Business Examiner Thompson/Okanagan - October 2017

» COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

OCTOBER 2017

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KELOWNA Okanagan Restoriation Services celebrates 25 years of business

Thompson/Okanagan WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA

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OSOYOOS

Sell-Out Crowd Celebrated Commercial Building Awards Sept. 28

Chief Clarence Louise shares inspirational message with Ucluelet First Nation

Kelowna Police Services Is Judges’ Choice

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INDEX News Update

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Kelowna 3 Salmon Arm

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Kamloops 11 Summerland 18

ELOWNA – Kelowna Police Services Building was named the Judges’ Choice Best Overall winner at the 9 th Annual Thompson Okanagan Kootenay Commercial Building Awards September 28 at Manteo Resort.

T he dow ntow n Kelow na building topped a field of a record 36 , and was also named the Award of Excellence winner in the Community Institutional category. Kasian was the Architect/Designer and Bird Construction was the Developer/ General Contractor.

Gold Sponsors for the event were R E/ M A X Com mercial, MNP LLP and the Southern Interior Construction Association, and Black Press was the Media Sponsor. Category sponsors include WoodWORKS! BC, RBC Royal Bank, NAI Commercial Okanagan, Heimann & Sons Masonry Inc., NCA Commercial and Greensheet Construction Review.

Movers and Shakers 20 Opinion 22 Sales 23 Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

OUR 8TH YEAR

Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

SEE AWARDS | PAGE 12

The Kelowna Police Services building was the Judges’ Choice Best Overall winner in the Thompson Okanagan Commercial Building Awards. From left, Francois Riverin of Kasian Architecture, Andrew Gibbs of the City of Kelowna, Paul Bangma of Bird Construction and Bryan Laveck of MNP

MNP: Small Business Owners Face Big Impact From Proposed Tax Rules Could Eliminate Incorporation Benefits, Tax Deferrals And Income Splitting

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E L OW NA – A ccou nting firms are being inundated with calls from business owners following the Federal government’s proposed sweeping changes to the way private corporations are taxed in Canada.

While the federal government is still accepting feedback on their proposal and changes to legislation are not yet finalized,

small businesses and professionals across the country are very concerned about its potential impacts. The full 63page paper is available on the Department of Finance website.

“We are definitely getting a lot of calls on this,” says Jamie Kungel, regional tax leader for MNP on Vancouver Island.

“The proposal reflects the most significant shift in tax policy

for private corporations that we’ve seen in 45 years, so people are eager to understand how it could affect their business and their family, and what they can do to mitigate the impact if the changes go ahead.”

The federal proposal addresses three main areas of tax planning using private corporations: Income sprinkling (also called income splitting); Investment

income earned inside the corporation; and Capital gains and dividends.

Income Splitting Many business owners have benefitted by paying dividends to family members as shareholders of their corporations.

This practice allows business SEE MNP | PAGE 10

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NEWS UPDATE

SALMON ARM Construction Begins On Residential Care Bed Expansion Project The shovels are in the ground, marking the launch of construction on an expansion to Mount Ida Mews residential care home – a project that will include the addition of 60 new beds for people with complex care needs who can no longer live at home with supports.

Fol low i ng a competitive procu rement process, Interior Health awarded a contract in January 2017 for the development of 60 residential care beds in Salmon Arm to Vantage Living Inc. (formerly know n as inSite Housing, Hospitality & Health Services Inc.).

Vantage Living is expanding Mount Ida Mews, its 72-bed residential care facility that opened in 2012 in Salmon Arm. These 60 new beds will be opened in a second phase on the property, across the driveway from the original building.

Construction is now getting underway, with the new beds expected to open in winter 2018.

“Vantage Living’s mission is to create vibrant communities that enable seniors to live healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives,” says Johann Burger, Vantage Living president.

“We are proud to be opening phase two of Mount Ida Mews, and are excited to be breaking ground on this important investment in senior care in the Salmon Arm region.”

A total of 243 new beds – including the 60 in Salmon Arm – were announced in

September 2016, through a competitive procurement process for communities across Interior Health.

Interior Health currently has 5,836 residential care beds, providing 24/7 care and support for individuals with complex care needs who are no longer able to live at home independently or with supports. This includes frail and elderly individuals with chronic conditions, such as those with dementia, whose needs may change over time.

LUMBY True Leaf Acquires Option To Purchase 40-Acre Site In Lumby True Leaf Medicine International Ltd. has acquired an option to purchase the 40 acres of land that encompasses its facility in Lumby, through its wholly owned subsidiary True Leaf Medicine Inc. The Option is exercisable until December 31, 2017 at a total cost of $3.3 million CAD, $100,000 of which has already been paid to the vendor in the form of an up-front fee for the purpose of securing the Option.

True Leaf’s application to produce and distribute cannabis under Health Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) has completed the security clearance stage and the Company has initiated plans to refit the 16,000 square foot building on the Property. Upon exercise, True Leaf’s ownership of the Property will allow the Company to rapidly expand operations once it is approved as a licensed producer from Health Canada.

OCTOBER 2017

“This is a milestone for True Leaf,” commented CEO Darcy Bomford. “This property gives us the capacity to expand to meet the increased demand that is widely expected. With government approvals, the size of this site could allow us to build a 1,000,000 square foot facility and produce more than 125,000 kilograms of cannabis.”

True Leaf anticipates that the first phase will include annual production of 2,500 kilograms of dried cannabis once the facility passes Health Canada’s inspection and the Company becomes a licensed producer.

“True Leaf appreciates the support expressed for the company’s license submission by the Mayor of Lumby Kevin Acton, and the community,” continued Mr. Bomford. “We expect to become a significant employer in Lumby.”

True Leaf Medicine International Ltd., through its wholly owned subsidiary ‘True Leaf Pet’, has entered the $104.9 billion global pet industry with a line of hemp-focused pet chews and supplements in Canada, the United States and Europe. T he Company has also filed an application under Health Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) to become a Canadian licensed producer of medical cannabis through its ‘True Leaf Medicine’ subsidiary. It has passed through the preliminary and enhanced screening process of Health Canada’s review and has recently received approval to build its facility.

KAMLOOPS MNP Continues To Expand In Kamloops Market MNP LLP, one of Canada’s largest national accounting and business consulting firms, announced it has moved to a new office location at Kelson Place, effective October 1, 2017. After merging i n the Ka m loops-based practices of Bruce Martin (September 1, 2016) and James Foucault CPA Inc. (June 1, 2017), MNP has continued to grow to meet the needs of its clients.

“Since entering the Kamloops marketplace, MNP has continued to identify the need to grow our firm to serve the needs of this thriving community and we are excited to move into our new location; bringing together our entire team under one roof to better serve the business community and our valued clients,” said Bruce Martin, Partner, MNP. M NP is one of the fastest growing, full-service national accounting and consulting firms in Canada. In addition to tax and accounting expertise, MNP delivers a diverse range of advisory services, including consulting, enterprise risk, corporate finance, valuation and litigation support, succession planning, estate planning, insolvency and restructuring, investigative and forensic accounting, cyber security, crossborder taxation and more.

“With a team of more than 20 now serving the Kamloops community, we recognized we needed more space to accommodate the team, while making sure we offered a convenient location to meet the needs of our clients,” added James Foucault. “Since the mergers, MNP has continued to add much-needed resources and deliver more specialty services to our clients and have no plans on slowing down. We look forward to

working with our clients from our new space.”

OKANAGAN Regional District of Central Okanagan Recognized The Regional District of Central Okanagan’s Economic Development Commission (COEDC) has been recognized by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities for its leadership and efforts to strengthen agriculture in the region through its Agriculture Support Program.

The R DCO’s EDC Agriculture Support Program was presented with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Leadership & Innovation, Agriculture award. This award is designed to recognize and showcase a local government who has adopted innovative and progressive policies, practices and/ or regulations to strengthen agriculture in their community and can demonstrate a shift in their overall approach to agricultural planning and decisionmaking activities such that planning for agriculture is a top priority.

T he Program works with partners, including BC Ministry of Agriculture, local government’s Agricultural Advisory Commissions, industry associations and academia to provide business support to local farm operators. Services include providing direct business development expertise by working with farmers 1:1, creating and facilitating seminars on topics customized to local operators’ needs and creating and distributing resources including the Central Okanagan Profile for Agriculture and Resources for Central Okanagan Farm Operators.

In 2017, the RDCO-EDC’s Agri-tourism prog ra m was recog n ized by the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology as a provincial best practice in agriculture. A profile of the program has been created by MJTT and is posted in the BC Ideas Exchange.

“I cannot say how much time/effort the R DCO-EDC put into our farm to make this all work... Farmers like us must be diversified in many areas not just growing crops. We have little or no training in book keeping, exporting or promoting ourselves. I can say that our farm ran day-to-day hoping to make it another year. I know this year with all I have learned from the RDCO-EDC program that our lives will be changed for the better, personally and financially”.

Loretta & Glenn Cross, Local Orchardists and Agri-Tourism Operators

KELOWNA Okanagan College Sees Fall Student Enrolment Grow The total number of students enrolled in programs at Okanagan College has cl i mbed by more tha n fou r per cent compared to last year at the same time.

A snapshot of enrolment at mid-September shows that 8,463 students had registered in programs and courses, compared to 8,089 on the same date a year ago.

“All indicators suggest that Okanagan College is on track to exceed government SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

KELOWNA/NEWS UPDATE

OCTOBER 2017

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

enrolment targets for the 13th year in a row,” explains Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton. “That is an achievement unparalleled in the College sector in BC. The strong demand for our programming indicates we are providing relevant and valuable education for our communities, and that’s what is most important to us.”

In 2016-17, Okanagan College achieved 111 per cent of those government targets.

The mid-September numbers don’t tell the entire enrolment story. Okanagan College has many programs that start at various times of the academic year and a significant winter semester intake in January that will determine final annual enrolment numbers.

The Sept. 15 numbers show: Salmon Arm grew to 709 students from 563; Kelowna grew to 5,330 from 5,155; Penticton grew to 940 students from 884; Vernon’s headcount dropped to 970 from 1044 – partly as a consequence of a rotati ng practical nursing program that was in Vernon last year and is in Salmon Arm this year; The number of students taking distance education courses has risen to 513, from 443.

The number of international students attending Okanagan Col lege t h i s fa l l h a s g row n

significantly: 878 international students.

KELOWNA Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Announces a $3.6 Million Renovation at Lake City Casino Gateway Casinos & Entertainment (Gateway) a n nou nced its plans to introduce two of Gateway’s signature food and beverage brands to Lake City Casino Kelowna. The renovations will see the addition of MATCH Eatery & Public House (MATCH) and The Buffet, and a refresh of the gaming floor. The project will add new jobs and an estimated $3.6 Million investment to the local economy.

“Given ou r c ont i nu e d i nvestment in the local Kelowna economy and our commitment to improving the customer experience through our dining and entertainment brands, we look forward to adding these new restaurants to Lake City Casino Kelowna.” said Tony Santo, CEO of Gateway.

M ATCH combines the welcoming and social traditions of a neighbourhood pub with the high-energy of a lively sports bar, MATCH is ideal for any occasion. This restaurant will be family-friendly, ensuring that guests of all ages will be able to enjoy the delicious and creative

comfort food in the casual and upbeat atmosphere. M ATCH has been introduced at Gateway’s three other Thompson Okanagan properties.

Gateway will also introduce T he Bu ffet to Kelow na. T he Buffet offers great food at exceptional value in a casual, fun, and friendly setting.

“It’s great to see Gateway’s continued investment in one of Kelowna’s prime entertainment venues, and the new jobs this expansion will create are always welcome,” said Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran. “Kelowna’s diverse culinary culture will also enjoy another great dining and entertainment option downtown.”

“We’re look i ng for wa rd to introducing these changes and exciting restaurants to our customers. We know that MATCH and The Buffet will also provide compelling offerings for new customers to come a nd visit us as well,” said Clarissa Pruden, General Manager, Lake City Casino Kelowna.

The 132-seat MATCH restaurant will take over the existing Gateway 21 space. T here will also be some updates to the casino floor in order to accommodate the addition. The Buffet will replace the current Grove Bistro outlet.

The construction of the new M ATCH a nd T he Bu f fet a re set to beg i n th is month a nd will open in Winter 2017. The property will remain open for

business, with minimal disruption to employees and customers, during the renovations.

T h i s O c tob e r, G ate way i s celebrating 25 years in the business of entertainment.

VERNON New Doppelmayr Gondola at Silver Star SilverStar Mountain Resort announces the major investment of a new D opp el m ay r gondola from the Si lverSta r Vi l lage to the Su m m it. T h is project will see the replacement of the existing Summit fixed grip double chair, which has been loading guests since 1970. The new high-speed detachable gondola cabins each provide seating for eight (8) and the provision of ski and board racks are provided outside, on door-mounted racks to maximize the comfort of the guests’ ride.

“These new cabins will whisk guests from the bottom to the top of the Summit in a third of the time of the existing double chair. The ride will now take four and a half minutes from Village to summit traveling at five meters per second over a distance of 1063 metres with a vertical rise of 293 metres” says Brad Baker, Di rector of Operations and Maintenance for SilverStar.

3 The Gondola will feature floor to ceiling glass to provide the most spectacular views SilverStar has to offer. Initially, the lift will have 21 cabins with an uphill capacity of 1,200 people per hour with the capacity increasing to 43 cabins as per design in the future. The Gondola will service more than 16 per cent of the ex isti ng terra i n, plus prov ide the fastest access to the Comet and Alpine Meadows terrain pods from the Village. This lift also opens up a world of new possibilities for events, weddings, night skiing, SnowSports programs, and sightseeing.

“T he gondol a i n sta l l at ion facilitates additional future capital improvement projects, such as the addition of an Alpi ne Restau ra nt between the Comet and the Gondola lift, installation of a lift in the Terrain Park, and options for a summer coaster or pipe,” according to Ken Derpak, Managing Director.

The work is to commence this month with the Engineering and design for an installation of the tower, top and bottom terminal foundations, as well as the targeted installation of the top station to be completed this Summer. The second and final stage of construction will resume ahead of a Grand Opening in July 2018.

“All of SilverStar is excited SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 19

REACHING OUT TO MEMBERS – RAISING AWARENESS ON PROPOSED FEDERAL TAX CHANGES

KELOWNA DAN ROGERS

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veryone says September is busy, but September 2017 truly is one for the books. In the midst of summer, when many of us in BC were occupied and pre-occupied with preventing fires, fighting fires, being evacuated due to fires, and this, just after floods of biblical proportions in the spring – the Federal Government dropped proposed new tax legislation on us, with only 75 days to “consult”.

We i m med iately bega n researching the issue with some of our professional members in the designated accountancy world, and quickly realized that the new “loophole closing” laws would achieve a far broader impact: devastating many of the

country’s small businesses, including agricultural enterprises so critical to our economy here in the Okanagan.

We went to the media, who responded with extensive coverage on the business pages. The story spread like wildfire across the country, fueled by chamber input from every province and territory. Headlines moved from the Business Section to page one – in one mid-September weekend edition alone, the Globe & Mail had front page stories splashed across three sections of the newspaper.

Consultation ends October 2.

Our Chamber, along with many others, is calling for a slowdown to the whole process. We’re all for tax fairness. We support everyone paying their fair share.

We don’t support draconian changes, imposed on the backbone businesses of our country, slandering small- and mediumsized business as “tax cheats.”

These are companies following 50-year-old tax law. Revision?

Fine. Consultation? Great. But: longer than 75 days, and not over the summer months, especially in the midst of fires, f loods, and harvest. We’re part of the now 55-member Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness.

We’ve surveyed our membership and overwhelmingly, they say

“slow the train down”. Minister Morneau: take note.

••• On to less prickly subjects.

Stats Can released 2016 Income Census results in mid-September. Highlights collated by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission tell us that top employment sectors in the Kelowna CMA are Health Care at 25 per cent; Retail Trade at 24 per cent; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services at nearly 8 per cent; and Manufacturing at 7.5 per cent.

Interestingly, medium total income for households and families is up dramatically. Household and family income in the Kelowna CM A is up 41.4 per cent and 48.3 per cent respectively, outpacing the provincial increases of 32.8 per cent and 41.9 per cent.

In 2005, household medium income in the Kelowna CM A was slightly below the provincial average. Ten years later, this figure has risen to slightly more than the provincial median. Kelowna is doing well, and our member businesses are a big part of that ongoing success, supported by our outstanding post-secondary institutions, our international airport, and our solid municipal governance.

•••

We traveled to Fredericton in the third week of September to take part in the always lively policy debate at the annual Canadian Chamber AGM. O u r Ch a m b er p ol ic y “P rotecting Canada’s Fresh Waters from Zebra and Quagga Mussels” was our showpiece. We co-sponsored and/or supported numerous other policies. Our chamber is fully engaged in the policy process – supporting the BC Chamber’s mandate “Know what’s on BC’s Mind”.

At the AGM, a whopping 40.7 per cent of the total 76 policies were submitted from British Columbia chambers – this when BC chambers make up only 13 per cent of the Canadian network.

We’re also hosting a Member Policy Foru m October 25, at which we will solicit input from ou r members – asking them what’s on their minds’ when it comes to advocacy, cutting red tape, what will make their businesses better, stronger, more nimble, more sustainable.

Bottom line: we’re engaged, and so are our members. It’s an interesting time to work in “Chamber World.”

••• We take pleasure in welcoming our new members who’ve joined since late August. They include: Driving Force Vehicle Rentals;

Canadian Wholesale Lighting; K-Town Lock & Key; KMJ Projects Inc.; Wiener’s Plumbing & Irrigation Ltd.; International Yacht Training Worldwide; Sony Real Estate Inc.; K-Town House Sitters; Storyline Experience Consulting and Martinson Eco Landscaping & Irrigation.

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

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OCTOBER 2017

Chief Louie: Economic Development Brings Opportunity To First Nations

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CLUELET – Money equals opportunity.

That’s how Chief Clarence Louie of Osoyoos Indian Band sees it. One of Canada’s most successful Chiefs, Louie has earned accolades for his approach to economic development that has brought prosperity to the South Okanagan First Nation. He shared that inspirational message with Ucluelet First Nation members on September 2.

Economic development, he believes, is an irreplaceable part of any forward progress for any First Nation.

“Economic development is your path to freedom. We can’t depend on the Department of Indian Affairs,” he states. “They’ve never properly funded one program on an Indian Reserve, and never will.”

“We need to create our own jobs, with our own money. It’s not all about money, but words without money have no legs.”

Osoyoos First Nation has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most progressive and successful First Nations, owning and operating numerous profitable businesses that employ workers from 30 different nationalities.

They include Senkulmen Business Park, Spirit Ridge NK’Mip Resort, NK’Mip (Inkameep) Cellars wine, NK’MIP RV Park, NK’MIp Desert Cultural Centre, NK’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course and

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Ucluelet First Nation President Les Doiron, left, and Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie Canyon Desert Resort.

Osoyoos Indian Band leases 227 acres of land to Area 27 Motorsports Park in Oliver. Designed by famous Canadian Formula One driver Jacques Villeneuve, is described as, “five kilometres of adrenaline and discipline. Built on a tradition of excellence, Area 27 is created as the ultimate driving playground.”

“We get the spin-off, too,” notes Chief Louie. “The people that

come golf at our golf course, stay at our resort, eat at our restaurant, and buy our gas. And they buy a lot of gas.”

Chief Louie stated that while money is not everything, it is necessary.

“Ever y t h i ng - educat ion, health care, cultural programs – costs money,” he observes.

“I don’t believe in a free lunch.

The traditional food we’ve eaten here tonight is some of the best

anywhere. But the food we have eaten wasn’t free. Fishing boats aren’t free, hunting rifles aren’t free. Guns aren’t free. We have to make our own money, even to do traditional ceremonies.”

“If we want to educate our people, it costs money. Not Indians Affairs money – that’s not enough.”

Chief Louie was first elected in 1984, and has won 16 elections, including the last one in February.

Although his list of accomplishments and awards is lengthy – including recently being named to the Order of Canada – he is quick to share credit for the success at Osoyoos Indian Band with a strong team inside and outside the Nation.

“There’s not an ‘I’ in TEAM, which stands for Together Everyone Achieves More,” he said.

Chief Louie notes the “original Treaty relationship between tribes and the English and the French was a business relationship. The first business people in Canada were tribal people,” he says.

“We had trade routes between each others’ tribes long before the others came. The original Treaty relationship between tribes and the English and the French was a business relationship. That’s what it needs to get back to.

“It’s not just about business,” he adds. “It’s about building life-long relationships.

“In business, you can’t lie and stay in business,” he notes. “In politics, maybe you can, but not in business. You’ll be found out very quickly.”

Emblazoned on the outside wall of an Osoyoos Indian Band office are the words: ‘Indians Have Always Worked’.

“I believe we came from a working culture,” he continued. “None of them sat on their butts and put their hands out,” he states. “No First Nation, before the Europeans came, put their hands out and expected something.

“I don’t like seeing my people in welfare lines,” he says. “Welfare is not Indian. . .We fed ourselves, clothed ourselves, sheltered ourselves. Today we do that through economic development and business, and putting money into buying land.”

Chief Louie said even if it means having to buy some land back, so be it.

“It’s only money, and I want opportunity for my people,” he adds. “I’ve never seen a non-native come into our office and say ‘I just watched (the movie) Dances with Wolves and my conscience is bothering me, so here’s the title to this land’.”

Chief Louie remains positive and expectant.

“I have a ‘future is now’ mentality. Every time I get elected, I’m going to move the yard sticks,” he says.

9/21/2017 1:49:17 PM

SALMON ARM

OCTOBER 2017

TRAINING SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE FROM GOVERNMENT Sandler Training Offers Remote Learning And Help Accessing BC Job Grant Funds

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ELOWNA – Business’ looking for training solutions in sales, leadership and management can now access customizable online programs through award winning Sandler Training. “People come to Kelowna for our public course offerings, but for those who aren’t able to make it, we can broadcast direct to their office or we can arrange to come to them,� said John Glennon, owner Sandler Training Kelowna. “The biggest piece however, is that with the BC Canada Job Grant, all types of training can be subsidized by the government.�

The grant will pay up to two thirds of the training costs with a cap at $10,000 per employee for programming that fit specific criteria. The funding makes training affordable. “Training must be an investment in growing the business,� he emphasized. “The government is encouraging business owners and managers to invest in their people and grow their skills. Our team makes sure the modules and programs selected

are appropriate and fit the company’s goals and mission.�

Glennon added that applying for the grant funds can be somewhat complicated and time consuming, so he and his team have streamlined the process and will not only custom design the program but will also assist with accessing the funds. “These recently released funds are especially good for smaller communities, allowing them to tap into world class training and government support. We can help make it happen!�

As an International Top 20 Training Company award winner, Sandler Training offers targeted methodologies gleaned from over 40+ years in the industry and gathered from Fortune 500 companies.

In November, Sandler Training will be offering its popular bi-yearly event The Sales Driven Organization and in December, just in time for the new year, its annual Goal Setting class. “Whether you are interested in remote training or on-site in Kelowna, there is government money available. But, there is a deadline. Contact our office for more details.�

Sandler Training is at 3677 BC97 in Kelowna or www.glennon. sandler.com

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BLUE CANOE BAKERY CAFÉ HAS NEW OWNERS

SALMON ARM CORRYN GRAYSTON

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astermind Studios a re v e r y e x c i t e d to e x p a n d t h e i r b u s iness into Salmon Arm and the Shuswap region. Owner Peter Inglis-Cameron i s pioneering a new approach to creating video content libraries for business and non-profits. If you want to make social media and your website work for you let Mastermind Studios help.

M a ster m i nd St ud ios work s w it h severa l agencies a nd media partners (like Glacier Media) to produce captivating business profile videos that can be combined with print media covera ge for ex t raord i n a r y business marketing coverage. www.mastermindstudios.ca ••• Congratulations to Shuswap Hospital Foundation for raising

$112,000 at their 3rd Annual Charity Open. The funds raised w i l l support the conversion from analogue to digital for XRay Room 3 (Trauma Room) at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. This conversion will provide improved image quality, faster processing time and use a lesser level of radiation to complete the x-ray. www.shuswaphospitalfoundation.org ••• New ow ners of Blue Canoe Bakery CafÊ, Ramy and Mary Athanasios a re very pleased to offer a continued taste of delicious sandwiches, soups, breads, baked goods and bevera ge s at t hei r ba ker y c a fÊ lo c ate d on Shu s wap S t re e t i n dow ntow n Sa l mon A r m .

T hey have a lso added to the menu w ith offerings of shawarmas, gyros and Mediterranean wraps. With expanded days of operation, every day of the week can be a day to enjoy something wonderful from Blue Canoe! ••• Mystic Treasures opened its doors this summer and owner Anita Cranmer is thrilled to offer a unique variety of beautiful items including hand-crafted West Coast Native Art, Mexican clay pots & vases, cedar and chainsaw carvings and so

much more. Visit their storefront at 310 Ross Street. www. mystictreasurehunters.com ••• R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum is once aga i n hosti ng the popu la r Mt. Ida Cemetery tour on Sunday, October 15th. A guided tour in the old section of the cemetery will highlight tales of love, heartbreak, joy and tragedy on one of the prettiest knolls in Salmon A rm. Cost is $10 per person and registration is limited to 35 people. Call 250 832-5243 to book your place.

It’s that time of the year to pull on your scariest costume and explore the spooky side of R.J. Haney Heritage Village for the 2 2nd a nnual Spooktacular – Oct. 21 & 22. With a terrifying spook trail and haunted house, there will be menacing creatures around every dark corner.

For the little spooks, enjoy the Story Book Trail, the Coloring Room a nd more. Gates open at 5:00pm. Children under 16 must be accompa n ied by a n adult. Admission at the gate.

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.

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OCTOBER 2017

FRIENDSHIP AND LOTTERY TICKET JUMP-START SUCCESS FOR OKANAGAN RESTORATION SERVICES After Winning $10,000 Business Partner Chooses To Invest Win Back Into Growing New Business

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ELOWNA - Although winning the Gold Rush lottery jump-started Okanagan Restoration Services LTD (ORS), it was a long-standing friendship that cemented the company’s long-term success.

Fou nd e d i n 1992 by Terr y Moorhouse and Trevor Forder, the company started with the founders and their wives, Kelly and Deanna, and one restoration van, but it wasn’t the only business the pair have owned together. In the late 1980’s, in Southern Alberta they owned and operated a small construction company.

“Trevor’s step father was involved in construction, building homes and general contracting, so he grew up in the industry,” said Kevin Rothwell, community relations manager. “But then he got involved in the insurance business as an adjuster, and Terry was offered a superintendent job on a big project overseeing condo construction in Parksville.”

Work brought Trevor to the Okanagan and being involved with the insurance industry he noticed that there were only two restoration companies in Kelowna and none in Vernon.

“The insurance companies were bringing in people from other towns to do restoration work.

It wasn’t a very efficient process for the homeowner. Trevor contacted Terry, explaining the prospects and possibilities of creating their own company.”

Without much capital though, they had to start small. That was when good fortune struck. When Terry scratched a Gold Rush lottery ticket he discovered he’d won $10,000. He asked his wife,

“They started out in a very modest way with an office in a camper trailer in Woodlake RV Park in Winfield and then graduated to their home in Lake Country.”

KEVIN ROTHWELL COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER, OKANAGAN RESTORATION SERVICES

Kelly, who is now the CAO of the company, if they could use the lucky money for building the business. She agreed and today it was an investment that paid off. The company now employs 75-plus restoration professionals and has a fleet of over 50 service vehicles.

“They started out in a very modest way with an office in a camper trailer in Woodlake RV Park in Winfield and then graduated to their home in Lake

Terry Moorhouse with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on ORS game night SEE OKANAGAN RESTORATION | PAGE 7

CREDIT:OKANAGAN RESTORATION SERVICES

Textile Cleaning, Restoration, Laundry, Stain Removal and more

It’s been a pleasure working with you and your team.

Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary.

250.545.2002

|

3304 32nd St. Vernon

|

www.centredrycleaners.com

7

OCTOBER 2017

Safety is the priority for ORSL with staff taking part in regular safety demonstrations CREDIT: OKANAGAN RESTORATION SERVICES LTD.

In both the Vernon and Kelowna warehouses, equipment like dehumidifiers and drying fans are always ready for deployment CREDIT:OKANAGAN RESTORATION SERVICES

OKANAGAN RESTORATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Country. They’d be dress clothes in the morning speaking to the insurance adjusters and then into work clothes for the afternoon doing the on-site work,” Rothwell explained.

It didn’t take long for their high-level, quality of work to be noticed, and the hard work to see the company growing

exponentially. But the demand for their services continued to grow throughout the Okanagan.

“In the mid 90’s, Terry and Kelly decided to move to Armstrong and open a branch, while T revor a nd h is w i fe Dea n na opened an office in Kelowna with both wives continuing to be actively involved in the business looking after the day to day operations in close consort with their husbands.”

Rothwell explains that with Trevor’s background and experience in the insurance industry and Terry’s in construction, together they’ve been able to create unique solutions for streamlining the process of getting homeowners and commercial property owners back to business as quickly as possible.

“Prior to restoration companies, SEE OKANAGAN RESTORATION | PAGE 8

Congratulations on 25 years, Okanagan Restoration Services!

Proud partners in caring for our community.

Capri Insurance — BC’s local, employee-owned insurance broker.

1 800 670 1877

capri.ca

Congratulations Okanagan Restoration on 25 years in business!

Doors Windows

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OCTOBER 2017

OKANAGAN RESTORATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

the process of cleaning up after property damage was disjointed with homeowners responsible for contacting the different types of contractors, arranging repairs, abatement or a cleanup. Okanagan Restoration perfected a seamless process for both insurance companies and homeowners.

ORS has all the services needed and takes care of the whole process.”

“The 2003 Kelowna wildfires tested the metal of the company as more than 200 homes were destroyed in the blaze and hundreds more damaged. “We ramped up to over 200 personnel to meet the demand and learned a lot in the process.” Said Rothwell.

“We grew our inventory quickly in response to the dramatic increase in need for our services,” Rothwell said. “We now have warehouses in Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon with a large inventory of highly specialized equipment. What we do demands a fast response with no waiting around for the right equipment to arrive from elsewhere. Our flood techs are called ‘Knights in Shining Armour’ because we are ready 24/7, getting it done quickly, and getting it done right, with the right equipment.”

Timing is critical he said, especially for any kind of water damage. Studs or drywall act like sponges, wicking up water.

The longer water sits, the more wicking happens up walls; add in the rapid growth of mold and a quick, efficient response becomes imperative.

“We’ve had people away on holiday come back to a broken hot water tank and a f looded basement. In a closed, warm environment it doesn’t take mold long to grow. Some homeowners have returned to mold covering the walls and ceiling. If it’s black mold it poses a substantial health risk.”

Restoring a home or commercial space after water damage is only a part of what OK Restoration has equipment and know-how to respond to. They are a full-service contactor providing restoration service for water and sewage

Okanagan Restoration Services Ltd’s community relations manager Kevin Rothwell makes a presentation at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce Awards CREDIT:OKANAGAN RESTORATION SERVICES LTD.

damage, fire damage, wind damage, mold remediation and removal, large commercial losses, contents restoration, asbestos removal, crime scene/trauma cleanup and damage caused by vehicle impact.

“You’d be surprised at how many cars run into houses,” Rothwell said. “It doesn’t just involve repairing the home, it’s making sure the structure is safe and removing the vehicle with the least amount of damage.”

Both Moorhouse and Forder have seen significant changes within the industry since they first began the company, mostly around safety for consumers and workers.

“WorkSafe BC has led the way in ensuring safety at all levels,” said Rothwell. “We’re seeing asbestos in so many products, not just as insulation but in drywall compound, tile, flooring and more.

SEE OKANAGAN RESTORATION | PAGE 9

Sewage back up at Kal Tire Place Arena had ORSL technicians working quickly to get the facility opened in time for a Hockeyville game between the LA Kings and Edmonton Oilers CREDIT: OKANAGAN RESTORATION SERVICES LTD.

Congratulations on

TRUSTED. RESULTS.

CONGRATULATIONS

of service!

Okanagan Restoration Services for achieving 25 years in business.

We wish you continued success!

Kelowna 250-862-5958 | #1-2670 Enterprise Way | www.fibreclean.com Canada’s Largest Supplier to the Carpet Cleaning & Restoration Industries Proudly 100% Canadian Owned & Operated since 1978

1-800-243-5353 • w w w. n i xo n w e n g e r . c o m

9

OCTOBER 2017

At a staff safety meeting, Kelly and Terry Moorhouse are surprised by staff in celebration of 25 years in business

A quick response with the right equipment can make a big difference in the damage done by a broken hot water tank or pipe

CREDIT: OKANAGAN RESTORATION SERVICES LTD.

CREDIT: OKANAGAN RESTORATION SERVICES LTD.

OKANAGAN RESTORATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

We are fully certified for its removal with all the right HazMat equipment.”

He said that technology has seen the greatest improvements in the industry. For example, for blasting char off burned wood, newer equipment can blast it away faster with less waste, and filtration and air cleaning technology can scrub even minute particulates, including spores, from a contaminated environment quickly.

“Our warehouse has over 8,000 square feet of space to store equipment and we have on-site high-tech equipment available for restoring and cleaning items that can be removed from the home or commercial space. We bring the items to our warehouse where our technicians can use the equipment to extract water, dehumidify items, and, in our ozone

refurbished the cubicles and utilized them again for fire behaviour and fire training purposes.

“This has been a great project and so important for our fire personnel to have a live fire classroom scenario to learn from.”

Okanagan Restoration is certified through the Star COR Certification program through WorkSafe BC, the Better Business Bureau and several industry standard and inspection organizations. In 2015, it won Okanagan Life’s Best of the Okanagan and is a proud supporter of Junior Hockey and other sport’s teams.

“It takes a lot of moving parts to keep a business vibrant and growing, we have many different perspectives coming into play and that helps us take a well thought out approach to whatever strategic direction we head,” said Terry Moorhouse. “It’s been an incredible 25 years.”

“We are grateful for the relationships we have built with insurance partners, customers and staff,” said Trevor Forder “We look forward to many new relationships and thank everyone for their continued support, always ready always there!”

As Rothwell explains, ORS may have come from humble beginnings, but its success stems from a strong relationship, hard work and maybe a little bit from that initial luck of the draw.

Okanagan Restorations is at www.okrestore.com

rooms - remove bad odours. Do- parade this September. An em- able to utilize the cubicles to ing this at our site, means a faster ployee idea led to participation make training and educational turnaround and less inconven- in the Great Ogopogo Bathtub videos. ience and mess for the client.” race in Summerland this year, the In July Coldstream Fire DeWith its service reaching from event raised money for the South partment with ORS assistance !1232423 Revelstoke to Osoyoos, Nakusp Okanagan Similkameen Hospital to Sorento, and including the Foundation. The company is also 52678997*:;996<34 !"#$#%#$ Similkameen and&'()*+!,-#$.*(&/0 the Shuswap very involved with Fire Preven!1232423 Okanagan region, Okanagan tion Week and the campaign to 52678997*:;996<34 !"#$#%#$ Restorations is still very much ensure smoke alarms are always &'()*+!,-#$.*(&/0 a local,sfamily owned and operworking.

Active CERAMIC, PORCELAIN, MARBLE & MOSAIC TILE participation in s SITE FINISHED & PREFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORING s NATURAL STONE, SLATE, GRANITE & TRAVERTINE s REFINISHING & RESTORATION/DUST CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS ated business with strong valseveral area chambers of coms STAINLESS STEEL,s METAL &PORCELAIN, GLASS TILE ssGREENGUARD CERAMIC, & MOSAIC TILE SITE FINISHED & CERTIFIED/ECO-FRIENDLY PREFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORING ues in customer service, quality merce has MARBLE also been part of the s NATURAL STONE, SLATE, GRANITE & TRAVERTINE REFINISHING & RESTORATION/DUST CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS s SEE THE LATEST DESIGN TRENDS ssCORK, CARPET, LAMINATE, VINYL AND MORE s STAINLESS STEEL, METAL & GLASS TILE s GREENGUARD CERTIFIED/ECO-FRIENDLY of work and giving back to the success story forVISIT theOUR company.

BEAUTIFUL CONNECTING SHOWROOMS s SEE THE LATEST DESIGN TRENDS s CORK, CARPET, LAMINATE, VINYL AND MORE community.

In May of last year, its techniwww.okanaganhardwoodfl oors.com 250.765.2610 VISIT OUR BEAUTIFUL CONNECTING SHOWROOMS !"#$#%#$ “I’ve been tracking where our cians worked with the provin&'()*+!,-#$.*(&/0 clients hear about us and why cial fire prevention officers and they chose our company. Eighty local fire departments to learn per cent are from referral or re- more about fire behaviour to s CERAMIC, PORCELAIN, MARBLE & MOSAIC TILE !1232 peat business,” Rothwell said, better understand the restoras NATURAL STONE, SLATE, GRANITE & TRAVERTINE “and part of that is the exposure tion process for a home that has 52678 !"#$#%#$ s STAINLESS STEEL, METAL & GLASS TILE s SEE THE LATEST DESIGN TRENDS we get through the company’s suffered fire damage. Last year, &'()*+!,-#$.*(&/0 VISIT OUR BEAUTIF giving.” its carpenters, with material aswww.okanagantile.com 250.491.2605 ORS and its employees partici- sistance from local distributors, s CERAMIC, PORCELAIN, MARBLE & MOSAIC TILE s SITE FINISHED & PREFINISH pate in several community events constructed four - eight byseight NATURAL STONE, SLATE, GRANITE & TRAVERTINE s REFINISHING & RESTORATION/ s STAINLESS STEEL, METAL & GLASS TILE s GREENGUARD CERTIF each year from Penticton to Arm- foot rooms that were then set up ~ LATEST V I S I TDESIGN O U R TRENDS BEAUTIFUL CONNECTING SHOWROO S ~ CARPET, LAMINA s SEE THE sM CORK, strong, recently winning first at at Vernon Fire Training Centre.

VISIT OUR BEAUTIFUL CONNECTING SHOWROOMS 464 Adams Road, Kelowna the Interior Provincial Exhibition The fire department was then

A DIVISION OF WATKIN MOTORS FORD THE OKANAGAN’S LEASING PROFESSIONALS

Congratulations Okanagan Restoration on 25 years in business, fantastic achievement.

It has been a pleasure working with you to help service the Okanagan Valley over the past 15 years.

Congratulations on Okanagan Restoration Services on Your 25th Anniversary.

1519 Keehn Road, Kelowna, BC

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OFF THE COVER

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OCTOBER 2017

Federal Government Proposals Could Eliminate Incorporation Benefits, Tax Deferrals And Income Splitting “Under the current

MNP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

owners to reduce their overall taxes, while supporting others in a tax-efficient manner. It is often used to help finance postsecondary education or to support aging parents.

“T he proposed changes lay out specific criteria that greatly reduce the opportunity for this type of income splitting,” Kungel explains. “Companies will only be able to pay what’s deemed to be a ‘reasonable’ a mou nt to fa m i ly memb ers based on their contribution of labour or capital to the business.

“A ny d iv idend s or c apita l gains realized by family members that do not meet the new criteria will be subject to what’s called the Tax on Split Income, and will be taxed at the highest marginal tax rate.”

Capital Gains Exemption The government is also proposing new limitations on the ability of other family members to claim the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE). This deduct ion cu r rent ly a l lows business owners to shelter up to $835,716 of capital gains on the sale of qualified small business corporation shares from tax. Through tax planning, the exemptions of more than one family member can sometimes

rules, passive income that is distributed to shareholders through dividends could be taxed up to approximately 50 per cent for business owners in the top personal income bracke.”

BRIAN POSTHUMUS REGIONAL TAX LEADER, MNP

Brian Posthumus be used to shelter gains on the family business. This is now subject to change.

“If you are thinking of selling your business in the future, the new rules would restrict the number of capital gains exemptions family business owners m ay be able to access,” explains Mindy Wight, a taxation specialist with MNP based in Prince George. “This is a big deal because it could make it much more costly to sell the business or carry out a family succession plan.”

Investment income inside a corporation Under Canada’s existing tax system, cor porate bu si ness income is generally taxed at a lower rate than personal income. If a company’s earnings are beyond what is needed to

support the business owner’s personal income or to re-invest in the business, it’s common to leave the excess earnings in the corporation and invest in passive investments such as bonds, shares or rental properties.

This allows a business owner to defer t he ta x t h at wou ld otherwise be paid if the excess earnings were withdrawn from the corporation and subject to the higher personal tax rates.

“Under the current rules, passive income that is distributed to shareholders through dividends could be taxed up to approximately 50% for business owners in the top personal income bracket,” explains Brian Posthumus, regional tax leader for MNP’s Thompson-Okanagan region, adding that the ability to defer taxation is one of the major benefits of a private corporation. “Under the proposed rules, you could pay up to 70 per cent tax on that income.”

result in a capital gain.

A typical estate could end up paying tax on the capital gain, as well as on the dividend income paid out to his family members to liquidate the estate’s assets from within the corporation.

As a result, the estate ends up paying double the tax on the private company shares, which significantly increases the tax liability to the estate.

“Before July 18, 2017, there were tax strategies available to prevent this punitive taxation,” Posthumus notes. “However, that’s no longer the case.”

Posthumus says it important to talk to your accountant to understand what all the proposed changes could mean for your situation.

“There are a number of steps you can take to minimize the i mpact i f the cha nges move forward,” he advises. “Some of these need to happen by the end of 2017.”

Converting income into capital gains T he proposed ta x ch a nges could also prove troublesome for many estates. When a person dies, the individual is deemed to dispose of all their assets at fair market value and their estate acquires those assets at the same value. For a business owner who held shares of a private corporation, this will often

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KAMLOOPS

OCTOBER 2017

11

Corehealth Technologies Ranked As One Of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies Kelowna Based Corporate Wellness Technology Provider Increases Revenue By 15-20 Per Cent Since It Was Founded In 2004 “Our team of support “Ninjas” have a performance goal of 100 per cent ‘thumbs up’ rating from our customers.”

BETH HENDRY-YIM

K

ELOW NA - R a n ked as one of Canada’s fastestg row i ng compa n ies i n Canadian Business and PROFIT today’s 29 th annual PROFIT 500, CoreHealth Technologies charted an impressive five-year revenue growth of 168 per cent in 2017. It puts them at number 337 in a listing of business superstars.

“CoreHealth has been in business for 13 years and has increased its revenues at a steady average pace of 15-20 per cent each year,” said A nne Marie Kirby, CEO & Co-Founder. “Our wellness technology is resold by leading global corporate wellness providers and re-branded to suit their client’s needs. Our corporate identity tends to fly under the radar for those outside of the software and wellness industry.”

T he ra n k i ng isn’t the on ly recognition CoreHealth has received lately. In September, it was one of 25 recipients to receive the Canadian Business Excellence Award 2017-2018 for clearly demonstrating a strategic approach to successfully improving business performance and achieving goals.

“Our team of support ‘Ninjas’ have a performance goal of 100 per cent ‘thumbs up’ rating from our customers. With my 25 years in the tech industry, I have to admit

ANN MARIE KIRBY CEO & CO-FOUNDER COREHEALTH TECHNOLOGIES

Anne Marie Kirby, CEO & Co-Founder

that is the most ambitious goal for any tech support department I’ve seen. The Ninjas succeed at meeting this goal annually; their reputation deserves the Ninja title.”

CoreHea lth prov ides bestin-class solutions to employee wellness programs. It brings the

latest in innovation and technology in health assessments, biometric management, education, self-help, education, coaching and incentives, to ensure success.

“A s a wel l ness tech nolog y company, we have spent the last 13 years listening carefully to what wellness providers need in wellness management software and have continually strived to be innovative and customer-focused. Our platform gives our customers full control to innovate, create and integrate wellness programs faster than any of their competitors.”

K i rby bel ieves the success and growth of the company is through its ability to constantly evaluate the industry and target where it best fits. Competition is increasing, but CoreHealth has been able to refine its niche to stay ahead of the game.

“It is never easy to earn a spot on the PROFIT 500, but this year’s applicant pool was the most competitive yet,” says Deborah Aarts, PROFIT 500 program manager. “This year’s winners demonstrate the resilience, innovation and sheer management smarts it takes to build a thriving business today.

Canada – and the world – needs more entrepreneurial success stories like these.”

CoreHealth Technologies is at #202-3275 Lakeshore Drive in Kelowna www.corehealth.global

UTILIZING AWARDS, NOMINATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO BUILD BRAND

KAMLOOPS DEB MCLELLAND

F

all is almost like a second spring for many business owners. The chaos of summer is over and we begin to refocus on what we have left to accomplish in the coming four months. As we near year end, it is also a time of celebration and recognition: It’s awards season.

For business, awards are both an opportunity and a recognition of the amazing things business

owners and their teams do each and every day.

Awards, nominations and recommendations are the opportunity as a business owner to build your brand, and as a consumer, they are attestation to the quality goods or service a company provides.

For business, a brand is the answer to the question “what do you think of (your company)? when you are not in the room.

The strength of brand is the single greatest determining factor on whether a business grows or withers. It is also completely within the business owner or leaders control to create and maintain. In essence brand is the result of two aspects of your business; marketing and customer experience. If the two align in a positive way, your brand builds.

Let’s get back to awards, nominations and recommendations.

All three of these are elements

you can use in your marketing strategies.

Recommendations should show up on your website, social media, and in some cases your advertising campaigns. Due in large part to the consumer process of shopping online before shopping in store, what others say about you is essential in building positive brand presence.

With regards to nominations and awards, when used strategically, both have incredible brand value. A nomination for a prestigious award is a recognition that your business is performing at a high enough level that others recognize your brand as positive and powerful. So, how do you use nominations to build brand?

Talk About it. When you are nominated, talk about the honour of being part of a peers group of businesses that shines in the community. Talk about it at social events, on your social media

feeds and your websites.

Market your Excellence. Use your advertising dollars to rei n force you r bra nd th roug h print, radio, television or digital streams. As part of some processes, popularity is key, for others its about traction with audiences. Regardless of your marketing goal, celebrating the acknowledgement of your business is a win, even if you don’t get the hardware.

Attend T he Event. S om e business owners don’t follow through. Award events are opportu n ities to con nect w ith other business owners you may not normally meet, on an even stage. You are both high performance. Use these events to network, market and build excellence based relationships.

When you Win. Display your certificates, awards, trophies or whatever is presented, at your front desk or counter. Put the

win on your website. Tell people about your success, and why you received the award. Tell a story about your path to the award and why it has made you a abetter business.

Finally, take time to recognize all the people who helped you get there. Acknowledge and thank your team, your suppliers, the person who nominated you and mostly your customers. They are the ones who got you here, and they want you to succeed as much as you do. Let them know you are thankful to them for the win.

In other Chamber news, don’t forget to get your Business Excellence awards tickets. They are available now at our website, kamloopschamber.ca Deb McClelland is the executive director of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached email at deb@kamloopschamber.ca.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

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OCTOBER 2017

Sell-out Crowd Celebrated Best of The Best in Thompson Okanagan and Kootenay Regions Sept. 28 AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Radio personality Tamara Joel of Kelowna’s EZ Rock was Master of Ceremonies for the soldout event, which celebrated the best in commercial and industrial buildings completed prior to July 31, 2017 in the Thompson (Kamloops and Salmon Arm), Okanagan (Vernon to Osoyoos) and Kootenay (Nelson to Cranbrook and Golden) regions.

Last year’s Judges’ Choice Best Overall winner was the Okanagan College Trades Building in Kelowna.

Kelowna Police Services building had Kasian as the Architect/ Designer, and Bird Construction as the Developer and General Contractor. This buildilng consolidates 192 members and 70 staff from across the community into one new facility. It is a high security building, and its institutional use integrates it into a transitional neighbourhood in a public friendly way.

It was done on time, and Christman Plumbing & Heating Ltd. was integral with the full Mechanical design.

Other Award of Excellence winners in their categories were: Civil: Idlewild Dam of Cranbrook. The City of Cranbrook was the ow ner, a nd Mackay Contracti ng a nd New Daw n Developments Ltd. were the SEE AWARDS | PAGE 13

From left: Architect Garry Tomporowski of GTA Architecture, Lakhwinder Brar, Param Brar of Kelowna Fruit Stand, and Tim Down of NAI Commercial Okanagan

Your Global Real Estate Specialists remaxcommercial.ca

OCTOBER 2017

COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

13 AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Airport Village won the Award of Excellence in Shopping Centres. From left, Michael Bacon and Alex Polacco of the Mission Group, and Clifford Kshyk of the Southern Interior Construction Association

General Contractors.

Hospitality: Penticton Lakeside Resort Hotel. Owner/Developers are RPB Hotels, HDR/ CEI Architecture Associates the Architect/Designer and Greyback Construction the G eneral Contractor. This building bridges the gap between specialty mass timber structures and conventional wood framed structures by using conventional dimensional lumber walls and CLT Floor Structures in a five-storey application. It features innovative assemblies for fire resistance and acoustics in wood buildings using exposed CLT finishes.

Industrial: Houle Electric of Kelowna, which designed and served as General Contractor for the project. Houle Electric was able to take 30 year old facility and re-furbish it into a modern light industrial office building, with design done in house by the Houle Electric Team. Houle Electric was able to oversee the ent i re project act i ng a s t he General Contractor and utilizing various trades from long standing relationships in the construction industry.

Mixed Use: Pinnacle Professional Building of Castlegar.

Willow Enewold and Chris Brien are the owners and designer, and SEE AWARDS | PAGE 14

2017 A BUSY YEAR FOR SICA MEMBERS

K

E L OW N A - 2017 i s prov i n g to b e a busy year for const r uct ion i n t he sout he r n i n t e r i o r, f e e d b a c k f rom Southern Interior C o n s t r u ct i o n A s s o ci ation members i nd icates that contractors are busy, so busy in fact that some tenders have been going unanswered. Contractors are looking for resources to run their businesses better and stay on top of the ever changing demands. Helping those in the construction industry capitalize on opportunities is something SICA knows first hand.

“We pride ourselves on being a one-stop-shop for contractors and companies involved in the construction industry” says Clifford Kshyk, VP of Operations.

“SICA started as a grassroots organization and our ability to adjust to serve our members needs is one of our greatest assets”.

One of SICA’s value added services for our members and the industry as a whole i s Sa fet y Consulting. SICA’s certified consultant can work with you on a personal level to help your company avoid the pitfalls of operational

SICA is committed to providing the construction industry with support, training and cost effective solutions

Providing Leadership & Promoting Excellence hazards, meet the legislative requirement and stay in compliance. Safety culture is visible at all levels of the organization that shapes our behaviour by the atmosphere created.

As a result a company with this culture will experience lower incident rates, less turnover, less absenteeism, fewer at-risk behaviours and higher productivity.

Sa fe t y i s m ore t h a n a manual, it is about people and culture. SICA is comm itted to prov id i ng the construction industry with support, training and costeffective solutions.

“In many cases smaller c o n t r a c t o r s a r e o v e rwhelmed with safety requirements, finding time a nd resou rces to keep everything compliant is difficult.” says Jennifer

Marte, Director of Education, “T his is where our NCSO can help. We are able to customize our services based on the client’s needs.

Services include safe work pract ic e s; site s p e ci f ic safety program development; incident/accident investigation; and internal safety audits just to name a few.”

O f cou rse sa fety consulting is just one of the services that the Southern Interior Construction Association can provide.

T hei r tea m ra nges from training and safety services, to tendering resources and information, and networking opportunities all geared towards the institutional, commercial and i ndustria l construction sector. www.sicabc.ca.

Our members are a part of a collective voice, the SICA voice.

Together, our voice is changing the construction community and helping your business grow through advocacy, networking events, affinity programs, safety training, direct business leads and more.

Training | Safety | Bid Opportunities Networking | Advocacy www.sicabc.ca

COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

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OCTOBER 2017

AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Winner of two SICA Annual Commercial Building Awards

Judge’s Choice • Community Institutional

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

Jere Lorenz, left, receives the Award of Excellence in Seniors Housing for The Residence at Orchards Walk in Kamloops from Christine Sposato of RBC

KASIAN ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN AND PLANNING LTD VANCOUVER • CALGARY • EDMONTON • TORONTO • DOHA

Proud to be Partnering to Create Affordable Housing for Kelowna

Scott Wilson, left, of Houle Electric receives the Industrial Award of Excellence from Lionel Hoffman of NCA Commercial SEE AWARDS | PAGE 15

Central Green Playground

Thank you for the honour of being selected to receive a Thompson Okanagan Kootenay Commercial Building Award.

Excellence in construction is our first priority at VanMar. We take great pride in our projects and the communities we partner with.

Proud to be a part of The Residence at Orchards Walk Central Green Ext 4

Suite 50 | 1615 Dickson Avenue | Kelowna Phone 250.712.9282 www.sticksandstones.ca

OCTOBER 2017

COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

15

PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING

Pinnacle provides accounting and advisory services to incorporated businesses, with a specialization in the construction industry.

Osoyoos Indian Band Administration Building won the Award of Excellence in Wood Construction. From left are: Matt Kenyon and Mike Symonds of Greyback Construction, and Oscar Faoro of WoodWORKS! BC.

AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Maida Custom Homes the Developer and General Contractor.

Multi-Family: Central Green of Kelowna. Owner is Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, Patrick McCusker Architects the A rchitect/Designer and VanMar Constructors Ltd. the Genera l Contractor. This 86 unit affordable rental apartment project, also known as i spa us ki-low-na, is for families is located in Kelowna’s Central Green Development.

It includes four levels of wood frame on a concrete underground parkade and is LEED certified.

Office: Okanagan Centre For Innovation of Kelowna. Meiklejohn Architects Inc. was the Architect, and General Contractor was Sawchuk Developments.

The Okanagan Centre for Innovation is a unique facility in the heart of Kelowna’s Cultural District. The state of the art building houses everything from two-person start-ups to large technology and innovation firms. The OCI building has put Kelowna on the map as an up and comer in the technology sector.

Renovation: SQM Research Centre of Vernon. SQM Group is the owner, Lund Architect Ltd. the Architect/Designer, and Heartwood Homes Ltd. the General Contractor.

SQM Group chose to invest in Vernon

by opening a new research centre in the downtown core to provide the future millennial work force with a modern of f ice space. T he renovation, bu i lt with wood frame construction, has resulted in a beautiful building situated as a hallmark of Vernon’s downtown core, complimenting the existing colour scheme and architecture of surrounding buildings.

Retail: Kelowna Fruit Stand. GTA Architecture was the Architect/Designer, and Roger LeBlanc the General Contractor.

This project was designed to have an iconic appearance so that is has the look of a fruit basket. It is a classic, yet modern example of the expanding ecotourism industry in the Okanagan. The design was developed to be immediately recognizable.

Seniors Housing: The Residences at Orchards Walk of Kamloops. Owner is Valley Residences Limited Partnership, Architect/Designer Philip MacDonald Architect, and Orchards Walk Developments the Developer/General Contractor.

This project includes executive level finishes throughout, custom designed interior luxury living spaces, and each suite has high end finishings including - stone counters, stainless steel appliances, in-suite laundry, walk-in closets and private balconies.

We promise:

• Timeliness • Fixed Pricing • Accessibility Pinnacle is a proud supporter of the arts, threetime Chamber of Commerce Business Award winner,and recipient of the Award of Excellence in the mixed-use category in the 2017 Building Awards.

Find out how we can help you build your best business by calling us today!

250.365.3631 | www.pinnaclepac.com

Landform Architecture

www.landformadb.com

SEE AWARDS | PAGE 17

Greata Ranch Winery won an Award of Merit in the Hospitality Category. From left: Matt Kenyon of Greyback Construction, Gordon Fitzpatrick of Greata Ranch, and Gold Sponsor Ken McLaughlin of RE/MAX Commercial

Clean Designs for the Okanagan

COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

16

OCTOBER 2017

WOOD POPULARITY RISING, NOTES WOODWORKS!BC

A

new generation of wood building products, syste m s a n d te c h n i q u e s are being used in increasing numbers and types of buildings, positioning BC as a world leader in both wood product manufacturing and innovative wood use.

W hether a post-a nd-bea m technique based on engineered wood products, mass timber constr uction, or a mod i fied

l i g h t-f r a m e s y s t e m u s i n g t rad it ion a l wo o d pro ducts, BC is finding increased opportunities for wood using both sta nda rd d i mension lu mber as well as mass timber panels a nd ot her eng i neered wood products.

N ew b u i l d i ng t y p e s u si n g wood Newer building types using wo o d i n c l u d e c o m m e rc i a l ,

institutional and taller resid ent i a l proje c t s, i nclud i n g the tallest mass timber hybrid bu i ld i ng i n the world at the time it was built, the 18-storey Brock Commons Tallwood House student residence on t h e U B C C a m p u s i n Va ncouver. M id-rise si x-storey light-frame wood residential construction is surging in BC since it was permitted under the BC Building Code revision

Congratulations to 2017 nominees and winners

Call Wood WORKS! BC today to find out how wood can benefit and enhance your next project. www.wood-works.ca/bc • 1 877 929 9663 •

@WoodWORKSBC_CWC

Photo: The Shore, North Vancouver • www.RAEF.ca

of the 9th annual thompson okanagan Kootenay Commercial Building awards

in 2009, with more than 300 projects in various stages of pla n n i ng, constr uction a nd finishing in BC. Taller wood building solutions currently being developed and refined i n B C c a n help cre ate more sustainable communities and affordable housing solutions that will positively change the face of our cities.

Reduced carbon impact in our built environment With growing pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment, both public and private sector decision-makers are challenging a rch itects a nd desig ners to balance functionality and cost objectives with a reduced environmental impact. Wood is re-emerging as the materia l of choice for construction of both residential and commercial buildings. T he environmenta l benefits of wood a re well-documented and include the long-term storage of carbon d iox ide sequestered by g row i n g t re e s a nd i n wo o d products, the lower embodied energ y requ i red to process wood a nd the l i fe cycle benefits that result from these properties.

Mass timber panel systems a nd ot her eng i neered wood products can replace steel and

concrete in many applications.

T hey a re h ig h st reng t h, d imensionally-stable, lighter, su sta i n able, aest het ic a l lypleasing and cost- effective.

Prefabrication of wood components means they save time and construction costs with rapid installation. The result: significant benefits in terms of st r uct u ra l p er for m a nce, sca le possibi l ities a nd construction efficiency.

Wood WORKS! BC: Inspiring, supporting and recognizing wood use Adva nced tech nolog y a nd mo d er n b u i ld i n g c o d e s a re e x pa nd i n g t he u se a nd opportunities for wood in construction. These solutions are being embraced by fu ll project teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, bu i lders, bu i ld i ng code a nd f i re of f icia ls a nd loca l governments, all demanding an increasing level of education, training and knowledge. Wood WORKS! BC technical advisors are your resource, and can connect you with design and constr uction professiona ls, wood product m a nu factu rers and others who will help y o u b u i l d w i t h w o o d fo r a better and more sustainable tomorrow. www.wood-works.ca

BEST

IN CLASS

Building Something Better At MNP, we believe in being your partner in business. That’s why more than 300 clients from all sectors of the real estate and construction industry in B.C.’s Southern Interior region rely on MNP for industry-specific expertise and services that go beyond traditional accounting and tax.

Our team is dedicated to keeping a finger on the pulse of issues that matter most to you and can help you with: • Business valuations

• Risk management and cyber security

• Indirect tax consulting (GST, PST, PTT)

• Succession and estate planning

• Property tax recovery

• Corporate re-organizations

As proud members of the Southern Interior Construction Association, we congratulate the nominees of the 2017 Commercial Building Awards. MNP’s Real Estate and Construction team looks forward to being your partner in business and having the opportunity to build something together you can truly be proud of.

Contact Brian Laveck, Regional Leader, Thompson-Okanagan Real Estate & Construction Services at 250.979.1731 or brian.laveck@mnp.ca

OCTOBER 2017

COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

17

EVENT SPONSOR RBC A PARTNER IN BUSINESS

SQM Research Centre of Vernon captured the Award of Excellence in Renovation.

Presenting the award is Joshua French of Heimann and Sons Masonry, the Renovation category sponsors

This wonderful event celebrates our best and br i g hte s t b u si ne sse s across the Okanagan, and we at RBC want to congratulate all the nominees and Award winners for th is very wel l deserved recognition.

Entrepreneu rsh ip is a powerf u l force that drives innovation, productivity, job creation and economic growth.

Here in the Okanagan, more and more people are becoming entrepreneurs.

The desire to create and grow a business, large or small, requires a combination of character, talent, vision, energy, timing and good advice.

Successful entrepreneurs know that good practical

RBC is proud to be a key sponsor of these 9th Annual Thompson Okanagan Commercial Building Awards information and advice can make a big difference in running a successful business.

Yo u r R B C A c c o u n t Manager is your business partner and advocate, providing solutions to meet your business need s, a nd help you r business to achieve its fullest potential.

Yo u r R B C A c c o u n t

Manager will: • Und ers t a nd you r company’s goals and vision for the future • Share their in-depth industry-specific knowledge and experience • Del iver products, technology and services to help your business save money, seize opportunities and reduce risk • Be your Go-To Financial Partner, worki ng closely w ith you r lawyer, accountant, RBC specialists, and other key partners.

Contact your R BC branch. Let’s make your Someday happen.™ Congratulations to all those nominees and winners at the 2017 Awards. www.rbc.com

PHOTOS BY ETHAN DELICHTE

AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Shopping Centres: Airport Village Shopping Centre of Kelowna. Owner/Developer is Mission Group, Urban Design Group Architects the Architect/Designer, and Norson Construction Ltd. the General Contractor.

This was built in an unproven market, but with five under-serviced communities nearby, including UBC Okanagan, Quail Ridge and Ellison. It is 90 per cent leased, including Nesters Market, Pharmasave, Tim Hortons, Dairy Queen, Public Liquor, Great Clips and more.

Wo o d C o n s t r u c t i o n : Osoyoos Ind ia n Ba nd

Administration Building of Oliver. Owner is Osoyoos Indian Band, A rchit e c t / D e s i g n e r Wo m e r and Associates and General Contractor Greyback Construction.

T h is is t he f i rst m ajor ex pa nsion to t he Osoyoos Indian Band Government infrastructure since the 1970’s. It is designed to reflect traditional First Nations architecture in a modern form. It has an integrated log framed roof and vertical structure, and a 55 foot high mass timber pavilion designed to replicate a woven hat historically used by the regions First Nations. T his project features heavy use of exposed Glulam, Glulam

decki ng a nd log heav y timber.

Award of Merit (runnersup) winners were: Community Institutional: Bright From The Start Child Care of Penticton.

Hospitality: Greata Ranch Winery of Peachland.

Industrial: BCAA Vernon.

Multi-Family: Epic Citihomes of Kelowna and The Heights of Vernon.

Office :Foundry Kelowna.

R e n o v a t i o n : 8t h G e neration Wine Shop of Summerland.

Shopping Centres: Lakeview Village Shopping Centre of West Kelowna.

T he O f f ici a l Souven i r Program is at https://issuu. com/markmacdonald36/ docs/2017_tok_cba_pageslr

NE

WS

Visit

BusinessExaminer.ca Central Green (I spa us ki-low-na) was the Award of Excellence Winner in the MultiFamily Category. From left: Dr. Robin Dods, Tina Larouche, Jeremy Bowers and Gary Parmar of MNP, a Gold Sponsor of the event

Today!

18

OCTOBER 2017

BC CHAMBERS EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE DISPLAYS TALENT

SUMMERLAND CHRISTINE PETKAU

A

t a recent event, a commu n ity member asked me if my job was fu lltime. They were surprised that, in Summerland, we have 700 Chamber members and via a contract with the District of Summerland, are also responsi ble for tou r i sm a nd va r iou s econom ic development activities.

This isn’t unusual. Throughout BC, there are many Chambers that are responsible, not only for their business membership, but also for their local Visitor Centre, the Destination Management Organization, or both. And in 2016, a BC Econom ic Development Su r vey i nd icated that a majority of Chambers in BC communities under 50,000 in population also have some or all of the responsibilities for their community’s econom ic development portfolio.

The diversity and skill set of senior Chamber staff was really brought home to me at this year’s BC Chambers Executive Conference held in Invermere a few weeks ago. Hosted by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce at the stunning Copper Point Resort, the conference is an annual reminder of the depth of talent amongst the group I am privileged to call my colleagues.

Throughout our days together, the conversation, both in workshops and during social events, was about improving the environment in our province and country for our business members.

We discussed advocacy issues, such as the proposed recent federal tax changes, excellence in governance, best practices in financial reporting and stewardship, media relations, creative ideas for member services a nd engagement a nd how to #makepolicysexy.

Some of the Executive Directors in attendance were travelling on to federal policy sessions at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Convention in Halifax where they will continue to advocate for businesses and our colleague from the Langley Chamber had been nominated for a national award. And our colleague from the W histler Chamber was travelling on to Sydney, Australia as one of only a handful of nominees in the world for an innovation award at the World Chambers Congress.

Chambers of Commerce in BC and throughout the country are an amazing network with their fingers on the pulse of what is happening in our communities and in our province. At your next Chamber event, give your Chamber Executive Director a high five - they’ll appreciate it.

Christine Petkau is Executive Director of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Summerland. The Chamber is also responsible for business retention, expansion and attraction (economic development services) on behalf of the District of Summerland.

She can be reached at cpetkau@ summerlandchamber.com.

DELIVERING PERSONALIZED SERVICE FOR EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER CARE

CUSTOMER SERVICE LUCY GLENNON

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recently raved about the excellent service I received at a local car dealership. Everything was exceptional. From the first contact with Mike, the service advisor, to making an appointment to picking up my serviced car. I felt the experience exceeded my expectations. “Did you say his name was Mike?” my friend asked.

“Yes,” I replied.

“At the local dealer?” My friend continued with a puzzled look on his face.

“Yes, is it the same dealership you use?” I asked.

“I cannot stand that guy! All I want to do is to get my car fixed but he insists on emailing and calling me with the updates. Who needs that?!”

My friend reminded me of a very important point. If we want to achieve successful results with others, we must always be conscious of how to adjust our behaviour to meet the unique preferences of the other persons.

This is critical in providing excellent customer service.

While it is very important to have clear service standards, such as answering phone calls within three rings, greeting customers as they enter the store, and answering emails within 24 hours, they alone are not enough if the goal is to deliver exceptional customer service, because each

customer is unique and requires a different level of service.

Instead of repeating the same customer service behaviours over and over with customers who have their unique characteristics and preferences, every employee must learn how to adjust their customer service style from one customer to the next. If we do not do this, some customers are left disappointed, even when the customer service standards have been met. This is the reason my friend was not happy with the same attentive service he received from Mike, but I was extremely happy.

Expecting employees to adjust their customer service style with every single customer can at a first glance seem like an unreasonable expectation. However, when the employees have the right tools, it is not. When they learn a simple, four-step process, it becomes second nature for them for more successful interactions with customers – and everyone else.

Step 1: Understand that customers are different and have different preferences for HOW they want to be treated Customers can be divided into four main styles, D, I, S and C. Learning and understanding these four styles is easy and fun.

When employees become familiar with the different styles, they also learn that the customers even have different views on HOW excellent customer service should be delivered. For example, my friend, a D-style, wants minimal interaction. “Just take care of it!” he demands. Another client defines excellent customer service in terms of amount of attention to details. Understanding these important differences is vital in providing personalized and exceptional service.

Step 2: Develop con f ident self-awareness

Ever yone i nteracti ng w ith c u s tomers ne e d s to u nd erstand HOW they naturally tend to communicate, interact and take care of them. By creating a very clear understanding of their natural, and most comfortable, customer service styles, employees discover they tend to service all of their customers in a similar way. This makes a lot of sense because this also happens to be the way they want to receive customer service. We typically treat others the way we want to be treated.

Step 3: Learn to identify customers’ styles With some practice, this becomes second nature for employees. They will automatically start paying attention to things such as eye contact, body language, what the customers say, the type of questions they ask, etc.

Step 4: Modify customer service style based on the other customer’s style T his is the most important step. Once employees have identified the customer’s style and are aware of how they naturally tend to service customers, they will be able to make conscious decisions about HOW to adjust their styles. Instead of being on “autopilot,” employees make slight adjustments to how they provide service to the customers.

The end result of this process is that every customer will be provided with service that is adjusted to his/her preferences.

How is that for personalized service? You will increase your customer satisfaction.

in 2012 I developed a model, which has been tested with over 15,000 individuals, that addresses the needs of the employers while also meeting the needs of the employees.

This model is called the ClientFocused Return-to-Work (CFRTW) Model and it provides an integrated, flexible, personalized, practical and cost effective approach to Return-to-Work / Stay-at-Work that fits any size organization and is effective in managing psychological and physical claims. In addition, The CF-RTW Model standardizes the Returnto-Work policies, procedures, and practices to make it easier for an organization to manage disability claims and meet their targets.

Ultimately, the Client-Focused Return-to-Work Model not only reduces wait times, u nclear medical information, and frustration, but also provides proper

return-to-work rehabilitation and it reduces the costs associated with absenteeism by at least 35 per cent.

Most importantly, implementing a Return-to-Work and Stay-at-Work program that is based on the CFRTW Model offers employers and employees peace of mind, while providing employees and employers with the proper support.

I encourage employers to participate in a FREE webinar on November 14, 2017, at 10 am Pacific Time, where they would be able to gain an understanding of effective Return-to-Work and Stay-at-Work practices.

To register please contact info@ diversifiedrehab.ca

Lucy Glennon specializes in customer service training and recruitment and hiring. She can be reached at 866-645-2047 or lucyg@ hireguru.com. www.hireguru.ca.

PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESSFUL RETURN-TO-WORK

HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE DEREK SIENKO

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mployers today are faced with many challenges with respect to maintaining employees at work. Some of these challenges include having employees absent from work due to many different causes. These causes could include work-related injuries; however, some are injuries and / or illnesses that are unrelated to work.

In 2016, workers were absent from work an average of 9.5 days; 7.8 days

due to illness or disability and 1.7 days due to personal or family responsibility (CANSIM, 2017).

Alas, many employers and employees are often unsure how to handle absences. Due to the complexity of navigating challenges such as legal obligations, duty to accommodate, lack of clear Returnto-Work and Stay-at-Work processes, confidentiality and privacy, managing absences is no longer an easy task for employers.

In order to address this tension, employers should have a proven plan and policy for handling absences before they happen. Unfortunately, there are significant gaps that exist in most companies’ absences management programs that frequently result in frustration, delays, increases in costs and lost productivity for companies.

Watson Wyatt, in its survey of Canadian employers found that direct

disability and absence costs are 7.1 per cent of payroll. The indirect cost of work absence was approximately 10.2 per cent of payroll of that amount, 6.2 per cent related to the cost of overtime and replacement workers; 4 per cent was attributable to loss of productivity.

There are many different Returnto-Work (RTW) programs that employers can choose from to manage absences; however, many of the available RTW programs are reactive in nature and are not very effective in addressing the employers and employee’s needs. In my over 18 years of experience in assisting employers with RTW, I arrived to the conclusion that most of the RTW programs relyed on external stakeholders (i.e. family physicians and other medical doctors) to come up with a right RTW plan, instead on depending on the employee and his or her direct supervisor/manager. As a result,

Derek Sienko, CEO of Diversified Rehabilitation Group Inc. can be reached at info@diversifiedrehab.ca or 250-860-2868

19

OCTOBER 2017

News Update continued NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

to c e l e b ra te o u r m i l e s to n e 60th a nniversary year with the completion of our new Gondola; this delivers a world class improvement to our guest experience for both winter and summer offerings, “says Jane Cann, Chair / President.

KELOWNA Big White Ski Resort Experiences Biggest Real Estate Boom In The Last 10 Years T he 2016/2017 se a son h a s marked an important year for Big White Ski Resort’s real estate market, as more listings have been sold and more development has taken place on the resort than in the last ten years.

Big W hite’s last real estate boom took place between 2003-2006, when l a rge accommodation projects such as Stonebridge, Aspens, Copper Kettle, a nd va rious u n its i n Happy Valley were built to meet the demands of international buyers who desired a vacation home on t he sk i-i n /sk i-out slopes of Big White Ski Resort, in beautiful British Columbia.

“Big White represents amazing value,” says Gary Turner, a real estate agent for Royal LePage, “You can’t buy ski property in Europe, Americans love the exchange rate, and Australians love the snow!”

W hen t he recession h it i n February 2009, the demand for recreational property dropped, new development was put on hold, and there was more inventory than there were buyers.

In recent years, however, there has been an exciting renewal of property buyers.

“Renters f rom abroad a re becoming buyers now, emptynest baby boomers love the terrain Big White has to offer them and their grandchildren, and both groups believe investing in lifestyle and family always makes sense,” says Turner.

The demand at Big White for family-friendly, winter vacation homes is back and the opportunity to capitalize on new developments is evident from the many projects that regained momentum this summer, such as Stonegate Phase 3.

O ther bu i ld i ng developments that have commenced construction at Big White this summer include single-family mountain homes, individual fa m i ly homes, tow n houses, duple xe s a nd a new nei g hbourhood of affordable ski-in/ ski-out cabins.

“Having been in the alpine resort business for most of my adult career,” says Michael J.

Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort, “I have seen and experienced first-hand the wave of real estate ups and downs at beautiful Big White Ski Resort. Well, today and for the foreseeable future, Big White is on an upswing – time to jump in! As my good friend has said in the past, ‘If you’re going to sleep on it, you’re not going to sleep in it’.”

Now op en for t he su m mer sea son, Big W h ite’s a n nu a l visitor numbers have increased significantly, and resort execut ive s on ly e x p e c t t hem to grow more following the opening of its brand new downhill mountain bike park – Bike Big W h ite. With its world-class snow in the winter and jampacked l i ne-up of events i n the summer - including local festivals, alpine hiking, and fast-paced dow n h i l l mou ntain bike competitions - Big White now offers families who choose to invest in mountain property a multi-seasonal program of fun.

KAMLOOPS City of Kamloops and TRU Investigating Feasibility of Dome over Hillside Stadium T he City of K a m loops a nd Thompson Rivers University (TRU) are moving forward with a feasibi l ity study that w i l l provide them with conceptual design and cost estimates for a removable, air-supported dome over H i l l sid e S t ad iu m t h at would allow for the field and track to be used during the winter months. The dome would be taken down in the spring.

T he proposed dome wou ld cover the entire field and 400 m outdoor track, a nd wou ld allow Hillside Stadium to be used year-round and become home to TRU’s athletics and recreation programs. It would also expand the City’s hosting opportunities for both soccer and football, and provide indoor tra i n i ng opportu n ities for other user groups within the city.

“At this point, we are looki ng to fi nd out how feasible it would be to construct this dome, in terms of budget, desig n, a nd t he bu si ness ca se for the facility,” says Darren Crundwell, Capita l P rojects Manager. “Once we have those deta i l s, we c a n i nvest i gate funding sources.”

The feasibility study and predesign is expected to be complete by May 2018.

WE ARE HEADING TO THE LAND DOWN UNDER!

THOMPSON OKANAGAN TOURISM GLENN MANDZIUK

T

he Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is planning a business exchange trip to Southern Queensland Country in Australia and tourism stakeholders have a tremendous opportunity to come along!

Southern Queensland Country shares many of the attributes of the Thompson Okanagan. They are an inland region in Eastern Australia that draws their visitors from two major coastal cities. They have a burgeoning wine industry, are actively developing first nations products, stage many successful festivals and events and have an incredible Rail Trail product that they are continuing to upgrade to world class standards. Their stakeholder base, like ours, is primarily entrepreneurial and very hard working small business owners and operators.

Several years ago TOTA solidified a relationship with the Tourism Authority in this region

and CEO’s from both organizations took part in phase one of the initiative which involved an exchange of information travelling and speaking to their respective boards and meeting with stakeholders. In 2016, employees from both of the tourism offices engaged in a work exchange program and this fall the program will be coming full circle as we offer a stakeholder business exchange tour.

This business exchange is designed to provide Stakeholders an opportunity to meet with like-minded business operators; provide education, information, problem solving opportunities and innovation. It is a chance to stand back and look at how things are done on the other side of the world, compare best practices and share ideas. In our experience to date there are many takeaways and much to be gained from learning from each other.

We can promise there will also be some fun along the way and a chance to get to know the spirit of

our good friends and neighbours in the land of Auz… The “Business On Tour” will take place from November 12th – 21st, 2017 with opportunity to extend your stay on either side.

We are working on bringing the full program to participants at a greatly reduced cost with assistance and support from our partners at Air Canada, Southern Queensland Country and their respective tourism stakeholders.

Details for the exchange are being finalized, however we encourage you register your interest with us today and we will be in contact with you directly to discuss further.

“We heading to the land down under”…..and we sure hope a number of tourism businesses will join us!

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

Cooling Trend Continues in Okanagan Real Estate

O

K ANAGAN - Residential sales in the Okanagan region of Peachland to Revelstoke continued a gradual cooling trend that started in June, with 740 sales posted to the Multiple Listing Service in September, a 16 per cent drop from August sales of 882 and 16 per cent fewer than this time last year reports the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB).

“While the slow-down is moderate, the signs are there: fewer sales, not as many active and new listings and a rise in the average number of days it takes to sell a home - all of which suggest a cooling off period,” comments OMREB President Tanis Read.

Average price in September, at $496,433, was up just 1.5 per cent from August. New listings of 1118 were slightly lower than last month’s 1297 and the average number of days it took to sell a home in September rose to 78 days from 70 in August but down from 90 days this time last year. Active listings are currently at 5091, 3 per cent fewer than last month and 4 per cent fewer than September last year.

Read notes a less than 3 per cent difference between June and September average pricing and less than 4 per cent difference between September’s pricing and this time last year.

“Despite the market’s gradual shift towards a more balanced one, which is where the market more equally favours both buyers and sellers, average price remains relatively constant,” Read adds, noting that home prices are likely buoyed by a general lack of homes for sale in relation to demand.

“It’s a bit of a catch 22…high prices contribute to a lack of inventory because potential sellers are concerned about whether or not they can afford to purchase a different home, yet fewer homes on offer means that there is more competition for the homes that are available to buy,” says Read.

Read speculates that while strong economic conditions and population growth will likely fuel housing demand, interest rate hikes and the potential for additional mortgage rules, over and above those implemented in 2016, may have the opposite effect.

An OMREB monthly survey

offers insight into buyers of property within the region served by the Board. Buyers of property transactions that closed in August were primarily motivated to buy for revenue or investment purposes at 20 per cent of buyers, relocation and/or moving to a similar property type at 18 per cent and downsizing at 16 per cent. Largest demographic buying groups were two-parent families with children at 29 per cent, followed by couples without children at 22 per cent and empty nesters or retired at 19 per cent. Those already residing within the Okanagan region continued to be the majority of buyers at 57 per cent, followed by those from the Lower Mainland at 17 per cent and Alberta at 13 per cent, with buyers from elsewhere at significantly lower percentages of the buyer population.

“There was a notable spike in buyers purchasing for revenue or investment purposes, which may reflect interest in a number of condominium-type projects that recently opened for pre-build sales,” comments Read, adding “By all reports, sales have been brisk on several of these property types.”

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

20

OCTOBER 2017

KELOWNA

SALMON ARM

Three local companies, Bardel Entertainment, Csek Creative, and Acro Media were featured in a top 100 list of fastestgrowing companies, compiled

by Business In Vancouver.

Bardel Entertainment was listed as number 9 on the list with a revenue growth of 1,387.4 per cent over five years; Csek Creative took number 27 with 338.9 per cent growth over five years; and Acro Media at number 58 with a five-year revenue growth of 126.6 per cent.

The Mall at Piccadilly celebrated their 22nd anniversary.

The Lieutenant-Governor presented two Kelowna wineries with awards at the 2017 Awards of Excellence in British Columbia Wines, on September 13 th. The Hatch Winery was recognized for their Crown + Thieves The Broken Barrel Syrah 2013 wine, while Kitsch Wines won with their Reisling 2015. This year’s competition saw 486 wine entries from 132 wineries, and were evaluated by a panel of nine judges.

October 4th marked the 6th Annual Central Okanagan Business Walk, which kicked off Small Business Month for the Central Okanagan. Teams of volunteers representing business organizations in the areas of Lake Country, Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, West Kelowna and Peachland, toured up to 400 businesses. Teams asked questions of business owners and managers that center around employee retention, the impact of this year’s wildfires and flooding, and challenges in recruitment of business, to help inform and identify opportunities to help local businesses grow.

Mission Group recently held a grand opening ceremony for ELLA, their presentation center located at 489 Bernard Avenue. The center will provide an opportunity for the public to tour a show home, view designs and floor plans, and taking in views from the building on their 3D virtual screens.

The Canoe Creek Golf Course, at 6015 Shaw Road, has recently renovated their Clubhouse restaurant and golf shop, which is scheduled for a 2018 re-opening.

Okanagan Valley this year.

September 28th marked the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Canadian Wholesale Lighting, who is now located at #5-1525 Dilworth Drive.

Lisanne Ballantyne, CEO for Tourism Kelowna Tourism Kelowna welcomes on new CEO, Lisanne Ballantyne, who will assume responsibilities in the position at the end of October. Ballantyne is moving from Alberta, having served as the general manager of Edmonton’s Shaw Conference Centre, and brings extensive experience in communications and management.

A new Kelowna Ford Lincoln dealership is set to move into the former Enterprise Steel location at a business park in Kelowna.

The BC Government has allocated $200,000 to the Thompson-Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) to help with tourism-related devastation from the BC Wildfire crisis. The organization will be working closely with Destination BC and the provincial Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, to assess needs and determine the best means of support for those affected.

Global Okanagan celebrates their 60th year in the

Looking for a successful business in the Kootenays?

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The City of Kelowna, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, the City of Kasugai and the Kasugai Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an official Sister City Agreement at last month’s Agricultural Expo.

The agreement is meant to align both cities in developing a sister city relationship and handling economic activity and other related exchanges.

Hollywood Shoes recently celebrated the grand opening of their expansion, at 13-150 Hollywood Road South, Kelowna.

A new vintage Volkswagen themed men’s barbershop, Das Barbershop, is in business at 105a-200 Dougall Road in Rutland. Justin Dueck is the owner and operator, and took his theme inspiration from the movie The Love Bug. The shop is open Tuesday – Saturday, 9-5pm.

Evergreen Irrigation has relocated to #103 – 200 Dougall Road N., and continues to offer their services in spring startups, maintenance and repair, installations, winterizing, parts and supplies, irrigation testing and design, and more.

The Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA) has appointed Nick Taylor as their new administrative assistant.

Taylor is a fourth-year student at Okanagan College and has served with them as a summer student for the past two years.

A new Canadian-owned company, Caposhie, has set up shop in Orchard Park Shopping Centre, across from the TELUS location. The clothing store offers casual, stylish, and comfortable wear for men and women.

Ned Bell, renowned chef from Chef for Oceans and Ocean Side, as well as owner / partner of the previous Cabana Grill in Kelowna, has published his first cookbook entitled: Lure – Sustainable Seafood Recipes from the West Coast.

The book can be purchased at Indigo and Amazon and

features 80 recipes to cook at home.

Lost Together is a brand-new store owned and operated

by Shannon LeBlanc, located in Plaza 33 in Rutland near Shoppers Drug Mart. The store features a variety of modern and vintage items.

The staff at Sun-Rype Products, at 1165 Ethel Street, have a new CEO, Lesli Bradley, who formerly served as VicePresident of Operations.

Kal-West Mechanical Systems, owned by John Davina, celebrates its 30th year in business serving through plumbing, heating, refrigeration, HVAC, and mechanical work.

End of the Roll / Floors Now, located at 485 Banks Road, has hired on Jeremy King as their new National Marketing Director. King formerly worked with Tim Hortons before transitioning to End of the Roll’s corporate office in Kelowna.

LAKE COUNTRY Gray Monk Estate Winery received an award from the Lieutenant-Governor at the 2017 Awards of Excellence in British Columbia Wines, for their Odyssey White Brut 2014. The Lieutenant-Governor and an accompanying delegation visited the winery on September 13th to present the award.

The Lake Country Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a cocktail party on October 20th to reveal finalists for their 2017 Business Excellence Awards. The event will be held at Grapevine Restaurant and Patio at Gray Monk Estate Winery; tickets are $35 (plus GST), and can be ordered through the Chamber website.

Nominations for the BE Awards are currently open, and are scheduled to close on October 16th.

The Lake Country Chamber of Commerce has launched a brand-new website: www.lakecountrychamber.com, which features a fresh, updated look and an opportunity for members to sign in and manage their own pages.

The BC Hockey association has opened a new Okanagan Regional Centre at the Shaw Centre, and celebrated their grand opening on September 15th. The centre is meant to facilitate administration, development for coaches, and other components of coordinating the 25 other minor hockey associations in the Okanagan Mainline area.

Shuswap Total Fitness on 10 Avenue NE, has undergone a change in ownership as Jim and Christine Nickles have purchased the establishment.

Their grand opening was officially held on September 16th.

Robert MacDermott has been named Product Advisor for the month of August at Hilltop Toyota, on 2350 Trans Canada Highway NE. 7 Sisters Boutique, a ladies’ consignment clothing shop, celebrated their 3rd anniversary in the community. The store is located at #2-1255 TCH Sorrento.

KAMLOOPS The former Kamloops Value Village site has been sold through Brendan Shaw Real Estate for $2.75 million. The site can accommodate mixeduse commercial or residential development in its 1.1-acre space.

Thirteen new members have joined the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce: Active Body Nutrition, Centre for Response Based Practice, Kaizen Strategies, Legacy Publications, Magnum Fabricators, Mary Brown’s Chicken and Taters, Nerium, Premium Truck and Trailer, Primerica (Brad VanGoor’s Agent), Strategic Dynamics, Summon Porter, Thompson River Electrical Services, and Vasayo by Bernie.

Mary Browns Chicken and Taters is a brand-new business, located at 40-1800 Tranquille Road. The restaurant recently held its grand opening on September 9th.

A former Cineplex theatre in downtown Kamloops, at 621 Victoria Street, has been sold

by NAI Commercial for approx. $1 million. The location has been empty for nearly twenty SEE MOVERS AND SHAKERS | PAGE 21

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

OCTOBER 2017

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

automotive detailing business.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Chelsea Fredericks joined the Summerland Chamber of Commerce team this month as their new events coordinator.

In the past Fredericks was an Executive Director of a volunteer centre and also a small business owner, moving to the Okanagan in 2016 with her family. She gained experience in event management, marketing and community engagement at the Volunteer Centre where she coordinated many community events. Fredericks is passionate about helping others and making a difference, and says: “I am excited to be a part of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce team and all of the wonderful upcoming events!”

years, and the new owner is currently considering options for developing the space.

The National Hospitality Group (NHG) has signed an agreement that allows KPMG to take over the 13,000-square foot former Lake City Casino location, next to Hotel 540. NHG plans to upgrade the space in November after the current Spirit of Halloween store moves out.

A regional Startup Canada Awards presentation was recently held in Rex Hall, Kamloops last month. The awards celebrate entrepreneurial excellence in the community, and this is the first year a Startup regional event was held in Kamloops. This year’s winners featured two Kamloops businesses: Hummingbird Drones – Innovation Award, and Vicki Collet, co-owner of Harper’s Trail Winery – Senior Entrepreneur Award.

Local company, Beyond the Bell Out of School Care, has been named as the winner of an Outstanding Business Achievement Award for the Business of the Year / 10-Or-More-Person Enterprise category of the BC Aboriginal Business Awards. The award will be presented at a ceremony in Vancouver on October 26th.

Kamloops will soon be home to a Lululemon Athletica location, which will set up shop in Aberdeen Mall in December.

PENTICTON Three Penticton wineries were honoured at the 2017 Awards of Excellence in British Columbia Wines, an awards program presented by the Lieutenant Governor. Award recipients included: Perseus Winery with their Invictus 2013 wine, Upper Bench Estate Winery with their Upper Bench Estate Chardonnay 2015, and Howling Bluff Estate Winery with their Century Block Pinot Noir 2013. Okanagan Falls winery, Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery, also won an award of excellence for “The One” Sparkling 2012 wine.

The Slumber Lodge, located at 274 Lakeshore Drive, has been sold by NAI Commercial for $3.55 million. The two-storey establishment has recently been updated and offers the opportunity for expansion or development of its’ additional property space.

On October 24th, John Peller, CEO of Andrew Peller, will be the keynote speaker at Okanagan College’s Wine Talks event series. The company recently announced their move

John Peller, CEO of Andrew Peller to acquire three Okanagan wineries, spending $95 million in the process. Event tickets are $20 per person, and can be purchased online at: www. okanagan.bc.ca.

Mark’s Work Wearhouse on 2607 Skaha Lake Road celebrates their 40th anniversary in the community this year.

White Kennedy Chartered Professional Accountants is celebrating their 25th anniversary in business.

The David E. Kampe Tower, a new patient care centre project for the Penticton Regional Hospital, is progressing on time for its construction phase and is currently under-budget.

Construction began in 2016 and is scheduled to open in April 2019.

Logan’s Mini Brew Wine & Beer is in its 25th year of business in the community, located at 2203 Dartmouth Drive.

Plans have been released for the expansion of Penticton Lakeside Resort. Plans include 15,000 square feet of space, a wrap-around patio with glass doors from floor to ceiling, and will feature design elements that complement the pre-existing facility. The project will accommodate up to 1,000 more guests.

Greyback Construction and CEI Architects will oversee the project, which is scheduled to open in spring of 2018.

The Concorde Retirement Community recently held an open house to celebrate their 40th year of service excellence in the community.

SUMMERLAND The Summerland Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed three new members: A Better Way Virtual Assistant Inc. offers daily administrative services for your business such as email marketing, website design, social media and more; Lesley Dyck Leadership & Consulting delivers effective solutions to complex issues in public health, environment and social justice; and M.T Raab Business Group is a new

The Ogopogo Bathtub Race has seen another successful year organized by Summerland Yacht Club, raising a total of $30,755 to donate to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation. This brings the total to $74,755 raised from the race so far way to go! Save the date: the next race is scheduled for August 18, 2018.

Lyle Miller is the new Store Manager at Nesters Market in Summerland. While Lyle and his family are new to the Okanagan, he has been in the grocery industry in the lower Mainland for 28 years. He’s enjoying life in the Okanagan and looking forward to getting to know the community.

Purple Hemp Co. recently celebrated their grand opening on September 9th.

Back Door Winery is congratulated on achieving 2 years of business in the community.

The winery celebrated their 2-year anniversary event with live music, doorprizes, local artisans and a live auction.

Summerland Tirecraft recently launched their grand reopening. New business owners Charman and Clint took over the business in April 2017.

Maple Roch has opened its doors this month at new downtown location: 13224 Victoria Rd. South, making another great addition to the community. They are still looking for local products made with their maple syrup or sugar to showcase and sell in this location.

Over the summer, various buildings in the community were given a fresh new look, including Summerland Baptist Church, Maple Roch and the Summerland Motel.

Rustic & Refined is offering a set of brand new workshops this fall, including furniture painting, Halloween and Christmas signs, trays, blanket ladders, mason jar caddies and more. Stop by the store at 10109 Main St. or email to

21

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register.

Edward Jones has recently received some high-profile recognition for their excellence in service and operation. J.D. Power awarded the firm the title of “Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full Service Brokerage Firms” in their J.D. Power 2017 Canadian Full Service Investor Satisfaction Study, while Canadian Business Magazine placed them in the top 25 per cent for the 15th year for employee engagement in their 2017 List of Best Employers in Canada. Investment Executive Newspaper also named them number 1 overall in their annual survey of advisors, making this their 20th year on the list.

VERNON Shoppers Drug Mart at Polson Park celebrated their 10th anniversary in the community on October 6th.

Allcare Chiropractic and Laser Solutions, located at 3107 34th Avenue, welcomes Dr. Cameron Grant, formerly of Aberdeen Wellness Clinic. Dr. Grant will be taking over the practice of Dr. Maurice Roze, who is retiring his position.

The Armstrong Physiotherapy Clinic has moved and is now located at 2775 Wood Avenue, Armstrong.

The Kalamalka General Store, owned by Michelle Mitchell and Kevin O’Brien, celebrates its first year under new ownership. Mitchell and O’Brien have since opened the Rail Trail Café inside the store and have revamped the interior of the establishment.

Kal’s Naan Shop, at 3603B 32nd Street, celebrates its second anniversary in the community serving Indian fusion fare.

The staff at Siwoski Dental welcome Dr. Andrea Baird to the practice, located at 200 – 2500 53rd Avenue. The practice offers sedation dentistry, implants, surgery, family dentistry, Invisalign Braces, and one-appointment crowns.

Parnell’s Appliance and Electronics, located at 4408 27th Street, celebrated their 30th anniversary in business this year.

Dr. Jerry Pyrozko has joined the chiropractic practice at Arise Vernon’s Wellness Headquarters, in the Alpine Centre at #7 – 100 Kal Lake

Road. Dr. Pyrozko brings with him 23 years of experience, and uses the Activator Method in his practice; he also has his black belt in Kung Fu and teaches classes at Arise Studio.

The team at Sutton Group Lakefront Realty, at 2749 30 Street, welcomes Laura Jevne as their newest realtor.

Tim Hooper has achieved Salesperson of the Month for August 2017 at Watkin Motors.

Long-time Vernon citizen, Chaten Randhawa, has also joined the sales team Watkin Motors.

The Vernon Winter Carnival team has hired on Vicki Proulx as their new executive co-coordinator. Proulx has a strong background in communications, marketing, and volunteer experience, and will be responsible for helping to coordinate some of the 100 events that take place each February over the 10 days of the carnival.

Maggie Niewinski and Leonard Legare have opened new business the Cobbler’s Rack Shoes and Repair on 30th Avenue.

Leonard Legare has been adjusting and repairing shoes since the year 2000.

OLIVER/ OSOYOOS Black Hills Estate Winery in Oliver, an establishment well known for their award-winning Okanagan wines, has been acquired by Andrew Peller Limited. The winery’s board of directors have approved the sale, which is now subject to approval by its limited partnership, and is expected to come into force early this month.

The Lieutenant-Governor’s 2017 Awards of Excellence in British Columbia Wines initiative honoured four Oliver wineries on September 15th for their exceptional wines.

Cassini Cellars received an award for The Aristocrat Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, and Nobilus Merlot Collector’s Series 2013; Castoro de Oro Estate Winery for their Crimson Rhapsody 2014; Maverick Estate Winery for their Bush Vine Syrah 2014; and Burrowing Owl Estate Winery for their Cabernet Franc 2014.

OPINION

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OCTOBER 2017 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Thompson Okanagan Office #210-347 Leon Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8C7 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

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

WHAT BUSINESS DOES WHEN IT IS ATTACKED BY GOVERNMENT

MARK MACDONALD

I

t’s become vogue in political circles to harvest seeds sown to the masses about greedy business owners, to provoke and promote class warfare into votes.

By doing so, it appears that governments perform as if it is their duty to vilify and demonize business owners and entrepreneurs, making it appear that it’s “just the right thing to do” to bring them to heel and tax them to death.

A f ter a l l, these people a re “sprinkling” revenues to family members to escape the taxman, and creating endless loopholes to avoid contributing even more to government coffers. Right?

Except they willfully overlook one important fact: There are no loopholes. The tax laws that exist are there because government wrote them, and they are perfectly legal. They’re incentives to encourage growth and

reward hard work. The truth is, when business owners pay less tax, they aren’t ripping off the government. The wise ones have enlisted accountants and lawyers to make sure their rights are protected.

Justin Trudeau’s much publicized tax attacks are bold and crass. The Liberal government has apparently concluded that business voters represent only a sliver of those who actually cast ballots, so they can be re-elected by ignoring them.

These taxes not only take aim at business people now, but in the future, at retirement. By targeting corporations, family trusts and Capital Gains, they’re directly attacking their retirement plans. They don’t have gold-plated government or union pension plans. Their businesses, buildings and assets are their retirement.

If these risk-takers choose to retreat, then the number of jobs they create will slowly shrink, making voters realize that government attacks on business are really an attack on everyone else – only in slow motion. It seems only then will they experience the effect of such draconian, punitive measures.

If businesses don’t – or can’t – grow, they’ll shrink to survive, if necessary.

Fa c e d w i t h t h e o p t i o n o f

collecting taxes for governments – which businesses do – or feeding their families, what do you think they’ll do?

A vivid example of what has happened is in Greece, where not paying taxes is the norm, with some estimates indicating over one-third of business owners won’t collect or pay tax, and the underground economy is about 25 per cent of GDP. Could they revolt in placid Canada? That’s highly unlikely, given our unofficial “tax me, I’m Canadian” mindset. But businesses could go further underground.

The underground economy is already substantial.

Or they cut back. Faced with increased overhead like minimum wage hikes, if they can’t foresee the marketplace accepting price increases, they adjust. They reduce hours.

Studies show that in Washington State, where government has mandated a $15 per hour minimum wage, the average lowerwage-scale worker has had their weekly schedule cut from 6-10 hours each.

Politicians and bureaucrats need to open their eyes to what is already here, and what is inevitably coming.

Walmart, SaveOn Foods and other large retail outlets have had self-serve aisles for years. While it was introduced under the guise

of convenience, allowing customers to pay and exit the store quicker, there is little doubt it was at least a test flight for eventually cutting staff, if necessary.

McDonald’s Restaurants has maintained its strong position in the fast food industry due to its innovation and consistency.

Golden Arches customers are now greeted by a large screen, self-serve menu where they can fill out their own order, pay, and wait a few minutes to pick it up.

Convenient? Of course. But doesn’t that make it one-step closer to removing some entrylevel order ta k i ng positions altogether?

And how will restaurant owners respond to government-mandated payroll increases? Besides working harder, there are a few ways they could possibly adjust.

Could they view tips for service as house money? Perhaps they eliminate servers and make their restaurants buffet-style. Maybe patrons will have to give their own orders and pick up their own food.

Or maybe companies reduce, or stop paying benefits to staff.

In the U.S., where Obamacare’s clumsy introduction was excessively costly to small business, some owners have capped their health benefits to employees at a fixed dollar amount. Since they can’t afford to pay the whole bill,

they contribute a flat amount of money each month, and let employees look after the rest themselves.

And perhaps worst of all, businesses do other things outside of business, under the table, to earn unmarked – read untaxable – cash. Black markets have always been out there, but there’s no doubt they increase when governments over tax. When people who would normally want to be law-abiding citizens see no other choice, they can choose to go to the dark side to stay in business and provide for their own.

Or they’ll give up. If profitability is a faint hope here, business owners may just look for greener pastures.

As these punitive tax measures and regulations are introduced, watch the money f low out of Canada. Why? Because it can.

W hat business bashers fail to recognize is, that in today’s global economy, money is more fluid than ever. Investment advisors can move their clients’ cash to other countries with a tap of the keyboard, moving to areas of the world that are more tax and investment friendly. If Canada and BC continues its current tact to be antagonistic to business, then investors will simply move on.

They will, and they are, because in this global economy, they can.

BC BUDGET ABANDONS ANY HOPE FOR EFFICIENT CARBON TAX Subsidizing Green Projects With Revenue From Carbon Taxes May Be Politically Popular But It’s Fundamentally KENNETH P. GREEN

Misguided Policy

THE FRASER INSTITUTE

I

n its first budget, BC Premier John Horgan’s government recently said it would raise the carbon tax rate by 66 per cent over the next four years. And it rejected revenue neutrality, undermining the case for an economically efficient carbon tax.

British Colu mbia’s ca rbon ta x is now at $30 per tonne.

As of April 1, 2018, the New Democratic Party government will increase the tax by $5 per tonne of CO2 equivalent emissions per year until it meets the

federally-imposed floor price of $50 in 2021, a year before Ottawa’s 2022 deadline.

For carbon pricing to be efficient, it must replace regulations, not simply layer on top of existing regulations. The tax should be revenue neutral, meaning that the revenue collected should be offset by tax cuts. And the revenues should not be used to further distort the energy economy with governments funding pet projects or selective forms of

energy production.

In 2008-09, when BC’s carbon tax was introduced by a former Liberal government, it was revenue neutral. But the NDP government is moving in the opposite direction. (It also proposes to raise personal income taxes and the corporate income taxes in the budget documents presented last week.)

Revenue-neutral carbon tax is intended to mitigate the costs the tax imposes on the economy, so there’s a net improvement in incentives for investment and, as a result, stronger economic growth. Economists generally agree that an ideal revenueneutral carbon tax would reduce broad-based tax rates on personal and corporate income, ultimately reducing distortionary effects and increasing efficiency.

However, instead of returning t h is new revenue st rea m to taxpayers, the BC government has chosen to fund its favourite “green initiatives” to address “climate action commitments.”

Subsidizing green projects may

be politically popular but it’s fundamentally misguided policy.

Subsidizing wind, solar or other alternative energies distorts the energ y market and prevents government and industry from identifying the cheapest ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

BC is not the only province violating the key components of efficient carbon pricing policy.

Consider Ontario’s cap-andtrade system, which the government estimated would bring in $2 billion in revenue per year.

According to Ontario’s auditor general, about 83 per cent of the money collected in four years will be spent on subsidies to renewable energy, energy efficient programs, etc.

Alberta’s carbon tax moves from $20 of $30 per tonne in 2018. This tax is expected to generate almost $3.9 billion from 2017 to 2020.

Part of the revenue will be used to subsidize Alberta’s emitters (granting a windfall to the very people producing most of the emissions). Low-income Albertans

are receiving a small portion, ostensibly to ease the pain of higher power bills. The rest will be spent on government projects.

And finally there’s Quebec, which has a cap-and-trade system that has brought in $330 million with an expected $2.5 billion by 2020. Part of the revenue was rebated to emitters via free permits. The remaining revenue will be spent on “programs to fight climate change.”

Now that BC is no longer the role model for revenue-neutral carbon taxes, it’s likely other provinces will continue pursuing high-cost, low-benefit carbon pricing policies.

The BC government has violated the fundamental tenets of efficient carbon pricing, adding just another tax on citizens and businesses.

Written by Kenneth P. Green, a senior director; Elmira Aliakbari and Ashley Stedman, analysts at the Fraser Institute.

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

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15 GREENSHEET/SALES

OCTOBER 2017

SIMONE SUNDERLAND

GREEN SHEET BUILDING BRIEFS

PROJECT New townhouse complex - 5 structures - 3 storeys - 3 eightplexes - 2 sixplexes - 36 units total - 3 bedrooms - 1,273 sf to 1,367 sf units - approx 48,059 sf - acrylic stucco, brick veneer and fiber cement exterior - asphalt shingles

GENERAL CONTRACTOR Scuka Enterprises Ltd - 881 Hwy 33 East, Kelowna V1X 6V1 250765-0136

PROJECT STATUS Rezoning application at 2nd reading - development permit application submitted

1915 Enterprise Way - Hotel - Hyatt Place - Commercial Residential

SIMONE SUNDERLAND

KELOWNA LOCATION

PROJECT Furniture Store New water treatment facility - the disPROJECT TYPE ARCHITECT Mixed-use dev trict is currently testing several methPROJECT TYPE LOCATION New Town Planning Services Inc ods including membrane technology Mixed-use dev LOCATION PROJECT 1323 Kinross Pl - SFDs - Duplexes - 1464 St Paul St, Kelowna V1Y New mixed use development - 2 PROJECT STATUS 175 Kokanee Way Ramada Hotel - Fourplexes - Brighton Place 2E6 250-860-8185 PROJECT structures - 6 storeys - Building New mixed use development 1 Design underway Tender call for PROJECT TYPE PROJECT TYPE 1, new hotel with 161 rooms, structure - 3 storeys - Ashley General Contractor anticipated Multi-familynew new commercial pool, exercise room, meeting Furniture Store, ground level, July/14 - construction completion rooms, approx 9,127 sm, u/g PROJECT approxanticipated 3,222 sm - leasable retail PROJECT late 2015 parking - Building 2, condoLOCATION New multi-family development space, ground level and 2nd New Ramada Hotel in the Campbell LOCATION CONSULTANT miniums, 60 units, studio to 38 units 22 SFDs 4 duplexes level, approx 600 sm 21 rental 2241 Springfield Rd Mission Creek industrial park - 4 storeys 1170 Hwy 33 W - Rental - 2 fourplexes - 2 to 3 bedrooms condominium units on 3rd level, Opus Dayton Knight - 255 1715 Crossing Westside 3 bedrooms, 32 sm to 108 sm 3,780 sm - 80 rooms - restaurant - pool Condominiums units, approx 6,617 sm, roof top - garages - wood frame construc1 and 2Dickson bedrooms 83 u/g parkAve, V1Y 9G6 250-868-4925 with waterslide - elevators - concreteing stalls, 13 surface PROJECT TYPE patio, u/g parking - brick veneer, tion - fiber cement siding - brick parking PROJECT TYPE OWNER construction - roof shingles articulation acrylic painted stucco, steel and commercial new masonry - asphalt - pri-with stalls - stucco, stone and glazing Multi-Family New porte glass awnings, double glazed District of Sicamous - 1214 vacy cochere fencing - asphalt shingles - 98 exterior PROJECT surface parking stalls windows, wood fascia and perfoRiverside Ave, Sicamous V0EPROJECT 2V0 New affordable rental housing urbanrated PROJECT STATUS PROJECT STATUS New commercial lifestyle aluminum soffits 250-836-2477 PROJECT STATUS Site work underway Rezoning application at 3rd read- building - 3 storeys 78 - 2 to 7 storeys centre- -approx 6 buildings PROJECT MANAGER PROJECTlevel STATUS Construction start anticipated late ing - development permit appliunits - 1 level-u/g andcommercial surface retail at ground ARCHITECT Public hearing anticipated cationMHPM submitted parking - wood frame structure 2014 550 555 W 12th Ave, with office units above underground Richard Hunter Architects - 500 October/17 - development permit in Okanagan styling - flat - ground Vancouver V5Z 3X7 604-714-0988 parkade - 80roof above short ARCHITECT 153 Seymour St, Kamloops V2C ARCHITECT fiber cement siding, shingles and application submitted term parking stalls 2C7 250-372-8845 BlueGreen Architecture Inc paneling DF Architecture Inc - 1205 4871 Shell (Kamloops) - 2 436 Lorne St, PROJECT STATUS ARCHITECT DEVELOPER Rd, Richmond V6X 3Z6 604-284-5194 Mara & Natha Architecture - 285 Kamloops V2C 1W3 250-374-1112 PROJECT STATUS D & T Developments - 204 1410 permit application 9600 Cameron St, Burnaby V3J Construction Development start anticipated DEVELOPER Pearson Place, Kamloops V1S 1J9 submitted 7N3 604-420-2233 fall/17 250-372-2852 LOCATION Prism Ventures Inc - 3571 Barmond ARCHITECT ARCHITECT Ave, Richmond V7E 1A4 604-338-4656 To Be Determined - Ice Facility Ekistics Town Planning - 1925 Main New Town Planning Services Inc OWNER PROJECT TYPE V5T 3C1 604-739-7526 LOCATION - 1464 St PaulSt, St,Vancouver Kelowna V1Y Prism Hotels and Resorts - 800 1065 1075 Leatheadadd/alter Rd 2E6 250-860-8185 institutional DEVELOPER 14800 Landmark Blvd, Dallas TexasTownhouses - Leathead PROJECT LOCATION DEVELOPER R366 Enterprises Ltd - 4870B Chute, 75254 214-987-9300 LOCATION 1663 Trans Canada Hwy - Retail Okanagan Metis & Aboriginal PROJECT TYPE New ice facility for the Greater Kelowna V1W 4M3 250-764-8963 - Rental Condominiums - Ashley Multi-family new Housing Society 250-763-7747 Benedick Rd - Casa Loma Estates Vernon area to replace the aging

KAMLOOPS KAMLOOPS

CENTRAL OKANAGAN REGIONAL DISTRICT KELOWNA

VERNON

KELOWNA

CITY OF WEST KELOWNA

KAMLOOPS

SALMON ARM

Civic Arena - 4,000 seats - may be an addition to Kal Tire Place or the Priest Valley Arena or construction of a new ice facility

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

23 and Lots PROJECT TYPE Subdivisions PROJECT New residential subdivision - 37 SFD lots - park area PROJECT STATUS Rezoning application and OCP amendment at 2nd reading GENERAL CONTRACTOR K West Homes - 105B 347 Leon Ave, Kelowna V1Y 8C7 250-7638444 OWNER Park Avenue Properties Inc - No BC 0467513 - 352 Leon Ave, Kelowna V1Y 6J2 250-862-1964

PEACHLAND LOCATION

4445 6 St - Seniors Housing PROJECT TYPE Seniors housing PROJECT New seniors housing facility - 5 storeys - 72 residential units, 46 affordable units, 26 market rental units - 2,000 sf commercial space on main floor, administration space, dining, kitchen and common facilities - wood frame construction PROJECT STATUS Foundations underway as of September/17 ARCHITECT Philip MacDonald Architect Inc - 326 Uplands Dr, Kelowna V1W 4J7 250-764-4157

Lambert and Paul Construction Ltd 300 2000 Spall Rd, Kelowna V1Y 9P6 250-860-2331

SIMPLE GESTURES THAT SET YOU APART FROM YOUR COMPETITORS TO FUTURE CLIENTS 451 Shuswap St - SD 83 North OkanaPROJECT STATUS LOCATION

gan Shuswap Administration Building

OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN REGIONAL DISTRICT

Feasibility study and cost analysis anticipated shortly - the experience greater conversion The study investment of institutional new Greater Vernon Advisory Committee success. timewill and willingness Quick decide in June whether or 1. not to Response Times.

PROJECT If a potentia l client reachhold a referendum in November/14 New administration building on the to truly listen to es out to you via email or by to fund a new ice facility - location, old JL Jackson school site - 2,640 smclients wants and phone and doesn’t hear back preliminary design and estimated 2 storeys - 75 parking stalls in a timely manner, she’s gocostwill to begain determined needs

PROJECT TYPE

with and listen to your customers. As a busy customer care professional working toward greater business success, extra time can be a hot commodity. Build extra time into your schedule when you know that i n g to m ove o n to t h e n e x t you’ll be speaking or meeting PROJECT STATUS LOCATION moreOWNER clients for your business. Wouldn’t you do the with clients. The investment Site work underway Vintage Boulevard, Fallswillingness sa me? M a ny bu si nesses get Okanagan of time and to truly City of Vernon - 1900 48th Ave, JOHN GLENNON business than hours of ARCHITECT Vintage Views so caught up i n prospecti ng l i s ten to cl ient s wa nt s a nd Vernon V1T 5E6 250-545-1361 that they forget about com- needs will gain more clients MQN Architects - 100 3313 32 Ave, busy work PROJECT TYPE business striving toward mon sense customer service for your business than hours Vernon V1T 2E1 250-542-1199 success and prospecting subdivisions practices. Endeavour to return of busy work.

OWNERfor new clients may think a phone callPROJECT or respond to an 3. Learn About Your Clients. that they must something School District 83do - North Okanagan email in 24 hours or less. State Once New subdivision 30 SFD lotsyou’ve gained a new cusg ra nd iose toShuswap d raw cuStstomShuswap - 220 NE, th is pol icy on you r website, tomer—winning their business ers away the250-832-2157 competiPROJECT STATUS over the competition—the next Salmon Armfrom V1E 4N2 business card or communication. Occasionally, something Construction start anticipated tions to show customers you’re step is to learn more about them PROJECT MANAGER spectacular may be just what’s serious. When possible, do your and their needs and likes. If you June/14 needed, but 1620 it’s not practical Stantec - 400 Dickson Ave, LOCATION best to make this window of regularly visit a particular cofOWNER to do onV1Y a regular basis. Disney Kelowna 9Y2 250-860-3225 time even shorter. Clients will fee shop or bakery, you’ve likely 2425 Orlin Rd Addition to the employees are trained to make Vintage View Developments c/o small gesture in acbe impressed and won over by seen this Village at Smith Creek their amusement park guests Robert Milanovic 250-492-5939 your diligence and the fact that tion; isn’t■ it nice to have the da i ly ex periences 1 per cent PROJECT TYPE you’ve stuck to your word. barista address you by name better. This customer service seniors housing 2. Give the Gift of Time. or have the baker let you know model exemplifies the concept The quickest way to lose a po- that he’s got that special mufPROJECT LOCATION that it’s the small, thoughtful tential client is to make them fin your daughter likes? Get to gestures often win over Addition to the Village at Smith 524 Dabell that St - Mara Lake Water feelCreek rushed. Conversely, you know your client as a person; new customers. seniors housing facility- 1,810 smquickly -4 Treatment Facility can gain clients and this can actually help you serve Incorporate the following four storeys 23 units 8 additional u/g stand apart from the compe- their business needs more efPROJECT TYPE into your intersimple gestures parking stalls - fibre cement board tition by making time to talk ficiently and effectively. actions with industrial newpotential clients to exterior - 4th floor stepped back as

SALES

A

DISTRICT OF WEST KELOWNA

SICAMOUS

Jeff Boschert 1-800-667-1939

gables

7YL IPK

PROJECT STATUS

250-545-5344

4. Be Genuine.

Phony friendliness and a halfhearted show of interest might slip under the radar when prospecting for clients. But once a client spends more time talking and working with you, she’ll notice disingenuous behaviour right away. Be genuine, be real, don’t make promises you can’t keep or say things you don’t mean. Once clients catch on you’ll lose credibility and trust, followed by the loss of their business. If customers can take your words and actions at face value, they won’t be interested when the competition knocks.

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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