Business Examiner Thompson/Okanagan - October 2016

» ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS

OCTOBER 2016

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VERNON Denture Clinic Expands Into Kelowna Market

Local Employee Benefits Expert Earns National Recognition

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INDEX News Update

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TOTA 3 Vernon 4 Hiring Guru

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Salmon Arm

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Kelowna 5 Kamloops 8 Summerland 9 Green Sheet

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Sales 19 Movers and Shakers 20 Opinion 23 Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

OUR 8TH YEAR

ELOW NA - Tom Dyas was recognized as a leading representative of the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan at the program’s national conference in Victoria, BC, September 15th-18th.

The top 100 Chambers Plan representatives from across the country were honoured at the event for experts who met stringent qualifying criteria. Tom Dyas (advisor) and Lyndon Dyas (junior advisor), of TD Benefits in Kelowna, are the exclusive Plan advisors in their area.

Tom has been in the industry for the last 30 years. Well known locally, he is a past board member and the current President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, supporting local charities and events.

TD Benefits is a group benefits and insurance specialist office that protect the lives of individuals and their families by providing valuable insurance solutions delivered with exceptional service, integrity, and dedication.

Nationally, the Chambers Plan provides employee benefits programs to more than 30,000 small and medium sized businesses, members of 900 Chambers of Commerce and The Summerland Chamber received the BC Chamber Executives 2016 Communications Boards of Trade that endorse the program.

SEE TOM DYAS | PAGE 22

Spectacular Buildings Named As SICA Commercial Award Finalists 8Th Annual Celebration Of The Best In Commercial Industrial Building Oct. 27 At Four Points Sheraton In Kelowna

K Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

Award for Chambers over 500. The award was presented by BCCE Director Patti Noonan to Summerland Executive Director Christine Petkau. For the full story, see page 9.

ELOWNA – A spectacular assortment of commercial and industrial buildings have been named as finalists for the 8th Annual Southern Interior Construction Association Commercial Building Awards, set for Thursday, Oct. 27 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Kelowna.

There were an extensive amount of nominations for this year’s awards, which have been whittled down to 28 finalists. Cities in the Thompson, Okanagan and Kootenay regions are represented, with entries from Kamloops, Monte Creek, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Enderby, Vernon, Lake Country, Kelowna, West

Kelowna, Summerland, Penticton and Cranbrook.

Re/MAX Commercial is a Gold sponsor of the event, with RBC Royal Bank, Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty, MNP LLP, Wood WORKS! BC and Green Sheet Review.

New institutional, commercial, industrial building, multi/single

Interested in more information? Inquire today about your free quote!

Contact us at admin@tdbenefits.ca or visit www.tdbenefits.ca Tel: 250-861-8834

family, recreational or renovation projects must have been completed between July 31, 2015 and July 31, 2016 were eligible. Each submission is being judged by a team of independent judges, using the following criteria: SEE AWARD FINALISTS | PAGE 22

2 KAMLOOPS Thompson Rivers University gets funding for training centre T he Government of Canada and BC Ministry of Advanced Education have teamed up on a $30-million investment in a new Industrial Training and Technology Centre at Thompson Rivers University.

The funding is designated for TRU to build a new 5,344-squaremetre Industrial Training and Technology Centre that will allow the university to expand its trades and technology programs by an additional 550 full-time equivalent student spaces (FTEs), for a total of around 2,050 FTEs. The funding will also go toward the renovation of space in the existing School of Trades and Technology building.

The Government of Canada is contributing $13.25-million and the BC Ministry of Advanced Education is providing $7.03-million toward the project.

TRU and donors including Western Economic Diversification Canada, will contribute an additional $9.72-million.

The funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

Construction is expected to get underway in early 2017 with substantial completion by spring 2018 and occupancy in the fall of 2018.

The centre will be built to meet LEED Gold building standard, the Wood First Act and Apprentices on Public Project in BC policy.

Construction is expected to generate 108 direct and 82 indirect jobs for the region.

VERNON BC Hydro completes Phase 1 of EV charging network The electric vehicle charging network in BC has reached a significant milestone with the completion of a BC Hydro pilot project to install 30 direct current (DC) fast charging stations throughout the province. Construction of the last station, located in Vernon, was completed this month.

“British Columbia is a leader in clean-energy vehicles, with the largest public charging infrastructure network in Canada,” said M inister of Energ y and Mines Bill Bennett. “Encouraging environmentally-friendly transportation is part of our broader plan to ensure BC remains a climate action leader.”

“Our Council has a strategic goal of creating a safe, efficient and sustainable transportation network in Vernon, which includes important infrastructure that

NEWS UPDATE can help reduce our impact on the environment,” said Mayor Akbal Mund. “The DC fast charging stations are key components in meeting our goals of being a sustainable community and ensuring we meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in our city and in the province.”

Fast cha rg i ng stations ca n charge an electric vehicle’s battery to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.

BC Hydro has been installing the stations since 2012 with support from the provincial and federal governments and in partnership with municipalities and regional districts throughout the province.

“BC Hydro is focused on removing barriers for our customers who want to own an electric vehicle,” said Keith Anderson, vice president, Customer Service, BC Hydro. “Electric vehicles can help British Columbians save money.

Our electricity rates are among the lowest in North America, which means by switching to an electric vehicle you could save 75 per cent on fuel costs.”

The 30 fast charging stations connect drivers from the Lower Mainland to Merritt and Kamloops, up to Whistler, Vancouver Island and the Southern Interior.

It is estimated that 300,000 electric vehicles will be on the road in BC by 2030. BC Hydro works with local governments to implement policies, develop charging infrastructure guidelines and update building codes, making British Columbia a leader in electric vehicles.

BC FortisBC approved to modify natural gas rates FortisBC has received approval from the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) to modify natural gas rates. Beginning October 1, 2016 customers will see changes to their bill.

“Natural gas prices have risen since spring 2016. The hotterthan-normal summer, for most of Canada and the US, has resulted in higher-than-expected continental demand for electricity, which is often generated by natural gas,” said Dennis Swanson, vice president of energy supply for FortisBC. “This, combined with a slowdown in natural gas production, has led to an increase in prices during the past few months.”

“Despite this, natural gas prices are still near their lowest levels in a decade. As we approach the winter heating season, we encourage our customers to continue using energy wisely, to help keep costs down”.

Propane rates for Revelstoke customers remained unchanged due to healthy propane storage levels and relatively stable oil prices over the past few months.

Every three months, FortisBC reviews natural gas and propane cost of gas rates with the BCUC to make sure rates passed on to

customers cover the cost of purchasing the gas on their behalf.

Factors affecting the market price of natural gas and propane in North America include weather, supply and demand and economic conditions. Propane prices are also influenced by global oil markets.

The majority of natural gas customers will see an increase to their cost of gas rate of $0.909 per gigajoule (GJ), meaning the cost of gas rate will change from $1.141/GJ to $2.050/GJ. These changes will result in an increase of approximately $82 annually for residential customers, based on the average use of 90 GJ per year.

Customer Choice program participants will not be affected by changes to the cost of gas rate.

BC Steelhead LNG and Seven Generations Energy forge partnership A new development agreement has been announced between Steelhead LNG and Seven Generations Energy Ltd. This agreement sets the stage for engaging Aboriginal groups and communities as the two companies explore the development of new midstream infrastructure to support Steelhead LNG’s proposed natural gas liquefaction and export projects on Vancouver Island.

T he a rra ngement, th rough which Seven Generations has also acquired a minority interest in Steelhead LNG, is expected to provide potential new markets for Seven Generations’ production as well as increased certainty of natural gas supply for Steelhead LNG. “This partnership formed by Steelhead LNG and Seven Generations Energy is an example of Canadian companies working together in innovative ways to deliver Western Canadian natural gas to market, which benefits not only British Columbians and Albertans, but all Canadians,” said Rich Coleman, BC Minister of Natural Gas Development.

Steelhead LNG is a Vancouverbased energy company focused on LNG project development in British Columbia.

Seven Generations is a low-supply-cost, high-growth Canadian natural gas developer generating long-life value from its liquidsrich Kakwa River Project, located about 100 kilometres south of its operations headquarters in Grande Prairie, Alberta. 7G’s corporate headquarters are in Calgary and its shares trade on the TSX under the symbol VII.

KELOWNA UDI Okanagan successfully launches ‘Our Future City’ Conference T he orga n i z ers of K elowna’s inaugural Our Future City

OCTOBER 2016

Conference, held recently at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, were thrilled with the community’s response to the event and with the quality of the presentations and conversations that took place.

Andrew Gaucher, President of the Urban Development Institute’s (UDI) Okanagan Chapter, which organized the conference noted that nearly 300 people turned out on Friday afternoon. “We’ve been blown away by the level of community enthusiasm and support for this event, the first of its kind here in Kelowna and we feel that we have achieved what we set out to do, which was to spark conversations around some of the key topics and issues that we will all have to grapple with as our community develops and grows.”

The event, which explored leading topics related to the future growth and direction of Kelowna and the Okanagan, saw a wide range of attendees from both within and outside of the development industry. “Most of our events are geared specifically towards our members”, says Gaucher. “This time, we wanted to put something on that would be relevant to both our core membership base as well as members of the general public. It seems to have worked!”

Some of the topics that were discussed this year included: the rapid technological change that is shaping cities and the opportunities that this brings to the Okanagan, future architectural styles in the Okanagan, future approaches to building cities, communities and homes and demographic shifts and the future of retirement housing needs in the Okanagan.

Going forward, UDI intends to build on the success of this first of its kind event and plan the next Future of Our City Conference in two years. “We want to continue to advance the important dialogue around the issues facing our community and we are glad that the community is as interested in this as we are”, added Gaucher.

BC BC Government invests in resort communities The Government of British Columbia is investing $10.5-million in 14 resort communities for projects that enhance local tourism infrastructure and amenities.

The funding comes from the government’s Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) which helps growth in the tourism sector in the eligible municipalities of Fernie, Golden, Harrison Hot Sprints, Invermere, Kimberley, Osoyoos, Radium Hot Springs, Revelstoke, Rossland, Sun Peaks, Tofino, Ucluelet, Valemount and Whistler.

Over $108.6-million in RMI funding has been invested since 2006 to support resort-oriented municipalities. Projects

range from trail and boardwalk improvements to venue development and tourist information services.

The Province has invested over $98-million last year in the tourism sector throughout British Columbia.

Tourism is one of the sectors identified in the BC Jobs Plan, which continues to build on the strengths of the province’s most competitive sectors.

KELOWNA Okanagan business takes on climate change Su sta i n abi l it y con s u lt i n g firm GreenStep Solutions has developed an innovative program: Eco-base Certified, that has helped award winning green hotelier Proprietor, Greg Salloum, achieve his dream of installing a solar PV array at the Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel and Suites.

“We strive to go above and beyond with our green initiatives,” says Salloum. “We started with a solar thermal system in 2002 and we’ve done almost everything else we can to reduce our impacts, including our recent LEED Silver Certified environmental wing and new Tesla Supercharger station.

Installing a solar PV array has been a goal of mine for a long time, and with this program we’ve been able to make it a reality.”

The program, launched in 2015, has helped the hotel to create a “carbon conscious” experience for their guests, measuring its carbon footprint while generating a sizeable eco fund targeted for investments in large carbon reduction projects at the property that might otherwise not be initiated.

“Scientists and economists have warned that we need to start investing a bare minimum of 1 per cent of GDP in order to avert a climate catastrophe, or face costs exceeding 20 per cent of GDP if we do nothing,” says Angela Nagy, CEO of GreenStep. “We created Eco-base Certified with the vision of helping thousands of businesses to make investments in carbonbusting projects while also delivering a return on investment.”

The 184-panel, grid-tied solar PV module system is being supplied and installed by Swiss Solar Tech, a leader in providing heat recovery and solar technologies for residential and commercial applications. Once operational, the system will generate more than 64,500 kWh, enough to power six Canadian homes, annually.

KELOWNA Okanagan home sales continues gradual slow-down Residential sales in the region spanning Peachland to Revelstoke SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

NEWS UPDATE/TOTA

OCTOBER 2016

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were fewer this past month at 1,020, as compared to July sales of 1,042 posted to the Multiple Listing Service, down just 2.1 per cent from the previous month but still a 25.8 per cent increase over August of last year reports the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB).

“Overall, the market slowed somewhat in August as compared to previous months, but was still livelier than this time last year,” comments Anthony Bastiaanssen, OMREB President and active realtor in the central Okanagan, adding “These results are not surprising. They’re typical of this time of year, with folks in vacation mode and, towards the latter part of August, focused on getting the kids settled into school.”

Average price in August, at $464,981.64, was 2.42 per cent lower than July, but 11.52 per cent higher than August of last year.

New listings remained relatively unchanged from the previous month, while days on market rose to 85 from 80 in July across the entire region OMREB serves.

“All indications suggest the market is moderating, although at a relatively slow pace,” comments Bastiaanssen.

“While these conditions may take some of the pressure off, we are unlikely to see much of a shift in market conditions until more inventory becomes available.”

Despite the slow-down, the Okanagan market remains a challenging one and Bastiaanssen advises that prospective buyers and sellers talk to their realtor to better understand the particular characteristics of this market and the best buying or selling strategy under these conditions.

Shifting to buyers, two-parent families with children were the largest group buying homes, followed by couples without children at 22 per cent and empty nesters or retired at 21 per cent, according to July results for OMREB’s survey of buyers. First time buyers, those upgrading, those downsizing and those relocating to similar-type properties were represented in relatively equal proportions and, collectively, made up 69 per cent of the buying population.

Those already residing in the Okanagan continued to make up the largest percentage of buyers at 60 per cent, followed by buyers from the Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island at 18 per cent, 9 per cent from Alberta and 7 per cent from elsewhere in BC. “Despite the introduction of a 15 per cent increase on Property Transfer Tax for foreign buyers purchasing property in the Lower Mainland, we saw no change in foreign buyers here, who continue to make up about 2 per cent of buyers,” says Bastiaanssen.

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

2016 TOTA AGM AND SUMMIT IS SET TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS

THOMPSON OKANAGAN TOURISM GLENN MANDZIUK

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he Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is gearing up for its Annual General Meeting and Tourism Summit planned for this November 23rd and 24th at Predator Ridge Resort in Vernon.

With a commitment to harness greater competitive advantage in the industry, Marsha Walden, CEO of Destination British Columbia opens the event with her presentation, Raising our Game.

Marsha will be sharing insight on how Destination BC are evolving their strategies in an ever changing digital landscape, their plans for 2017, and industry development programs in partnership with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, to address these shifts.

The focus of this two-day event

brings light to “The Sharing Economy”; a collaborative approach to reaching our community, regional and provincial goals. Keynote Speaker and CEO of War Room Inc, Mike Tyler brings his digital expertise to the table by capitalizing on “mobile moments” and how they are reshaping the travel customer journey, from intent, to planning, booking, visitation, and finally, post-trip advocacy.

The “Sharing Economy” approach allows us to leverage our efforts by combining our resources, knowledge and connections to reach our targets collectively.

Speaker, Jason Dunkel, of Environics Analytics uses his expertise in data analysis to integrate customer behaviours, purchasing patterns and psychographic characteristics to better understand customers and markets.

In an effort to combine tourism and labour-related challenges, go2HR will offer an informative session drawing from Thompson Okanagan’s Regional Tourism Labour Market Strategy. They will also be featuring the 1st Regional Student Case Competition; an opportunity for Tourism and Hospitality students to develop their strategic thinking and presentation skills based on realistic business scenarios and demonstrate their skills to the industry.

The focus of this two-day event brings light to “The Sharing Economy”; a collaborative approach to reaching our community, regional and provincial goals.

PHOTO CREDIT: TOTA

To bring the topics of engagement full-circle, Gary Stephen Ross will outline Destination BC’s evolving approach to content marketing and suggest ways that regions and businesses can develop and submit content that Destination BC can amplify. The event will close with a presentation by Aboriginal Tourism BC Chair, Brenda Baptiste.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now open for the 2016 TOTA AGM and Tourism Summit. Email summit@ totabc.com for more information.

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

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VERNON

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OCTOBER 2016

CHAMBER PRIORITIZES LOCAL BUSINESS ADVOCACY Advocacy is one of the pillars of the chamber movement along with providing benefits to its members and setting the stage for building strong business connections

VERNON DAN ROGERS

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here has been a lot of talk about advocacy over the last month by members of the chamber and the business community at large but just what is advocacy? Well it can be described in definitive terms as the act of influencing others in favour of something such as a cause, policy or particular interest.

It ca n be done qu iet ly behind the scenes or actively by ma rch i ng i n the streets. No matter the method, there is no other organization in the country that is as respected for its advocacy work on behalf of small business and strong local economies than chambers of commerce.

Advocacy is one of the pillars

of the cha mber movement along with providing benefits to its members and setting the stage for building strong business connections. As part of

its advocacy efforts in giving a voice to its members, representatives of the Greater Vernon Chamber were among a few hundred from across the country who gathered recently at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in Regina.

The reps from the North Okanaga n were pa r t of a strong contingent from BC that tabled a number of policy resolutions.

Greater Vernon vice president Dauna Kennedy Grant repres e n te d t h e G re a te r Ve r n o n Board.

T he Canadian Chamber passed policies ranging from calling on the Federal Government to adjust the tax code to create fairness in the sports and entertainment business by permitting golf greens fees as an eligible business entertainment expense to restoring Tax Free Savings Account annual contributions limits to 2015 levels.

The delegates dealt with more than 70 resolutions and among the others that were supported included one calling on the federal government to acknowledge the base pri nciples of pension reform while also setting a fixed timeframe for advancing the discussions. The delegates also passed a policy calling on Ottawa to engage businesses in establishing the

CUSTOMER SERVICE LUCY GLENNON

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e have dubbed this column ‘Banana Junction’.

Here’s the story behind it.

Pete a green grocer in the Maritimes immigrated to this country with $200 and a background in British stall sales. In other words, he was one of a long line of fruit and vegetable stalls lined up in Covent Garden, London, competing for business.

You had to have personality, assertiveness and the best produce to attract customers.

He eventu a l ly established a chain of unique green groceries in the area.

On Thursday nights, he would order his bananas for his three biggest selling days – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and he would

BC. You can read more about the young talent in the north O k a n a g a n b y c h e c k i n g o ut www.20under40vernon.ca I n c e l e b r a t i n g t h e a r e a’s young leaders, the chamber is also recognizing the enterprises they are leading as small business is critically important to Vernon and every other city in BC. Small businesses represent 98 per cent of all businesses in the province and in fact this prov i nce is at the top of the pack in terms of small businesses per capita in Canada. BC has 83.4 small businesses per 1,000 people, which is slightly ahead of Saskatchewan and well ahead of third placed Alberta.

The national average is just over 70 per cent.

••• Finally, the Greater Vernon Chamber is pleased to welcome a number of new members inc l u d i n g Vi r t u a l Job S e a rch Coach, A & E Community Market, Best Defense Driving Academy, Bellman Specialty Product, and Vernon Optometry. Welcome to the Chamber network!

Dan Rogers is the General Manager at the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at manager@vernonchamber.ca.

BARBER SHOP OWNER LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCT LINE

THE ‘PETE’ STORY worry. If he ordered too few cases of bananas, his customers would go elsewhere to buy their produce. If he ordered too many, he would be stuck with rotting fruit.

Bananas go from green, to yellow, to little brown dots, to black and exploding in three days. His profit margins depended on ordering the exact quantities. “My i nventor y is rotting on my shelves as we speak!” Pete worriedly exclaimed regularly.

Pete’s epipha ny ca me when his worry reached epic propor tions one Thursday night driving home from work, worrying about… bananas. “I’m working on the wrong end of the problem”, he suddenly realized. “I should be working on my staff: teaching them to sell more bananas, giving customers serving suggestions, and more interaction to make customers feel valued and important.” A nd that’s the day that Pete began to overhaul his customer service levels.

Now when you go into Pete’s you’ll experience an amazing shopping

legal framework for recreational marijuana production and distribution while protecting the health of Canadians and creating consumer choice in a free market.

Most delegates were of the opinion that if the federal government is moving forward on this issue that it is best to engage business and community leaders early to ensure whatever regulatory framework that is put in place makes the most amount of sense.

“It’s important for us to attend these d iscussion a long with our colleagues in BC to ensure our members interests in the Okanagan and throughout the province are fairly represented,” says Dauna Kennedy Gra nt, v ice president of the Greater Vernon Chamber.

••• I n other news, the Greater Ver non Ch a mber cont i nues to c e l e b ra te t h e m a n y t a lented young professionals in the area who are making their mark through business success and community involvement.

KPMG recently teamed up with the chamber in launching the Top 20 under 40 Vernon. All the recipients will be recognized on Thursday October 20 th at a community celebration event during Small Business Week in

experience. T here’s a tophatted greeter at the door, a piano player up in the rafters setting the mood, all staff are highly trained in both product knowledge and customer service expectations and techniques.

And the bananas fly off the shelves 7 days a week.

I f Pete t h i n ks t hey’l l ne e d 75 c a se s, he w i l l buy 100 cases and challenge h is sta ff to move the product. And they always do. Pete raised his own expectations of his staff, and he raised their expectations of their abilities and came up with an unequalled shopping experience for his customers.

T he pressure Pete felt about his bananas is the pressure all owners should feel about thei r i nventory. T he answer is not how much inventory, but how much customer service and how great a customer experience is had.

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

SALMON ARM CORRYN GRAYSTON

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oo… they’re back!

It’s that time of the year to pull out your spooky costumes and come and explore the eerie side of R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum, located at 751 Highway 97B, for the 21 st Annual “Spooktacular” on October 22 & 23. Gate admission is $8.00 per person. Gates open at 5:00pm for this family fun haunting event. Brave children and the faint hearted can wander the not so scary “Broomstick Path” full of rhymes, fairy tale stories and treats.

If you stray too far from the Village you will wander upon the cadaver cemetery - watch out for the Grim Reaper, skeletons, witches and other

frightening ghouls. Test your skills at games of chance at the “Hocus Pocus Midway.

The Spook Trail beckons to you and takes you on a spine tingling journey through the forest. When you’re ready for a break from all the horrifying thrills, enjoy hot dogs, hot chocolate, popcorn and mini donuts by the fire. For more information visit www. salmonarmmuseum.org or Facebook.com/Haneyheritage. Ghouls and ghosts under 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult over 19.

••• A warm welcome to Jake Rakow and Katie McLaren who have just started their new company, Hands Down Contracting Ltd. The company is committed to providing unique, top quality landscape construction.

They also offer timely snow remova l for the w i nter months. One of their most impressive services is their ability to install your holiday and special occasion lights - creating a breathtaking landscape for your most special seasons and occasions - removal is also available.

Both Jake and Katie are

proud to offer competitive pricing, quality workmanship and in particular are thrilled to help you create a beautiful oasis that reflects your personal pride of ownership with the added advantage of increasing the property value to any home.

••• Matt Koivisto, owner of Salmon Arm Barber Shop is excited to announce a new line of products, personally created by Matt himself. The Big Poppa Pomade Company offers products such as Big Poppa’s Beard Butter, Big Poppa’s Beard Oil, Big Poppa’s Signature Hair Wax and Big Poppa’s No Purpose Powder. For more details and to order products you can visit Salmon Arm Barber Shop directly at 120 Hudson Avenue in downtown Salmon Arm or visit the Big Poppa Pomade Company on Facebook.

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

KELOWNA

OCTOBER 2016

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LOCAL BUSINESS PROUDLY REPRESENTED AT NATIONAL LEVEL

KELOWNA CARMEN SPARG

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icking off with the Wedding Expo and an after hours Business Networking in September, the Kelowna Chamber is undertaking another busy season of events, speakers, sponsorships and advocacy for, and on behalf of, our members.

Of course, September also included the Canadian Chambers AGM and Convention in Regina, which I am sure many of my colleagues will be writing about, as well. I flew from Kelowna to Regina on Friday September 16, and the activity never stopped until I stepped onto the plane to come home on Tuesday.

We covered a myriad of topics from Google strategies for member retention to insights on the US election. In between, we had some enlightening workshops on Canadian trade infrastructure; protection measures against online fraud; and a musical look at Community Success.

I thoroughly enjoyed the gala dinner and yes, barely made it to my flight Tuesday. I was honoured to attend, and look forward to updating our board and members on some of the policy submissions and voting results.

Col leag ues from Cha mbers across Canada suggest policy resolutions every year at the annual general meeting.

These start as local issues, discussed by individual chambers, then elevated to national status – such as removing barriers to business – there were seventy resolutions tabled this year. All were discussed; many were re-worded, and passed.

Too many to summarize here, but a few highlights: a made-in-BC policy initiative passed to establish greater competition in the airline industry; liberalized air access; and a greater capacity for the movement of labou r a nd goods.

T he outcome is aimed at solidifying Canada’s position as a global hub for aviation traffic. The Greater Westside Board of Trade brought forward their first policy resolution, which passed: Supporting Canada’s Air Travel Industry Through Lower Fees.

T here was extensive discussion on Maximizing the Economic Benefit of Recreational Marijuana, Policy number 22. There was also a policy discussed and passed on remediation: A Remediation Standard for Legal and Illegal Substance Affected Properties. Strict regulation was included in the revised phraseology.

BC-based initiatives included a softwood lumber trade agreement; a free trade agreement with India; affordable pension environment; return to demand-driven immigration; increased government support for responsible

From left, Chuck Davidson, President of the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada; Carmen Sparg, Executive VP, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce; Duncan Wilson, Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Vice President, Port of Vancouver.

PHOTO CREDIT: KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

resource development; and improved access to the Canada Job Grant.

A f i n a l note on t he ga l a d i n ner at the Ca nad ia n Cha mber AGM: I was honoured to accept the “Accred ited Chamber of Commerce with Distinction Award 2016-2019” on behalf our Kelowna Chamber. Lots of work went into winning the Award over the past two years, from our CEO Caroline Grover, Operations Manager Dicky Dack, the Board Governance Committee (all volunteer hours!), and staff.

And all of us from BC are thrilled that our new Canadian Chamber Chair is Duncan Wilson, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Port of Vancouver. Deeply experienced in working with public engagement and marketing, he will be a tremendous BC representative at the highest level of the Canada Chamber over the coming year.

In other news, October sees our Chamber pa rtneri ng i n a workshop about Millennials: how they respond to marketing, to work/life balance issues, what they see and want in terms of owning their own homes, starting and running businesses, starting families. We also host our 29th annual Business Excellence Awards on October 13 at the Delta Grand.

We have 30 finalists in ten categories this year, plus announcing our Business Leader of the Year one week in advance of the event. This awards night is always a high point of our Chamber year, and staff and volunteer judges have worked on the project since last April.

Friday October 28, we are honoured to host as a luncheon speaker, Dr Santa Ono, the new president of the University of BC. Dr Ono will be invested as President and Vice Chancellor on November 22, so we really do get a sneak preview of the thinking of this eminent pioneer in biomedical research and experimental medicine.

Born in Vancouver, and most recently the first Asian-American president of the University of Cincinnati, Dr Ono says: “One of the most compelling reasons I was drawn to UBC was the depth

and breadth of its academic research, and I am deeply committed to advancing that research by working collaboratively with some of the world’s leading scholars.”

In November, we host two of our local MLAs and both our MPs. This panel lu ncheon prom ises to be l ively a nd

informative, and as always, we look forward to the questions from the floor.

It will be just three weeks into the federal government’s second year in power in Ottawa, and in the run-up to May’s provincial election here at home.

December as always, will bring a flurry of business-related social events, as many of our 1350 members celebrate another (successful) year in business, and the temporary pause for friends, family and social and travel-related relaxation.

The work-life balance: important for all of us, and after this event-packed fall season, a lifestyle choice we all embrace.

Did I mention we also are hosting between now and the holidays, another three after hours networking events, four Business Smarts seminars, at least two Young People in Business mixers, o u r m o n t h ly B o o k C lu b, Wo m e n’s Leadership Network events (multiple), not to mention kicking off our Top Forty program sponsored by BDO? It’s a real departure this year: we’re featuring our Top Forty Over Forty, and wrapping up our summer-long “Women to Watch” feature program with an October celebration of all our nominees.

Thank you to our Volunteers and Staff for making it happen! Our membership retention rate is also at a comfortable 89 per cent. I know we’re doing most things right.

Carmen Sparg is the Executive VicePresident, and President-Elect 2017 of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. To find out more information about the organization please visit www.kelownachamber.org.

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6

OCTOBER 2016

BRUCE MARTIN & ASSOCIATES LLP JOINS MNP LLP Merger brings national accounting and business firm to the Thompson Region

K

A M L O OPS – O n September 1, Bruce Martin & Associates LLP, merged with MNP LLP, joining 18 other offices in BC now u nder the banner of one of Canada’s largest accounting and business consulting firms.

“It’s offices in Kamloops and Clearwater will join the Vernon and Kelowna centres in becoming MNP LLP Thompson/ Okanagan Region,” said Trina Wa rren, reg iona l ma nag i ng partner. “It’s Fort St. John office will merge with the MNP branch in that region.”

A wel l-establ ished fi rm of chartered professional accountants with two partners and an additional 15 professional and support staff, Bruce Martin & Associates now combined with MNP’s team of advisors specializes in private enterprise businesses including real estate construction and professionals, in addition to government sectors, First Nations, as well as in the region’s rich agricultural industry.

“This merger brings a synergy

“Coming together will strengthen and deepen our existing services and offer our clients business advice specifically tailored to their businesses and industries.”

BRUCE MARTIN PARTNER, MNP KAMLOOPS & CLEARWATER

Bruce Martin said that the merger will be seamless with clients benefitting from MNP’s added talent and industry experts

Trina Warren, regional managing partner, said the merger will bring a synergy of expertise CREDIT:MNP THOMPSON OKANAGAN

CREDIT:MNP THOMPSON OKANAGAN

of expertise, with MNP providing business advisors and agriculture consultants to assist those in the industry develop clear business plans.”

“We have been look i ng for like-minded firms to build on our strategic plans for growth i n t he K a m loops a rea wh i le adding more talent to our Fort St. John location,” said Darren Turchansky, MNP’s Executive Vice President of the BC Region. “We are thrilled to have the Bruce Martin team join the MNP family. As the BC economy continues to grow, we recognize

Your Opportunities Are Growing.

So is Our Team.

that both our firms have an opportunity to grow together.”

Martin added that what appealed to him about MNP and the merger was not on ly the firm’s 60-year history of serving a diverse range of clients, but the fact that it has been recognized as one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada by the AOH Hewitt for eight consecutive years.

“MNP has an organizational culture and values founded on an unwavering commitment to people,” he said. “Creating a great place to work and do

business, where a healthy balance between home and work life are at the core of how business is run.”

He stressed that for its clients the merger will be seamless.

“With the added talent and industry experts MNP brings, any new professionals working with our clients will be an enhancement of the service already delivered. Coming together will strengthen and deepen our existing services and offer our clients business advice specifically tailored to their businesses and industries.”

The marketplace is evolving and Martin sees client needs cont i nu i ng to become more complex. Being part of a national firm with a local client service philosophy and greater breadth and depth of services and resources will serve MNP Kamloops and Clearwater clients wel l a nd position it for continued growth and success.

M N P is a home-g row n compa ny formed i n 1958. I n addition to tax and accounting expertise, MNP delivers a diverse range of advisory services, including consulting, business valuation, enterprise risk, corporate finance, valuation and litigation support, succession pla n n i ng, estate planning, insolvency and restructuring, investigative and forensic accou nti ng, crossborder taxation and more.

National in scope and local i n focus, Wa rren poi nts out that M N P strives to develop strong relationships with its individual, public and private cl ients prov id i ng persona li z ed st rateg ies w it h a lo c a l perspective. “ We stay i n tu ne w it h ou r clientele, acting as a partner and always retaining a client centered focus.”

MNP Thompson Okanagan is at #310, 444 Victoria Street in Kamloops www.mnp.ca

You’re always looking for new opportunities to grow your business. That’s why MNP continues to add the best within the industry to meet all your business needs. Please join us in welcoming Bruce Martin and his dedicated team to MNP. Our firm is thrilled to be expanding into the Kamloops marketplace and growing our presence in the Thompson-Okanagan region.

By bringing together our combined expertise serving our clients in the private enterprise, professionals, construction and agriculture sectors, we continue to grow the best team possible to ensure you stay competitive and profitable — and capitalize on every opportunity.

Contact Bruce Martin, CPA, CA, Partner Assurance Services in Kamloops at 250.374.5908 or bruce.martin@mnp.ca or Trina Warren, CPA, CA, Regional Managing Partner, Thompson-Okanagan Region at 1.877.766.9735 or trina.warren@mnp.ca

7

OCTOBER 2016

Local MLA Begins Preparations For The Next Election Todd Stone: Kamloops - South Thompson MLA & Transportation Minister

BY DAVID HOLMES

K

AMLOOPS – Todd Stone the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the riding of Kamloops – South Thompson is buoyant about the economic prospects for his region.

In addition to his MLA’s duties the freshman Politician is also the Provincial Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure so it’s something of an unintentional pun when he says his region is on track for prosperity in the future.

“Why did I become Minister of Transportation? Because all roads lead to Kamloops of course,” he jokingly stated.

Very much a tech savvy individual, Stone was the founder and co-owner of a software development company that he operated with his business partner and wife Chantelle prior to being elected for the first time in 2013.

Having divested himself of all association with his firm (which he had operated for more than 15 years) to allow him to focus on serving as an MLA, Stone has found the experience both surprising and satisfying. With the potential of another provincial election just over the horizon he has started to prepare himself for the task of seeking re-election, something he’s not had to do before.

“These past three years as an MLA have been beyond any expectations I may have had.”

TODD STONE MLA, KAMLOOPS – SOUTH THOMPSON

“These past three years as an MLA have been beyond any expectations I may have had going in. I wear many hats but being the MLA is my primary role and it’s a real privilege to represent the people of Kamloops. That’s especially the case when you get to help people, something that is truly satisfying,” he said.

Stone said the bulk of the inquiries fielded by his office are related to people needing support and guidance in navigating the sometimes complex waters of provincial government services. “Most inquiries relate to people needing to be connected to the resources that are available, something that isn’t always easy for people. My excellent staff and I help them in finding solutions for the concerns and problems they have,” Stone explained.

One of the greatest sources of

Stone was on hand to test some new trades equipment when visiting Thompson Rivers University personal satisfaction for Stone during his term in office has been being able to participate in the Provincial Government’s 10 Year Transportation Plan, a multi level plan for updating the BC transportation system to allow it to better serve the needs of the province’s citizens and business community throughout the 21st Century.

Now into its second year, Stone

looks forward to continuing to help bring the key elements of the Plan to fruition. “Whoever has a chance to work on a 10 year plan for anything, much less something as far reaching as transportation?

Transportation is certainly one of the higher profile ministries and I was honoured when the Premier asked me to sit in her cabinet,” he said.

Stone is also bullish on the state of the regional economy. “Kamloops’ economy is on track to succeed. We have about the lowest unemployment levels in memory and what’s really different about the current regional economic climate is the diversity of the economic mix. While we still have our traditional industries of mining and forestry we now also have technology, tourism, education and more. There is real stability and strength in that level of diversity,” he said.

Preparing to run for election a second time, Stone is confident but not complacent about the task that awaits him. “They say the only poll that really matters happens on Election Day and there’s truth in that. In an election campaign you start from scratch, nobody’s won anything yet. My take on it is that you can’t take anything for granted. You have to be prepared to work for every single vote, winning by one is as good as winning by 10,000, a win is a win but it takes hard work,” he said.

“BC elections are historically very close, so I’m never going to make any assumptions about the way it unfolds, that happens on Election Day.” For more information on the MLA visit Stone’s website at: www.toddstonemla.ca

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8

OCTOBER 2016

2016 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALISTS REVEALED

KAMLOOPS DEB MCLELLAND

K

amloops Chamber of Commerce and TD announced their finalists this evening for the 30th annual Business Excellence Awards at a special event hosted by Kamloops Lincoln.

“T he ch a mb er i s proud of our business community and therefore, we believe, to reach this stage of award finalist is a major achievement,” says Ryan Scorgie, Chamber President.

“We look forward to revealing the recipients of our 18 Business Excellence Awards on October 22nd.”

T he 48 independent Selection Committee members will now interview each finalist to determine the winners of the coveted Kam loops Chamber of Commerce and TD Business

Some of the finalists for the 30th Anniversary, Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards PHOTO CREDIT: KAMLOOPS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Excellence Awards.

Winners of the awards will be announced at the Business Excellence Awards Gala, to be held the evening of Saturday, October 22nd, 2016. This event always sells out early, so the public is advised to

reserve their seats soon.

Tickets are now available for $135+GST ($115+GST for Chamber members) at ka m loopschamber.ca or by calling the Chamber office at 250.372.7722.

2016 B u s i n e s s E x c e l l e n c e

Awards Finalists:

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City of Kamloops Community Service Award • Kamloops Ford Lincoln • Kelson Group P roper ty Management

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OCTOBER 2016

KAMLOOPS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Award • Habitat for Humanity Kamloops ReStore • New Gold Inc. New Afton Mine • The Afternoon Auxiliary to the Royal Inland Hospital BDC Business Development Bank Manufacturer Award • Domtar Inc. (Kamloops Pulp Mill) • Fresh Is Best Salsa Company Inc. • Horizon North Logistics Venture Kamloops Resource Industry Award • Domtar Inc. (Kamloops Pulp Mill) • Lightship Works Inc. • Trout Creek Enterprises Westland Insurance Group Ltd Retailer Award 1 - 10 Staff • Andres Electronic Experts • Gord’s Appliance + Mattress Centre • Harper’s Trail Estate Winery Aberdeen Mall Retailer Award 11+ Staff • Fresh Is Best Salsa Company Inc. • Lyons Landscaping • Mark’s Berwick on the Park Service Provider Award 1 - 10

Staff • Excel Personnel Inc. • Kent Wong Photography • Summit Gourmet Meats Kamloops Lincoln Service Provider Award 11+ Staff • Four Star Communications Inc. • Hotel 540 • Tenisci Piva LLP BCLC Technology Innovator Award • Hummingbird Drones Inc. • iTel Networks Inc. • Lightship Works Inc. TRU Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts & Tourism and Tourism Sun Peaks Tourism Award • DoubleT ree by H i lton Kamloops • Hotel 540 • Rainbow’s Roost • TasteFull Excursions Inc. CN Project of the Year • Cascades Casino Kamloops • City of Kamloops • Kamloops Wineries Association Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre Employer of the Year • iTel Networks Inc. • Lightship Works Inc.

• Volkswagen of Kamloops United Way Not-For-Profit of the Year • BIG Little Science Centre • Interior Community Services • St. John Ambulance TRU School of Business and Economics Young Entrepreneur of the Year • Dr. Russell Ebata | Ebata Eyecare Optometry • Da n iel le Fauteu x | A l l by Design • Jesse Faubert | Common Sound • Brittany Strebchuk | Aglow Bridal Lounge KGH M I nter nat iona l - Aja x Project Small Business of the Year • D-JUNK Enterprises Co. Ltd • Kamloops Naturopathic Clinic • Lizzie Bits Baby Co. Excel Personnel Business Person of the Year • Steve Davidson | Kamloops Ford Lincoln • Greg Munden | Munden Ventures Ltd • Gavin Rasmussen | K&C’s Construction & Renovations Ltd Deb McClelland is the executive director of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached email at deb@kamloopschamber.ca

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9

CHAMBER TAKES HOME 2016 COMMUNICATIONS AWARD

SUMMERLAND CHRISTINE PETKAU

L

ast month, at the BC Chamber Executives Conference in Parksville, the Summerland Chamber was honoured with the 2016 BCCE Com mu n ications Awa rd for Chambers with more than 500 members.

We take our communications with our stakeholders very seriously and work hard to reach all our audiences. In addition to serving our 700+ members, the Summerland Chamber is also responsible for Tourism and business retention and expansion activities on behalf of the District of Summerland. Because of these multiple roles in the community, our comm u n i c a t io n s a c t i v i t i e s a re significant and we often use a different ‘voice’ to reach our varying audiences.

We a lso won th is awa rd i n 2013 and since that time we’ve made significant changes.

In the spring of 2014 we completed a major project to separate our tourism information from our main Chamber site.

The tourismsummerland.com site provided a new showcase for our many business members in the tourism sector and the activities and attractions that Summerland is known for.

The site is rich in photos and text and provides a comprehensive directory of our touri s m b u s i ne ss m em b ers. We make significant investments in search engine optimization each year in order to attract visitors to the site. The site is supported by social media at: facebook.com/VisitSummerland, twitter.com /TourSummerland, and Instagram.com/ visit_summerland.

In addition to various print med ia a nd t he socia l med ia above, our tourism and communication staff is currently involved in a provincial pilot training project through Destination BC to enhance our social media efforts for tourism with an emphasis on Twitter.

In 2015 we were able to take o n t h e p ro j e c t o f re-d o i n g ou r ma i n Cha mber website, summerlandchamber.com.

Our goal was to put our 700+ members front and centre with a beautiful new business directory which links from the main

page of the website. This new site gives us the option to also include more pictures and videos and is supported by social media at facebook.com/SummerlandChamber and twitter. com/summerlandchmbr.

Ou r news pages l i n k to monthly newsletters, the very popular Business Buzz which highlights the activities of our members, and also our blog.

T hrough our economic development activities, we have partnered in the last two years w i t h t h e D i s t r i c t o f S u mmerland to create a series of informative videos about business and investment opportunities in the community which can be viewed on our website or on our YouTube channel.

In March of this year, again partnering with the District of Summerland, we created a loca l shoppi ng ca mpa ig n to benef it ou r members ca l led #discoverhome.

This series of 10 videos has been shared through Facebook to Su m merla nd residents as well as through Instagram and has received more than 40,000 views.

The Chamber is also responsible for a major event in Summerland called the Festival of Lights, held the last Friday of November. 2016 will be the 29th year the Chamber has presented the festival and it is the Okanagan valley’s premier kickoff to the winter holidays. The festival attracted almost 8000 visitors last year and is supported by its own website at summerlandlightup.com and Facebook at Summerland-Festival-Of-Lights.

We live in a world where the ability to communicate is key.

A recent article in Forbes Magazine stated that ‘in order to innovate, it’s not enough to just come up with big ideas, you also need to work hard to communicate them clearly.’ The Summerla nd Cha mber si ncerely appreciates being recognized by our provincial peers for success in this area.

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

10

OCTOBER 2016

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE PLANNING MAJOR EXPANSION Business Finders Canada Began Operations In 2009

K

ELOWNA – Leveraging the unsurpassed reach of the Internet, coupled with the skills of a team of professional Commercial REALTORS®, Business Finders Canada is revolutionizing the way Canadian businesses are bought and sold.

Now, after having tested, fine tuned and expanded its reach the Kelowna-based real estate brokerage is on the verge of initiating a major expansion of its proven marketing concept.

“What we are today is a fully licensed commercial real estate office, we have the expertise and the sales experience to effectively market businesses and commercial properties. That’s our sole focus,” explained company founder and Principal Steve Harvey.

An entrepreneur for decades, Harvey has a tremendous amount of experience in the operation, growth and sale of business. This business background, coupled with the skills he learned marketing his own ventures served as the catalyst for the formation of Business Finders Canada.

“From 1992 through to about 2009 I had essentially bought and sold my businesses on my own.

When I went to look for someone who was an expert in this category of real estate sales I didn’t really find anybody I was that impressed with. I saw that there was a real niche for this service as there was really no one doing these sorts of sales at this level,” he explained.

Knowing that the brokering of businesses was something extensively carried out in the United States, he researched how this distinctive segment of real estate sales occurs south of the border and custom tailored a business model adapted to the Canadian marketplace – launching Business Finders Canada at the end of 2009. The new firm became

Steve Harvey is the Principal and Founder of Business Finders Canada

“It’s estimated that within the next 10 years as many as 70 per cent of all businesses in North America could be for sale.”

Business Finders Canada’s office is conveniently located at 1652 Pandosy Street in Kelowna

STEVE HARVEY PRINCIPAL, BUSINESS FINDERS CANADA

a certified real estate brokerage in 2011. Today the company’s coverage area encompasses all of Western Canada.

Located at 1652 Pandosy Street in Kelowna, Harvey and his team of real estate sales professionals have the connections to assist their expanding client list buy and sell businesses throughout the Okanagan region, as well as in Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and elsewhere. The company’s certified Business Brokers have the skills and the experience to effectively market any sized business.

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#3, 3185 Via Centrale Kelowna, BC, V1V 2A7 Ph: 250.765.0266 Email: terry@KelownaAccountants.com www.KelownaAccountants.com

Sharing ideas (left to right) Andrew Pohl, Kim Davies and Steve Harvey make plans in the company boardroom “Business Finders Canada was designed right from the beginning with the idea of opening other locations. Starting in January 2017 we plan to start opening licensed offices in Calgary,

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Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Prince George and on Vancouver Island,” Harvey said.

“We’re poised for a major expansion and are just finishing off work on our licensing agreements and should have all of the paperwork complete in the next month or so. We’ll then start strategizing on the best way for us to move forward from there.”

Combining a sophisticated web presence with the tried skills of a team of experienced Commercial REALTORS®, the Business Finders Canada business model is especially tuned to the needs of business sellers, clients requiring professionalism and confidentiality.

“In business transactions most business ow ners don’t want everyone knowing the business is for sale – including their customers and staff. They’re just interested in getting the business sold for the largest amount and with the least fuss. Sometimes

there can be a lot of tire kickers out there, people who have no real interest in buying the business,” he said.

“Our approach keeps the information confidential, and far more effectively brings sellers and serious buyers together for everyone’s benefit.”

Featuring a two step process that includes a real world market evaluation of the business’ worth, Business Finders will compile all of the information and documentation necessary to allow a prospective buyer to make an informed and accurate decision.

While the firm’s online portal is appealing to offshore business purchasers Harvey has discovered that 90 per cent of the company’s transactions occur domestically.

With an established and proven business model, with finely tuned and sophisticated web tools, and with outside interests wanting to duplicate the success of the concept elsewhere, Harvey is buoyant about the future of his innovative company. “Today we have seven full time Commercial REALTOR® / Brokers and there are three more in the process of writing their licenses right now, people who have great business broker experience who will be real assets to us,” Harvey said.

“Due to the aging of the population, as the Baby Boomers are heading into retirement, it’s estimated that within the next 10 years as many as 70 per cent of all businesses in North America could be for sale. For me there couldn’t be a better time to establish a business that focuses on this important segment of the real estate market. The future for this service is very bright.”

For more information visit the company’s website at: www. businessfinderscanada.com

11

OCTOBER 2016

ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS

British Columbia Engineers & Architects Are Designing Tomorrow Engineers & Architects Play Integral Roles In All Aspects Of Modern Life

Architecture plays a dramatic role in all areas of modern life, whether we’re aware of it or not

BY DAVID HOLMES

I

t’s not an exaggeration to say that modern society, or even human civilization itself, could not have occurred without the work of architects and engineers.

From the simplest lever used to pry up a stone somewhere in the ancient mists of time, to the high definition images beamed from a rover on the surface of Mars, someone had to develop the means for either of those accomplishments to occur.

In a similar way the homes we live in, the buildings where our businesses are located, and all of the structures that compose our modern world owe their existence to someone coming up with an idea and then turning that concept into a practical and functioning structure.

In British Columbia thousands of engineers and architects, working in hundreds of different companies and representing myriad categories of design keep the province working, active, sheltered and

“In a way an engineer’s work goes unnoticed. You turn on the tap and water comes out. But in reality a great deal of engineering went into making that seemingly simple thing happen.”

MICHAEL WRINCH

progressive. Part art, part science, part human imagination either of these two related professions play pivotal roles in keeping society functioning.

“In a way an engineer’s work goes unnoticed. You turn on the tap and water comes out. But in reality a great deal of engineering went into making that seemingly simple thing happen,” explained Michael Wrinch, the current President of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC).

“Everyone runs water into the sink or flushes the toilet. The dirty water is gone and fresh clean water comes in. But when you think about the piping system that has brought the water in, the water treatment plants to prevent illness, the distribution systems required to bring water into the home, it’s an amazing amount of engineering and it all happens behind the scenes without anyone really thinking about it.”

The APEGBC is the organization that oversees the licensing and

serves as the regulatory body for the province’s professional engineers and geoscientists. Created in 1920, the Association is charged with protecting the public interest by setting and maintaining high academic, experience and professional practice standards for all of its 33,000 plus members in BC. Those individuals licensed by the APEGBC are the only persons permitted by law to undertake and assume responsibility for engineering and geoscience projects in BC. Engineers falling under its administration include electrical engineers, structural engineers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, computer engineers, biological engineers, nanotechnology engineers and more. Essentially anyone working in an engineering field in the province falls under the egis of the Association.

For architects in British Columbia the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) regulates the profession on behalf of SEE ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS | PAGE 12

ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS

12 ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

the general public. Much like with the APEGBC, the Architectural Institute looks after professional development by offering training courses and offering other resources for practitioners of this complex and multi-faceted profession.

T he A rch itects Act, i ntroduced in British Columbia in 1920, is the legislation that governs the architectural profession throughout the province.

Its underlying purpose is to protect the public interest. While it is specific to architects and architecture, it affects everyone including related professions,

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The act specifies the legal responsibilities for those who practice architecture, including qualifications, professional conduct standards, liability, and certificates of practice. It also establishes the authority and mandate of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, the regulatory body for the profession.

In addition to providing training and accreditation the AIBC is also charged with protecting the public against problems associated

with all aspects of architecture including health and safety. The Institute has created a code of Ethics and Professional Conduct that all licensed architects must adhere to and also handles complaints and enforces disciplinary action against those who have violated its strict rules of conduct.

A good example of an architectural firm is Alora Griffin Architect, which operates out of Prince Rupert in Northern British Columbia. This small firm collaborates with clients to develop the budget, site and program requirements for

OCTOBER 2016

the numerous projects it undertakes. In its literature it states: “We are committed to affordable sustainable architecture and endeavor to incorporate energy-efficient and environmentally friendly materials into every design.” A partial list of the practice’s completed projects include the Kondolas furniture store in Terrace and an addition made to the Prince Rupert RCMP detachment. This company specializes in projects such as multi-family residences, SEE ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS | PAGE 13

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OCTOBER 2016

ROBERT

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ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

commercial projects and places of worship.

One example of a Mechanical Engineering firm is Sidney-based Nicholson Manufacturing Ltd. part of a truly international enterprise Nicholson has been serving clients worldwide for more than 60 years. The Victoria area operation is a self-described Ring Debarker Specialist, creating products for the forest industry; the company has developed a range of debarker models to suit any application.

The APEGBC’s Wrinch, himself is an electrical engineer and the owner of Vancouver-based Hedgehog Technologies Inc., a firm specializing in all aspects of electrical design, primarily for industrial clients. “One exciting part of our profession are the people I like to call Frontier Engineers, these are the people lucky enough to be working on pure research, the people who are in essence creating tomorrow,” he said.

“All engineers are in reality working on new and innovative things, but these individuals are really on the leading edge of engineering. Engineers for example

In addition to providing training and accreditation the AIBC is also charged with protecting the public against problems associated with all aspects of architecture including health and safety developed the stents that are used to unclog blood vessels, which in a way is a mechanical engineering problem. Engineering really does touch all aspects of society, whether people realize it or not.”

Courtenay-based Tsolum & Tsable Environmental Ltd. is a good example of an environmental consultancy firm. The company specializes in areas as diverse as indoor air quality, hazardous and occupational hygiene services, grow op and drug lab environmental testing and other ecologicallybased services.

Kamloops based Artek Architecture is a diversified practice with an extensive experience working with government clientele, Heritage Restoration and First Nations Bands. Established in 1978 the firm specializes in industrial, institutional and commercial work, but has completed many single family and multi-family residential projects as well.

For Wrinch the aging of

S W E

N

the profession has motivated it to make professional promotion and recruitment an increasingly important part of the work of the Association. “We visit schools, we reach out to universities, and we offer an educational program to teachers to allow them to get the word out about the profession. We’ve made the job of bringing the next generation of engineers along a top priority,” he said.

“The future of the profession is bright. Engineering in British Columbia is part of a growing global community of professionals who are leading the creation of the world around us every day in unimaginable ways.

Engineers are an essential part of the economic engine of this province.”

For more information about engineering as a career choice please visit the Association’s website at: www.apeg.bc.ca To learn more about the profession of architecture as a potential career option check out the AIBC website at: www.aibc.ca

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OCTOBER 2016

DENTURE CLINIC EXPANDS INTO KELOWNA MARKET A Denturist’s scope of practice has broadened over the past 20 years to incorporate partial dentures, replacement of missing teeth due to sports injuries and titanium implants

V

ERNON – Tyler Perrault, R.D. BPS Master, got his first job, at the age of 11, delivering newspapers to his neighbourhood; at 14 he launched a racquet stringing enterprise and at 16 he graduated to having his own contracting company doing renovations and odd jobs. In 2000, after working as a denturist in Saskachewan for several years, his strong entrepreneurial spirit led him to Vernon and the purchase of Vernon Denture Clinic, a wellestablished 43-year-old denture practice.

Sixteen years later, after seeing steady and consistent growth in Vernon, his company has expanded, opening its second location in Kelowna.

The new location has 1,600 sq. ft. and is located close to the bridge and the highway, making it easily accessible for people from West Kelowna, Lake Country and the South Okanagan.

Although Perrault works in both clinics, he has recently welcomed fellow graduate of NAIT, Stacey MacAulay, R.D., as a Denturist to the Kelowna location. Prior to joining Perrault, MacAulay worked for several years running her own practice at one of the largest denture groups in Western Canada.

“I knew it was time to expand in location and staffing when the opportunity to provide better, quicker and more efficient service became a reality thanks to digital dentures,” Perrault said. “It was a great way to differentiate our services in the Kelowna market, plus I had been suggesting to my peers who were looking to relocate to BC that they should try Kelowna, so I finally took my own advice.”

Perrault said that part of the

success with his business came from his foundational experiences as a young entrepreneur and from his father, who had a background in business leadership and counselled him at a young age to consider working for himself.

Help with choosing a career, however, came from his stepfather, a denturist who eventually retired after 40 years as a practitioner.

“My stepdad was always passionate about his work and about what he saw as the benefits of owning his own business. He also saw that I was good with my hands and had a strong entrepreneurial drive. I asked questions and discovered I liked what I heard so began my training in 1995.”

Student Denturists study for a minimum of three years after earning a university degree with a Science background. They focus on clinical and laboratory skills, diagnostic and treatment expertise and intra-oral and laboratory procedures. They can also pursue more education in a variety of specialties.

“I’ve made it a priority in my practice to consistently pursue continuing education to keep my skills on the cutting edge of denturism technology.”

Early in his career, one significant development Perrault adopted was in BPS or Biofunctional Prosthetic System. Developed by Ivoclar, one of the leaders in the denturism world, it offered a standardized process for treatment and for a functional outcome.

“It gave me the opportunity to provide a better product for my patients that would improve their quality of life.”

The greatest advancement in making dentures in the past 100 years, according to Perrault, are digital dentures.

“The industry standard for making dentures is between three to four weeks. With digitalized technologies I can make a denture in seven days and as the method improves delivery times will shorten.”

Perrault explained that with the digital system patients get a better quality product and more efficient service. He added that, with a traditional set of dental impressions, molding material is

Stacey MacAulay, R.D has recently joined the Kelowna clinic.

CREDIT:VERNON DENTURE CLINIC

The location in Kelowna is easily accessible from West Kelowna, Lake Country and the South Okanagan CREDIT:VERNON DENTURE CLINIC

One of Vernon Denture Clinic’s registered lab technicians putting finishing touches on a set of dentures CREDIT:VERNON DENTURE CLINIC

placed in the patient’s mouth until the compound sets when it is then removed.

“Some patients have a strong gag reflex and are sensitive to having the mold in their mouth. With the digitized system a small tool scans the mouth. We then download the image to the software where we can manipulate the picture to create a more accurate final product.”

The process incorporates a comprehensive workflow with innovative appliances, software programs and materials that can be customized and built into a patient-specific denture.

Perrault pointed out that a denturist’s scope of practice has broadened over the 20 years he has been in practice, and not just in technology. He doesn’t only work with

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The new 1,600 sq. ft. Kelowna Denture Clinic has spacious patient exam rooms CREDTI:VERNON DENTURE CLINIC

“My stepdad was always passionate about his work and about what he saw as the benefits of owning his own business.”

TYLER PERRAULT OWNER, VERNON DENTURE CLINIC

seniors or with patients needing a complete set of dentures.

“We can make partial dentures to work with existing teeth,” he said. “Our clientele now encompasses all age groups, including

those who have sustained a sports injury, need to replace a missing tooth, or require dental implants.”

“Denturism is a profession that generates a lot of questions in terms of what it does. The most common misconception is that we produce dentures for dentists. In reality, a dentist sends denture cases to a commercial lab that will produce dentures for a large number of dentists, never seeing patients. A Denturist has their own lab and only make dentures for the patients we see.”

Collaboration is at the heart of Perrault’s business model, however, and his business has worked hard to develop reciprocal relationships with other dental professionals, with referrals going both ways.

He stressed that some medical conditions may require the removal of some or all teeth as they can impact overall health, an important reason for maintaining those relationships with surgeons and dentists.

“We have a history at our Vernon clinic of collaborating with dentists and oral surgeons on patient treatment and care. Our Kelowna clinic staff is also working closely with dental colleagues,” he explained.

“It is a real benefit to the patient and our employees as it empowers our staff to do their best work, with the same outcome and goal in mind.”

Vernon Denture Clinic is at 291031st Avenue in Vernon www.vernondentureclinic.com

15

OCTOBER 2016

KELOWNA BUSINESS FASTEST GROWING SUPPLIER IN CANADA past three years.”

He added that most businesses don’t have a good handle on their office printing costs. Innov8’s goal is to provide products and solutions to control those costs.

He explained that Innov8 can take care of everything related to a business’s office equipment, from sales and on-site service to ongoing training and automated monitoring.

“We are also expanding our offering to IT and software solutions to help businesses improve efficiencies.”

Brosseau ex pla i ned that growth is part of the company

vision. For both him and his business partner Kevin Fisher, who operates out of Innov8’s Kamloops offices, expansion is key to successful long term growth.

On September 1, I n nov8 merged with Unity Business Systems, (owned by Brosseau and Brent Cartier) which has been a major provider in Victoria since 1978. Combined, Innov8 is now one of the largest independent office equipment providers in BC. Innov8 is at 809 Finns Road in Kelowna. www.innov8ds.ca

Andre Brosseau, president of Canon’s fastest growing supplier in Canada said his company recruited the best in the industry CREDIT:ANDRE BROSSEAU

Trust is key to successful and healthy growth

K

ELOWNA –Andre Brosseau, president of Canon’s fastest g row i ng office systems supplier in Canada, Innov8 Digital Solutions, believes the key to his company’s success is trust.

“I don’t micromanage, I provide leadership and trust employees to make good decisions while performing the job they were trained for,” he said.

Brosseau i s wel l versed i n building and running a successful business. Originally from Red Deer, Alberta, he was president and major shareholder in that province’s largest dealership. After acquiring Canon’s Kelow n a loc at ion, he m ade the decision to sell his stake in Alberta, move his family and YOUR BUSINESS CONNECTION TO:

“Most businesses don’t have a good handle on their office printing costs. Our goal is to provide products and solutions to control those costs.”

ANDRE BROSSEAU PRESIDENT, INNOV8 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, KELOWNA

focus on building a BC owned and operated business, Lakeside Office Systems.

“We attracted the best in the industry and retained the dedicated people who helped build Lakeside over the past 20 years it has been in business,” explained Brosseau. “People who believed in the vision of consistently striving to find a better way of providing solutions by thinking creatively.”

“Tammy Ervin, controller, has been with the organization for 20 years,” he said, adding that she isn’t alone; there are three other employees with as many years in the company.

“These people know the community and the industry. They also know that Innov8 is a progressive business, not into short term growth, but into long term relationships with its clients.

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16

OCTOBER 2016

FUZZY WORM MAKES LEARNING TO READ EASY From Dragon’s Den audition to trade shows and workshops, inventor keeps the faith in her product and its effictiveness

K

ELOWNA – For Brenda Larson, helping children learn to read is more than part of her job; it’s her passion. It has been for 34 years as a teacher and 16 years as a business owner. It has even taken her to audition for the Dragon’s Den. “That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” she said. “I believe in Itchy’s Alphabet, but trying to get on the show was a challenging experience.”

Even though she never stood in front of the Dragons, she never lost her faith because she knows the concept behind Itchy’s Alphabet works.

“Children are strong visual, concrete learners,” she said. “Itchy’s Alphabet uses picture cues in the shape of letters to teach sounds and letter formations.”

Larson initially created the alphabet for her own classroom, but as other teachers saw its effectiveness they wanted to use the concept as well.

“Early in my teaching career I started collecting these picture cues in the shape of letters. Once I had all 26 cues, the program began to evolve into over 30 products in our English materials.”

She explained how the children found it easier to learn the sounds and the formations when a picture was associated with the letters, so she found pictures that would represent the sound and shape of the letter.

“At first, it was more of a hobby that I worked on in the evenings and on weekends, especially while I was still teaching.”

But after Larson retired she ramped up the business into more of a full time endeavour, attending teacher’s conventions and trade

shows and selling the program online.

Its name is hard to forget and comes f rom a 16-i nch-long stuffed worm Larson discovered on a shopping trip in the Orchard Park Mall.

“I was Christmas shopping and found it at a small kiosk. Called Willie Worm, it came in many colours, had a soft tuft of fur on its head and a long body that could be bent into all sorts of shapes.”

As vowel sounds are some of the hardest for children to grasp and because the soft fur tickled, ‘Itchy’ became part of the program, not only for the /i/ sound in its name, but also because it looked like an ‘i’.

“I contacted the distributor in North Vancouver, began buying boxes of the toy, and eventually purchased the patent and had it manufactured in China myself.”

Unfortunately, just as Larson was getting the business going after her 2006 retirement, the market took a downturn.

“Sales in Canada and the US dropped,” she said. “During this time I branched out and created versions in both Spanish and French.”

“This is the kind of product people need to see,” she explained, adding that research has shown its efficacy, especially with the flipbook. It is an easy sell when teachers see the book and the connection between the letters and picture cues.

Although Larson may not be able to attend all the trade shows she would like, she teaches workshops, getting her product and experience to those looking for inventive and effective methods for teaching both reading and writing.

“It’s about teaching children the lower case letter and sound first, not the upper case letters and names, especially for the up to 3035 per cent of the classroom that is at risk. It’s about re-educating parents and teachers to make it easier and less confusing for the child.”

Itchy’s A lph ab et i s at 1-778-436-8643 www.itchysalphabet.com

WORK LIFE BALANCE IS KEY TO SUCCESS FOR ROOFING COMPANY Changes in the roofing industry bring challenges every homeowner should be aware of

K

ELOWNA – Burc Colins first began his roofing career in 1986 in Abbotsford when a friend asked him if he wanted a good job. He’s never looked back - eventually creating his own roofing company.

“Although I enjoyed roofing, you can’t really do it in the valley during certain times of the year due to the rain and weather of the west coast,” he said. “I ended up only working in the summers and maybe a bit in the spring so I began looking around for other opportunities.”

In 1991, he headed to the Okanagan where even with a work shortage he was able to find a job immediately.

“The weather was a lot more to my liking too!”

After five years of working for others, however, he felt it was time to step out on his own. With his best friend and his father-inlaw, Elite Roofing was created.

“It was like stepping off a cliff without a safety net,” he said.

“Fortunately, my father-in-law had experience in business and took the time to teach us, passing on his business acumen and staying actively involved with building the company.”

E v e n t u a l l y, a f t e r s e v e ra l years, Colins took the next step and bought out both partners, becom i ng sole ow ner of the company.

“Being involved in the roofing industry for 30 years, I’ve seen a lot of changes, not just in the materials used and building codes required, but also in the industry as a whole. Back in the day of tar roofing you had no chance of coming home clean.

Nowadays, you can almost wear a suit to work!”

Encouraging a work/life balance is one of the reasons owner, Burc Collins said his company is growing CREDIT:BURC COLINS

Unfortunately, he’s seen more serious changes as well, including companies that come and go leaving clients without any backing in case something goes wrong.

“It’s buyer beware,” he said, adding that homeowners looking to reroof or for a new system should consider checking the company’s listing with the Better Business Bureau, its Worker’s Compensation Board safety record, and if the company has changed names after declaring bankruptcy.

“Also look at how long they’ve been in business in the area,” he said. “If a client has a problem, you want the company available to take care of it, standing behind what it builds. After the last boom at the beginning of the 2000’s, there were a lot of contractors that aren’t around anymore.”

He added t h at a lt hou g h it isn’t a lways easy r u n n i ng a sma l l busi ness, it a l l comes down to how you manage and treat your employees and your customers.

“You’ve got to show up for your people,” he stressed. “We make that happen by understanding what is needed, including standing behind the quality of our work and letting our customers know that we aren’t going anywhere.”

Ninety per cent of the projects Elite does involve removing an

old roof and installing a new one using a two-ply torch-on system. But it also installs single ply systems, custom copper roofs, snaplock metal roofing, custom metal flashing, metal cladding and soffits as well as shake conversions, concrete tile, foundation/concrete waterproofing, and is a Certified Firestone Membrane applicator.

“Reroofing is much trickier than installing a new roof,” he explained. “With a new installation you don’t have anyone below you. When you’re fixing an old roof, you don’t know what you’ll find and you have to consider what’s beneath you. You can’t make mistakes when you’ve got a business or restaurant operating below you.”

He added that for Elite business, success also revolves around a strong work/life balance.

“Family is a big part of my life, I try to make it come first,” he said.

“I also encourage my employees to do the same.”

Having this kind of mentality is why Colins feels his company has continued to grow, even during the 2008 construction downturn.

“We’ve never been in the negative,” he pointed out. “You can’t return a roof, so we follow good roofing practices with integrity.

People know that and respect it.”

Elite Roofing is at 4781 Old Vernon Road in Kelowna www.eliteroofing.ca

P R I VA T E W E A L T H M A N A G M E N T

Congratulations Brenda!

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Congratulations to Elite Roofing on your continued success!

Congratulations totoElite Roofing Congratulations Elite Roofing on on your continued success! your continuedLakesuccess!

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V4V 2T1 250-766-6200 ® The TD logo and other trade-marks are of TheareToronto-Dominion Bank. Bank.

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KAMLOOPS KAMLOOPS LOCATION LOCATION 3801 Westsyde - The Dunes at 175 Kokanee WayRd- Ramada Hotel

PROJECT KamloopsTYPE commercial new PROJECT TYPE

PROJECT Multi-Family New

tree farm PROJECT STATUS Application to remove land from Agriculture Land Reserve submitted - approval anticipated late/16 DESIGNER Pinske Design - 202 1339 McGill SIMONEV2C SUNDERLAND Rd, Kamloops 6K7 250-3147595

DEVELOPER PROJECT PROJECT North Core Developments Ltd New condominiums on 16.52 facility - the disNew water treatment - 652 Dunes Dr, Kamloops V2B acres - 21 two storey duplexes 8M8meth250-579-3300 trict is currently testing several - above ground parking - 5 four ods including membrane technology storey condominium buildings PROJECT STATUS park- 317 units - underground ing - clubhouse swimming pool call for Design underway - Tender and spa community garden with General Contractor anticipated outdoor wedding chapel - walkJuly/14 - construction completion ing trails - 5 acres nut and fruit

New Ramada Hotel in the Campbell Creek industrial park - 4 storeys 3,780 sm - 80 rooms - restaurant - pool with waterslide - elevators - concrete construction - roof articulation with porte cochere - asphalt shingles - 98 surface parking stalls Construction start anticipated late 2014

ARCHITECT

DF Architecture Inc - 1205 4871 Shell Rd, Richmond V6X 3Z6 604-284-5194

DEVELOPER

Prism Ventures Inc - 3571 Barmond Ave, Richmond V7E 1A4 604-338-4656

OWNER

PROJECT TYPE Subdivisions PROJECT New residential subdivision on approximately 4 acres - 16 SFDs PROJECT STATUS Rezoning application at 1st reading - public hearing anticipated late 2016 to early 2017 DEVELOPER Comfort Crafted Homes Inc - Box 30001 RPO Glenpark, Kelowna V1V 2M4 250-861-3101

CENTRAL OKANAGAN LAKE REGIONAL COUNTRY DISTRICTKELOWNA

anticipated late 2015

CONSULTANT

LOCATION LOCATION

We Get Results.

PROJECT STATUS

11087 Okanagan Centre Rd E Single Family Homes

Opus Dayton Knight - 255 1715 Dickson Ave, V1Y 9G6 250-868-4925

OWNER

District of Sicamous - 1214 Riverside Ave, Sicamous V0E 2V0 250-836-2477

PROJECT MANAGER

MHPM - 550 555 W 12th Ave, Vancouver V5Z 3X7 604-714-0988

VERNON LOCATION

(Find Out How. How) Find Out PROJECT TYPE

To Be Determined - Ice Facility

LOCATION

140 Mugford Rd, 405 & 425

2241 Springfield Rd - Mission Rutland Rd – Townhouses Crossing Westside

PROJECT TYPE commercial new

PROJECT TYPE Multi-Family New

PROJECT PROJECT New townhouses - 4 buildings fourplexes - 2 duplexes - 2 New commercial urban- 2lifestyle - 12 units - wood frame centre - 6 buildings - 2storeys to 7 storeys construction - retail commercial at ground level - vinyl siding basements - gabled with office units aboveunfinished - underground roof line - semi attached garages parkade - 80 above ground short term parking stalls or carports

PROJECT STATUS

PROJECT STATUS

Construction start anticipated Development permit application late/16 submitted

ARCHITECT

ARCHITECT Street Ekistics Town PlanningWater - 1925 MainArchitecture - 1848 Riverside Ave, Kelowna V1Y 1A7 St, Vancouver V5T 3C1 604-739-7526 250-762-2235

Prism Hotels and Resorts - 800 institutional add/alter DEVELOPER 14800 Landmark Blvd, Dallas Texas PROJECT Workshop Introductory R366 Enterprises Ltd -DEVELOPER 4870B Chute, 75254 214-987-9300 RA Quality Homes Ltd - PO Box New ice facility for the Greater Kelowna V1W 4M3 250-764-8963 22024 Capri, Kelowna V1Y 9N9 Vernon area to replace the aging GENERAL CONTRACTOR 250-317-3253 Civic Arena - 4,000 seats - may be Lambert and Paul Construction Ltd an addition to Kal Tire Place or the Date: April 17th, 2015 300 2000 Spall Rd, Kelowna V1Y 9P6 Date: November 23,Arena 2016 Priest Valley or construction of LOCATION Time: 10:00-12:00 (Presentation) 250-860-2331 a new ice facility 451 Shuswap St SD 83 North OkanaTime: 10:00-12:00 (Presentation) PROJECT STATUS gan Shuswap Administration Building12:00-1:00 (Lunch and Networking) LOCATION 12:00-1:00 Networking Opportunity) Feasibility (Lunch study and&cost analysis 160 Hwy 33 W - Craft Distillery PROJECT Investment: TYPE study anticipated shortly - the $49.00 - Hitching Post and Wagon institutional new Investment: $49.00 Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Distillery Sandler Training Centre, Kelowna, BC will decide in June whether or not to PROJECT Location: Location: Kelowna, BC PROJECT TYPE hold aTraining referendumCenter, in November/14 New administration building on theSandler Details www.glennon.sandler.com* Commercial Add/Alter to fund a new ice facility location, old JL Jackson school site - 2,640 sm Registration: www.glennon.sandler.com* PROJECT preliminary design and estimated a n d t o R e g i s t e r : 866.645.2047 2 storeys - 75 parking stalls Renovation and addition to an cost to be determined

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SALMON ARM

KELOWNA

OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN REGIONAL DISTRICT

PROJECT STATUS

existing building for a new craft distillery - 1 structure - 1 storey Vintage Boulevard, Okanagan Falls City of Vernon - 1900 48th Ave, - approx 1,500 sf - distillery ARCHITECT Vintage Views Vernon V1T 5E6 250-545-1361 tasting area with wood fire pizza MQN Architects - 100 3313 32 Ave,Workshop The PROJECT The Workshopincludes includesthe the“Sandler “SandlerRules: Rules:TYPE oven - retail space - wood board Vernon V1T 2E1 250-542-1199 subdivisions Forty-Nine Timeless Selling Principles...and and batten with hitching post Forty-Nine Timeless Selling Principles…and OWNER facade - 9 surface parking stalls PROJECT How How to to Apply ApplyThem” Them”book, book,lunch lunchas aswell wellas as School District 83 - North Okanagan PROJECT STATUS New subdivision - 30 SFD lots Shuswap - 220 Shuswap St NE, Rezoning application and develaa session sessionworkbook workbooktotoall allthe theparticipants. participants.

PROJECT STATUS opment permit application subSalmon Arm V1E 4N2 250-832-2157 Construction start anticipated mitted PROJECT MANAGER June/14 ARCHITECT Stantec - 400 1620 Dickson Ave, LOCATION Jordan Kutev Architect - 180 OWNER Kelowna V1Y 9Y2 250-860-3225 2425 Orlin Rd - Addition to the 2250 Boundary Rd, Burnaby, BC Vintage View Developments c/o Village at Smith Creek V5M 3Z3 604-299-3222 Robert Milanovic 250-492-5939 ■ DEVELOPER PROJECT TYPE Endless Summer Distillery - 2 seniors housing ® 668 Willow Park Rd, Kelowna PROJECT LOCATION 109B-3677 Highway 97N, BC V1X 5C35C3 Suite 109B-3677 Highway 97 Kelowna, N Kelowna, BC V1X V1X 5C4 778-753-5777

OWNER

Site work underway

LOCATION

DISTRICT OF WEST KELOWNA

SICAMOUS

Jeff Boschert

Addition to the Smith Creek email: lglennon@sandler.com • Village phoneat250.765.2047 524 Dabell St - Maraemail: Lake Water jglennon@sandler seniors housing facility- 1,810 sm - 4 Treatment Facility storeys - 23 units - 8 additional u/g PROJECT*Unfortunately TYPE seating is limited, you must and pre qualify to attend. parking stallspre-register - fibre cement board industrial new exterior - 4th floor stepped back as gables

OWNER

Berezan Management - 210 8399 1-800-667-1939 200 St, Langley V2Y 3C2 604882-0808 250-545-5344

7YL IPK

PROJECT STATUS

OCTOBER 2016

KELOWNA LOCATION

247 261 Bernard Ave - Paramount Court - Craft Beer Market Restaurant & Bar – Retail PROJECT TYPE Commercial Add/Alter PROJECT Redevelopment of the former Paramount Theatre for a craft beer restaurant and retail space - 1 structure - 1 and 2 storeys with mezzanine - 2 units - approx 16,381 sf - Craft Beer Market restaurant, rooftop patio, seating for 482 - retail space, tenant TBD - brick exterior with natural cedar cladding - old Paramount sign and marquee will remain PROJECT STATUS Development permit application approval anticipated fall/16 ARCHITECT McKinley Burkart Architects B550 110 9 Ave SW, Calgary T2P 0T1 403-229-2037 DEVELOPER Ronmor Development - 250 5920 1A St SW, Calgary T2H 0G3 403253-8180

PENTICTON LOCATION

222 Lee Ave - Townhouses Triple Two PROJECT TYPE Multi-Family New PROJECT New townhouse development - 2 structures - 3 storeys - 8 units - 3 bedrooms - double tandem garages, 4 surface parking stalls - further details upon form and character submission PROJECT STATUS Design underway - development variance application resubmission anticipated October/16 DEVELOPER Farout Developments Inc - 27 Front St, Penticton V2A 1H2 250770-0363

PENTICTON LOCATION

245 Edmonton Ave – Condominiums PROJECT TYPE Multi-Family New PROJECT New condominiums - 3 storeys 17 units - 19 parking stalls PROJECT TYPE Construction start anticipated mid October/16 - construction completion anticipated fall/17 ARCHITECT Norman Goddard Architecture 218 219 Main St, Penticton V2A 5B1 250-770-1104 GENERAL CONTRACTOR Singla Brothers Construction 567 Heather St, Penticton V2A 6N8 250-490-1700

SALES

OCTOBER 2016

19

TROUBLE GENERATING REFERRALS? LOOK TO YOUR INNER CIRCLE Don’t overlook existing clients and customers as valuable sources for

SALES

new business. If you

JOHN GLENNON

exceptional (or even just

T

ake Advantage of Existing Relationships If salespeople took full advantage of the relationships they have with their existing clients, most, if not all, would find cold-call prospecting to be unnecessary.

Don’t overlook existing clients and customers as valuable sources for new business. If you are providing them with exceptional (or even just very good) service, they should be comfortable referring you to others…assuming that you take the initiative to ask for the referral, and assuming that you ask in the right way.

Avo i d P re-P rog ra m m e d Responses Making a generic referral request such as, “W ho do you know that might be interested in __________?” will likely prompt a pre-programmed answer that sounds something like, “I can’t think of anyone at the moment.”

are providing them with very good) service, they should be comfortable referring you to others...

To avoid triggering a pre-programmed response, you should frame your question in a manner that is relevant to the client’s sphere of influence—his “inner circle.”

If you know that your client is an avid golfer, for instance, and his golfing foursome typically includes other local business owners, you might frame your request as follows: Tom, I’m wondering which of your golfing buddies could benefit from an inventory control system similar to the one we implemented for your Westbrook facility. Who is the most likely candidate?

Ask Why If your client comes up with a name, ask why he selected that person. Then find out as much as you can about the new prospect.

The more you know about the prospect, the warmer the subsequent call will be.

Next, ask your client for permission to use his name when you make the referral call. For example: Tom, would you be OK if I tell Art that his name came up during our conversation?

Ideally, you want Tom to not only give you permission to use his name, but offer to let Art know that you’ll be calling…or perhaps make the introduction.

Use the ‘Inner Circle’ Strategy Even if Tom doesn’t set up the call, think about how much easier it will be to make. This is no longer a “cold” call. You know something about Art, his business and why he might be interested in your inventory control software. What’s more, Art is likely to be more comfortable and receptive to taking the call when he discovers that his golfing buddy, Tom—someone of equal business stature, another business owner—referred you.

Last but not least, think about how easy it will be to get past the gatekeeper. When he asks, “What’s it about?” you simply reply, “Art’s golfing buddy, Tom Beale, asked me to give him a call this morning.”

This “inner circle” strategy will also work with other potential referral sources, not just clients— even prospects with whom there is not a current need for what you have to offer. In that situation, you can still frame the request around a likely inner circle. Here’s an example: Jeff, based on our conversation, it doesn’t appear that I’m going to be able to help you this afternoon. Perhaps you can help me.

Now that you better understand what I do, I suspect that you know another business owner, even a friendly competitor, perhaps, who

could benefit from my company’s design services. To whom should I be talking?

This powerful referral strategy can be used with anyone whose sphere of influence encompasses people who fit your ideal prospect profile. You have nothing to lose by asking…and everything to gain.

The Bottom Line By usi ng a n “i n ner ci rcle” strategy, Juan was able to rely far less on “cold” prospecting calls, which he didn’t like making, and far more on calls generated via referrals from happy customers.

These were much easier for him to make, and far more productive in terms of opportunity development. As a result, his personal bottom line improved, and he managed to hit his quota for the quarter … a goal that had seemed all but unattainable a few weeks earlier.

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

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

OCTOBER 2016

completed in early July 2017.

KELOWNA

Fire on Wheels, a food cart operation operated by Jodie Pruden, is open for business at McGuire Lake park selling freshly prepared wood-fired pizza. Jodie was a second place winner of the Shuswap Launge-a-Preneur Competition in 2015.

An Oxygen Yoga and Fitness Kelowna franchise location has opened up at #117 - 1950 Harvey Avenue.

Hazmasters opened a new location at 883 McCurdy Place to offer safety programs and products, helping to create safe working environments for their clients.

The Salmon Arm Industrial Park on Auto Road SE is now home to LADD Machining Ltd.

A new location for Houle’s Electric will now be serving customers on Lougheed Road.

Sustainable Green Business: Habitat for Humanity Restore, L’Oven Farm Fresh Foods; Platinum Service Provider: Blenz Westbank, Fifth Avenue Automotive, and Paynter’s Fruit Market; Performing Arts: Ali K Zam Productions (Leif David Thordarson), Ben Klick, and Craig Thomson.

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the annual Business Excellence Awards for 2016 on Thursday, October 13th, 5-9pm, at the Delta Grand Okanagan Hotel.

UBC Okanagan has introduced a brand new program, the Bachelor of Media Studies (BMS), which is accepting applications for its September 2017 start. Students in the program will be trained for web design, game development, film production, interactive media, and graphic design. The BMS program is offered by the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, and jointly with the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, and features opportunities for students to apply for the co-op education program to gain hands-on experience in the field.

The Wardrobe Boutique, owned

by Laura-Ann Kavanagh, celebrated its 15th year in business on September 30th and October 1st.

Located in Pandosy Village, the shop offers both contemporary and vintage clothing, featuring items from Toronto, Montreal and Los Angeles, as well as vegan and recycled brands like Matt and Nat Handbags and Footwear.

The Okanagan College Alumni Association (OCAA) has awarded former student, Heather Stewart, a Distinguished Alumni Award for her excellence in leadership, business, and her involvement in the development of Okanagan College programs and initiatives over the years. OCAA has also recognized former student, Sarah Comba, with a Young Alumni Award for exceptional contributions from members under 35.

Sarah partnered with the association to launch a Pay It Forward campaign, which encouraged students to contribute clothing, food and toiletry items for the Kelowna Gospel Mission, Inn from the Cold, and other local organizations serving those in need.

United Way Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen is hosting Boxing For Community on November 3rd, at the Laurel Packinghouse. The black tie gala fundraising evening will feature community members who have volunteered to participate in boxing matches, and who have

Heather Stewart

Sarah Comba

raised their own funds to support community programs that improve the lives of men in the area. Sponsors can participate in the event or support a boxer, and attendees are encouraged to cheer for their favourite contestant. The boxers currently feature local CEOs, leaders in business, and developers, and tickets can be purchased online at boxingforcommunity.com.

production services to industry leaders such as Nickelodeon, Kickstart Entertainment, Atomic Cartoons, 9 Story Media Group, and Electronic Arts.

First crush has commenced at Mt. Boucherie Winery, and a new management team is now in operation at their location in West Kelowna. New CEO Craig McCulloch, and Peter Contos who has taken the lead on winemaking, have teamed up with Jim Faulkner, winemaker with Mt. Boucherie Winery since 2009, to continue producing awardwinning wines.

Family business Gord Turner Renovations, run by Gord Turner and his sons Kyle and Cody, celebrates its 25th anniversary serving clients. Turner also recently donated $15,000 to Okanagan College for a room near the carpentry shop in their new trades complex.

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has launched their Top 40 Under 40 program, presented by BDO, this time including an Over 40 component. The program recognizes excellence in business and community leadership, social advocacy, volunteerism, and many other areas of achievement.

Yeti Farm Creative, a Kelownabased animation studio coowned by Creative Director Todd Ramsay, received a prestigious award from the provincial government. Todd Ramsay was recognized with the BC Job Makers Award for their excellence in business, having delivered

A multi-year deal has been signed between Suncor Energy and WestJet, beginning early November, for WestJet to transport Suncor employees and contractors to and from their oilsands projects in Northern Alberta. The agreement involves over 100 weekly flights between Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Fort McMurray, and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Alberta, where Suncor has another operation.

Finalists have been announced for the Greater Westside Board of Trade’s Key Business Awards 2016. In each of the ten categories, three finalists were named and winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on September 29th. The list of categories and finalists includes Tourism & Hospitality: Distinctly Kelowna Tours, Just4Fun, and Sncəwips Heritage Museum; Community & Public Service: Central Okanagan Community Foodbank, Suk’ʷtəmsqilxʷ West Kelowna Arts Council, and Westside Health Network Society; Aboriginal: Pat Raphael Derrickson, Sncəwips Heritage Museum; Young Entrepreneur: Lumber-Jack Clearing (Brandon Andres), Scott Moran – Professional Forager; New Business: Just4Fun, Oh Natural Foods, Stickle & Strawn Optometry, and The Ten Spot; Small Business: L’Oven Farm Fresh Foods, Manchester Signs, Printing & Graphics, and Terracom Systems; Large Business: Best Western Wine Country Hotel & Suites, City Furniture & Appliance, and Global Roadway Maintenance;

Acorn Communities has released plans for The Granite development at McKinley Beach, a lakeview townhome and condominium project that will soon appear on the Okanagan Lake waterfront.

Greg Bird is developing the project, which features 122 residences ranging from $370,000 up to $1 million. Sales have commenced for the 18 condominiums, and ground has been broken for the first building already, with occupancy expected in late 2017.

Westbank First Nation’s election results saw a number of changes including voting in a new Chief, Roxanne Lindley. The council members feature Chris Derickson, Brian Eli, Fernanda Alexander, and Thomas Konek, and each member will serve a three-year term.

LAKE COUNTRY Ex Nihilo Vineyards and Winery, on 1525 Camp Road, celebrates their tenth anniversary in business this year.

The Lake Country Art Gallery, curated by Wanda Lock, recently held an opening reception for their newest exhibit, Hand Drawn, which features four different approaches to drawing from artists Will Hoffman, Zachari Logan, Gary Pearson, and Tyler Robbins. The exhibit runs until November 13th.

Lake Country ACE Hardware recently celebrated the grand opening of their 3223 Woodsdale Road location. This is the second location opened by owners Garth and Mona McKay.

SALMON ARM The R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum has announced that their Montebello Building has reached the lock-up stage of construction.

The building is scheduled to be

KAMLOOPS KPA Printers, formerly owned

by Mike and Carol Gritten, has now merged with Noran Printing.

KPA customers will still receive top quality service, now with expanded capabilities, and will be served from Noran’s location on 1413 McGill Road.

Construction on a $30-million Industrial Training and Technology Centre is planned for Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in the upcoming year. The federal and provincial governments, as well as TRU, Western Economic Diversification Canada, and other donors will jointly fund the centre.

Tk’emlups Indian Band received a BC Aboriginal Business Award in the category of Communityowned Business for the Tk’emlups Petro-Canada gas station and car wash. The annual awards ceremony was held in Vancouver and celebrated business excellence in provincial aboriginal communities.

Kamloops pharmacist, Julie Ford, from Glover’s Medicine Centre Pharmacy at Summit Drive and Notre Dame Drive, will serve another year on the BC Pharmacy Association’s board of directors.

PENTICTON A grand opening ceremony was recently held for the new Tiffany’s Boutique Mall in downtown Penticton. The mall is owned by John Vissilaki and now has nine boutique shops available, and already houses the Canadian Grill restaurant, a women’s clothing boutique, and a barbershop. A therapist occupies one of the nine new spots, and an art gallery, blind shop, management group and a potter have all begun to show interest in the other available spaces.

August 31st marked the grand opening of Wine Crush, a market located at 283 Brunswick Street that offers artisan breads, sweet treats, sandwiches and more.

Wine Crush serves a special coffee blend roasted with merlot grape seed, in addition to creating WineCrush powder using dehydrated grape skins and seeds that are harvested after vineyards are finished pressing grapes.

OCTOBER 2016

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

21

Summergate Winery has often provided young people the opportunity of having a first job working for the Stohlers on the Prairie Valley vineyard. However, this year when two of their children were ready to have a summer job, the Stohlers decided to teach the students more than vineyard work. Each youth applicant had to put together a resume and go for an interview to help develop life skills.

sits on the board of the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS).

Elemental Psychotherapy & Support Services now offers services in Summerland to empower clients with greater awareness, self-esteem and body acceptance to promote long-term health, happiness and freedom from dieting and eating disordered behaviours.

The Equine Connection Coaching Services Ltd., run by counselor Wendy Elrick, is now offering fall Equine Connection Retreats in Vernon, BC, that are designed to connect clients with themselves in a supportive and loving environment with trained facilitators and a herd of beautiful horses.

Wendy’s experienced team includes Cara Nunn, Zabrina Barteaux, Kate Tooke, Claudette Bouchard and Piri de Vries.

Guests may sign up for retreats at equinecoaching.ca.

Local entrepreneur Tyler Harlton was recently featured on the Food Bloggers of Canada website, with an interesting piece on the strange route he took to starting TH Wines. The winery, with its urban location and by hand philosophy is a mix of the traditional and the modern.

Ivan Huang now offers his services in Summerland as a web-based contractor specialising in computerized designing in landscaping & construction.

VERNON

Watkin Motors celebrates 101 years in business this year.

The Pure Green Cleaning Service is now open for business, providing janitorial and other cleaning services.

The team at Affinity Optometry welcomes Dr. Hannah Park on staff at their 1-3705 27th Street location.

Christine Coletta of Okanagan Crush Pad was recently named Chair of the BC Hospitality Foundation’s Board. Christine is a founder of the Foundation, which was formed in 2006 to help long-time wine agent Michael Willingham with the money he needed for medical help. This led to the establishment of a trust fund that could be used to help anyone within the foodservice, beverage, and hospitality industry that required extraordinary support due to illness or accident. Christine also currently

The Open Door Education Centre for adult education has relocated their establishment to 3303-30th Street, across from City Hall.

Dr. Dalen Quinton & Associates is now accepting new patients to their dental practice, which provides family dentistry, teeth whitening, and sedation.

The lawyers and staff at Kidston and Company LLP welcome Dan Hutchinson to the firm as an Articled Student.

Jim Faulkner, Carole and Craig McCulloch, and Peter Contos, of Mt. Boucherie Winery

SUMMERLAND Summerland will soon feature two new pet-centered business ventures. The Beach Tails Pet Salon and Spa recently opened in the downtown area, and this October, Canines & Co. Okanagan will begin offering dog obedience school services.

Dominion Cider has been hard at work in their first year of business producing their dry apple cider. Last month they branched out with a limited-batch Ginger Cider that was made by adding real ginger to their crisp, dry apple cider.

Prairie Valley Lodge welcomed Jade Louise Burt as their new Licensed Manager in April this year from the UK. Jade arrives with eight years of qualifications and experience in nursing support, personal support and managing adult care in private care environments. She has been busy employing a large, new staff of LPN nurses, at the Lodge, to ensure a high staff-to-resident ratio of professional care 24/7.

Big O Tires in Summerland is under a new banner, as it recently became part of the Integra Tire Auto Centre network. Brian and Carrie Tameling are still onboard managing the auto centre and providing services including tires, maintenance, mechanical, and automotive repair.

Local artist Will Enns, of Will Enns Fine Art Gallery, has expanded his painting repertoire to include art on oak wine barrel staves. Each painting is a unique original, as it cannot be digitally reproduced. Will has also recently started a humorous and informative blog on his work called Okanagan Wine Art. Change is underway as Sonoran Estate Winery and the Windmill B&B have new owners: Summerland Estate Ltd. Former owners, Ada and Arjan Smits, are still helping out with front of house for the time being and will be answering calls and e-mails, taking bookings and looking after clients that visit the winery.

Adonica Sweet offers executive coaching services online and by phone through her business, Sundial Coaching, which specializes in leadership, confidence, conflict and change issues.

Okanagan Crush Pad introduced two new members to the team this month. Duncan Billing will take the lead as Director of Viticulture, and Rebecca Mckinney joins them as Director of Sales and Promotions.

Quilting teaching centre, Cherry Tree Quilts, is taking to the water next year with their first Alaska Quilt Cruise along the Inside Passage.

HEATING - AIR CONDITIONING - VENTILATION - FIREPLACES - PLUMBING

• Rooftop Units Units • Rooftop • Furnaces • Furnaces • Heat Pumps • Heat Pumps • Built Up Systems • Built Up Systems • Air Conditioning • Air Conditioning • Make Up Air Units • Make Up Air Units • Gas Fitting • Gas Fitting • Sheet Metal • Sheet Metal • New Equipment Installs • New Equipment Installs • Maintenance Contracts • Maintenance Contracts • Hot Water Tanks • Hot Water Tanks • Boilers Boilers • Fireplaces • Plumbing FireplacesServices

22

OFF THE COVER

OCTOBER 2016

AWARD FINALISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

• Does it complement the surrounding properties and area?

• Is it esthetically pleasing?

• Are there unique architectural features?

• What is the level of finish (choice in construction materials)?

• Does it answer a specific development need within the community?

• Does it contribute to a healthy, sustainable community?

• Does it have any environmentally friendly or green elements for possible consideration?

Following is a list of Finalists by city: Kamloops (2) 520 St. Paul Medical Building – General Contractor: True Construction, Architect/Designer: Westedge Engineering Ltd. Royal Inland Hospital Clinic Services Building – General Contractor: Bird Design-Build Construction Inc., Architect/ Designer: Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd. Monte Creek (1) Monte Creek Ranch Winery – General Contractor: A&T Project Developments Inc., Architect/ Designer: Ted Murray Architect Inc. Salmon Arm (3) Orchard Park Terrace – General Contractor: Sandy Ridge Construction Ltd., Architect/Designer: Sandy Ridge Construction and Bernd Hermanski Architect Inc. School District 83 Administration Office Building – General Contractor: Sawchuck Developments Co. Ltd., Architect/Designer:

Kelowna Yacht Club’s outstanding new lakefront building was the 2015 SICA Award Judges’ Choice, Best Overall, entry MQN Architecture & Interior Design.

Smart Centre – General Contractor: Converge Construction, Architect/Designer: K. Paul Architect Inc. Sicamous (1) Mara Lake Water Treatment Plant – General Contractor: Maple Reinders Inc., Architect/ Designer: Garry Tomporowski Architect Ltd. Enderby (1) Splatsin Community Centre – General Contractor: ENCAN Construction Ltd., Architect/ D e si g ne r: Ted J. T homas & Associates.

Vernon (4) Eastgate Building – General Contractor: Heartwood Homes Ltd., Architect/Designer: Dwell Design Studio.

Predator Ridge Clubhouse Expansion – General Contractor: Silver Rock Land Corp., Architect/

Designer: MQN Architecture & Interior Design.

Skogies Express Car Wash – General Contractor: ENCAN Construction Ltd., Architect/ De sig ne r: Ted J. T homas & Associates.

Vernon Optometry – General Contractor: Sawchuck Developments Co. Ltd., Architect/Designer: MQN Architecture & Interior Design.

Lake Country (2) Callahan Lake Country Commercial – General Contractor: TKI Construction Ltd., Architect/ Designer: MQN Architecture & Interior Design.

Lakestone Pool Amenity Building – General Contractor: Forma Construction Ltd., Architect/ Designer: Rostitch Hemphill Architects.

Kelowna (5) CEFA Early Learning – General Contractor: Edgecombe Builders

(Exterior) and Klondike Contracting Corporation (Interior), Architect/Designer: BlueGreen Architecture and Good Space Design Group.

Green Square Townhomes – Developer: Troika Management Corp., General Contractor: CorWest Builders, Architect/Designer: NORR Architects Planners Inc. Okanagan Colleges Trades Complex – General Contractor: PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc., Architect/Designer: Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc. Pleasantvale Homes – General Contractor: VanMar Constructors Inc., Architect/Designer: NORR Architects Planners.

West Harbour Phases I & II – Developer: Troika Management Corp., General Contractor: CorWest Builders, Architect/Designer: Evan Gilbert Drafting & Design.

West Kelowna (3)

Boucherie Beach Cottage Resort – Developer: Trasolini Chetner Construction & Development, Architect/Designer: New Town Planning.

Grizzli Winery – Developer: Blossom Winery/Grizzli Winery, Architect/Designer: Sanford Design Group.

1718 Byland Road – Developer: Pentar Homes Ltd., Architect/Designer: O. Solony Architect Ltd. Summerland (1) Summerland Branch Library - General Contractor: Tango, Architect/Designer: Urban Arts Architecture.

Penticton (3) Ellis Townhomes – General Contractor & Architect/Designer: Radec Group Inc. Play Estate Winery – General Contractor: Greyback Construction Ltd., Architect/Designer: Robert Mackenzie Architect Inc. Southborough Convenience Centre – General Contractor: Cornies Consulting, Architect/Designer: Shelter Designs.

Cranbrook (2) Baker Street Professional Centre – General Contractor & Architect/ Designer: New Dawn Developments Ltd. Sonja’s Garden – CMHA Kootenays – General Contractor: Culos Development (1996) Inc., Architect/Designer: Owen & Hunter Architects.

Tickets to the event are $125 and available through www.businessexaminer.ca/events.

For further information, contact Mark MacDonald at Business Examiner Thompson Okanagan at 1-866-758-2684 ext. 120, or email: mark@businessexaminer.ca

AUDIOLOGY CLINIC CELEBRATES FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY Audiologist’s independent clinic start-up from scratch amid stiff competition pays off BETH HENDRY-YIM

R

ockwell Audiology celebrates five years of providing independent audiology and hearing aid service in Vernon.

“When I first opened the doors to the clinic, I was new to the province, unknown to the city’s medical community and competing with some hefty chain hearing aid clinics,” said owner and twenty-year veteran audiologist, Tosha Hodgson.

“It was no small feat!”

But her persistence paid off. Rockwell Audiology remains independent and is not owned or financed by any hearing aid manufacturer or third party.

“Flying solo, I’ve faced challenges, but owning the company has been rewarding and allowed me to create great collaborative relationships in the community.”

With NexusBC, Hodgson created the Rockwell Audiology Instrument Loaner (RAIL) program for

“Flying solo, I’ve faced challenges, but owning the company been rewarding and allowed me to create great collaborative relationships in the community.”

TOSHA HODGSON OWNER, AUDIOLOGIST, ROCKWELL AUDIOLOGY CLINIC

low income seniors. She has also worked with Auris Hearing Loop Systems to donate equipment and installation labour to NexusBC, The People Place and Vernon Restholm.

“Hearing aid wearers often struggle to hear in public venues and

places of worship,” she explained.

“The systems help people who wear telecoil-equipped hearing aids hear speakers at a podium easier and help reduce noise and echo in large rooms.”

She’s seen many changes over the years like advances in hearing science and hearing instrument technology.

“The industry is constantly evolving. The first commercially available all-digital hearing aid was introduced in 1996 during my final post-graduate year in Western University’s audiology program in London, Ontario.”

This year, the first commercially available hearing device, capable of connecting to the internet to communicate directly with door bells, baby monitors, Smartphones, and household appliances, is available as well as rechargeable hearing aids using lithium-ion options for improved performance and convenience.

“There is never a dull moment in this field,” she said. “Now that it is National Audiology Month, Rockwell wants to celebrate by offering several hearing aid specials, open houses and learning events.”

Rockwell Audiology is at 204-3334 30th Avenue in Vernon www.rockwellaudiology.ca

Lyndon Dyas and Tom Dyas have a long history of providing Okanagan businesses with insurance, benefits plans, and wealth management and pension advisory services PHOTO CREDIT: TD BENEFITS

TOM DYAS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

T h e P l a n w a s i n t ro d u c e d o v e r 4 0 y e a rs a go to m a k e g roup b enef its ava i l able to smaller firms. Today the program offers competitive rates, outstanding guarantees, and many free, value-added features for participants, including Best Doctors ® diagnostic support services, and Business Assista nce Serv ice, prov iding business owners access to

accounting, legal and human resource experts.

T he Ch a mb ers Pl a n i s t he largest employee benefits program of its kind in the country, providing tangible benefits to members of participating Chambers and Boards. From the National Service Centre, located in Winnipeg, the Chambers Plan is administered by Johnston Group Inc., recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies every year since 2001. www.tdbenefits.ca

OPINION

OCTOBER 2016

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

23

PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Lise MacDonald, lise@businessexaminer.ca SALES | Joanne Iormetti – joanne@businessexaminer.ca, Thom Klos –

thom@businessexaminer.ca, Josh Higgins – josh@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Julia MacDonald, John MacDonald, Beth Hendry-Yim, David Holmes, Linda Wenger, Kristin van Vloten WEBSITE | John MacDonald

CANADA NEEDS PRIVATE HEALTH CARE. YES, WE REALLY DO

MARK MACDONALD

C

a nad a needs to have a p r i v a te h e a l t h c a re system.

No t a p r iv a te-o n ly s y stem, where it’s user-pay a l l the way, a nd the worst horro r s o f U. S.-s t yl e h o s p i t a l v isits a re i n f l icted on the under-insured.

Not one that eliminates public health care.

But one t h at complements the existing Canadian health s y s tem . Yo u k now, t he one that ensures lengthy waiting lists for those who can endure pain. The one that somehow, incredibly, many Canadians believe is “free”.

T he reason Canada needs a private alternative is that the a i l i ng publ ic hea lt h system needs competition. Competition is good. It is a necess a r y c h a l l e n ge t h a t c a u s e s ever yone to look w it h i n for improvement, to hone existing operations and search for efficiencies.

It n e e d s a s s i s t a nc e i n reducing and eliminating wa it l ists for treatment a nd surgery.

It is with great interest that we watch Vancouver’s Cambie Su rger y Cent re’s lawsu it i n BC Supreme Court, challeng i ng cu rrent restrictions on private health insurance and a l low i ng doctors to bi l l for additional services.

M a k e n o m i s t a k e: T h i s i s an important court case. You can tell by the level of vitriol and rhetoric being spewed by opponents a nd h ig h-pr iced lawyers. They rightfully recognize this could be the proverbial thin edge of the wedge to allow greater private sector health care opportunities.

T h e i r ove r-t h e-top a rg uments pronou nci ng t h at a favou rable judg ment by the cou r t w i l l resu lt i n t he a nn i h i l at io n of “ f re e” p u bl i c health care is predictable. And i n some cor ners, ef fe ct ive.

W hen p ubl ic se ctor u n ion s empty their coffers, set their hair on fire and threaten what has become this most basic of Canadian necessities, a lot of citizens take notice.

Except perhaps now, enough Canadians realize that we’re long past the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” stage. Canadian he a lt h c a re i s broke, a nd it needs fixing.

And no, the answer to Canada’s health woes is not more

funding. That’s the only solution floated by any institution a nchored by a publ ic sector union: More money will cure a l l . It’s a s e l f-s e r v i n g a n d naïve notion, at best.

T here i sn’t enoug h money to fix Canada’s public health industry. There are systemic problem s t h at more dol l a rs can’t fix.

W h e re d o w e s t a r t? W i t h the fact we don’t have enough do ctors, a nd t hose who receive t hei r educ at ion a l accreditation abroad find roadblock a f ter roadblock a w a i t s t h e m fo r o b t a i n i n g t h e g re e n l i g h t to p ra c t i c e i n Ca n ad a? Or t he fact t h at the College of Physicians and Surgeons – representing the cu rrent med ica l practitioners, is of ten f i ngered as t he biggest obstacle newcomers face. Something doesn’t look right, when a professional association representing doctors is the sole overseer to decide whether or not to allow more doctors i n – who cou ld b ecome their competitors.

Yes, even the cu rrent public health care system needs a private alternative for ailing Canadians. Competition is necessary to keep it on its toes, a nd look for i mprovements within.

Can we finally lay to rest the my th that ou r health care is “free”? Our burgeoning Canad i a n he a lt h c a re costs a re

covered by high taxes and fees from other aspects of the federa l budget, a nd topped-up if necessary from provincial coffers.

T h e f a c t of t h e m at te r i s, if something isn’t done, and d o n e q u i c k ly, 10 0 p e r c e n t of a province’s budget could be consu med by hea lth ca re funding alone, leaving nothi n g el se for a nyone or a nyt h i n g e l s e . S e w e r, w a t e r, highways, income assistance for those in need. Operating the government, period.

P r ivate h e a lt h c a re won’t “sk i m” of f t he top of t he public system, as opponents accuse. Looki ng at it from a business perspective, the first priority of a private operation wou ld be to add ress the i mmediate need: Those on waiting lists.

People a re on wa iti ng l ists because someone deemed t hem able to w it h sta nd t he pain and discomfort for a certain amount of time. Otherw i se, t hey wou ld b e looked after immediately.

The truth is, plenty of people on those wa iti ng l ists a re a l re a d y l o o k i n g e l s e w h e re for solut ion s to t hei r pa i n .

They’re looking at alternative methods for health improvement, or heading to the United States – and other countries - for joi nt replacement su rg e r y. T h e i r i n v e s t m e n t o f thousands of dollars that were

otherwise sitting in their bank account means they are now pa i n f ree, a nd able to enjoy life. If they have the means, why prohibit them from finding a healthy solution? Isn’t that what health care is supposed to be all about?

On severa l occasion s, I’ve w r itten about t he possibi li t y o f F i r s t Na t i o n s h e a l t h c a re b e c o m i n g a n a lte r n ative to the national program.

I f a Fi rst Nat ion decided to p ro c e e d w i t h b e c o m i n g a n a lternative hea lth ca re prov id er, w it h t hei r newly e st a bl i s h e d t re at ie s i n h a nd , t h e y c o u l d t e l l t h e fe d e ra l go v e r n m e n t to b u t t o u t o f their business and stop trying to hinder this move towards economic self-sustainability, a nd recog n i zi ng t he opportunity that sits there in front of them, wa iti ng for a solution. They could circumvent the Canada Health Act, plain and simple.

Until that happens, we await with anticipation the court’s ju d g m ent on c a se s l i ke t he Cambie Surgery Centre. If the CSC is successful, a solution is on the way.

I f i t i s n o t , t h e n t h e p rescription is longer wait lists, incessant cries for increased fu nd ing. A nd more trips abroad - a nd money leav i ng Ca n ad a - for t hose seek i n g private health help – which is available in other countries.

CANADA RANKS AMONG TOP FIVE JURISDICTIONS WORLDWIDE FOR ECONOMIC FREEDOM, BUT RECENT POLICY CHANGES THREATEN CANADA’S RANKING IN THE COMING YEARS

FRASER INSTITUTE JAMES GWARTNEY

C

a nad a has moved i nto the top five among the world’s most economically free countries, according

to the Fraser Institute’s annual Economic Freedom of the World report released recently.

But a growing government, substa nt ia l ta x i ncreases, and encroaching regulations threaten Canada’s ranking in the coming years.

The report measures the economic freedom (levels of personal choice, ability to enter markets, security of privately owned property, rule of law, etc.) by analyzing the policies and institutions of 159 countries and territories.

Canada tied fifth overall in the 2016 repor t, wh ich uses data from 2014, the last year of available comparable statistics. Since then, the provincial Ontario government and new governments in A lberta and at the federal level have

increased taxes significantly and introduced stifling regulations on industry and business that jeopardize the gains in economic freedom Canada has made.

“Canada remains one of the most economically-free jurisd ictions i n the world. However, i ncreased govern ment i nter vent ion, h ig her ta xes, a n d g ro w i n g re g u l a t i o n a t the federal level and in some provinces will leave Canadians m a t e r i a l l y l e s s f re e .” s a i d Fred McMahon, Dr. M ichael A. Walker Research Chair in Econom ic Freedom w ith the Fraser Institute.

“Given the clear link between economic freedom and prosperity, we should expect recent changes to have negative and long-term effects on economic

opportunities in Canada.”

A c c o r d i n g t o t h i s y e a r ’s rep or t, Hong Kong i s a ga i n nu mber one, fol lowed by Singapore, New Zealand and Switzerland.

T he Un ite d S t ate s ra n ke d 16th for the second year in a row.

Venezuela is once again last.

Some despotic countries such as North Korea and Cuba can’t be ranked due to lack of data.

“Economic freedom leads to prosperity and a higher quality of life, while the lowestranked countries are usually bu rdened by oppressive regimes that limit the freedom and opportunity of their citizens,” McMahon said.

T h e F ra s e r I n s t it ute produces t he a n nu a l E conomi c Freedom of the World report

in cooperation with the Econom ic F reedom Net work, a group of independent research and educational institutes in nearly 100 countries and territories. It’s the world’s premier m e a s u re m e n t o f e c o n o m i c f reedom, ra n k i ng cou ntries based on economic freedom, wh ich is measu red i n f ive a re a s: s i z e of gove r n m e nt, lega l structu re a nd secu rity of property rights, access to sound money, freedom to trade internationally, and reg ulation of cred it, labou r a nd business.

This year’s report was prep a re d b y Ja m e s G w a r t n e y, Florida State Un iversity; Robert A. Lawson, Southern M e t h o d i s t Un ive rs it y ; a n d Joshu a H a l l, We s t V i rg i n i a University.

SUBCRIPTIONS | $45 PER YEAR (12 ISSUES), $80 FOR 2 YEARS (24 ISSUES), SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA. DISTRIBUTION: FOURTH WEEK OF EACH MONTH VIA CANADA POST AD MAIL. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Produced and published in British Columbia. All contents copyright Business Examiner Thompson Okanagan, 2016. Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

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