rade. T he Pa r t nersh ip for Resource Trade seeks to create greater awareness among a l l Ca nad ia ns rega rd i ng the importance of our natural resources to the grow th of the Ca n ad i a n economy a nd t he continued prosperity of Canada. Visit PowerofCanada.ca for more information. Trish Parsons is Executive Director of the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250-632-6294 or tparsons@ kitimatchamber.ca
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SMITHERS
OCTOBER 2015
COMMUNITY VITALITY: HOW DO WE MEASURE PROGRESS?
SMITHERS HEATHER GALLAGHER
O
n T hu rsd ay, O c tob e r 8, o v e r 6 0 c o m m u nity leaders from va rious organizations throughout Sm ithers joi ned i n the conversation “Community Vitali t y : H o w D o We M e a s u r e Progress?” The event was a joint venture initiative between the Town of Smithers, Northern Health, and the Bulkley Valley Social Pl a n n i n g S o c i e t y. T h e y ’ v e established a “Pa rtnering for Hea lt h ier Com mu n it ies committee” and are working to explore and define a set of com mu n ity v ita l ity i nd icators for Smithers. The daylong workshop had tables of eight discussing how to determine indicators to define how well the community is advancing i n v a r i o u s s e c to r s l i k e t h e economy, education, hea lth
Dr. Hancock spoke about the common elements of community health and vitality, and how different jurisdictions are seizing the opportunity to better track improvements in people’s quality of life
a nd wel l ne ss, t he env i ronment, transportation, arts and culture, recreation and other identified topics. Everything from agriculture to housing; civic engagement to diversity was discussed by passionate representatives from hea lth orga n i zations, busi ness organizations, elected officials and other community groups. D u r i n g t h e e v e n t a p r e sentation by Dr. Trevor Hancock covered how to develop s t rate g ie s to m e a s u re s u ccess in Smithers! As villages, tow ns a nd cities a rou nd the world are all asking the same question about how to define progress. Dr. Hancock spoke about the common elements of community health and v it a l it y, a nd how d i f ferent jurisdictions are seizing the oppor tu n ity to better t rack i m p r o v e m e n t s i n p e o p l e ’s quality of life. D r H a n c o c k i s a n i n t e rnationally known researcher a nd sp e a ker on t he he a lt hy c o m m u n i t y ’s m o v e m e n t . Fresh of f a spea k i ng t r ip to Austra l ia, he was i n Sm ithe r s to s u p p o r t c o m m u n i t y work on developi n g a community report card that will assist the Tow n a nd Nor ther n Hea lt h i n a ssessi ng t he Bulkley Valley’s vitality and wel l-bei ng. It wa s a n event
that allowed participants to d iscuss cha l lenges faced by small communities while embracing the vast abundance of existing services provided and the group’s appreciation and celebrat ion of t he v ibra ncy that is prevalent in Smithers/ Telkwa. ■■■ Building Northern BC Event held Friday, October 9 Ezra Lavant was in Smithers to speak at a grassroots event ca l led “Bu i ld i ng Northern BC” held October 9. The event was organized and funded by K lye T h o m s o n , o w n e r a n d General Manager of Monster Industries. Levant is a broadcaster, provocateur and bestsel l i ng author. A s Ca nad a’s b e s t-k n o w n c o n s e r v a t i v e pundit, Ezra Levant provokes discussion and debate wherever he appears. Whether it’s taking a hard look at human rights, political correctness, t he et h ics of oi l or t he polit ic a l events of t he d ay. He has someth i ng i nsig htf u l to say about everything, and he encourages everyone to think critically—and skeptically— about what’s going on around us. T he former host of the late Sun News Network’s alwayscontroversial daily news prog ra m, T he Source, L eva nt is
also the founder and publisher of the online news platform, T he Rebel Media. Levant is a bestselling author of a number of books includ ing the 2011 National Business Book Award winner Ethical Oil: The Case for Canada’s Oil Sands, a nd G ro u n d s wel l : T h e Ca s e for F rack in g. He a l so w rote the controversia l biog raphy T h e E n e m y W i t h i n : Te r ro r, L i e s a n d t h e W h i t e wa s h i n g of O m a r K h a d r. L eva nt i s a free speech activist who has fought censorship laws, which he docu mented i n h is book, Shakedown: How Our Government is Undermining Democra c y i n th e Na m e of Hu m a n Rights, which was selected by the Writers’ Trust as the “Best Canadian Political Book. T he event was i ntended to be a celebration of industrial o p p o r t u n i t i e s i n No r t h e r n BC a nd the ra ised f u nds a re to go to a Nor t hwe s t Commu n ity Col lege Schola rsh ip and Bursary Fund. Following the key note there were a lso brief remarks from Conservat ive Pa r ty Ca nd id ate, T yler Nesbitt. Heather Gallagher is Manager of the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce. She can be contacted at heather@smitherschamber.com.
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9
OCTOBER 2015
MEETING PLACES Huge Range Of Business Meeting Options Available In BC Whatever the size, whatever the need, if you’re in BC there will be a meeting place available to handle any style of business function BY DAVID HOLMES
B
R I T I S H COL U M BI A – Rustic to sophisticated, sprawl i ng to i nt i m ate, the range of venues available to host business gatherings in BC are as diverse and unique as the communities in which they’re situated. From state of the art conference centres in the urban core, to out of the way retreats that are living echoes of simpler times, British Columbia is blessed with an embarrassing wealth of exciting meeting place options. If you’re in the Victoria area and are organizing an event for several hundred of your closest friends or business associates, the premier Capital Region destination has to be the Victoria Conference Centre (VCC). Located in the heart of the city’s downtown core, this sprawling complex, linked to the world famous Fairmont Empress Hotel, features a mind-boggling 73,000 square feet of magnificent meeting space, spread across no less than 19 separate multi-purpose meeting rooms. The VCC also features a large exhibit hall if a companion trade show is part of your get together plans and a 400 seat lecture theatre for formal training opportunities. Ample parking space is also available for all of attendees, thanks to a large two-tiered underground parking lot located directly beneath the centre. If that isn’t enough, right across the street from the Conference Centre is Victoria’s historic Crystal Garden, which serves as a companion meeting venue for the VCC. Considered one of the most beautiful meeting places in western Canada, the Crystal Garden boast more than 25,000 square feet of meeting space, enough legroom to host exhibits or functions for more than 1,500 people. To learn more about the Victoria Conference Centre check out its website: http://victoriaconference.com/ However, if you’re planning a business or social event in the Okanagan, then consider making the Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa your target destination. Located on beautiful Lake Okanagan, Summerland
Conveniently located in city centre, the Ramada Prince George can easily handle business gatherings of up to 300
Located in downtown Prince George, Ramada Prince George is one of the Cariboo’s best business meeting venues is ideally situated only minutes from the area’s main urban centres, yet a world away in terms of lifestyle and idyllic beauty. The Summerland Waterfront Resort is the perfect spot for business meetings of 100 or so individuals. The facility, with its magnificent lake backdrop, features a waterfront ballroom (1,800 sq ft) with a capacity of about 150, an intimate lakeshore boardroom for small gatherings and an outdoor venue perfect for informing or entertaining groups of 100 or more - ideal for open air meetings or team building activities.
The Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa is the perfect place to unwind, or get down to business (as long as the beautiful views don’t distract too much). The facility has earned a solid reputation for hosting everything from wedding parties and sporting themed events to business retreats and small scale banquets. To learn more visit its website at: http://summerlandresorthotel. com/ Returning to Vancouver Island, if a business gathering in the Victoria area is scheduled, but something other than a city centre
venue appeals, then consider planning your next session at Church and State Wines in nearby Brentwood Bay. A working winery, Church and State Wines actually operate two facilities in the province, the Brentwood Bay location and its main vineyard and outlet in Oliver in the Okanagan. Described as Vancouver Island’s largest and most prolific winery, Church and State is well stocked to handle small to medium sized functions. “For corporate events, we are SEE MEETING PLACES | PAGE 10
MEETING PLACES
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OCTOBER 2015
MEETING PLACES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
able to host up to 300 people, with a full kitchen and bar. Our executive chef can prepare menus ranging from passed canapes to full multi-course custom dinners,” explained Church and State’s John Pullen. “We have indoor and outdoor spaces, with the wrap around patio being heated in cold weather. We offer a full building PA system with wireless microphones. In the past, we have hosted events for Porsche, BMW, multiple hospital and health organizations, the BC Wine Institute, and many other high-profile national and multinational businesses.” T he faci l ity (on ly m i nutes from dow ntow n Victoria) is very adaptable, as the Church and State staff are able to tailor the layout of the building and exterior to meet the needs of its clients. Learn more online by visiting: http://churchandstatewines.com/ If your business activities carry you to the Peace / Cariboo the heart of the region is the bustling city of Prince George, and at the heart of Prince George is the Ramada Hotel. The Ramada Prince George is considered one of the best choices for business meetings in the city. The hotel offers a range of options for business and personal gatherings, SEE MEETING PLACES | PAGE 11
The original Old House Restaurant continues to operate, offering the culinary delights that have made the restaurant famous
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OCTOBER 2015
MEETING PLACES MEETING PLACES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
The Guest House’s restaurant area provides a unique space for gatherings of a dozen or more visitors
In all the Victoria Conference Centre features more than 75,000 sq ft of space, including a 400 seat amphitheatre
Church and State Wines in Brentwood Bay just outside of Victoria has hosted many functions, including one for Porsche
from intimate boardrooms for private discussions, to the hotel’s spacious convention facility capable of seating as many as 300. The hotel offers seven individual meeting rooms, many of them bright with natural lighting and views of the active downtown core. The Ramada Prince George’s staff is one of the hotel’s key assets. “Our experienced team is prepared to assist you in choosing the best layout to suit your meeting or event. Each of our meeting and event spaces are able to accommodate many different set up styles. Should you be attending for a trade show, media event or a classroom session, we have many options to best suit your needs,” the hotel’s literature states. As one of Prince George’s principal meeting and conference specialists the Ramada Prince George has partnered with the best audiovisual experts in the region to provide a range of state of the art presentation tools for its visitors. The complex is equipped to provide everything from video conferencing to multi-media presentations. To learn more visit the hotel’s website: http:// ramadaprincegeorge.com/ From large scale business events to small scale team building, the Old House Hotel and Spa in Courtenay on Vancouver Island is the perfect place to get away from it all, without losing access to the latest in services and technology. With an origin story going back decades, the original Old House was just that, a unique riverside character home that had been converted into a restaurant noted for its spectacular fare. But over time the current Hotel and Spa complex sprang up around the original structure, adding volumes of luxurious accommodation and a well-equipped business and meeting centre designed for groups of 60 or more. “Our meeting centre is fully wired for commerce and commu n ication i nclud i ng aud io visual equipment, screen, ceiling mount projector and can accommodate up to 64 guests,” as stated on the website. The business centre is actually two separate rooms, the Denman and Hornby (named after two nearby islands), but the staff can quickly shift the walls to convert the location into a single room of nearly 800 square feet. Of course the food and catering the Old House is so famous for is also readily available for the delight of the business traveler. Check out the Hotel’s website to learn more: http://www.oldhousevillage. com/ If you’re in the mood for something completely different, how about the intimacy of a gathering in a rustic log house, a literal stone’s throw from the waters of Lac la Hache in the heart of the Cariboo? The Cariboo Log Cabin Guest House is located only 200 meters from the expansive body
11 “Our executive chef can prepare menus ranging from passed canapes to full multi-course custom dinners.” JOHN PULLEN
of water that gives this quaint community its name. The Guest House is like a living legacy to the pioneering spirit that opened up the region. The perfect spot for small scale team building or private business functions, far from the stresses of the workplace, the Cariboo Log Cabin Guest House consists of six rustic rooms and a companion restaurant big enough to hold a gathering of a dozen or more. Internet-equipped, the peaceful spot offers personal and friendly service in either English or German. Actually a Bed and Breakfast operation, under normal conditions the related restaurant does not serve dinners, but when a special group session is in progress meals are served throughout the day, according to the owner. Located on Highway 97 just north of 100 Mile House, the Cariboo Log Guest House feels more like a ski lodge than it does a traditional hotel – a feeling experienced routinely by visitors from around the world. To learn more visit the Guest House’s website: http://www.cariboologguesthouse.com/ Finally in our whirlwind tour of some of the province’s best and most unique business venues, let’s end where we began, at an expansive and state of the art urban conference centre, this time in Kelowna. The Delta Grand Okanagan Resort and Conference Centre in Kelowna is the city’s crown jewel for business gatherings. The Hotel itself features nearly 400 guest rooms, while it offers business visitors a choice of 17 different meeting rooms, with varying degrees of size and intimacy, right up to a massive 14,000 square foot conference room with a capacity of about 1,500. Full access to all of the latest in online resources and a full range of audio video services are also on call for business users of the centre. T he hotel is located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, while the hotel and conference centre themselves were recently ranked among the Top Waterfront Hotels in Canada by Canoe.ca. When not engaged in business activities (and we know what all work does to Jack), visitors are encouraged to visit some of the many other attractions of the area such as the numerous nearby vineyards and recreational opportunities. Check out the centre’s website to learn more: https://www. deltahotels.com/Hotels/DeltaGrand-Okanagan-Resort-ConfCntr
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OCTOBER 2015
SCS is taking the Peace by storm New labour and equipment supplier is enjoying big success GOODY NIOSI
D
AWSON CREEK – Smith Connelly Services Ltd. (SCS) has only been in full operation in the Peace region since early June of this year – and already it is making tremendous inroads in Northern BC and beyond. To date, it has doubled its revenue expectations and is receiving positive feedback from the municipalities and oil and gas companies it has worked with. SCS supplies labour and equipment for a vast variety of projects in Northeastern BC and Northwestern Alberta. The company’s clients include oil and gas clients, various municipalities such as the company’s home town of Dawson Creek and general contractors. SCS has its own fleet of smaller equipment plus a relationship with KRents that gives the company access to larger equipment. Projects SCS works on include lease and plant site installations, chainlink, barb wire and paige wire fencing and landscaping including hydroseeding and more. Blair Smith, General Manager and Vice President of Business Development and Paul Connelly, Vice President of operations, b ega n t he pr i m a r y work of
Paul Connelly is a partner in SCS and the operations manager
Blair Smith helped form the company in late 2014
forming the company in late 2014. Together, they have been in the construction industry throughout their careers both in Northern BC and abroad. Between them they have built highways and bridges and have worked in the oil and gas industry. “Then we saw the niche market,” Smith said. “The market is labour and small equipment to perform lease and plant site work, road maintenance and other tasks.” At first, their focus was on labour and small equipment, but that quickly expanded to providing a large variety of all the crew and equipment
their clients might need. “We can provide anything from a labourer swinging a hammer to a large excavator or bulldozer,” Smith said, adding that the company has already brought in larger than expected revenues. Smith pointed out that SCS invested heavily in brand new equipment and also purchased its own shop and yard in Dawson Creek. Being local is important to SCS. The company always looks to hire local as much as possible and prefers to always give local vendors the first crack at purchasing. Smith said a case in
SCS takes on projects like road building and maintenance
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OCTOBER 2015
“We want to be a onestop shop for industry clients in the Peace region. They should be able to come to us and get anything they want.” BLAIR SMITH GENERAL MANAGER AND VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, SMITH CONNELLY SERVICES LTD.
SCS Supplies labour and equipment for a vast variety of projects point is how Northern Metallic in Dawson Creek was successful on SCS’s large purchase of small tools and equipment. Capital Ford in Dawson Creek was successful on being the selected vendor on 6 - F550’s and Brandt Tractor in Fort St. John was the successful equipment provider for its first six pieces of equipment. “We don’t just rent – we own our shop and yard,” he said, pointing out that such a big investment is proof of the confidence the company has in its future. SCS has excellent connections and relationships with local First Nations in the Treaty Eight area that includes contractors and service providers throughout Treaty
Eight. Smith said that SCS always strives to work for and with Treaty Eight First Nation companies and other First Nation companies in the area. Smith said that he and Connelly firmly believe that negotiating the best price possible for standard and non-standard products throughout Western Canada ensures that SCS clients are provided with the best price possible to assist in managing any budget. SCS is also a dealer for all Nilex products, which means excellent local pricing on Nilex’s engineered technically advanced materials. SCS is a KRents (SMS Equipment’s Equipment Rental Division) rental depot, which
means access to KRents’ equipment fleet that boasts almost 400 pieces of rental equipment. We’re diverse,” Smith said. “We want to be a one-stop shop for industry clients in the Peace region. They should be able to come to us and get anything they want – that’s why we have strategic relationships with KRents and Nilex.” He added that to date, the company has received nothing but praise and kudos for the work it has completed. “We haven’t had issues with any of our clients – the City of Dawson Creek and a number of oil and gas companies being our biggest clients currently,” Smith
said. “It’s been great so far. We hear nothing but good things. We work with many clients and their consultants who like us and respect us and have started calling us when they require tasks to be completed.” He pointed out that both partners know Dawson Creek well. They know the weather, the terrain and the working conditions in Northern BC. Connelly, in particular, who is native to Dawson Creek and whose work history is closely tied to the city and Peace region, has many contacts both personal and professional, and is deeply connected to the community and to the North. “We not only own the company, we also run the day-to-day
operations,” Smith said. “We have nothing but brand new equipment, we have very good employees, we’re responsive, and we’re honest. That’s what we’re about in a nutshell.” He added that the company has big plans for the future. “Number one, we want to firmly plant our company in the Peace, then we want to expand our business at a controlled growth rate. We want every oil and gas company, every municipality and every contractor to give us a call first. We won’t let them down. We know how to build in Northeastern BC.” Smith Connelly Services Ltd. is at 11205 1st. Street in Dawson Creek. www.scserviceslimited.com
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OCTOBER 2015
FAMILY-RUN FORESTRY BUSINESS ANTICIPATES A BRIGHT FUTURE SPOTLIGHT
For nearly 35 years Terracebased Main Logging Ltd. has operated across the province, from Northern BC to Vancouver Island
T
ERRACE – Some critics suggest the province’s forestry sector is a sunset industry. That statement would get an argument from the owners of Terrace’s Main L og g i ng Ltd . Fo r n e a rl y 35 years this family-owned and operated business has grown, evolved and is preparing for an even brighter futu re. “Ma in Logging was incorporated in 1981 by my father Greg and has been working continuously in the i ndustry for the past 3 4 years,” said company Manger Dan Main. “It’s definitely a family business,” Main said. “The company is managed and operated by myself and my two brothers Walker and Sam. We also have a very skilled and reliable staff.” A full phase logging contractor, Main Logging can handle all aspects of the forestry assignments it’s given, from falling the trees to transporting them to the mill. “Our backbone is logg i ng but over the past few yea rs, we have d iversified ourselves into clearing and grubbing to capitalize on the opportunities that have presented themselves in the northwest, pri ma ri ly on i ndustrial projects.” T he company has created a successful niche for itself by developing the skills and the te c h n iq u e s ne e d e d to work within specialized forestry environments, such as clearing right of ways along power lines and other industrial work sites. “This is different than what would happen in a traditional logging setting, you do many of the same things (falling trees,
A true family business. Main brothers Walker (left), Dan (middle) and Sam (right) continue to operate the business founded by their father Greg in 1981
“I don’t think anyone can fathom just how big this will be once it occurs.” DAN MAIN GENERAL MANAGER
For nearly 35 years Main Logging has operated as a full phase logging operator, priding itself on its ‘stump to dump’ full service capabilities
SEE FORESTRY BUSINESS | PAGE 15
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Off-road & Large Trucks 4 HOUR SER E VICE AVAILABLE V Call Smitty Smith today! C: (250) 615-7471
Congratulations to Greg, Dan, Walker and Sam plus the team at Main Logging.
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Certified Technicians We specialize in: brakes, tires, & front-end alignment
(250) 635-1611 | Terrace, BC www.northcoastequipment.ca
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15
OCTOBER 2015
FORESTRY BUSINESS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
removing logs) but now we’re working within a construction area grubbing, stripping and disposing of waste wood,” he explained. “It’s a little bit more involved than what would happen if we were logging an area in a traditional sense. It’s going to be a l ittle bit more precise a nd to higher safety and environmental standards. We’ve had to sophisticate ourselves in order to meet the requirements to work within the oil and gas industry.” T he compa ny a l so h a s t he skills and equipment to take care of all aspects of the land clearing operation for its clients. “We have the equipment and the experience involved in dealing with big wood and on steep and otherwise challenging terrain.” Today with a crew compliment of about 45, the company
Main Logging has developed both a market and a reputation for its grapple – yarding logging skills, currently operating nine of the machines
The skills the company’s team possesses have kept the company at the forefront of the industry, providing jobs for about 45 workers
Always proud to provide our services to Main Logging Ltd.
102 - 4925 Keith Ave TERRACE, BC
250-635-4466 www.speedyglass.ca
SERVICE SINCE 1947
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Grapple-yarding equipment is at the heart of Main Logging’s operations. The company has used this system for more than 30 years
PETERBILT PACIFIC INC. (TERRACE)
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Congratulations to Main Logging on many years of success and best wishes for many more.
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westernequipmentltd.com
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REAL ESTATE
16
OCTOBER 2015
Regional Housing Sales Record Slight Dip
P
Main Logging is a full service forestry company, operating nine grapple-yarders and a fleet of logging trucks
FORESTRY BUSINESS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
o p e ra te s a f l e e t o f l o g g i n g trucks, feller bunchers, processors, log loaders and nine i n d u s t r y-l e a d i n g g ra p p l eyarders, a key element of the firm’s success. “Grapple yardi n g i s d ef i n itely ou r n iche. T here i s a big dem a nd for g rapple ya rd i ng th roughout the prov i nce. We a lso had a Yarder with a blade my dad designed working in the Alberta oilsands spreading mature fine tailings to help accelerate the drying process, a method that was deemed successful.” For M a i n a n d m a n y o t h e r businesses in Northern British Columbia the promise of the development of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry is the golden ring they’re reaching to grasp. “This area is poised for huge growth thanks to the potential of the LNG industry. Our company, as well as many others in the area, is waiting for this boom to happen. We have been positioning ourselves so that we will be able to capitalize on it,” he said. “There’s a lot of growth taki ng pl ace up here i n a nt icipat ion of t he L NG projects. T hey’re bu i ld i ng t h ree new h o te l s i n to w n , re a l e s t a te here has skyrocketed, house prices have risen dramatically but it’s all on speculation. It’s a l l specu lative rig ht now as there’s nothing certain. T he
Congratulations Main Logging on your success. We’re proud to be part of your business.
250.641.4155 TERRACE, BC joescustomwelding@gmail.com
“With a long and successful history, proven adaptability and an unshakable faith in the future, Main Logging eagerly awaits the changes that will remake Northern BC”
pent up energy is like a coiled spring. I don’t think anyone can fathom just how big this will be once it occurs,” he said. “ We’re idea l ly sit u ated a s Terrace will serve as the hub for ever y th i ng as a pri ma r y service centre. Terrace itself is already the main service centre for the northwestern part of the province, it could also become the main marshalling yard for many other companies and that’s what we’re aiming for.” With a long and successful history, proven adaptability and an unshakable faith in the future, Main Logging eagerly awaits the changes that will re m a k e Nor t h e r n B C. “ I ’m optimistic about the industry and what the future holds. We have been fortunate enough to have a really good crew as well as a strong relationsh ip a nd support from our First Nations partners,” Main explained. “People seem to like to downplay the forest industry, and it’s definitely had its share of turmoil, but I see a bright future in it. I was born and raised in a logging family, I’m third generation. I’m very passionate about the forest industry and I am driven to be successful. The thing that makes our situation very unique is there is myself and my two brothers that get to work closely together we were all raised with the same ideals a nd h ave a si m i l a r t hou g ht process.” www.mainlogging.com
R I NCE GE ORGE - T he BC Northern Real Estate Board (BCNREB) reports 3833 properties worth $979.3 million sold through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in the first nine months of 2015. At this time last year, 4,195 properties worth $1.07 billion had changed hands. As of September 30th there were 4,575 properties of all types available for sale through the MLS®, down slightly from 4,658 properties at the end of September last year. BCNREB Vice-President William Lacy comments: “Given the slump in energy prices and overall economic lull, it is reassuring to see the overall numbers for the BCNREB are holding strong. Certain areas have been hit harder, but other areas are show i ng i ncreases i n prices and overall activity to create for a balanced result through the third quarter of the year,” he said. “With pred icted i ncreases in global activity, and growth predicted for BC in the coming quarters, we are looking for a solid close to the year and for increases to resume throughout next year. Also, with potential boosts to the northern markets via large energy projects, this may be an opportunity to take advantage before the next upswing in the market.” The Region By Region Overview: Cariboo: 100 Mile House: So far this year 289 properties worth $68.4 million have changed hands, compa red to 270 proper ties worth $56.9 million to the end of September in 2014. Half of the 88 single family homes that have sold, sold for less tha n $220,000 and took, on average, 110 days to sell. In addition, 60 parcels of vacant land, 76 homes on acreage, three manufactured homes in parks and a further 17 manufactured homes on land, as well as 36 recreational properties have sold this year. Williams Lake: 293 properties worth $62 million have sold in the first nine months, compared to 317 properties worth $74.8 million in the same period last year. Of the 109 single family homes sold to the end of September, half sold for less than $228,500 and these homes took, on average, 71 days to sell. In addition, 30 parcels of vacant land, 11 townhomes, 62 homes on acreage, and 26 manufactured homes in parks and a further 25 on land, have sold this year. Quesnel: To the end of September 224 properties worth $43 million sold through MLS® compa red to 2 16 proper t ies worth $42 million to the end of the third quarter of 2014. Half of the 101 single family homes sold so far this year, sold for less than $203,000 and took, on average, 87 days to sell. Also changing
hands this year were 26 parcels of vacant land, 55 homes on acreage, 7 manufactured homes in parks and 17 manufactured homes on land. Northwest: Prince Rupert: 168 properties worth $39.7 million changed hands so far this year in the Prince Rupert area, compared with 263 properties worth $55.4 million to the end of September 2014. Of the 126 single family homes that have changed hands this year, half sold for less than $241,000 and on average, took 94 days to sell. As of September 30th there were 179 properties of all types available through the MLS® in the Prince Rupert area. Ter race: I n t h e f i r s t n i n e months of the year, 225 properties worth $57.6 million were reported sold in the Terrace area, compared to 288 properties worth $72.5 million during the same period last year. Half of the 131 single family homes that have sold so far this year, sold for less than $308,750 and these homes took, on average, 66 days to sell. Also changing hands were 16 parcels of vacant land, one multi-family dwelling, 15 homes on acreage, 28 manufactured homes in parks and 13 manufactured homes on land. Kitimat: 89 properties worth $2 4.4 m i l l ion have cha nged hands in the first nine months of 2015, compared to 128 properties worth $35.9 million to September 30th of 2014. Of the 57 single family homes sold so far this year, half sold for less than $310,000. These homes took, on average 92 days to sell. In addition, 2 parcels of vacant land, 18 half duplexes and 4 townhomes were also sold this year. Bulkley Nechako: Houston: To the end of September, 48 properties worth $7.7 million sold in the Houston area, compared with 47 properties worth $7.2 million in the same period last year. Smithers: As of September 30th, 191 properties worth $49.5 million changed hands in the Smithers area, compared with 211 properties worth $47.5 million in the first nine months of 2014. Half of the 88 single family homes sold so far this year, sold for less than $258,000 and these homes took, on average, 90 days to sell. Also changing hands this year were 13 parcels of vacant land, 47 homes on acreage, 14 manufactured homes in parks and 13 manufactured homes on land. Burns Lake: So far this year 81 properties worth $9.6 million have been reported sold through MLS® compared to 57 properties worth $6.6 million in the first nine months of 2014. Vanderhoof: REALTORS® assisted in the sale of 88 properties worth $16.2 million in the first nine months of the year compared with 102 properties
worth $18.4 million in the same time last year. Half of the 33 si ng le fa m i ly homes sold so far this year, sold for less than $205,000 and these homes took, on average, 118 days to sell. Also changing hands were 11 parcels of vacant land and 22 homes on acreage. At the end of September there were 157 properties of all types available through MLS® in the Vanderhoof area. Fort St. James: 40 properties worth $8.5 million were rep or te d sold to t he end of September, compa red to 36 properties worth $6.7 million in the same period last year. As of September 30th there were 86 properties of all types available for purchase through MLS® in the Fort St. James area. North: Fort St. John: As of September 30 578 properties worth $210.1 million were reported sold in the area, compared to 740 properties worth $287.6 million to September 30th of 2014. Half of the 220 single family homes sold so far this year, sold for less than $405,000; these homes took, on average, 44 days to sell. In addition, 88 parcels of vacant land, 75 half duplexes, 40 homes on acreage, 39 manufactured homes in parks and a further 59 manufactured homes on land, were reported sold. Fort Nelson: 29 proper ties worth $6.7 million have sold in the first nine months of 2015, compared with 47 properties worth $11.5 million to the end of September 2014. Of the 14 single family homes sold so far, half sold for less than $300,000. On average these homes took 100 days to sell. Also changing hands were 2 homes on acreage, 2 manufactured homes in parks and 7 manufactured homes on land. Fraser Fort George: Mackenzie: In the first nine months of 2015, 57 properties worth $9.3 m i l l ion were reported sold through MLS® in the Mackenzie area, compared with 60 properties worth $9.4 m i l l ion to September 30t h, 201 4. H a l f of t he 3 8 si n g le family homes sold so far this year, sold for less than $156,000 and these homes took, on average, 121 days to sell. Prince George: I n t he City of Prince George, to the end of September, 1127 properties worth $291.7 million changed h a nd s, compa re d w it h 1 157 properties worth $281.6 million to September 30th, 2014. In the western part of the City the median price of the 226 homes sold this year, was $249,900. In the area east of the By-pass, the 151 single family homes that sold had a median price of $210,000. In the northern part of the City, the 165 single family homes sold had a median price of $290,000. In the southwest section of the city, the median price of the 212 single family homes sold was $345,000.
OFF THE COVER
OCTOBER 2015
DOWNTOWN CONDO PROJECT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
pre-cut, pre-drilled components with literally no waste,â€? Dahl said. “This allows for the pre-fabrication of the steel structure which dramatically cuts down on the construction costs by about 15 percent and the timelines to complete construction are much shorter. The Prince George condo project itself will be started in the next couple of weeks and the construction will be into full swing within the next month. The finished project should be ready for occupancy by the spring.â€? Yag Inc.’s owner is Suleyman Muftigil, who is excited about breaking into the Canadian marketplace, and for the opportunity it provides to demonstrate the unique benefits of his light steel construction methods. “We have done over 300 projects all over the world ranging from 42 story skyscrapers to entire neighborhoods, but the ability to be based out of Canada and to use the Canadian brand will open even more doors for us to export our products right here from Prince George,â€? he said. Once completed the downtown project will feature a six-story building containing 33 condominium units as well as a small commercial component on the structure’s main floor. “It’s a true retail/ residential mix. Some of the space has already been allocated to a cafĂŠ / restaurant type thing and there will be some other cool amenities we’re working on,â€? Dahl said. Dahl, who in addition to being a partner in the project is also a Prince George based commercial REALTORÂŽ, said the opportunity to work with Muftigil and his company were too good, and too exciting to pass up. “I’m involved with the business as a partner with Yag. The actual light steel manufacturing is one component and to showcase this product and this manufacturing technology we’ll be building this project in Prince George. The parent company itself has built more than 300 projects across Asia and Europe so they are a very big company,â€? he said. “But they know that when they come to Canada they need to establish themselves so the idea was to partner up, create a real big showcase project in the downtown Prince George area, something that people in the city have been wanting for quite some time. This project will be a great showcase that hopefully will get the group a lot of attention to help show off what they can do. For them this project is a sort of launching pad to help introduce and grow
17
“This project is a sort of launching pad to help introduce and grow their business in Canada� CLINT DAHL PROJECT DEVELOPER
their business in Canada.� Yag Inc. has set up a local factory, built on the proprietary rolled steel technology it developed and later transported from Turkey to Prince George, to allow for the manufacture of the structural elements needed for the condominium project. It hopes this venture will be just the first such project it completes in Canada. But the question to be asked is why Prince George was selected as the site for the company’s first Canadian venture? For Dahl there has been more than one answer. “There were a couple of reasons why Prince George was selected for this project instead of other places in the province. Basically he (Muftigil) said, “if we do this in Vancouver who are we? We’re just a small fish in a big pond. But if we go to a smaller market and do this we’ll really stand out - people are more likely to take notice than if this was just another project among many in a larger center.� Dahl explained that Northern British Columbia was one of a number of different locations Yag Inc., considered before settling on Prince George. “So he looked at a number of places, Kelowna, Kamloops, Chilliwack and Prince George – Prince George rolled out the welcome mat for him. That’s what helped to cement the deal. The Mayor has always been fantastic, he and I connected very quickly and the reception that he got in the Prince George marketplace just blew him away. It said to him, ‘this is where I want to do business’ and now it’s starting to take shape.�
The light steel manufacturing technology is adaptable to many different applications, from multi story buildings to this single family home The opportunities offer by an expanding Northern BC also appealed to the project’s developers. “They’re definitely bullish on the north, and having an eye on creating affordable housing was another reason for locating this business in Prince George,� Dahl said. “Our downtown has changes a lot in the past five years, for the better. This development will be just one more piece that is going to help with the downtown revitalization. I think you’ll see other projects get spun out of it once it comes online. We’re already looking at a second project to start up right after this
one and there are others that I think that will as well.� For Muftigil bringing his technology and manufacturing systems to the North American marketplace, via Prince George, is as pioneering as his products are innovative. “We are excited about bringing our technology and processes to Canada and specifically Prince George. This condo project in the downtown will be a great showcase of what we can do and will also be a great addition to Prince George. I honestly believe it’s only the start of a whole new world for us, and it starts right here.�
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Pre-assembled in a modular format, the rolled steel building technique speeds up assembly and reduces potential waste
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18
OCTOBER 2015
ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL GROUP: COMPRESSOR & GENERATOR SPECIALISTS SPOTLIGHT
Since 2001 Advanced Industrial Group has been selling and servicing a huge range of air compressors and electrical generators
P
RINCE GEORGE – Somewhere right this moment in northern British Columbia, Canadian National (CN) trains could be running along remote tracks confident the switching equipment is operating smoothly, thanks to generator systems provided and maintained by Prince George’s Advanced Industrial Group. “We’re an equipment sales and service company, with a lot of focus on the service end of the business. Our business is sort of split half and half between compressors which we supply to the tire shops, sawmills and that sort of thing, and the generators are sold to industrial and commercial users and some residential customers,” explained Nikki Crawford, the company’s General Manager. Located at 630 3rd Avenue in Prince George, the Advanced Industrial Group was started in 2001 by Larry Le Francois, Crawford’s father. “Since then we’ve grown to include more lines such as generators and pumps. In 2014 my husband Jamie and I purchased the company from my Dad. We provide equipment for a variety of industrial clients including sawmills, a lot of work for CN Rail, we provide compressors to different automotive shops, generators to CN and we do deal with some private consumers who are off-grid and have purchased generators or solar systems for their houses.” Northern British Columbia, with a large established industrial base, yet with a vast and under developed rural area dotted by remote camps and communities, is the ideal operating environment for the systems sold and serviced by Crawford’s company. “A lot of the generator systems are purchased as a form of emergency back-up, as well as prime power for remote sites,” she
Generator containers ready to be shipped to clients across Northern British Columbia are lined up outside of Advanced Industrial Group’s office explained. “Say for CN where it’s in the middle of nowhere and you can only access it by rail or helicopter. While these systems can be used to power the needs of the crews with CN it’s more likely to be used to power their signals and communications. If the generator is being used to power the signals or communications, if the power goes out they need a back-up generator so the trains can still run.” Advanced Industrial Group has the skills, experience and the connections to match the system, whether a generator or compressor, to the unique needs of its clients. “We sell a full range of generators we quite literally have access to anything. If we don’t have it, we can get it for our clients. We source products from all over, that’s kind of our thing. We do our best to source everything direct and to try and pass the savings on to the customer.” We provide top quality products: Kaeser Rotary Screw Compressors, Yanmar, Kubota and Isuzu Generators, and Graco Lubrication Products. While sales are an important part of the Advanced Industrial Group story, it’s the quality of its aftersales service that stands as one of the company’s strongest assets. “We look after all aspects including the install and maintenance of the products that we sell. We service anything, even if we didn’t sell it we work on all makes and models,” Crawford explained.
Here’s a sneak peek inside a Dual Source Generator Container, with a pair of state of the art generators ready for shipment to clients across the region “Our guys are all ticketed and have experience in all of the different brands. We currently have three full time technicians, two part time techs, and there are three of us inside for sales, parts and coordinating. We have a warehouse where we keep a large stock of parts, filters and oil and various emergency parts. Essentially our warehouse would look like the parts department in an auto dealership,” she said. “We operate a small fleet of service vehicles. We even have a high rail truck in the fleet so we can go out on the tracks to get to remote sites where there are no roads. We service a huge area. We go up to
Kaeser Compressors Canada Inc. Western Canada Branch 8-1585 Cliveden Avenue, Delta BC
604-516-7821 and Advanced Industrial Group Proud partners in supplying high quality compressed air systems
www.kaeser.ca
• info.canada@kaeser.com
Solar electrical generating systems are a poplar sales item for Advanced Industrial Group, the perfect choice for remote locations and off grid applications
The Kaeser 25HP Rotary Screw Compressor is a compact but powerful electrical generating system offered by the Advanced Industrial Group Fort Nelson and all the way to the coast, Prince Rupert, into Alberta and then down to Kamloops which is about as far south as we typically go.” If a system fails, it could mean lost revenue for a business, or potentially lost lives if things go wrong after a piece of vital equipment stops working. Preventing either scenario from occurring is a key component of the company’s business model. “Basically our priority is to provide our customers with maximum productivity and to keep their downtime to a minimum. We provide customized PM (preventative maintenance) programs tailored
CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT
Congratulations to Nikki and her team at Advanced Industrial Group 1540 6th Avenue Prince George, B.C. V2L 5B5 Tel. (250) Fax (250)
563-6108 563-4451
to each customer’s needs. Everyone has different needs, whether they’re running 24/7 or they just need a once a year service. We set up the maintenance schedule depending on what their application is, we tailor the different checks to that application,” Crawford stated. “We’re 24/7, we do respond quickly – when a customer’s down that’s lost revenue and we want to prevent that from happening. We have a 24 hour per day emergency line (250-564-7599) and it’s used almost every night. We get calls just about every night.” With nearly a decade and a half of experience, industry connections for parts and systems, a crew of trained maintenance professionals and offering 24 hour per day emergency service, Advanced Industrial Group is the right choice for complex mechanical systems such as compressors and electrical generators. “It seems like a lot of people here have slowed down, but we haven’t slowed down at all. We just keep expanding what we can offer our clients. We recently picked up the Kaeser compressor line, one of the largest providers of compressed air systems. We sell products designed for reliability and efficiency. We have a great team, a strong network of suppliers and strong financial advisors. We will continue to grow our presence in the markets up here.” www.advancedindustrialgroup.com
19
OCTOBER 2015
Grand Opening of Stewart World Port
Microtel by Wyndham opens
S
K
TEWART- September 16th marked the Grand Opening of Stewart World Port, the first commercial wharf built on the coast of British Columbia in over thirty years. “We are expecting over 300 people at the event,” said Ted Pickell, President, CEO, and owner. “We are very proud of our accomplishment and will be active in the community for decades to come. We have also just been awarded our first multi-ship inbound cargo contract.” Stewart World Port is the only commercial break bulk wharf on the BC coast north of Squamish. Located at the end of the Portland Canal, the multipurpose facility is strategically located in one of the most mineral rich areas of North America, within the aptly named Golden Triangle. The deep sea wharf is capable of berthing handymax and panamax vessels. Customers include mining, forestry, oil and gas, and project cargoes. Outbound cargoes include bulk mineral concentrates, wood chips and pellets, LNG, and coal. Inbound cargoes include mine resupply, pipe, modules, project supply and equipment, and cement powder. Combined the port has 100 acres of laydown. Distinguished guests at the opening are many and include
ITIMAT - October 6TH staff from the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre were excited to participate in the Grand Opening Celebration of Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Kitimat. The 87 room hotel includes extended stay suites with sepa rate bed room a nd k itchen, business suites and standard rooms. Amenities include free continental breakfast daily and Monday through Thursday light dinner is also included. Additional amenities include guest laundry and weight room.
The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Parliamentary Secretary Greg Kyllo. “The opening of the Stewart World Port is an important step in preparing for the unprecedented opportunities ahead for northern communities through natural gas development,” said Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan. “The movement of goods at the Stewart World Port will drive future growth that will benefit the District of Stewart and support British Columbia’s diverse, strong and growing economy.” The first two phases of construction, representing a $70
T he opening of Microtel in Kitimat will ease the strain on short term accommodations for business, sport and tourism travelers which has been a challenge in recent years. As Kitimat continues to expand and improve infrastructure in preparation for a number of proposed projects in the region the new accommodations will also provide additional options for visitors. Microtel by Wyndham – Kitimat also offers a meeting room available for community bookings, not just hotel guests.
million investment, were successfully completed by Arctic Const. Ltd. Phase III construction, an additional $60 million, is designed by CWA Engineers and includes concentrate sheds, conveying systems, and a bulk ship loader with a load rate of 3,300 tonnes per hour. As Canada’s most northerly ice free port, Stewart has paved access to British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon. Stewart World Port provides companies with a viable shipping alternative, up to a day and a half advantage to Asian markets over southern ports, favourable climate, low winds, and excellent anchorage.
Fast & Economical Light Steel Construction • Residential • Multi-Family
FRONT VIEW
Downtown Prince George Condo Project Completion Summer 2016
www.yaginc.com 558 4th Ave Prince George, BC Contact Clint Dahl
250-981-2070 clint@yaginc.com
• Hotel • Light Industrial
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MOVERS & SHAKERS
OCTOBER 2015
Valley Economic Development Association is its newest partner in the BC Acceleration Network, a province-wide program available to companies in the region.
FORT ST JOHN According to the recent Airport Economy Impact study, North Peace Regional Airport has contributed $24 million to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) and created either directly or indirectly 302 local jobs. It also found that $18 million in household income and $8.2 million in tax revenue was generated. An open house was held by AltaGas. They are proposing a facility which will take the by-product of natural gas plants and refine them to resell. The construction could start next year being completed in 2017. The construction would provide 150 jobs and once operational, 25 jobs. Today’s Techniques Sports Nutrition Accessories & Gym is celebrating 15 years in business. ATCO Two Rivers Lodging Group, a subsidiary of ATCO Structures & Logistics, has won an 8 year, $470-million contract with BC Hydro. They will design, manufacture, install and operate the working housing facility for the Site C Clean Energy Project.
DAWSON CREEK Jeff Lekstrom, former Northern
QUESNEL SMITHERS
Lights College Dean of Trades has been appointed the Chief Operating Office of the Industry Training Authority of BC. After leaving his position in 2012 as Dean of Trades, he went to Indonesia where he was involved with a large mining school that provided help to indigenous people to find careers in the mining industry. Council has added $165,000 for a dressing room upgrade project at the Encana Events Centre, adding 2,000 square feet. This is a requirement from Hockey Canada to host the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. The total budget is now $650,000. Around $2-million is expected in visitor spending based on previous Hockey Canada studies.
CHETWYND The Chetwynd Primary Care Clinic welcomes a new nurse practitioner to the team as of October 5. Kristan EllisMacDonald is a nurse practitioner
The First Nations Health Authority, Ministry of Transportation and 23 First Nations will be hosting a Transportation Symposium on November 24th, to discuss highway, recreational and medical travel issues along Highway 16.
Kristn Ellis-MacDonald from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and will become a full-time member of the interdisciplinary team at the clinic. Chetwynd is one of the first communities in BC to welcome the community paramedicine program being introduced by BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS). Under the program, qualified paramedics will take on an expanded role in delivering some primary care services.
The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations has awarded $30,000 to the Wet’suwet’en First Nation to explore potential green energy jobs and revenue creation opportunities throughout its territory. Smithers Council has voted to install 245 LED lights throughout the town this fall. The move is expected to save approximately $10,000 in annual energy spending. The Bulkley Valley Heath Care & Hospital Foundation recently held its Health Care and Hospital Foundation Gala at the Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge, and raised more than $26,000. The BC Innovation Council has announced that the Bulkley
Pacific Bioenergy Timber Corp and RPP Holdings Inc have met the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act for their non-replaceable forest licences according to the Quesnel District. West Fraser Mills celebrated 60 years in Quesnel at West Fraser Timber Park.
PRINCE GEORGE Prince George has been selected by the Minerals North Conference Association to host the 2017 Minerals North Conference after a joint bid was submitted by the City of Prince George, Initiatives Prince George and Tourism Prince George with support from the Lheidli T’enneh. A partnership between the Prince George Chamber of Commerce and the University of Northern British Columbia has helped local businesses better understand their carbon footprint and has facilitated SEE MOVERS & SHAKERS | PAGE 21
MOVERS & SHAKERS
OCTOBER 2015
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Certificate.
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one local business to become carbon neutral. JFT Secure became the first participating business to meet the threshold to become carbon neutral. Northern Health and the University of Northern British Columbia are partnering to continue the operation of the Community Counselling Centre in downtown Prince George. In the agreement, Northern Health will fund the staffing for the clinic and UNBC will provide space for the service at its downtown campus in the BMO Building on 3rd Avenue. Jay Hill, the Peace Region’s former MP and a onetime cabinet minister, has signed on with Progress Energy to help the drilling company improve its relationships with local governments. Hill confirmed he had been retained as an independent consultant with the company Sept. 1. Seven Eleven has purchased all Mr G stores in Prince George. They will all stay open until March and then a decision will be made as to which stores to keep open. The stores will then undergo necessary changes to become 7 Elevens.
Danielle Myles has left her position as Regional Manager for the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and is now City of Terrace’s Economic Development Officer. She will look after the land sales portfolio and economic development. The Terrace and District Chamber of Commerce is moving into the Terrace Economic Development Authority’s building. There will be no exchanging of funds. The organizations will function independently but share the promotion of economic development. The Northwest Community College is proceeding with work on student housing in the form of camp-style mobile units. Eight trailers will provide 49 co-ed rooms offering trades students a taste of camp life. The provincial advanced education ministry is giving $375,000 towards the projects and the other $25,000 is coming from the college.
TERRACE
The Northwest Regional Airport has purchased two new firetrucks from Oshkosh, an American company. Transport Canada will pay the $1.74 million for the trucks and for the two-vehicle bay being added to the airports maintenance building.
Carmen Hooge of Cooks Jewellers has received her graduate Jewellers
Terrace Mountain has had their 40-year-old beacons replaced
as well as a new power line to power them up. The four hazard beacons were part of the yearlong $4.3-million project. The new beacons are equipped with LED lights. Norm’s Auto Refinishing announced that Joshua McIntyre has earned a Certificate of Apprenticeship. He’s met the industry Training Authority’s certification requirements for Automotive Refinishing Prep Tech. John Dando has retired from CFTK-TV after 43 years. Skeena Sawmills has opened after 2 months of being closed down for a slow-down in Asian timber sales. Twilight Spas and Pump Supply celebrated their 20th anniversary. Entrec Cranes and Heavy Haul (formerly Rain Coast Cranes) celebrated their grand opening of its new Terrace facility at 3545 Highway 16 East. Kalumn Ventures Ltd celebrates 11 years in the forest industry in Northwest BC.
WILLIAMS LAKE Telus’ $14 million fibre build in Williams Lake should be completed by the end of the year.
Mt. Timothy Ski Area is building a new tube park which will be ready for this season. William Wallace is the new Chief Financial Officer for Williams Lake. He moves from Houston where he was working for the district. The ground was recently broken for the new Women’s Contact Society’s Kidcare Day Care on Western Avenue.
PRINCE RUPERT PJ’s Haidaway CornerStore celebrated their grand opening at 1665 Park Ave. Pacific Northwest LNG is collecting bore hole samples on Lelu Island, near the shore and where marine infrastructure is proposed to be located, including the material offloading facility and bridge from Skeena Drive to Lelu Island. This is not the start of construction. MacCarthy GM celebrated their grand opening. Work is set to start on the Rushbrook Boat Launch costing approximately $200,000. The replacement project is being funded by the City’s Rushbrook Improvement Area Fund.
21 Chef Dai Fukasaku will be competing at the Vancouver Aquarium Chowder Chowdown in November. Fukasaku of Prince Rupert is a seasfood/ suchi restaurant that also offers authentic BC products. A service between Prince Rupert and Ketchikan Alaska may be happening in the summer of 2016. Discussions including the famed 100 passenger Big Yellow Catamaran took place at the recent Southeast Conference. West Coast Launch are the owners of the Catamaran and reviewing the service and customer requirements. A 270-unit multi-family residential development project is planned for the former Kanata School. The Bryton Group outlined their plans at a recent open house. The strata units would be sold individually.
KITIMAT Northern Development Initiative Trust in partnership with Small Town Love and the District of Kitimat have officially launched the lovekitimat.com website. A celebration was held at the Riverlodge Recreation Centre on October 8th. The website will highlight locally-owned, independent businesses to help keep money in the local economy. The program began in 2013 and has featured more than 1,000 locallyowned independent businesses across BC.
Gas plant partnership announced
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AW S O N C R E E K Veresen Inc. is pleased to a n nou nc e t h at t he Cutbank Ridge Partnership, a partnership between Encana Corporation a nd Cutbank Dawson Gas Resources Ltd., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, has sanctioned the 400 million cubic feet per day Sunrise gas plant, to be located in the Montney region near Dawson Creek in northeastern BC. In late 2014, Veresen Midstream Limited Partnership owned 50% by Veresen and 50% by affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. entered into a fee-for-service arrangement with Encana and CRP to underta ke up to $5 bi l l ion of new midstream expansion for those parties in the Montney region, with the Sunrise gas plant being the first newly sanctioned project under the agreement. The estimated capital cost for the project (plant and ancillary facilities) is $860 million. Veresen Midstream will fund approximately 60% of the Sunrise gas plant’s construction costs with its existing $1.275 billion credit facility, which is largely undrawn, with the balance to be contributed over t i m e b y Ve re s e n a n d K K R . Veresen i ntend s to f u nd its share of future contributions
Encana will oversee the project management and construction of the facility on behalf of Veresen Midstream
to Veresen Midstream with ongoing proceeds received from equ ity issued i n con nection with Veresen’s Premium Dividend™ and Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Encana will oversee the project management and construction of the facility on behalf of Veresen Midstream. Construction of the Sunrise gas plant has commenced, with the facility expected to be inservice in late 2017. Veresen Midstream has invested approximately $130 million in the
facility to date. “This is the largest gas plant to be commissioned in western Canada in the last 30 years a nd we a re excited to pa r tner w it h CR P on t h i s faci lity,” sa id David Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Veresen M idstrea m. “Upon sta r t-up of the Sunrise plant, Veresen Midstream’s footprint in the Montney will grow substantially, and we look forward to continuing to work with Encana and CRP, as well as other producers in the region, to unlock the value of this important resource play.” “Within Veresen Midstream’s footprint in the Dawson Creek a re a , development act iv it y continues to be strong, driven by very low supply costs for Montney gas production in the reg ion,” added Don Althoff, President and CEO of Veresen. “I’m excited about the growth potential of Veresen Midstream a nd the contribution of th is business to Veresen’s earnings profile.” T hese projects, a long w ith assets acquired on March 31, 2015, will be part of Veresen Midstream’s commitment to provide up to $5 billion of new gas gathering and processing infrastructure to Encana and CRP in the Montney area.
Josh Higgins Senior Marketing Advisor
PUT YOUR COMPANY IN THE SPOTLIGHT In the life of every business, certain events always stand out: t A grand opening t A brand new building t Completing a major project t Landing a major contract t Celebrating a milestone anniversary Spotlights are your opportunity to spread the word about your firm to the business community of Northern British Columbia. Contact me today to have your business featured in our publication.
To market your firm in the Business Examiner contact Josh Higgins at 1-866-758-2684 ext 124 or josh@businessexaminer.ca
OPINION
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OCTOBER 2015 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Prince George Office 2871 Wildwood Cres Prince George, BC V2K3J4 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca
PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Lise MacDonald, lise@businessexaminer.ca SALES | Shawn Bishop, shawn@businessvi.ca; Josh Higgins josh@businessvi.ca; Joanne Iormetti, Joanne@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Goody Niosi, Beth Hendry-Yim, John MacDonald, David Holmes WEBSITE | John MacDonald, john@businessexaminer.ca
EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOCIALISM AND FREE ENTERPRISE IS A SIMPLE BUT NECESSARY EXERCISE
MARK MACDONALD
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re we equipping our children with tools and information they’ll need to succeed once they leave school? We know – and boy do we know – that our kids are being taught the epi-importance of having a healthy level of self esteem. And the environment. But what about other important things in life? Specifically, what are our children learning about the economy and business? Very little, it seems, and when the lessons are presented, the information can be somewhat jaded. It is a common misconception with young people that just
because someone is in business, they’ve made it. They’re rich! Somehow they’re getting the idea that success in business is achieved “By taking advantage of others, or at the expense of customers,” are other erroneous thoughts. In reality, those that conduct their affairs thusly soon find out they’re putting up “Closed” signs. Businesses are not easy to run, as an estimated 50 per cent of businesses fail – and that number rises to 85 per cent for restaurants and eating establishments. Clearly, it is not easy, and from my own anecdotal research gleaned from 25 years of interviewing business people, I can tell you that anyone who has had corporate success has followed a path complete with many bumps and divots that they’ve managed to navigate in order to reach their goals. And, as I’ve said many times, they’ve injected plenty of elbow grease and good old hard work into their companies. A recent conversation with a young high school graduate (or thereabouts) was, I believe, a microcosm of what kids today are
being taught – or not being taught – about the connection between the economy and the lifestyle we live as Canadians. I asked if he knew the difference between free enterprise-style government and socialism. He didn’t, and I could tell from the puzzled look on his face that this topic had never been broached. So I explained it to him. Free enterprise governments believe in lower taxes for individuals and businesses. To those that don’t understand this concept, they think it will directly result in lower government revenues, and thus less publicly funded programs. In reality, what happens when governments take less from our pockets is that people spend more. They redistribute that money throughout the communities they live when they choose where to spend it. Businesses thrive this way, as they’re busier. Companies also benefit when their tax burden is lightened. With less obstructive up-front tax costs, business owners are more willing to take calculated risks to move their firms forward, which
often results in expansion. Growing companies hire more people, which means more people employed, more taxes for the government, and at the end of the day, business owners write cheques to the government based on their profitability. Government revenues rise this way, meaning the costs of social programs and benefits we’ve come to expect are covered. Literally, everyone benefits. “Oh,” he responded. I could tell that for him, this was an entirely new concept. I then explained socialism, or what I term “Robin Hood Economics”, where governments rob from the so-called rich and redistribute to whom they deem to be in need. That puts government in a position to play favourites when it comes to wealth redistribution, and also makes citizens more government-dependent. Taking more tax dollars away from people and corporations are major disincentives and such initiatives are ambition killing. Why work any harder or expand if employees and owners can’t get more
out for putting more in? A basic understanding of the relationship between salespeople and commission - and in the restaurant business, servers and customers – reveal that people work harder if there’s a reason to, namely more earning potential and bigger paycheques. Is that crass commercialism, or a simple deduction about human nature? I boiled it down for him: “Would you work harder if you kept less and the government kept more?” “No,” he replied. And why would he? Why would anyone? That, I explained, is the bottom line with Socialism. Free enteprise, on the other hand, thrives on incentives and offers opportunity and hope. These are the types of things our young people should be taught in school. They’d be much better prepared for life, and they’d understand the importance of a thriving, healthy business community and economy. It is that, after all, which pays for the services and lifestyle we hold dear in Canada, and provides jobs and futures for individuals and families.
RAISING CORPORATE TAXES IS BAD ECONOMIC POLICY
CHARLES LAMMAM
O
ne of Canada’s most important positive policy reforms over the past 15 years has been on corporate taxes. Federal and provincial governments of all political stripes realized the economically damaging effect of corporate income taxes and lowered rates to make the business tax regime more competitive. This includes Jean Chrétien’s federal Liberals, Gordon Campbell’s BC Liberals, Ralph Klein’s Progressive Conservatives, Lorne Calvert’s NDP government in Saskatchewan, Gary Doer’s NDP government in Manitoba, Shawn Graham’s New Brunswick Liberals, and Dalton McGuinty’s Ontario Liberals. A s a res u lt, f rom 2000 to 2 0 15 , C a n a d a ’s c o m b i n e d
federal-provincial corporate income tax rate fell dramatically from 42.4 per cent to 26.3 per cent (see chart below).The cross-party agreement on cutting corporate taxes is because of the significant benefits provided to all Canadians by making the economic landscape more attractive for investment. Jurisdictions that lower business taxes increase the after-tax rate of return on investment. And increased returns improve the incentives for investment. When businesses invest in machinery, equipment and technology, workers have more capital to
work with and can produce more and higher valued output for each hour they work, making them more productive. Because increased productivity leads to higher wages, workers, in the end, benefit greatly from corporate tax reductions. And increased investment can also lead to more jobs and a faster growing economy. Unfortunately, we’ve seen some backsliding recently with governments in Alberta, British Columbia and New Brunswick raising corporate taxes. And now, federal politicians are making pronouncements along these lines.
But in the past, Liberal, NDP, Conservative and Progressive Conservative governments all reduced corporate tax rates to improve our economy because the evidence on the beneficial economic impact of lower corporate taxes is welldocumented (see also here). For instance, a recent Department of Finance Canada study analyzed corporate tax cuts implemented by the federal Liberals between 2000 and 2004 and found that each 10 per cent reduction in the after-tax cost of capital increased the amount of capital by 7 per cent. In a study led by former World Bank Chief Economist Simeon Djankov, the authors analyzed data from 85 countries and found that higher corporate taxes produce negative economic effects including reduced investment and entrepreneurial activity. An OECD study explored the direct relationship between various taxes and economic growth for 21 developed countries over the period 1971 to 2004. While personal income, consumption and property taxes all had negative effects on per person income growth, corporate income taxes had the most damaging effect. A similar result was found in an analysis of Canadian provinces by professors Bev Dahlby and Ergete Ferede: higher corporate taxes are
associated with greater declines in the tax base compared to other taxes. Aside from the formal studies, Canada’s recent experience is telling of the beneficial results of tax reductions and fiscal reforms, which helped drive strong economic performance relative to the U.S. and most other G7 countries over the period 1997 to 2007. As corporate and other taxes declined, Canada outperformed other countries on investment growth, job creation and overall economic growth. The reality of the global economy is that countries compete with one another for investment, so any advantage is critical. And the corporate income tax rate is an important component of a positive economic environment. Yet, according to OECD data, Canada’s combined federal-provincial corporate income tax rate (26.3 per cent) is currently 15th highest among 34 OECD countries (our statutory rate, however, is much lower than the U.S. rate of 39.0 per cent—see chart below). The evidence is clear: raising corporate taxes is bad economic policy. Authors Charles Lamman, Director, Fiscal Studies and Feixue Ren, Economist are both with the Fraser Institute.
SUBCRIPTIONS | $45 PER YEAR (12 ISSUES), $80 FOR 2 YEARS (24 ISSUES), SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA. DISTRIBUTION: FOURTH WEEK OF EACH MONTH VIA CANADA POST AD MAIL. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Produced and published in British Columbia. All contents copyright Business Examiner Peace Cariboo Skeena, 2015. Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240
SALES\LAW
OCTOBER 2015
23
TRAITS OF A HUNTER: FINDING YOUR NEXT “KILLER” SALESPERSON Quality hunters set appropriate expectations and make sure they and the prospects are on the same page every step of the way
SALES JOHN GLENNON
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h e re a re m a n y s a l e sp e o pl e o u t t h e re, b u t not all have that “killer instinct” that business leaders often desire. Some salespeople are naturally good at working with an existing client base, looking for cross-selling and up-selling opportunities within developed relationships. They are often called “Farmers”. A nd then you have those p e ople who t r u ly love “ t he hunt” for new clients. “Hunters” When looking at the makeup of a salesperson with a real ‘hunter’ mentality, there are some common traits that are
critical to success…Hunters have that natural “fire in their belly.” W hen these people wake up each day, they rekind le a natural, innate drive to succeed. Their ambition to be the best drives their results and i s ever-pre sent. T h ey te nd to set ver y st ron g p erson a l goa l s, h ave con f idence i n their abilities, and bring a high level of energy to their daily performance. Hu nte rs c re a te v a lu e a n d demand. Successful hunters understand that they are not simply fulfilling demand but a re creat i ng a dem a nd for a
TAKING PREVENTIVE MEASURES LAW
Copyright protection has no time limitation
Michael Cooper and Doug Thompson of ThompsonCooper LLP name of the product or service. The law recognizes “common law” Trademark rights, if a competitor is using a similar Trademark in a geographical area in which you have worked hard to establish a reputation for your business. However, you cannot rely upon a “common law” Trademark if the use by another business is not in a geographical area in which your business operates and has an established reputation. We were recently consulted by a client who received a “cease and desist” letter from a legal firm. A person, who was aware of our client, took the concept to a different city a few years ago and started using very similar Trademarks. To make matters worse, they subsequently filed and obtained Federal Trademark Registrations. T he lega l fi rm is now
demanding our client change the name of their service business and Trademarks used in association with the service. In order to deal with this threat, the client is going to have to ask the Federal Court to invalidate the Federal Trademark Registration on the basis that it would never have been granted by the Trademarks Office had the facts been known. Unlike other types of property, such as real estate and automobiles, it is possible to lose control of “Intellectual Property” assets. The title of this article is “taking preventative measures”. The intended message is to caution you to take steps to protect your Intellectual Property assets as soon as you realize that you have created something of value that others may wish to take and use for their own purposes.
or “T his economy is just too tough.” But not the hunters; they attack their goal no matter the obstacles. Fa r m e r s l i k e to Fa r m a n d Hunters like to hunt. Self-motivated and determined salespeople who love to find new business day in and day out are not grow ing on trees. W hen you discover people with these rare traits, hire them and compensate them appropriately. It will be one of the most profitable decisions you ever make. C o p y r i g h t 2 015 S a n d l e r T ra i n i n g a nd I n si g ht Sa le s Consu lti ng I nc. A l l rights reserved. John Glennon is the owner of Insight Sales Consulting Inc, an authorized Sandler Training Licensee. He can be reached at jglennon@sandler.com, toll free at 1-866-645-2047 or visit www.glennon.sandler.com
Construction starts on Haisla Town Centre
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e have seen it many times before. A busin e s s m a n o r b u s inesswoman attends our office outraged that another business is blatantly copying their product. They want action taken and want it taken now. Copyright protection has no time limitation. If we can claim copyright protection on the product, we can take immediate action. However, design protection and patent protection each have a time limitation. If an application for design protection or patent protection has not been filed within 12 months of the first public disclosure of the product, it is no longer possible to obtain design protection or patent protection. Sadly, we must sometimes advise the businessman or businesswoman that they missed their deadline (sometimes by several years) and have no recourse. We cannot over emphasize the importance of taking early action to protect your product. Unfortunately, due to time limitations, a decision must sometimes be made before it is clear whether or not your product has significant commercial potential. Equally important is the name of the business and the
particular product or service. They possess the skills to commu n icate t he va lue of t hei r products/services and deliver solutions to ease the unique ‘pain’ of each prospect. Hunters take control of the sales process. This is a critical trait for successful hunters because it is easy to get caught up i n the prospect’s process i n s te a d of t h ei r ow n . Ta king control takes confidence, asser tiveness a nd a hea lthy amount of influence. Quality hunters set appropriate expectations and make sure they and the prospects are on the same page every step of the way. Hunters take action. Simply put, t he best hu nters won’t sit on their hands waiting for someone else to make a move. They do not suffer from “ana lysis pa ra lysis” or concoct reasons why they aren’t going on the sales call. They set their goa ls a nd i ntend to ach ieve them. Hu nters ta ke respon sibi lity for their results. I’ve never met a great salesperson that didn’t accept responsibility for what was his to own. Too often people make excuses like, “I was given the worst territory”
ITIMAT - Recently, LNG Canada and the Haisla Nation finalized a ten year lease agreement that establishes LNG Canada as the anchor tenant and underpins the development of residential units in phase one of the Haisla Town Centre complex in downtown Kitimat. LNG Canada will lease a single residential building in the complex. The building will contain a total of 49 residential condos with a mix of one and two bedroom units, some including dens. The building forms the first phase o f a mixed use development planned by the Haisla Nation, which will include a further two residential buildings, a two story office building, plus a hotel and restaurant. The master plan was given the green light by the District of Kitimat earlier this year. Excavation for the first residential building on the site began in April, with a completion date scheduled for late 2016. “We are very happy to sign this agreement with LNG Canada and to take a strong next step forward in our nations business plan and economic growth,” says Chief Councillor Ellis Ross. “The LNG Canada project will offer long-term substantial economic and employment benefits for the Haisla - and what is most important is that these benefits will dramatically improve social
conditions in our community.” “We are pleased to have the opportunity to lease residential space in this new, high quality development. This agreement will provide LNG Canada access to much needed new residential space, and ref lects our commitment to work with the local community to minimize impacts our project may have on housing availability,” said Andy Calitz, CEO, LNG Cnada. “The Haisla Town Centre complex will bring new residential and commercial space to the down town core, which will have a significant impact on Kitimat. We are pleased that LNG Canada has committed to a leasing a residential building in the complex,” said Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth. Kerkhoff Construction, a BC based builder with over 45 years’ experience has been selected by Haisla Nation for the development management and construction of the project. Kerkhoff has managed the project through the concept design, feasibility and approval stages of the project, and has recently commenced construction on Condo 1. “We are honoured to have been chosen for this project by the Haisla Nation and it has been a pleasure to work with their team of directors and advisors to make this important project for them a reality,” said Bill Kerkhoff, President of Kerkhoff Construction.