Business Examiner Vancouver Island - February 2015

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FEBRUARY 2015

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Real Estate Webmasters named Business of the Year

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NANAIMO Herold Engineering Limited celebrates two decades

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INDEX New Update 2 Nanaimo 4 Port Alberni 7 West Coast 7 Comox Valley 8 Cowichan Valley 19 Sales 31 Inventing 31 Who is Suing Whom 38 Movers and Shakers 39 Opinion 42 Law 43 Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

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Nanaimo-based company earns top honours at 15th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards

V

ICTORIA – Real Estate Webmasters made a major statement at the 15th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards Jan. 22 at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort, as the Nanaimo-based company captured the trophy for Business of the Year for over 50 Employees.

Small Business of the Year for under 50 employees was taken

by Hoyne Brewing Company of Victoria.

“What these awards are all about is celebrating the successes of the Vancouver Island companies who have quietly worked behind the scenes to make their communities better and employees a great place to work,” says Mark MacDonald, President of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd., which publishes Business Examiner Victoria. “In most cases, they’ve been doing what they do best without fanfare, and this event brings them into the spotlight to take a bow.”

RBC Royal Bank a nd Hayes

Stewart Little Chartered Accountants were the Gold Sponsors of the event.

Real Estate Webmasters is the world’s largest vendor of custom and semi-custom websites serving the real estate industry in North America. They offer end to end solutions for realtors, brokers and enterprises in regards to real estate technology and marketing. They have 170 employees in their newly renovated downtown Nanaimo offices.

Owner Morgan Carey appeared on the CBC’s Dragon’s Den and earned the show hosts’ interest and offer of an investment of over $2 million into the company – and he decided against receiving it.

Professional Company of the Year was Johnston, Johnston & Associates Ltd. of Nanaimo. The firm was founded over 52 years ago, and Senior Partner Doug Johnston has been with the firm over 40 years.

SEE REAL ESTATE WEBMASTERS | PAGE 20

Morgan Carey of Real Estate Webmasters, left, receives the Business of the Year Award from Dan Little of Hayes Stewart Little & Company

Averill Creek Winery among finalists at BC Small Business Awards

BY EZRA MACDONALD

C

OW ICH A N VA LLEY – Historically, the Cowichan Valley may not be known for its wine exports, but wineries like Averill Creek Vineyard are changing that.

The local vineyard founded in 2001 by retired Medical Doctor Andy Johnston has a growing reputation in BC for their exports to China. This year, they were among the finalists in the Annual

BC Small Business Awards under the International Trade category.

Johnston formerly worked in the medical field in Edmonton, Alberta, where he opened Canada’s first walk-in clinics. Wine has always been a passion of his, and after gaining experience in the field, he decided to go out on his own. Johnston was drawn to the Cowichan Valley by its dry summer subtropical climate, and given his upbringing on a Welsh hill farm, the return to his

agricultural roots was a natural transition.

Once the learning curve of the first couple of harvest passed, they started looking for a broader client base. They now employ a broker to handle international sales.

A ndy a nd Wendy Joh nston made their first trip to Shanghai, China in 2012, and they attended various trade shows along with other Canadian and international wineries. “It’s a great market,

there’s a huge demand for wine there and the taste for sophisticated wines is growing,” says Wendy.

Wendy notes one of the signs of evolving taste in the country is their demand for sommelier programs. China now has W-set and International Sommelier Guild wine education programs in their native language. “They’ve gone from only consuming sweet SEE AVERILL CREEK WINERY | PAGE 9

2 CAMPBELL RIVER John Hart Dam Replacement draws local talent

continuing to focus on local subcontractors, suppliers and workers. Currently, there are about 100 people working on site and of those, about 80 percent are local workers. With increased craftwork required on site, work is expected to be around 90 percent local in the coming months.

VANCOUVER ISLAND Local companies named among finalists for Small Business BC Awards The Top 5 finalists have now been selected for the 12th Annual Small Business BC Awards. The province-wide competition draws nominations under ten different categories, where entrepreneurs and small business owners will be able to compete to have their company named a BC best business.

This year, over 460 nominations were received from 70 communities across the province. Vancouver Island had a few businesses of it’s own named amongst the finalists this year.

The Swept Away Inn out of Port Alberni is a finalist under the Best Concept Category for their unique getaway experience. The Swept Away Inn is a converted tugboat that allows its guests to get a houseboat like getaway experience on the Coast of Port Alberni. Also from Port Alberni, My Alberni App

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After 68 years of operation the John Hart Dam in Campbell River is in the process of being replaced.

Over the course of the project, local company CR Metal Fabricators Ltd. (CRMF) will be playing a key role in some of the underground work.

CRF has built and provided some large-diameter ventilation connections for the service and access tunnels of the project. The replacement will require workers to go about 70 meters below the surface, so naturally providing good air quality and safety is an imperative.

The construction of the two-meter-diameter ventilation pipe elbow connections built by CRMF required field welding and shop fabrication at its Campbell River site. CRMF has a workforce of about 18 people, with as many as nine employees working on the John Hart project at a time. The local company also fabricated explosive transport boxes for the John Hart project.

BC Hydro, the Chamber and other local business leaders have been working since 2011 to prepare the John Hart project, and project contractor InPower BC is

NEWS UPDATE

FEBRUARY 2015

was nominated as the Best Emerging Entrepreneurial project. The App provides an easy way to build exposure and raising awareness to both residents and visitors. It promotes shopping local, highlighting local business, services and organizations.

Averill Creek Vineyard from the Cowichan Valley was nominated under the Best International Trade category. Averill Creek Vineyard is recognized for this award as a result of their expanding export business to China.

BRITISH COLUMBIA BC Housing Market Stays the Course After a strong 2014, the BC housing market will again see rising prices and sales in 2015, according to a new forecast by Central 1 Credit Union.

Compared to last years jump, gains will be modest, as last years sales were up 18 percent from the previous year, while this years sales are predicted to make a five percent gain. The median provincial home price is predicted to rise 2.5 percent to $414,000. The expanding economy will also keep transactions on a positive trend through 2018 with average annual price increases of about two percent.

The forecast includes a few predictions for the foreseeable future.

The study finds that the Bank of Canada won’t raise interest rates until the first quarter of 2016. It also suggests that the posted fiveyear rate will hold below five percent this year and will climb less than 50 basis points in 2016.

Moderate growth in housing demand and lower new home inventory is set to contribute to a lift in housing stats of about two percent this year to 28,900 units.

Despite an improved backdrop for building, starts will trend only moderately higher through 2018, reaching 30,400 units in 2016 and 32,300 units by 2018.

Central 1 Credit Union is the primary liquidity manager, payments processor and trade association for 133 credit unions in B.C. and Ontario.

NANAIMO NRGH celebrates opening of final operating theatres The surgical suite at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is finally completed. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the last two of 10 operating theatres was held at the beginning of this month. The new facility adds 25 percent more capacity for acute-care surgery needs on the Central Island.

One OR is designated for daytime emergency surgeries during the week. Both ORs will allow more efficient scheduling of elective surgical procedures, which means

improved patient flow.

The surgical facility originally opened in 2005 with eight fully equipped operating theatres, with the final two being shelled in for future development. The $3-million project is cost-shared, with half from the Nanaimo District Hospital Foundation, $900,000 from the province, through Island Heath and $600,000 from the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District.

Funding is still needed to finish the $1.5 million promise to purchase equipment for the two operating rooms by June of 2015.

PORT ALBERNI West Coast Seafood Industry convenes in Port Alberni Representatives form the seafood industry and different levels of government were present in Port Alberni for a two-day workshop to discuss retention and training of new workers. The group was brought together with the help of Charles Minns, board member with the National Seafood Sector Council. The aim of the project is to try and come up with solutions to increase jobs in the field, both at sea and in plants.

Among the topics covered were the new rules and laws that pertain to Temporary Foreign Workers.

Issues with the new TFP regulations among other labor relation issues were quickly resolved on the east coast and the West has had to

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look at resolving these problems.

A major highlight of the event was the discussion on ways to educate and prepare young Canadians for the industry. The University of Alaska was recognized for their seafood processing training program, as education in this field is increasingly important.

High-school level preparation was also noted as a possible method of engagement.

Offering full-time high-school courses was discussed as a way to give young people a taste of the industry as well as offering prerequisites for the field.

The hosted workshop was a follow-up to a similar seminar held in Newfoundland last fall. As current members of the workforce start to retire, finding creative ways to engage current and future generations is a top priority.

COMOX VALLEY Environmental Application put forward for Raven Coal Mine The Raven Underground Coal Mine Project near Fanny Bay has officially submitted their application for an Environment Certificate and Environmental Impact Statement to the BC Environmental Assessment Office.

This will be Compliance Coal Corporation’s (CCC) second attempt at starting the project, as their initial attempt on May 2013 was rejected when the EAO deemed the application incomplete. President of CCC, Steve Ellis said the company is confident they have addressed all deficiencies that include a lack of consultation with local First Nations and missing information on the potential impact on drinking water.

Once submitted, the EAC has 30 days to evaluate the completeness of the application. A decision to reject or approve CCC’s proposal is expected around early March.

If approved, the proposed project is expected to contribute $1.1 billion to the surrounding economy. The proposal estimates that around 200 jobs would be created during the construction period and 350 fulltime jobs once the mine is operational.

NANAIMO Nanaimo Airport focuses on $11-million expansion The Nanaimo Airport Commission recently submitted their application for a grant to assist in their $11-million expansion.

The application represents a request to the

federal and provincial governments to share project costs for the build.

The seven-page proposal contains plans for a new baggage area, departure lounge, customs-multipurpose area, car rental facility and other amenities. This year, 300,000 passengers are expected at Nanaimo Airport, a rise that has come five years earlier than projected since Air Canada, WestJet and Kenmore Air added new service.

Projections on the initial report state that the airport predicts another 2,000 jobs and $150 million in economic activity over the next five years. The submission deadline is February 14 and the organization is hoping for a decision in the last quarter of 2015.

VANCOUVER ISLAND

QUALICUM BEACH Qualicum Chamber announces community award finalists The Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for its annual Community Awards. The awards are going to be presented this month on the 18th at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.

The finalists are: Business of the Year (Sponsored by Rodway & Perry): Qualicum Beach Inn, Thalassa and The Shady Rest.

Citi zen of the Yea r (Sponsored by Qualicum Foods): David Golson, Mary Brioulette and Patrick Nicholson.

Community Builder of the Year (Sponsored by NR Insurance): Fire and Ice

Festival, Kiwanis Qualicum Park Village Affordable Housing Project, St. Stephen’s Lunch Program Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Society of Organized Services): Candy Ashbridge, Dave Field and Michelle Genereux.

New Business of the Year (Sponsored by Re/MAX Anchor Realty): Captivating Details, Oceanside Pizza Palace and Pedego.

Newsmaker of the Year (Sponsored

by The NEWS): Anne Skipsey, Breaking ground at the Kiwanis Park Village, Opening of the Qualicum Beach Inn. Outstanding Customer Service (Sponsored by Black and White Party Rentals): Dion Ishida from Oceanside Pizza Palace, Julie Chambers from The Gardens and Kerry Baker from Pharmasave.

Lifetime Achievement (Sponsored by Coastal Community Credit Union): Tom Pope of Mulberry Bush.

Island Construction Leaders Meet to Increase Cooperation and Understanding Over 60 members of the Vancouver Island construction community met in Nanaimo on January 14 to begin building a stronger sector with increased dialogue between the owners, consultants and the contractors.

As Greg Baynton, CEO Vancouver Island Construction Association explained, “This founders meeting brought together representatives from all the major owner organizations from municipalities, universities and colleges, school districts and health sectors along with professional associations representing architects and engineers.

The goal is to recognize how powerful relationships and connections can help us all address challenges or seize opportunities.”

The Construction Council of Vancouver Island (CCVI) is now a formal entity and members appointed an Executive Council who then elected Anthony Minniti, Director, Century Group Inc.–Constructors (Chair), Bruce Johnson, Managing Principal, RJC Consulting Engineers and Richard Brown, Manager, Design and Construction, Island Health (Vice Chairs). “Infrastructure is the foundation for economic growth,” said Anthony Minniti, CCVI inaugural Chair, “working together means we can better support prosperity and jobs for our island communities.”

The dialogue will continue with Sector Round Tables being planned throughout 2015 and a May Council Forum. “The Sector Round Tables gives us the forum to identify bottlenecks in infrastructure delivery” said Bruce Johnson, CCVI Vice Chair, “and where we will uncover solutions and themes for improvement.”

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T

here’s a new bu si ness movement growing among us. It’s called ‘social enterprise’ and it’s coming to a corner store (or other business) near you. Get ready to compete… or collaborate.

A ‘social enterprise’ is defined as a business organization – mainly non-profits -- whose mission, conduct and revenue s t re a m a d d re s s a c u lt u ra l , social and/or environmental need as their principal goal.

P ro f i t s a re t a rge te d to t h e common good through sales of products and services. Many of these businesses also offer employment to people who face ba rriers to ma i nstrea m employment. They’re not all charities a nd, i ndeed, for-profit

businesses can also operate at social enterprises.

Local examples include “Code Brew” - the fantastic coffee kiosk in the lobby of Nanaimo Reg iona l G enera l Hospita l.

They’ve opened a second location in the Millstone Medical Centre, and have plans for more soon. Bought something at a thrift shop? Been to the Recycling Exchange? Bought a book at Literacy Nanaimo’s downtown bookstore? You’ve done business with a social enterprise who, combined, contribute m i l l ions to the loca l economy.

‘Social Enterprise Catalyst’ is an event that celebrates this movement. It highlights available resources to support the development a nd g row th of local, social enterprise-based businesses. Catalyst partners are all key parts of the social e n te r p r i s e e c o-s y s te m i ncluding credit unions, banks and the financial management sector, foundations, mentors, educational institutions, sector specialists and consultants, Chambers of Commerce and the provincial government.

The first Catalyst Gala was held in Victoria in April of 2014 where a “Dragon’s Den” style event saw t h ree non-prof it

social entrepreneurs awarded a total of $50,000 in cash and services to help boost their s u c c e s s . A t ra d e s h o w a n d workshops were also associated with the event. Attendees were invited to a ‘Day of Learning’ at Royal Roads to follow up on discussions.

‘Catalyst’ is moving to Nanaimo with the main event to be held on May 20 at the Port Theatre. The Chamber is proud to be an organizing partner.

Why is the Chamber involved?

Nea rly 10% of ou r membership are non-profit enterprises, a nd streng then i ng th is sector drives business and builds the GDP for everyone i n the community.

We’ll be reaching out to build awareness around opportunities to participate and apply to compete for funding and resources at the climactic Catalyst event. Got ideas on how to help this work? Want more information now on Social Enterprise or the Catalyst events?

Call the Chamber of Commerce at 250-756-1191.

Kim Smythe is CEO of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

Reach him at 250-756-1191 ext. 1 or ceo@nanaimochamber.bc.ca

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USING A TRUST IN YOUR ESTATE PLAN

W

hen you’re planning to retire from a family business, it pays to spend some time on your estate plan. The cost of “doing nothing” will often far exceed the cost of doing some upfront planning.

While there are many factors to consider, the main goals of a good estate pla n genera l ly include financial security, a sound succession plan, control of the process and minimizing taxes upon death. Many people have heard about trusts being a good tax-savings mechanism, but may not understand why or how you can benefit from one.

What is a trust?

A trust is a relationship that is established when a person (the settlor) transfers the legal title of a property to another pa r ty (t he t r u stees) to hold for the benefit of one or more third parties (the beneficiaries).

There are two types of trusts – intervivos (family trusts) and testamentary (created when a person dies).

T he real tax savings comes from being able to distribute after-tax dollars of a business to the beneficiaries of the trust – instead of to mom and dad.

When the trust owns shares of a business, dividends declared on those shares are reported as income of the trust. This income

Alladin Versi, CPA, FCMA, CFP

There can be huge tax savings created through good planning in the years leading up to the sale

is then distributed out to beneficiaries and will be taxed at their tax rate.

Once you’re ready to pass the

growth of the company on to your adult children, an estate freeze can be done which will allow you to control your income from the va lue you’ve created in the business, while allowing all future growth to be attributed to the next generation, via a trust.

If you’re not waiting for your children to return from university and take over the family business, you will still want to plan how to transition or sell the business to a third party.

There can be huge tax savings created through good planning in the years leading up to the sale.

If you own your own business and are planning to transition it to the next generation – or whenever you are considering selling a business – be sure to talk to an accountant or taxation specialist several years in advance of the transaction.

To read other useful articles from MNP’s taxation specialists, go to www.MNP.ca/islandtax Alladin Versi, CPA, FCMA, CFP is a Taxation Specialist with MNP LLP | Accounting > Consulting > Tax. Contact Alladin at 250.734.4305 or alladin.versi@mnp.ca. Please consult a tax advisor for advice on how the above information should be applied.

MONK OFFICE: MAKING LOCAL SHOPPING AND GIVING A PRIORITY Company likes to think local first

S

upporting other local businesses and doing good in the community – these are two values that have always been front and centre at Monk Office.

Debbie Schultz, of Monk Office believes that shopping at locally owned businesses is good for the economy.

“We encourage shoppers to think about their buying habits and think about supporting island businesses. We can really make a difference!”

Monk Office is a member of Think Local First, the only registered non-profit society of locally owned, independent businesses that seek to promote the social and economic benefits of shopping local in the Greater Victoria Area. Helping the local economy ultimately helps the community “We like to support our customers and the community,” Schultz said, citing as an example a unique program with School Districts 61, 62 and 63 I the South

Island and 70 in the Cowichan Valley. When schools purchase environmentally friendly products, Monk Office calculates an annual rebate, which is then rolled into scholarships offered to students who want to enter the field of environmental studies.

In 2011, when Savory Elementary School in Metchosin had a fire just before school started, Monk Office donated school supplies to all the children who had lost theirs.

The company also has what it calls the “Pallet Project.” If a product that comes in from a vendor is slightly damaged during shipping and therefore not saleable, Monk Office fills a skid and donates it to various schools in the community. Local schools have received valuable paper, calendars and art supplies in this way.

“Some 15-20 scho ol s h ave been involved,” Schultz said.

“We continue to support them because we appreciate the important role they play in our community.”

Monk Office Customer Support & Distribution Centre is located at 800 Viewfield Road in Victoria and has 10 retail locations throughout Vancouver Island. www.monk.ca

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VIREB 2015 nominations now being accepted

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ANAIMO – Mirror, mirror on the wall: Which is the best commercial building of them all?

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 Vancouver Island Real Estate Commercial Building Awards, set for Thursday, April 23 at the Coast Bastion Hotel in Nanaimo.

The 8th annual celebration of the best in commercial and industrial construction is for buildings completed between Jan. 1, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2014 from the Malahat to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island.

The 2014 Judges’ Choice Award Winner for Best Overall Entry was the Nanaimo Golf Club’s new clubhouse.

“Commercial buildings are really the centerpieces of each community,” says Mark MacDonald, President of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd., which publishes Business Examiner Vancouver Island t h at s ta ge s t he event. “ W it hout c om merci a l buildings, there wouldn’t

be places to work, a nd the owners and builders behind these projects go about their business quietly, behind the scenes.

“This event is all about celebrating what these individuals and companies have built, which make our Vancouver Island communities so vibrant.”

Re/MAX Commercial is the Platinum Sponsor for the event, with Colliers International and Coastal

Community Credit Union signing on as Gold Sponsors. Category sponsors include the Business Development Bank of Canada, Canadian Western B a n k , D T Z B a r n ic k e, R BC Royal Bank, MNP L L P, a nd the Na n a i mo Economic Development Corporation.

There are 11 categories for these awards: Mixed Use (Commercial/Residential), Seniors Housing, Community – Institutional, Community – Recreational, Retail, Industrial, Multi-Family, Hospitality, Commercial Renovation/ Restoration, Office and Green.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from www. vireb.com, or contact Sue Lessard at slessard@vireb. com for a copy of the submission forms.

The deadline for submissions is March 5, 2015.

For further information about the awards, contact Mark MacDonald at 1-866-758-2684 Ext. 120, o r e m a i l m a rk @ b u s inessexaminer.ca

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FEBRUARY 2015

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

PORT ALBERNI BILL COLLETTE

O

ur Monthly Dinner Meeting held on Wednesday, January 28th featured many notable points for the Chamber of Commerce and the city itself.

First and foremost for ou rselves we were very pleased w ith the venue selected as it was one of the first times we’ve opted out of a restaurant. Instead we were welcomed

by Aaron Vissia Financial who t ra n sfor med t hei r newly upgraded, and very impressive, conference facilities into an environment capable of seating more than 50 people.

Aaron’s team set up the area perfectly and from there we were able to utilize the services of Boomerang’s

Café who did an impressive job of catering our event.

They were joined by Emerald Coast Winery who provided us with wonderful samples of their local pro ducts. M a ny of ou r guests purchased products from the Emerald Coast representatives at the conclusion of the event. Our speakers included Mr. Ramon Solinas representing the Chambers Group Insurance Plan. Mr. Solinas updated our membership on the plans to expand the current representation for the Group Plan to include our host for the evening; Mr. Aaron Vissia.

Our Directors were very pleased to lea rn of th is change as it does give us far more opportunity to provide local representation for this excellent insurance product available to any/all Chamber Business Members.

Following Mr. Solinas, we had a wonderful presentation by Ms. Kristi Fairholm Mader of Scale Collaborative who educated us on the merits of Social Enterprise Opportu n ities. A s pa rt of her trip to Port Alberni Ms. Mader visited one of our area’s prime Social

Enterprises; Potluck Cera m ics who t hem selve s have been nominated for many awards during their first few years in business; including the Prime Minister’s Award. Kristi then introduced local Port Albernian – Ms. Helma Swinkles who took the time to help all of us understand her unique and very impressive Social Enterprise known as Pot Luck Ceramics. Our evening concluded with a presentation from Mr. Rob English – VP Operations for Canadian Alberni Engineering. Mr. English brought us up to date on the happenings at CAE and perhaps most impressive of all was his suggestion that CAE will be hiring extensively throughout their operations over the next while.

Next Dinner Meeting for the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25th at Smitty’s Restaurant.

We look forward to another enlightening evening.

Bill Collette is executive director of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce. Reach him at 250-724-6535 or bill@ albernichamber.ca

FIBRE OPTIC SERVICE ARRIVAL GOOD NEWS FOR BUSINESSES

WEST COAST SALLY MOLE

D

ecember/January has proven to be a couple of busy months for our little town, with many businesses reporting higher numbers than ever before for this time of year. There has been a definite feeling of excitement about town!

T he year has seen some new businesses get established, and we see a number of commercial sites being renovated and refreshed, a number of which will house new businesses in 2015.

D e c em b er 01 saw t he swearing in of the “new” council. Congratulations to new Mayor Dianne S1t Jacques, new councillors Mayco Noel, and Marilyn

McEween, and to incumbents Randy Oliwa and yes, yours truly.

The ever popular Ucluelet Aquarium held it’s famous “Release Day” early in December. Visitors and locals alike flocked down to the aquarium to release the creatu res back i nto the ocean. Truly a sight to see, as child after child (big and small) packed their buckets with their precious cargo up and down the waterfront.

We’re looking forward to the reopening in March, in conjunction with the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival.

Fol low i ng Ch ristmas, Tourism Ucluelet was host to the second annual Christmas Classic Invitational Surf Comp. Billed as “the most classic surf contest in Canada, the event attracted a number of local surfers and spectators, and with the amazing sunny weather, the event was deemed a certain success by all.

And the big news for all of us here on the West Coast?

We are getting high speed i nternet! Constr uction on the fibre optic cable will begin in the spring or

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Release Day at the Ucluelet Aquarium summer of this year, with anticipation of completion early in 2016. This is great news for our business community and residents alike!

Chamber staff are busy pla n n i ng for upcom i ng events. We’re looking forward to hosting the Van Isle 360 yacht race again this year, right on the back of our annual Edge to Edge marathon in June.

Call us today!

Sally Mole is Executive Director for the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce.

She can be reached at 250.726.4641.

(250) 716-1550

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COMOX VALLEY

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FEBRUARY 2015

Survey shows strong support for government structure review MNP LLP report asked question if the Comox Valley needs to look at how it provides governance

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Governance Review Task Force has been working to collect 5,000 signatures from residents in the Comox Valley for the Governance Review petition. Their efforts have taken them to the Comox Centre Mall, retail businesses, and door-to-door visits with one mission: To initiate a request for a study and have a joint committee established to oversee the review process.

The goal of the Comox Valley Governance Review Task Force is to initiate an independent study to determine if the governance of the Comox Valley is structured in a manner that best satisfies the political, cultural and public services the community needs in order to meet the challenges that growth brings.

The task force is currently in the process of gathering information in order to be able to determine if there is a desire amongst the general population and levels of government to investigate fully whether it is necessary or even possible to restructure the provision of services and/or governance of the Comox Valley.

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OMOX VALLEY – A solid majority of local business leaders support the idea of conducting an independent review of government structure in the Comox Valley.

Out of 200 local business leaders responding to a recent survey, 88 per cent supported the idea of the review. That discussion started in January, when MNP LLP released the results of the MNP Business Leaders Survey, which included a synopsis of the local business climate, economic outlook and other factors related to doing business in the Comox Valley.

The Comox Valley Economic Development Society and the Comox Valley of Chamber of Commerce partnered with MNP LLP on the project.

One of the survey’s questions invited input around the notion of a governance review, a subtle reference to the cost of overlapping government due to the existence of three municipal governments – Cumberland, Courtenay and Comox – plus the Comox Valley Regional District, and the resulting redundancy of costs and services.

It asked: “Do you support or oppose the idea of conducting an independent review of the local government structure in the Comox Valley to see if alternatives would better serve the area?”

Since April 2014, the Comox Valley

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FEBRUARY 2015

AVERILL CREEK WINERY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

wines, to really developing their palate and finding a new interest in white and sparkling wine,” she adds.

Wendy has been a part of each of the teams going overseas to promote their wines.

“We were assisted with an agent who did a couple of wine sales into China and then we attended the Pro Wine show in Shanghai

9

“It’s a great market, there’s a huge demand for wine there, and the taste for sophisticated wines is growing,” WENDY JOHNSTON

Wendy Johnston (right) promotes some of Averill Creek’s in China

in 2012 in the Food and Beverage Canada Pavilion,” she notes.

Since then, they’ve returned to the show for a second time and a lso attended t he Sha ng ha i ProWine Show.

“2014 was a brilliant year. We had great yields and China is a great market to sell to,” she says, while also mentioning that she is gearing up to attend a trade show in Chengdu this year to seek out more business.

“The trade shows are huge, and Andy and I love going back to China any chance we get,” she

Peter Jackson (left) and Andy Johnston work harvesting one of Averill’s yields says.

Averill Creek has other business interests they are looking at as well. They have a domestic trade company that deals with their nationwide business and this year they are going to England to seek out more opportunities.

“We’re visiting England soon with a trade delegation and we’re

hoping to do some business over there,” says Wendy.

With the exporting side of the business aside, Wendy noted their company has a philosophy of business that is geared towards stimulating the local economy.

“All of our staff are local and resources are produced by local companies,” she adds.

As a business owner, you never shut down.

Even when you’re off the clock, there’s really no such thing as quitting time. From managing daily priorities to envisioning the future of your business, our Private Enterprise professionals know that every minute of your day is precious and every choice you make counts. Our performance improvement strategies are designed specifically to optimize private enterprise by eliminating obstacles and maximizing opportunities – allowing you to seize opportunities, no matter when they emerge.

It’s business. And it’s personal.

PRIVATE ENTERPRISE SERVICES Contact Mike Delves, CPA, CGA at 250.734.4234 or mike.delves@mnp.ca

NANAIMO

10

FEBRUARY 2015

NANAIMO

Sales Activity Down in January, But House Prices Continue to Rise

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ales activity across the Vancouver Island housing market area was down in January, but the average price continues to inch upward. In the VIREB coverage area, 196 single - family homes sold on the MLS® system in January 2015. This represents an 8 percent decrease from the 212 sales recorded in January 2014 and a 23 percent decrease from last month, which posted 257 sales.

BCREA’s chief economist, Cameron Muir, states that despite January’s numbers showing a decline from last year, it is too early to predict whether they indicate initial signs of uncertainty in the market.

“Although sales in January are down across the province, the recent reduction in interest rates could have a positive impact on the housing market,” says Muir. “As well, affordability in most communities remains strong. Job l osses from falling oil prices aside, the economic outlook is encouraging.”

With the average price of a single family home up seven per cent from last year, combined with continued lower inventory levels, VIREB past

president Blair Herbert is not concerned by January’s sales drop.

“One month does not make a year,” said Herbert. “The Home Price Index (HPI) in the VIREB coverage area continues to rise, although slowly, and those increases reflect a strengthening market.”

Overall, the housing market in the VIREB area remains in balanced territory, a trend that is not expected to change in the near future. However, since individual markets can vary considerably, it is always best to consult a local realtor for accurate information.

Herbert also added that Vancouver Island could very well benefit from lower oil prices and a falling Canadian dollar.

“Although reduced oil prices could result in job loss for some British Columbians who work out of - province in the oil patch, the lower Canadian dollar will make holidaying here more attractive,” says Herbert.“ Here on Vancouver Island, vacations sometimes result in ‘staycations’.

As well, there are jobs here at

home that need to be filled by qualified workers.”

In January 2015, the benchmark price for a single - family home in the VIREB coverage a rea was $320,700, up 3.21 percent 2014.

Benchmark pricing tracks the value of a typical home in the reported area. The average price of a single - family home was $340,753 compared to $318,628 in January 2014, an increase of seven per cent.

The bench mark price of a single family home in the Campbell River area was $271,500, up 4.58 percent from January 2014. In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price was $320,000, virtually unchanged from last year. Duncan reports a benchmark price of $284,100, an increase of 4.41 percent over the same month in 2014. Nanaimo’s benchmark price was $337,200, up a little over four per cent compared to last year.

T he Parksville - Qualicum area posted a benchmark price of $348,700, which is a 1.28 percent increase over last year. The price for a benchmark home in Port Alberni was $168,800, down 9.27 percent from January 2014.

VANCOUVER ISLAND

Coastal Community to expand its services in Greater Victoria

C

oastal Community Credit Union, the largest financial services organization based on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, will be growing its operations in the Capital Regional District (CRD) in 2015.

Plans are already underway to open Coastal Community’s newest location in Goldstream Village later this spring. A renovation of its Fort Street Insurance office is also in the works, which will give the downtown core access to Coastal Community’s full suite of financial services in the fall.

Using Coastal Community’s proven integrated service approach, each of its Victoria locations will offer the comprehensive services of

Specializing in; · Income splitting structures (Family Trusts) · Corporate reorganizations (section 86 & section 51)

· Section 85 rollovers Kevin Beausoleil BA, MBA, CPA, CGA

250 754 2111 kevin@beausoleilcga.com beausoleilcga.com

all its business lines—all under one roof—including wealth management, insurance, personal banking and commercial banking. The locations will also utilize exciting digital technologies to make for an even better banking experience.

“Our expansion plans will be welcoming news to the many island residents who continually ask us when we’re going to offer more of our services in the Capital Region,” says Adrian Legin, Coastal Community’s President and CEO. Coastal Community already serves a large number of personal and commercial banking customers in the region and also has a very well-established insurance client base through its Fort Street

Nanaimo’s IT experts Your IT department

Insurance office.

Adds Legin, “One of the key things that we’re excited about with our Goldstream and Fort Street locations is being able to offer people what they’re after. This includes the latest in instant banking conveniences, a wider range of service hours, innovative solutions from our insurance, banking and wealth management divisions, and of course our caring, helpful and highly personalized service.”

With the expansion, Coastal Community will offer Islanders greater access to: • Innovative banking conveniences including the Islands firstever Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), providing the best of high tech and high touch through their ATM-like qualities, coupled with their ability to securely connect the user to Coastal Community experts through live video. Both Victoria locations will have ITM services.

• Services and expertise in personal and commercial banking, insurance and wealth management through locations from Victoria to Port Hardy, complemented by Coastal Community’s mobile advisory team and its Island-based customer contact centre (known as the Relationship Centre).

• Personalized service through extended hours including early mornings and evenings via the ITMs, the Relationship Centre, and its online chat channel.

11

FEBRUARY 2015

CHURCH PICKARD HAS MOVED INTO NEW QUARTERS IN DOWNTOWN NANAIMO “We’re certainly known Iconic accounting firm lives its motto: Your Success is our Focus

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ANAIMO - Church Pickard has been an iconic accounting firm in Nanaimo for 75 years. This year, on January 1, the company moved from its long-term location on Church Street to new quarters at 25 Cavan Street, after completing extensive renovations.

“We are part owners of this building,” said company partner Grant McDonald. “T here was nothing wrong with the old building. Actually it was an excellent location. But this was a natural move to have equity in our own building. The biggest difference for us is that we have street exposure and a sign on our own building.”

Church Pickard was founded 75 years ago by partners Mr. Church, Mr. Pickard, Mr. Newman and Mr. Bob Lane. At one point there was a satellite office in Port Alberni, but Church Pickard has always been known as a local firm, serving the local community and giving back to the community as well.

“We’re certainly known for our longevity,” McDonald said.

“But we’re also known for great service and having good client retention. We must be doing something right if they’re sticking with us for all those years. We have some clients who have been with us for 60 years.”

Church Pickard’s client list reads like a who’s who in the Nanaimo. Over the years, the firm has grown considerably. When McDonald joined the firm in 1993 it had half the current staff, which today numbers 17 including the partners: McDonald and Lorana LaPorte, who has been with the firm almost 30 years.

McDonald called LaPorte a key element of the firm’s success

for our longevity. But we’re also known for great service and having good client retention. We must be doing something right if they’re sticking with us for all those years.”

GRANT MCDONALD PARTNER, CHURCH PICKARD

and one of the most respected accountants in the city.

The company’s logo, “Your Success is our Focus,” also goes a long way to explaining the firm’s growth and endurance.

“We don’t just say that, we do it too,” McDonald said. “We make the client the focal point. We make sure that our advice leads to their success – and I think that makes the clients happy. They keep referring us to their friends, which is a compliment to us.”

He noted that the firm’s job is not just to prepare statements, tax returns and audits. Church Pickard acts as a company’s CFO, analyzing a business and determining in what areas it needs help. He said that in order to run a successful business, a company needs minders, finders and grinders: minders run the business, finders attract business and grinders do the business.

“We look at your company and determine what area you need assistance in and that would lead us to helping you in that area if we can. The way we see it, if we were in your shoes, how would we change your business to become more successful?”

Church Pickard also does financial planning, estate planning, will planning and non-resident planning.

Church Pickard has moved to new digs at 25 Cavan Street in Nanaimo

Grant McDonald and Lorana LaPorte believe in delivering exceptional client service “There is a vast array of services that we can provide,” McDonald said. “It all depends on what we determine that you need.” He compared it to taking a car to an auto shop that analyzes what is wrong with the vehicle and lists the work that needs to be done.

It’s then up to the customer to decide what he or she wants to do.

Church Pickard works with large clients and also does personal tax returns – and anything in-between. The bulk of the practice consists of small, local businesses. They come to

Church Pickard because the team is superlative.

“It’s not just one person trying to help you,” McDonald said.

“I can walk across the hallway and talk to my partner or to any other accountant here to help me come up with the best solution.

We have a good team approach to providing you with the best advice.” He added that Church Pickard is also a training office for CA students, bringing in graduates from the program at Vancouver Island University to complete their three-year articling program. Currently the firm has eight VIU students in training. As for the future, McDonald said he hopes the firm will see another 75 years in Nanaimo.

“We want to keep the name recognized in town. We want to provide a living for our future accountants. And we want the partnership to surv ive, employing local people.”

Church Pickard is at 25 Cavan Street in Nanaimo. www.churchpickard.com

WE HAVE MOVED Visit us at 25 Cavan St. (Corner of Cavan & Albert)

Your Success is our Focus 250.754.6396 • mail@churchpickard.com

Downtown Nanaimo •

www.churchpickard.com

FEATURE PROPERTY Units For Sale or For Lease 1825 Bowen Road Quality Office/Retail Building  High traffic, central location  1,049 sq ft to 8,000 sq ft  Strata

Gerry Van Vaals

Personal Real Estate Corporation

Senior Vice President, Sales

250 616 2155 gerry.vanvaals@DTZnanaimo.com

INDUSTRIAL Greenrock Industrial Park

861 Maughan Road, Nanaimo

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Units 5, 8, 9 & 10 2525 McCullough Rd

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Operate your business in this ideal Nanaimo location. High-tech industrial zoning.

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Opportunity to position your business in this new industrial development in central Nanaimo. 1 acre lots available.

For Sale | Prices Starting at $499,000

New Listing 1.24 acres in the Duke Point Industrial Park. Excellent access.

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For Sale l $450,000

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Qualicum Beach Oceanfront

Rare offering! Development permit in place for 38 unit condo development.

3.28 acres of oceanfront land.

For Sale | $2,095,000

Island Hwy, Beachfront Parksville

Superb 7 acre oceanfront site with a development permit for 81 detached resort units.

For Sale | $4,975,000

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Excellent 2.55 acre investment opportunity with 3 separate buildings including a well-established Pub. For Sale | $1,698,000

4901 & 4951 Jordan Ave, Nanaimo

Build-to-suit opportunity located in Nanaimo’s most successful business park. Approximately 1.63 acres.

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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

D - 2517 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo

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RARE OPPORTUNITY to position your business in the Co-op Centre. Approx 18,550 sq ft commercial space.

For Lease | $11.75 per sq ft

5,585 sq ft lease space available next to Piper’s Pub in North Nanaimo. This modern lease space won’t last long!

For Lease | $19.50 per sq ft

Investor Alert! 7,295 sq ft, comprised of 3 strata units located in downtown Comox. Includes chartered bank tenant.

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COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL MIX 20,000 sq ft building on 0.65 acre.

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For Sale | $1,495,000

Information contained herein has been obtained from the owners or sources deemed reliable by DTZ Nanaimo Real Estate Ltd. While we have no reason to doubt its accuracy, we regret we cannot guarantee such information. All measurements and other information herein should be independently verified by the reader or prospective user and is subject to the user’s own inspection of the premises and due diligence work and to the user’s satisfaction with the results of such review.

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FEBRUARY 2015

RURAL PROPERTIES ARE AVAILABLE AND DESIRABLE “We’re really getting out there in communities

Couverdon has properties for sale including in Errington at Pratt Road

to try and come up with best case scenarios for

P

eople on Vancouver Island looking for a bit (or a lot) of elbow room for their hobby farm or their home grown business need look no farther than the offerings of Couverdon Real Estate.

Couverdon is the real estate arm of TimberWest Forest Corp., which has been on Vancouver Island for over 100 years. The company works with communities from Sooke to Campbell River on opportunities that will help the future of Vancouver Island.

“We’re really getting out there in communities to try and come up with best case scenarios for long-term integrated real estate development,” said director of real estate and marketing Ross McKeever. One of those developments has a long history and presents excellent opportunities for potential buyers. The Pratt Road development is located five minutes from the “goats on the roof” in Coombs and 10 minutes from Qualicum Beach.

“It’s a great little development,” McKeever said. “It is tucked away down a rural country road.” It’s an area that in fact was divided into parcels almost 100 years ago,

long-term integrated real estate development.”

ROSS MCKEEVER DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE AND MARKETING, COUVERDON

Some Pratt Road development parcels offer a water feature designed by the Salvation Army as homestead lands for immigrants from Wales and Scotland.

Since then, Couverdon has shifted the parcels around to orient them better to Pratt Road.

“We’ve come up with a really cool little development out there that has a hobby farm/artisan kind of feel to it,” McKeever said, noting that the upper reaches of French Creek runs through part of the development. The land is

also reasonably flat and eminently usable.

The 11 parcels range in size from five acres up with the largest parcel measuring 38 acres. The fiveacre parcels are zoned for two houses and can even be divided into strata units so that one housing unit could be sold off. There’s space for farm animals, a shop, a studio – everything that attracts people to rural living. Starting at $239,000 for five acres, the

parcels are also very affordable.

McKeever said the land is ideally suited to creative people who really want to plan the land and turn it into their ideal country homestead.

“From a builder point of view, a n i nvestor poi nt of v iew, a business point of view, it’s very good,” McKeever said. “You’re tucked right into the community too. This is a very consistent product with the surrounding area – it’s a wonderful eclectic little region.”

Farther up-island, in the Campbell River area, Couverdon also has a unique range of properties.

The Elkhorn subdivision, located 10 minutes south of Campbell River in the York Road area, has almost sold out with only four

parcels left. These are 100-acre agricultural land reserve parcels that are affordable starting at $399,000 each. The parcels are flat and usable, some with a river running through them. They have easy access to the Inland Island Highway with nearby amenities including Storey Creek Golf Course, the waterfront at Oyster Bay and Mount Washington.

“We don’t anticipate that these properties will last long,” McKeever said.

Couverdon also has an in-town urban development at Jubilee Heights, a mixed-use development complete with parkland, walking trails and a commercial centre. In addition, the company has Headquarters at the turnoff to Mount Washington. This development has only two parcels left. Features include mountain peak views, rolling hills and Headquarters Creek, which meanders through some of the properties.

After a number of years of slow progress in acreages, interest in 2014 picked up considerably, McKeever said.

“Couverdon is all about building com munities. We’re not trying to put a condo or an acreage subdivision where there shouldn’t be one. We’re trying to integrate them and make sure they mix with the neighbours and the local demographic.” www.couverdon.com

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CAN I BUILD TWO HOMES ON MY PROPERTY? HOW DO I STRATA EACH OF MY HOMES?

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14

FEBRUARY 2015

PRINTING PRINT IS ALIVE AND WELL The print industry has grown and evolved and continues to thrive

T

he point about printing, is that the average person really doesn’t know what a printer does. Derek Allan, owner and president of Fotoprint Ltd. in Victoria said that while corporate buyers of print products know exactly which printer to go to for their particular needs, many people do not. And the print business has changed. Today it is more diversified than ever before.

Several years ago print was the fifth largest corporate employer in North America, encompassing everything from newspapers to magazines, books and pamphlets. That has changed, but print is still a significant contributor to the economy.

“It’s actually a highly specialized industry,” Allan said. “There are printers who put a sign up that says ‘Printer’ and they may not do printing at all – they just broker it, and until the customer really understands and wants to know more about how the product is physically produced and where it’s produced, they don’t have a clue. We have lots of printers still, but not many who are a true printing company with in-house production equipment from a digital copier to a full printing plant including bindery equipment.” He added that after 40 years in business, he still spends a good deal of time educating people about the nature of quality printed material.

W hen Fotoprint opened its doors in 1975, the era of instant printing had just begun. The quality was not very good, Allan said, but the shops sprang up on every corner. The desire for getting print jobs done quickly has not changed – the difference is that today the quality is exceptionally high. Another difference today is that most files come to the shop as PDF files, ready for the printer.

“We spend most of our time now making sure that the files that are supplied to us are perfect when they’re printed,” Allan said. “Once that is finalized we print right away – the same day or the next day.”

If you asked Allan if print is dead, he would say, not by a long shot. While more companies are concentrating on a web presence, print is still important. Allan noted that not too many years SEE PRINT IS ALIVE | PAGE 15

“I think that people are starting to balance their marketing. You cannot exist just on your web page; you have to hit them from all sides.”

DEREK ALLAN OWNER AND PRESIDENT, FOTOPRINT LTD.

Print shops like KKP in Nanaimo offer a large variety of services including signage of all types

SIGNS DESIGN PRINT YES! We Do Signs!

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FOCUS ON PRINTING

FEBRUARY 2015

PRINT IS ALIVE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

ago, the company spent one week out of every month dedicated to printing newsletters for realtors, insurance agencies, financial advisors and non-profit groups.

That number decreased in the last several years but lately it has been coming back up.

“We’re seeing a resurgence,” he said. “I think that people are starting to balance their marketing. You cannot exist just on your web page; you have to hit them from all sides. And there are certain things that are hugely valuable with the physical touch. People generally don’t read their newsletters by PDF. They prefer a properly printed, well-designed newsletter in their hands.” He added that they also prefer a physical business card – nothing, he said, elicits as much attention or emotion as a business card.

“Print will always be around,” he said. “When I talk to some young people, they have a tendency to believe that people just buy online. The best way for me to answer that is to show them a sample box of what we print in one week – when they see that box and they go through all the different stuff that we produce, they’re wide-eyed – hundreds of business cards, newsletters and marketing materials – everything from posters to booklets and reports. Print is still very alive and well.”

Ten years ago, Brad McAuley, owner of Kwik Kopy Printing (KKP) in Nanaimo, could not possibly have foreseen the state of the industry today. To predict what might happen in the next few years would require a crystal ball, he said.

“The printing industry has been struggling for the last number

of years; everybody is trying to find their own niche and certainly we’ve seen some smaller ones disappear. But some of those disappeared because they didn’t keep up. We’re still printing; we’re just doing it a little bit more efficiently.” However, he added that printing is not going away – far from it. He noted that Google, arguably the largest digital company today, regularly sends out print postcards advertising its services.

“We’re seeing people going back to print,” McAuley said. “I‘ve had clients come in and tell me that they get better response rates when something goes out in the mail.” It’s easy to hit delete in an inbox, he said, but a nicely produced newsletter, often merits a second or even a third look.

Everybody still needs business cards and letterheads. Everybody also needs mailing services and design services – and that’s where print shops have stepped in. More and more printers are offering more services. In particular, print shops are taking on sign making. The two are an excellent marriage, McAuley said.

“We put a lot of investment earlier this year into large format.

It’s a natural for print companies to offer that – we already have so much in place that it’s easy.

We saw our sign business take off; people were asking us to do it more and more. I couldn’t have forecast what we did last year – we probably tripled what I expected.”

He also noted that having professional designers on staff is another key to KKP’s success. More and more customers want and expect full services from their print company, including branding, design, printing, signage and mailing.

SEE PRINT IS ALIVE | PAGE 16

15

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FOCUS ON PRINTING

FEBRUARY 2015

Thank you Vancouver Island.

How do you choose the right printer?

We believe that relationships, trust, integrity, price and performance are key elements in making that decision. We would like to thank our customers who, for those reasons, have chosen Fotoprint to be their print provider on Vancouver Island for 40 years. Our commitment to providing a quality experience with a priority on the protection of our environment will never waiver.

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PRINT IS ALIVE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Sue R a nch ie , ow n e r of CS P r i ntmaster in Kelowna, agrees that a full offering of serv ices is key to th riving in today’s printing business. CS Printmaster has been in operation for 30 yea rs a nd R a nch ie attributes its longevity and success to the fact that the shop has evolved with the times and meets every need including offset and digital printing. She also pointed out that offices and businesses of all k i nds sti l l have a g reat need for a l l the traditional printed products from letterheads to internal forms, folders and booklets.

“There is still a lot of work for us,” she said. “They said that the office was

going to become paperless – I haven’t seen it.” She added that the printing industry is focusing more on service and specialty products.

“People may be seeing a lot of shops folding up, but that’s if they haven’t brought their shop up to what’s happening with full colour. You have to be able to offer digital as well as offset – that’s what has kept us going.”

As a matter of fact, she said that her customer base has been growing. New businesses still need all the traditional office papers and forms. She said that she expects CS Printmaster to continue to thrive into the future.

“There’s a lot of stuff that’s still going to be on paper,” she said. “There’s just no question about it.”

ISLAND BLUE IS ONE-STOP FOR DIGITAL PRINTING “It’s really the staff Print company does it all, from business cards to signage and T-shirts

I

n Victoria, Island Blu e P r i nt Co. Ltd . is the one-stop shop for a l l d ig ita l pr i nt i ng need s. T he compa ny’s Net2Print.ca online ord er a nd templ ate c u stom i zat ion web por ta l a l lows customers to submit print ready files or versions of their own i d e a s , s u c h a s b u s iness ca rds, post ca rds, presentat ion folders, custom i zed ca lend a rs, photo books, art/photo ca rds, ca nvas pri nts, etc. In add ition, Isla nd Blue now of fers DTG – Di rect to Ga rment p r i n t i n g o f T- s h i r t s a n d c a n v a s to te b a g s .

Sh i r ts a re ava i l able i n m e n’s a n d l a d i e s s i zing including black, g re y a n d w h i t e s h i r t s printed single or double sided in quantities from 1 – 100.

behind the scenes that make it happen.

They want to put out a good, quality product and they do a great job.”

ROB SHEMILT VICE PRESIDENT SALES AND MARKETING, ISLAND BLUE PRINT CO. LTD.

“ We a l s o d o i n d o o r/ outdoor poi nt-of-pu rchase pieces,” said vice president sales and marketing Rob Shemilt.

“That includes portable ma rketi ng solutions, banner stands, signage, w i ndow g raph ics a nd f loor graphics.’ He said that all a client has to do is come i n or go on l i ne with an idea.

I s l a n d Blu e h a s b e e n operat i ng i n Victor i a since 1912.

Tu rna rou nds these days are tight, Shem ilt said. Island Blue is usually the last stop for a project and doing the job rig ht a nd gett i ng it out on t i me i s absolutely essential. He said that without a dedicated staff, the company could not do as well as it does. “ It’s re a l l y t h e s t a f f beh i nd the scenes that m a k e it h a p p e n . T h e y want to put out a good, quality product and they do a great job.”

Isl a nd Blue P r i nt Co. Ltd. is at 911 Fort St. in Victoria and 2411 Beacon Ave. in Sidney. www.islandblue.com

18

FEBRUARY 2015

CARSTAR DUNCAN ISHERWOOD IS TOPS FOR AUTO BODY REPAIRS “We pride ourselves Local shop specializes in insurance collision repairs

on high quality work.

Every shop is going to tell you the same, but we

D

U NCA N - Isherwood Body & Fender in Duncan is now officially Carstar Duncan Isherwood. Shop owner Ryan Isherwood said that alt houg h he joi ned t he Nor t h A merica wide franchise two years ago, it wasn’t until this January that he changed the name to raise the profile of the company.

He said that joining the franchise benefits his customers.

Carstar has 240 member shops in Canada and 450 in North America, the majority of which, like his, are independently owned.

“The advantage of Carstar is that it gives us national representation with insurance companies,” Isherwood said. “And it gives us the ability to offer a national lifetime warranty.”

Carstar Duncan Isherwood is an insurance collision repair specialist.

“We pride ourselves on high quality work,” Isherwood said.

“Every shop is going to tell you the same, but we really believe that – it’s completely ingrained in our company culture. Dealing with insurance companies is not something people do very often;

really believe that – it’s completely ingrained in our company culture.”

RYAN ISHERWOOD OWNER, CARSTAR DUNCAN ISHERWOOD

Ryan Isherwood is proud of his shop’s high quality work KURT KNOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

it’s not very often you get into an accident with your car – and we try to take all the stress out of that and make the process as easy as possible.”

When a customer arrives at the shop with a car that needs a body repair, the shop first determines the type of accident and the extent of the damage. Does

A job well done, keep up the good work!

186 Ingram St - Duncan, BC 250-746-4824 www.dobsonsglass.com dobsonsglass@telus.net

Carstar Duncan Isherwood repairs bodies of all makes and models of vehicles KURT KNOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

the customer want to pay for the repairs himself? Is the customer better off to go through her insurance company?

“We evaluate every car on a case by case basis,” Isherwood said. “And we help you come to the most cost effective solution.”

If that solution involves working with an insurance company, the customer is welcome to make the call right in the shop on the courtesy phone. If that call raises questions, staff is there to help on the spot. As soon as the customer has a claim number, Carstar Duncan Isherwood takes over, dealing with the insurance company, taking photos, writing an estimate, arranging a rental car and handling all the necessary paperwork.

“We take care of everything,” Isherwood said, noting that when the job is complete, the customer’s car is as good as before the accident and, in some cases, even better.

“We often fix little dents and scrapes that we don’t get paid for, if we’re painting the panel

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anyway. We put extra care into every job and we always clean and detail every car before it leaves.” That kind of service has elicited hundreds of referrals and testimonials in the six years the shop has been in operation.

Isherwood started the compa ny a s h i s ow n employe e.

Today he employs nine people full-time and the business is still growing.

“We’ve really grown through customer referra l,” he sa id.

“Hopefully we do a good job on your car and you’ll tell your family and your friends about our good service. We have grown that way – totally organically.”

Isherwood started working as a volunteer in a body shop in Port Alberni while he was still in high school. There were no paying jobs to be had, but autobody work fascinated him and he d id every th ing includ ing sweeping the floors in order to learn the trade. He went on to Vancouver Community College to learn the trade formally and then apprenticed with a body shop in Burnaby. After he became a journeyman, he dreamed of owning his own shop. The

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19

FEBRUARY 2015

THE BUSINESS OF AGRICULTURE

COWICHAN VALLEY KATHY LACHMAN

W

Carstar Duncan Isherwood is part of a respected North America wide franchise KURT KNOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

Carstar Duncan Isherwood is an insurance collision repair specialist KURT KNOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

opportunity presented itself when Hemstock’s Autobody in Duncan came on the market.

It was a tiny shop, Isherwood recalled, but it had a paint booth and a few clients he could take over. So he moved his toolbox into the shop and got to work.

It wasn’t long before he had to hire his first employee and then move to larger premises in 2012.

In the early days, he got new

Official supplier of Rental Cars for ICBC & Carstar Duncan Isherwood

customers by networking and knocking on the doors of new and used car dealers.

“We continue to grow and I see no signs of slowing down,” he said. “I hope we continue to keep growing. Sooner or later we’re going to run out of room at our current location and we’ll have to look into moving to a larger, more modern space.” Meanwhile, he said he continues to

re-invest in the best equipment available. The future may even include multiple locations. In the meantime, Carstar Duncan Isherwood specializes in insurance claims, in the highest quality work, and in top quality customer service.

Carstar Duncan Isherwood is at 5440 Trans Canada Highway in Duncan. www.isherwoodautobody.com

Always proud to work with CARSTAR Duncan Isherwood

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hen we think of agriculture, we think of f ields of f r u its a nd vegetables, animals grazing in rural pastures, a setting that we can all love and appreciate.

There is a growing awareness of the importance of agriculture and the role farms and agribusinesses play in our ability to feed ourselves. Food self-sufficiency and the 100 Mile Diet are becoming household concepts. What we don’t often think about is the business of agriculture.

Agriculture is a business like any other. Agriculture can be thought of as a manufacturing facility. The fields, animals, barns and equipment are the tools (inputs) the business uses to produce products (outputs) that are sold to consumers. Farmers are business people and, like any other business person, looks for ways to maximize profits to make a living for their family and for their employees.

There are 685 farms in the Cowichan Region, which makes a huge contribution to the Cowichan Region economy. Gross fa r m re c eip t s i n 2010 were $48,069,900. In turn, those farms purchase goods and services from many other local businesses and contribute significantly to keeping those local businesses successful.

There are also sub-sectors of the agriculture industry that are not always considered traditional agriculture. Agri-tourism, value-added food processing and the equestrian sectors all contribute to the local economy and support local businesses as they too purchase many of the same local goods and services.

For many years now, the agriculture industry in the Cowichan Region has seen a steady decline as more imported food is consumed locally and making a living from agriculture becomes increasingly challenging. Farmers, like any other business, must look for ways to compete in what is now a global food marketplace.

This means doing more with less and adopting new strategies and revenue generating activities to keep the farm financially viable.

While new strategies may challenge the way people feel about

what are appropriate revenue generating activities, keeping farmers on the farm has to be a priority.

Some areas of tourism are becoming linked to farming as people not only want to know where their food comes from but also want to experience certain aspects of farming. They want to meet the farmer, see how the food is grown and perhaps experience a meal made with fresh, local food. Wine, cider and other spirits offer another kind of experience and tourists come to our region to get those experiences which in turn, financially supports the farmer and contributes significantly to the local economy. This has the added benefit of creating awareness around the importance of farming and protecting our farmland.

Value-added food processing is another potential strategy that can not only increase the financial resilience of a farm operation but can provide more local food for a growing population.

While individual farmers adopt new strategies to keep their business viable, farming co-operatives are developing new business models to assist. The Cowichan Valley Co-operative Marketplace is a co-operative of farmers who have created a non-profit cooperative. They recognize that as individuals they do not have the capacity and resources to adopt new strategies. As a collective, they can pool their resources and develop meaningful programs that assist them as individuals and the industry as a whole. One of their first initiatives is to develop an on-line marketplace that connects local food producers with local food purchasers. The on-line marketplace is a one stop shopping experience that will allow consumers to order a variety of food products by Wednesday and pick them up on Thursday afternoon at the Cowichan Green Community in Duncan. This allows farmers to sell their products through another sales channel which increases their revenue and success. The program is set to start June 1st and if you would like more information contact them at 250-748-8506 or email info@cow-op.ca.

T he business of farm ing is changing and communities will be challenged to change as well.

If farming is to be successful in this new marketplace, we must learn to embrace change and look at these new strategies as a positive evolution in the business of family farming.

Kathy Lachman is the acting Economic Development Manager for Economic Development Cowichan, a division of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. She can be reached at 250-746-7880 ext 248.

BE AWARDS

20

FEBRUARY 2015

“One of the other nominees in our category was McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson, one of the top legal firms on Vancouver Island, which has been the Tom Harris Group’s lawyers from the very beginning in the early 80’s.”

TOM HARRIS OF THE TOM HARRIS GROUP

Shawn Bishop, left, of Business Examiner Vancouver Island, presented Bailey Western Star Trucks Inc. of Campbell River the award for Automotive Company of the Year

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REAL ESTATE WEBMASTERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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His son Mike Johnston joined him in 1998, and in 2014, they welcomed Carla Boehm and Erin Gjelsvik to the firm as partners.

“Given the quality of the quality of the other nominees, we were both surprised but very pleased to win the Professional Company of the Year Award for Vancouver Island,” says Doug Johnston of Johnston, Johnston & Associates Ltd. “One of the other nominees in our category was McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson, one of the top legal firms on Vancouver Island, which has been the Tom Harris Group’s lawyers from the very beginning in the early 80’s,” he recalls. “Johnston Johnston & Associates has been the Tom Harris Group’s accountants from the very beginning in the early 80’s, and the two firms have worked very closely together for almost 35 years as Tom’s professional advisors, so Tom was somewhat conflicted on who he was favouring.”

Other category winners were: Agriculture Company of the Year: Daldas

Farms Ltd. of Black Creek.

Automotive Company of the Year: Bailey Western Star Trucks Inc. of Campbell River.

Construction/Development Company of the Year (Tie): Allterra Construction Ltd. of Victoria and Alair Homes of Nanaimo.

Entrepreneur of the Year: Atomique Productions Ltd. of Victoria.

Forestry/Wood Products Company of the Year: Coastland Wood Industries of Nanaimo.

Green Company of the Year: Fort Realty Ltd. of Victoria.

Health Company of the Year: Island Optimal Health and Performance of Nanaimo.

Hospitality/Tourism Company of the Year: Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort of Port McNeill.

Manufacturer of the Year: Viking Air of Sidney.

Ocean Products Company of the Year, sponsored by Grieg Seafood: Taste of BC Aquafarms Inc. Of Nanaimo.

Real Estate Company of the Year: Chard Development of Victoria.

SEE REAL ESTATE WEBMASTERS | PAGE 23

FEBRUARY 2015

Mark MacDonald, President of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd., provided closing remarks for the 15th annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards

BE AWARDS

21

Doug Johnston of Johnston, Johnston & Associates Ltd. receives the Professional Company of the Year award from Kevin Gillanders of RBC Royal Bank

For over 40 years we have recognized the hard work it takes to stand out in today’s business world.

Proud to be a Business Excellence Award winner.

#1-4488 Wellington Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2H3 P: 250.758.8383 F: 250.758.8380 www.jjacga.com

22

BE AWARDS

FEBRUARY 2015

PBX ENGINEERING WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE ALL OF THE FINALISTS AND AWARD RECIPIENTS AT THIS YEAR’S BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS GALA

TECHNOLOGY COMPANY OF THE YEAR www.pbxeng.com

Cascadia Liquor Stores, with five outlets on Vancouver Island, was named Retail Company of the Year

BE AWARDS

FEBRUARY 2015

23

REAL ESTATE WEBMASTERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Master of Ceremonies Astrid Braunschmidt, left, of CTV Vancouver Island, mingles with guests at the BE Awards

Retail Company of the Year: Cascadia Liquor of Victoria.

Technology Company of the Year: PBX Engineering Ltd. of Victoria.

Trades Company of the Year: Roc-Tech Contracting of Nanaimo.

Small Business of the Year Hoyne Brewing Company of Victoria is a small craft brewery focused on quality and integrity that has been in business for over three years, producing a wide variety of craft beer, primarily in the Victoria area, but also throughout B.C. Allterra Construction of Victoria tied with Alair Homes of Nanaimo for Construction/ Development Company of the Year.

Alair Homes was founded on Vancouver Island in 2007, and their mission then is the same as it is today. They provide clients with an entirely unique and completely transparent construction management process that creates homes and business spaces that are on time, on budget and exactly as envisioned. They have 31 other locations in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Arizona.

Health Company of the Year went to Island Optimal Health and Performance of Nanaimo,

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a multidisciplinary health care clinic and athletic development and fitness performance centre with three locations in Nanaimo. Their team includes doctors of Chiropractic, Naturopathic Doctors, Registered Massage Therapists, Athletic Therapists, Physical Therapists and Conditioning Coaches.

Ocean Products Company of the Year was Taste of BC Aquafarms Inc., owned by Steve and Janet Atkinson that is leading the way for sustainable salmon aquaculture by operating a land-based salmon farm. The farm produces steelhead salmon with very little offsite environmental impact.

R o c-Te ch Cont ra c t i n g Ltd. of Nanaimo was named Trades Company of the Year.

Roc Tech Contracting Ltd. is a team of qualified blasting professionals that have earned a reputation as one of the safest, most experienced drilling and blasting companies in the Pacific Northwest.

They’ve performed thousands of controlled blasts over their 23 years in business.

A full program of the event can be viewed at http://issuu. com/markmacdonald7/docs/ be_awards_book_2015lowrez/0

24

ACCOUNTING

NEW FAMILY TAX CUT

I

f you have children under 18, you w i l l probably b e i mpacted by some of t he tax changes announced by the federal government on October 30, 2014. Some changes take ef fect i n 2014 a nd others i n 2015.

New Family Tax Cut Credit Sta rti ng i n 2014, there is a new non-refundable tax credit resu lti ng i n up to $2,000 of ta x savings for couples with children under the age of 18.

To ca lcu l ate t he cred it, t he s p o u s e s f i rs t c a lc u l ate t h e combined ta x they would normally pay. They then determ i ne t he combi ned tota l t a x e s on t h e b a s i s t h at t h e higher-income spouse had notionally transferred one half of the difference in their taxable income (a maximum transfer of $50,000) to the lower-income spouse. The difference in taxes payable under these two ca lcu l at ion s w i l l equ a l the family tax cut credit that one of the spouses can claim.

If the difference is more than $2,000, the tax credit is limited to $2,000. This credit is being commonly referred to as “income splitting”.

To be eligible for this non-refundable credit, an individual must be a Canadian resident at the end of the year, have an el ig ible spouse (i nclud i ng a com mon-law pa rtner) a nd a child under 18 who ordinarily lives with the individual or the spouse throughout the year. To claim the credit, both spouses must file an income tax return and also must not elect to split a ny pension i ncome. Eit her spouse may claim the credit but not both.

Child Care Expense Deduction T he Ch i ld Ca re Ex pense Deduction allows parents to deduct child care expenses incurred to earn employment or business income, pursue education, or perform research.

Generally, the lower-income spouse (or a single parent) can claim the deduction.

C u r r e n t l y, t h e m a x i m u m

• $60 (from $0) per month for each ch i ld between six and seventeen

Joyce Smith, President and CEO of JA Smith and Associates amount that individuals can claim is limited to the least of: • the tota l a mou nt spent on child care expenses • two-th i rds of the lowe r-i n c o m e s p o u s e ’ s earned income, and • the total of the maximum dollar limits for all children, which are $7,000 per child under age seven, $4,000 for each child age seven to 16 (and infirm dependent children over age 16), and $10,000 for children who are elig ible for the Disabi l ity Tax Credit, regardless of their age.

Starting in 2015, these dollar limits will increase by $1,000 – i.e., from $7,000 to $8,000 p e r c h i l d u n d e r a ge s e ve n , from $4,000 to $5,000 for each child aged seven to 16 (and infirm dependent children over age 16), and from $10,000 to $11,000 for children who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.

Universal Child Care Benefit and Child Tax Credit T he u n iversa l ch i ld ca re benefit will increase to: • $ 16 0 ( f r o m $ 1 0 0) p e r mont h for each ch i ld under six

T he u n iversa l ch i ld ca re benefit is included in the income of the pa rent w ith the lower taxable income.

Both these changes will take e f f e c t s t a r t i n g i n Ja n u a r y 2015. T hese cha nges w i l l be reflected in monthly payments received starting in July 2015.

Federal Amount for Children The existing Child Tax Credit (available to individuals with c h i l d r e n u n d e r 1 8) w i l l b e eliminated in 2015. This credit was $2,255 per child in 2014, resulting in tax savings of up to $338. The Family Caregiver Tax Credit will continue to be available for caregivers of infirm dependent family members when the Child Tax Credit is repealed.

Children’s Fitness Amount Sta rti ng i n 2014, the ma ximum claim for the Children’s Fitness A mou nt i ncreases from $500 to $1,000 per child.

Money spent on eligible sport programs for children under 16 y e a r s o f a ge c o u n t s towards the Children’s Fitness Amount.

Sta r ti ng i n 2015, the Ch i ld ren’s Fit ness A mou nt w i l l become a refundable tax credit. T his helps ensure that all families will benefit from the tax savings.

N o c h a n g e h a s b e e n a nnounced to the Children’s Arts Amount.

Every year, the government announces important changes to how families pay taxes. To ensure you’re utilizing all the benefits available to you every year, speak with your professional accountant.

J.A. Smith & Associates Inc. is a team of dedicated professionals who provide reliable accounting, financial management and tax services to businesses and individuals.

They can be reached at 1-800-343-6133.

ne concrete since 2005”

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FEBRUARY 2015

WEBINAR AIMS TO HELP TENANTS UNCOMPLICATE COMMERCIAL LEASES Feb. 12 & 16 ‘What You Need To Know As A Commercial Tenant’ designed to simplify landlord language

H

aving problems unders t a nd i n g t h e c ommercial lease for yo u r pl a c e of b u s i n e s s?

Join the club.

Often, landlords present tenants with their ‘standard’ lease and ask them to sign it. It could include more than 40 densely worded pages of legalese.

Peter Morris of Greenstead Consulting Group, a certified and recognized retail property expert is introducing a free webinar titled: “What You Need To Know As A Commercial Tenant” aimed at helping tenants understand the process better. It will be offered Feb. 19 at 10 a.m., Feb. 23 at 4 p.m., March 3 at 2 p.m. and March 12 at 12 noon.

It covers various aspects of commercial real estate leasi n g a n d l e a s e m a n a ge m e nt and provides business owners, managers, real estate agents, accou nta nts, law yers a nd others with critical information about the commercial leasing process whether they are leasing retail, office or industrial/warehouse space.

Morris has worked in eight countries and lived in three (Canada, the USA and Indonesia) to bring a unique global perspective.

He has worked with institutional owners such as Cadillac Fairview and Brookfield Properties as well as in a third party capacity with Colliers International. He has over 30 years experience leasing over 5 million square feet of commercial space and administered to thousands of leases for most of the world’s top brands.

“Commercial real estate leasing is a complicated process that

few tenant occupiers truly comprehend,” says Morris. “That is understandable because leasing space is only one small aspect of the tenant’s business and many tenants only think about their lease when first locating their business or when the lease term is about to expire.

“While the occupier considers the lease process a minor part of their primary business it is the landlord’s full time occupation.

Unfortunately, this places them at a disadvantage when dealing with their negotiation and lease management.”

Morris notes that the initial leasing process contains at least 11 steps, starting with the original business plan and culminating with the opening of the space.

There are many considerations beyond location and size of the premises.

“There a many concepts that need to be understood in order to strike most appropriate deal and the lease itself is a complicated document. For example, consider the many different types of lease forms. There are carefree leases, triple net, modified net, gross, modified gross, so-called “green” leases and ground leases,” he adds.

Morris says typically, the landlord wants the tenant to assume as much of the landlord’s risk as possible, while the tenant doesn’t want any of the landlord’s risk.

“Many occupiers believe they only need to give the leasing process to one of their advisors, such as their lawyer, accountant or real estate agent, in order to get the best lease possible,” Morris states. “The reality is that while each one of these have a specific role to play in the overall process, none are properly equipped to handle all aspects. And ultimately, it is the responsibility of the occupier to direct their actions and make the final decisions.”

To register for the free webinar, emailAdmin@GreensteadCG. com

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26

FEBRUARY 2015

HEROLD ENGINEERING MARKS 20 SUCCESSFUL YEARS “And why do people come Local award-winning firm continues to grow and thrive

to us? They like us. We’re fun. We’re honest and professional in what we

N

A NA IMO - T his year, Herold Engineering L i m ite d i n N a n a i m o celebrates 20 years in business.

During those two decades the company has grown from a single person, company founder Mike Herold, working from his home office, to a staff of 65 with branch offices in Victoria and Fort Nelson.

Herold founded the company

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do – and we give back to the community.”

MIKE HEROLD FOUNDER, HEROLD ENGINEERING LIMITED.

when Duncan & Associates where he was a partner, was bought by a larger firm from Winnipeg. Through no one’s fault, the merger simply didn’t work out, Herold said. When his friend and partner left the company, Herold quit – and he did so with a great deal of confidence.

“I never worried about finding work,” he said. “I think I do well with the clients. And I never really had a vision of where I was going. I just started working out of my house and picking up work from my old clients.” It didn’t take long before the house got crowded. First he hired one employee, then another and then he opened an office on Stewart

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Congratulations Herold Engineering as you celebrate 20 years in business!

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Herold Engineering worked on the new Nanaimo City Hall Annex Avenue.

By 1998, the company had 10 employees and Herold thought it would never get any larger. Of course, he was very wrong.

“It’s not that I wanted to grow to 65 people,” he said. “It’s not because I had a vision – it’s because I like hiring good people and I always feel optimistic that there will be enough work for them. Getting work isn’t necessarily the challenge – it’s doing it well. You have to do your work economically and fairly and well.” He added that the only time the company ever expanded strategically, rather than organically, was in 2000 when it moved into civil engineering. One of the partners, George Hrabowych excelled in that side of the business and it made sense to add civil to the company’s offerings.

Herold said that the company’s growth and success has been built on relationships.

“I think relationships is what is important in everything in life.

I’m very strong on that. And we have to hustle. We don’t just sit back and live on our past glories, and I don’t feel you can be sustainable just on being the lowest

Herold Engineering supports many minor sports teams bidder. We’re not the cheapest in town. We get paid fairly for what we do. But we can’t increase our fees because we think we’re a good firm. We have to be competitive and always think that way. And why do people come to us? They like us. We’re fun. We’re honest and professional in what we do – and we give back to the community.”

In fact, the list of the company’s

community contributions is a long one. Herold Engineering contributes to and sponsors many minor sports teams. It has donated time and expertise to the city with pedestrian bridges in local parks. It donated time to the bandshell in Maffeo Sutton Park along with many other local projects.

“The community supports us and that’s how we give back,”

Congratulations Herold Engineering We look forward to working together for another 20 years.

Join our team. Apply online.

KINETICCONSTRUCTION.COM

27

FEBRUARY 2015

Herold Engineering is known for its work on School District projects such as Wellington Secondary Herold said, noting that the company has supported Vancouver Island University for many years with scholarships and many fundraising events.

“It’s not ab out how much money you can make,” he said.

“It’s giving back to the community too – and that comes from the heart. We really feel that way, that you have to give in life. We help where we can.”

Support and help are also the watchwords when it comes to how Herold Engineering deals with its employees. Controller Christine Lohr has been with the company since the beginning. In fact, she worked with Mike Herold at his old company before he founded his own.

“T hey t reat u s rea l ly wel l here,” Lohr said. “Mike has always treated the staff with utmost respect and consideration.

It is always about family first.

There’s a sense of community in the office; everybody contributes and tries to do their best, and they’re rewarded and appreciated in return. That’s the environment Mike strives for and it continues to this day.”

Herold pointed out that it’s not just one thing that has made the company successful – it’s a combination of things and that boils down to the staff, management, owners, and what the company is and what it stands for, not only

Congratulations Herold Engineering on 20 Years of Service 250-390-2122 1-800-665-5446 www.hitec.ca

Some of Herold Engineering’s award-winning projects include:

Mike Herold says the new Craigflower Bridge was a recent favourite project

Saltspring Island Library: 2013 “Community Recognition Award” – Wood WORKS! BC Klahoose First Nation New Relat ionsh ip Bu i ld i ng / Multi-Centre: • 2013 “Award for Institutional Wood Design: Small” – Wood WORKS! BC • 2011 “LEED Silver” – Vancouver Regional Construction Association Award of Excellence

what it does.

“Our success is our people,” he said.

Herold Engineering is a civil and structural engineering firm that is known for buildings, bridges, municipal infrastructure and marine work all over the province. It also specializes in fire halls that it builds all across British Columbia. Most of the company’s work, however is on Vancouver Island. It works with municipalities, First Nations communities, the forest industry, developers, homeowners, school districts, hospitals and the Department of National Defense. Herold Engineering is also known for building envelope engineering and seismic upgrades,

Congratulations to Mike and Herold Engineering on your 20th year in business.

We have enjoyed working with you from the very beginning and wishing you continued success.

particularly to various schools on the island. The firm also specializes in connection designs for steel work.

The Victoria office is staffed by more than a dozen people while the Fort Nelson office is manned by one person.

Notable recent projects include the Nanaimo City Hall Annex, the Craigflower Bridge replacement in Victoria, the Nanaimo Cruise Shop Terminal building and water and sewer infrastructure upgrades for the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

“The Craigflower Bridge was very dear to my heart because it’s on the gorge,” Herold said. “It’s SEE HEROLD ENGINEERING | PAGE 28

VanDusen Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre: • 2013 “Wood Innovation” – Wood WORKS! BC • 2012 “Award for Community or Residential Structures” – The Institution of Structural Engineers Cowichan Valley Housing and Resource Centre: • 2 0 1 2 “ L E E D G o l d ” SEE AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS | PAGE 28

Congratulations on your 20th Anniversary!

Congratulations on 20 Fine Years, from your friends at RB Engineering

250-951-1875 • westcoastdiving.ca

rbengineering.ca

CONSTRUCTION • SALVAGE & INSPECTION

28 AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

– Canadian Green Building Council Nanaimo Cruise Ship Terminal: • 2 01 2 “B est Com merci a l Wo o d D e s i g n” – Wo o d WORKS! BC Ladysmith Community Services Centre: • 2012 “LEED Gold” – LEED Canada Church Road Transfer Station: • 2 012 “LEED Gold” – Canad ia n Green Bu i ld i ng Council Tillicum Lelum Safe House: • 2012 “LEED Silver” – Canad ia n Green Bu i ld i ng Council Coquitlam Town Centre Fire Station Addition: • 2011 “Notable Renovation“ Station Style Design Awards – Fire Chief Magazine Villa Rose Multi-Family Condom i n iu m s Wit h Reta i l Space: • 2 010 “Best Multi-Family” – ICF (Insulating Concrete Forms) Builder Award Nanaimo Fire Station No. 4: • 2 009 “Satellite Notable” Station Style Design Awards – Fire Chief Magazine Green Nanaimo Award – City of Nanaimo Sterling Award Winner: • 2 0 0 9 “Aw a r d fo r C o nstruction and Contracting”

FEBRUARY 2015

– Na n a i mo Ch a mb er of Commerce Oliver Woods Com munity Centre: • 2009 “LEED Silver” – Vancouver Regional Construction Association Award of Excellence 2009 “Facility of Excellence” – British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association 1 25 Wa l l ace St reet O f f ice Building, Nanaimo: • 2 0 0 8 “ L E E D S i l v e r ” – Canadian Green Building Council • 2 008 “Award of Merit” – Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards Ladysmith RCMP: 2008 “Award of Merit” – Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards Nanaimo Ice Centre: • 2007 “Silver Award of Excellence” – Vancouver Regional Construction Association Hamilton Fire Hall: • 2007 “LEED Gold” – Canad ia n Green Bu i ld i ng Council • 2 007 “Honour Award for Constructed Fire Station Projects” – FIERO Herold Engineering Office Building: • 2004 “Commercial Design Award” – City of Nanaimo Tamarac Street Bridge, Campbell River

Smart Solutions for a Complex World Tetra Tech EBA provides consulting, engineering, project management, construction, and technical services for water, environment, energy, and infrastructure.

Congratulations to Herold Engineering on their 20 Years in Business and continued success.

Cheers!

tetratech.com/canada eba.ca

The Central Saanich Firehall was a recent Herold Engineering project

HEROLD ENGINEERING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

a beautiful waterway and it’s my old home stomping ground.”

The company is also currently completing the Jutland office building in Victoria for Jawl Properties, a prominent Victoria developer. It also completed work on the Church Road Transfer Station for the Nanaimo Regional District, and is currently involved in the #5 Fire Hall in Vancouver that included a residential component, as well as various projects for the Graving Dock in Victoria.

Company principal Lee Rowley, who has been with the firm for 10 years, said it is a company he is proud to work for.

“We’ve created an environment it’s enjoyable to work in.

We do interesting projects and we try to keep things interesting. And it’s a fun environment.”

He added that he is also proud of Herold Engineering’s community involvement and it’s encouragement for staff who want to be involved in the community.

When it comes to clients, the firm works at matching the client with the right people.

“We try to align the client’s needs with the appropriate staff member so that the chemistry works, and that strengthens the bond between the client and the consultant.”

As for the future of the firm, Rowley said that would be hard

The Nanaimo Cruise Ship Terminal was named “Best Commercial Wood Design” in 2012 to predict.

“We have a great succession plan. We have new partners on board and they will be helping to take us to the next step. What we like to do is grow organically.

If it’s a good fit to move into a different marketplace, we try to capitalize on that – but it has to feel right. We have a reputation for being very diverse in the services we provide and I think that is going to continue. We will certainly remain as flexible and adaptable as we can to suit the marketplace coming up in the future.”

Herold agreed that he can’t say where the company is going in the future, other than it will continue to do exemplary work and grow if an opportunity presents itself.

“We’ve never sat back a nd

said, ‘Hey, we want to grow.’ If we think there’s a market niche, we’ll go there.” Most importantly, he said that growth is still all about the people.

“You don’t turn away good people – if they’re special, let’s hire them and see if we can get enough work to sustain that. Our whole philosophy is our people and wanting our people to meet our clients. We like to think of all our people as marketers. I think that is success – when clients want to work with our staff, not just the partners. One day, those people may take over the company and we want them to develop the skills to do that.”

H e rold E n g i n e e r i n g L i mited is at 3701 Shenton Road in Nanaimo. www.heroldengineering.com

R.W. ( Bob) Wall Ltd.

KPL James architecture Providing Architectural Services to Vancouver Island since 1906

Congratulations on 20 great years from everyone at Unitech Constrution

250-388-4261

info@kpljames.com

www.unitechcm.ca 604 943 8845

Congratulations Herold on your 20th year in Business www.bobwallcontracting.com

(250) 756-2707

YOU ASKED QUESTIONS. WE HAVE ANSWERS.

30

FEBRUARY 2015

EVERYTHING FOR THE FOOD STORE EXCEPT THE FOOD “We have competitors but Raimac Industries is a onestop shop for food retailers

“E

verything for the Food Store except the food.”

So says the motto for Raimac Industries Ltd. – and this is one case where the motto can be taken very literally indeed.

Not only does the company have all the equipment and fixtures a large or small retail outlet may need, but it can also help store owners design the layout of their store, provide valuable advice on efficiency planning, and install and service major equipment.

Raimac Industries has new, used and refu rbished equ ipment: everything from large refrigeration cases to the plastic baskets shoppers carry down the aisles to the rubber mats cashiers stand on to help prevent fatigue.

Raimac’s departments include: • Refrigeration Case Repair and Refurbishing • Equipment Repair • Parts and Service • Shipping and Receiving • A c c o u n t i n g a n d Purchasing • Test/Demo Kitchen with A lto-Shaa m, R ationa l, Electro Freeze, and Giles/ Chesters Equipment • Inside Sales/ Showroom Floor Founded by two partners in 1917, Raimac Industries is approaching its 100th anniversary.

Account manager and one of four principals, Gordon Gage, said that in the early days the company sold a few items to the butcher industry like band saw blades, cutlery and parts for meat grinders.

“Over the years it has evolved into a one-stop shop,” he said, noting that Raimac covers all of British Columbia, with its head office in Vancouver and with sales agents located throughout the province, including Vancouver Island. Raimac Industries also has accounts with major retailers throughout Western

we really don’t have any competition in the whole one-stop shop concept.

There really isn’t anybody else out there that has everything that we do.”

GORDON GAGE ACCOUNT MANAGER AND PRINCIPAL, RAIMAC INDUSTRIES LTD.

Canada. It has proprietary lines that are exclusive in BC and Alberta as well as an exclusive line for all of Canada outside the greater Toronto area.

“We are quite widespread but we focus mainly on BC and Alberta,” Gage said. “We have competitors but we really don’t have any competition in the whole one-stop shop concept.

There really isn’t anybody else out there that has everything that we do.” He noted that through the years, Raimac Industries has become known for supporting independent retailers. On Vancouver Island for instance, the company deals with Quality Foods, Country Grocer, Fairway Foods, Village Food Markets and many small, independent food retailers.

“Raimac’s focus over the years was always the independent retailer,” Gage said. “That has been the backbone of our business; those are the people that have supported us and we are the company that has supported them.”

He added that the company has accounts that have been passed on through multiple generations.

“The fathers started the business and ran it for 20 or 30 years and the kids have taken over and they’re still our accounts – it’s

Raimac Industries is a complete one-stop shop for all food retailer needs

Gordon Gage says that Raimac builds long term relationships with its customers pretty good that way.”

Raimac Industries is also known for supporting a business from its very beginnings. Gage said that the company is not interested in making a quick sale: its goal is to build long-term relationships and to help its clients out every step of the way. The company doesn’t just sell equipment, it installs it and services it as well, using in-house experts and reliable, trained sub contractors it has worked with for years.

A company just starting out can call Raimac and begin with a

Raimac Industries sells all the small equipment a food retailer needs consultation and concept design.

Raimac has experts in all aspects of the industry from concept to design and layout drawings. The company sees the project through right to opening the doors. For a location on Vancouver Island, everything is freighted over and installed by experts.

Raimac Industries has had a strong presence on Vancouver Island for more than 40 years with a sales representative in Victoria looking after the territory. Gage said that Raimac can foresee many more successful years ahead for the company.

“We’ve been around for a lot

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of years. We’re not there to take the customer’s money and run – we’re here to create long-term business relationships with our customers. I think that’s what has kept us in business for so many years.” He added that the salesmen are far more than that – in reality, they are consultants.

“We want them to be consultants for the clients so that they feel comfortable making decisions – and knowing they have made the right decision based on the information our people provide them with. It makes a real difference.” www.raimac.com

SALES

FEBRUARY 2015

FATAL ERRORS AND RESULTS Managing everyone the same way will result in frustration, lack of clarity, and missed opportunities

SALES

for growth in the ability to sell

JOHN GLENNON

S

uccessful sales managers are leaders. Knowing how to inspire, motivate, coach and hold sales people accou ntable for thei r behaviors is the foundation for improving sales. Skill sets for success as a sales manager are not the same as skill sets for successful sales people. In some cases it’s not surprising that unskilled sales managers with no training can commit many fatal errors without recognizing why s a l e s f a i l to i n c r e a s e .

Here are thirteen for your consideration. #1 Refuse to accept personal accountability for the behaviors and production of your sales force.

S p e n d i n g t i m e b l a ming the sales people, the market, the economy, the product or the company will never increase sales.

Accepting these excuses from sales people does them a disservice, as well. #2 Neglect to develop the sales people you manage.

T he top job of the sales manager is not to sell. It isn’t even to “get sa les up.” It is to develop the sales people on the team.

The problem with promoting the best producing sales person to the sales management position is that he may think sales would go up if everyone sold the way he did when he was the top producer.

It is rarely so. #3 Focusing on the resu lts rather tha n the behavior, attitudes and beliefs. Results are clear to e ve r yo n e. K n o w i n g what behaviors, attitudes and beliefs enable sellers to sell is the first step. The second step i s to k now how to change the things that get in the way. # 4 D o n’t u s e a l l t h e data you can get. Evaluate your sales people. It just doesn’t make sense to stay in the dark when highly accurate, dependable assessment tools will tell you precisely how and why your sales people sell or don’t.

#5 Manage all your sales p e o p l e t h e s a m e w a y.

Managing everyone the sa me way w i l l resu lt i n frustration, lack of clarity, and missed opportunities for growth in the ability to sell. #6 Forget the importance of profit. Sales volume is not the indicator of success. Dropping the price may get the sale, but it leads to leaner margins, lack of confidence and a poorly performing sales force. #7 Focus on the problems rather than the objective. Know your target m a rke t a nd l i m it yo u r

presentations to qua l ified prospects. Learn as much as you can about the prospects in your target market. #8 Being a buddy rather than a coach. Your sales force wa nts to get better. If they don’t, see #11.

Sales people need a mentor, a coach, to spur them to l e ave t h e i r c om for t zone to find new success. #9 Don’t set standards and never rank your sales people by anything other t h a n revenue. Wit hout clear expectations, without t he awa reness t hat there are varieties of ways to succeed, and without the knowledge of where they stand, sales people flounder into isolation and alienation. #10 Ne ve r t ra i n yo u r sa les people. T h i n k i ng you know everything the sales team needs to know about sales limits them to your experience. Without continual refinement in the rapidly changing m a rketplace, you ca n find yourself unprepared to meet unexpected challenges. #11 Condone incompetence. Sa les people ca n actually believe their lack of competent performance is acceptable when there are no consequences for poor performance. What are you doing to implement a n accou ntability process? #12 Recognize only the top revenu e pro duc ers and then only once a year at b onu s t i me. Fa i lu re to s e e t h e te a m a s t h e reason for sales success leads to isolation, lack of ca ma raderie. Recog n ition of everyone’s efforts strengthens the team and leads to greater initiative. #13 A lways see conditions instead of obstacles.

Seeing a down market (or anything that gets in the way of b u si ne ss) a s a n unchangeable condition l e a d s t o e x c u s e-m a ki ng. Accepti ng excuses de-mot ivates t he sa les force.

Copyright 2014 Sandler Training and Insight Sales Consulting Inc. All rights reserved.

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

31

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32

FEBRUARY 2015

COAST GLASS COAST CLOSETS CLOCKS 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS “I will do it at night, I Vancouver Island company is known for exceptional service and quality

P

A R KSV ILLE - As Coast Glass Coast Closets celebrates 30 years in business, founder and president Murray Schweighardt attributes h is company’s longevity, first and foremost, to impeccable service.

“If it’s at all possible, we’ll make it happen,” he said. “If we don’t have the product from the supplier yet, obviously there’s nothing we can do, but if it’s here and it’s just a scheduling thing, I will do it at night, I will do it on the weekend – I will do whatever is necessary to make it happen to get the customer out of a bind.”

Along with service comes quality. Schweighardt said that after 30 years, he has eliminated all the suppliers whose standards don’t match his own. Coast Glass uses only the best products on the market. As for quality of work, Schweighardt has trained his staff well – and they know that all the work must pass by his high expectations.

Schweig ha rdt fou nded the company with a friend who had experience in the glass field and wanted a company of his own.

will do it on the weekend – I will do whatever is necessary to make it happen to get the customer out of a bind.”

MURRAY SCHWEIGHARDT FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, COAST GLASS COAST CLOSETS

Coast Glass installs sturdy glass railings Schweighardt thought the idea might fly and worked for him for a short while before buying half the company. Eighteen months later, Schweighardt’s partner turned over his half of the company to him and he was on his own.

Back then, Coast Glass operated out of 1,000 sq. ft. of rental space and had only one employee.

Today, Coast Glass employs six people and owns two buildings: 2,900 sq. ft. for its glass shop and showroom and another 1,800 sq. ft. for the closet side of the business.

Schweighardt branched into closets in 1995. He said that at that time a big part of the market for glass was in spec housing.

“I used to go out and do sales calls,” he said. “I would get the sales on the mirrors and wondered, what else could I be selling at the same time? And it had to be something that would be at the end of the project.” His investigations revealed that many of the builders weren’t happy with their closet supplier and installer

and so he turned his hand to that.

Because his rental space wasn’t large enough, he built the closets in his garage at home.

By 1997, he had to expand into the larger quarters the company occupies today. At that time, he outfitted the upstairs mezzanine for manufacturing closets.

“At the end of a day, a truck would drop off a lift of ¾-inch melamine and after everybody went home, I would pack those sheets up the stairs to the mezzanine, one sheet at a time. Then I would be building the orders, sometimes until midnight because they were scheduled to go out the next morning. There were days I didn’t go home at night – I worked round the clock to get it done, because I had promised people that it would be installed on a particular day.”

Eventually, he bought a forklift and extended the mezzanine.

When he needed even more space for the growing business, he bought his second building.

Today, Coast Glass Coast Closets is still thriving and growing.

Glass showers and shower doors are a Coast Glass speciality

Congratulations Murray we look forward

To Be the Trusted and Knowledgeable Fabricator For the Industries We Serve Congratulations Coast Glass on your many years in business.

604-420-4527 www.garibaldiglass.com

to working with you for the next 30!

Strata Management, Property Management, Maintenance and Renovation Specialists for Oceanside; give us a call or email to learn more.

www.thekerrgroup.ca 250.586.1100 info@thekerrgroup.ca

33

FEBRUARY 2015

Coast Closets is known for its storage solutions in including walk-in closets

Murray Schweighardt does what it takes to meet customer deadlines

Coast Glass creates beautiful glass railings

The company offers all kinds of storage solutions

Coast Glass supplies and installs custom walk-in showers, shower doors, vinyl windows, floor-toceiling mirror walls, glass backsplashes, vanity mirrors, and flat glass tabletops. It also does marine and auto glass including rock chip repair.

Coast Glass creates and installs every shower door circumstances specify. It also builds and installs hanging glass panels to create

today’s leading edge walk-in glass showers including heavy 10mm frameless shower doors or semi-framed doors with traditional clear or opaque glass doors or tub enclosures.

Coast Glass is also renowned for full height ceiling to backsplash bathroom mirrors as well as gym walls with custom cutouts. The company also custom designs any size or shape of flat

glass for the home or office: table tops in 10mm or 6mm thickness, bevelled or pencil edge glass, obscure, painted or patterned glass.

Glass stair railings are another specialty.

The closet division of the company creates solutions for every storage need in the home or office. Coast Closets works with ¾-inch melamine that supports the heaviest loads with ease and is available in both standard and customized finishes. Storage solutions include walk-in and reach-in closets, pantries including butler’s pantries, pullouts in kitchens, islands, garage solutions and complete offices.

Schweighardt noted that no job is too large or too small. Coast Closets offers an immense selection of accessories for storage areas. Accessories from Coast Closets might include tie and belt racks, jewel r y storage, fold down or pull down ironing boards for the laundry room, full length mirrors for the backs of closet doors, and wicker or wire baskets.

After 30 years of providing all manner of glass and storage solutions, Schweighardt said, “We’re not going anywhere – 90 per cent of our business is repeat and referral. If it’s somebody new when I come through the door, the first thing I hear is, ‘Wow! You’re on time!’ The second thing I hear is, ‘You did a job for a friend and he said I should call you and I also had the plumber in and he said I should call you.’” He added that he also has the good fortune to work with some of the best contractors in the area.

He said that his best advice to people who are engaged in a renovation and they don’t know who to use is to ask people.

Coast Glass Coast Closets employs excellent people who have adopted Schweighardt’s impeccable work ethic. Schweighardt said that as a team, those people will continue to help the company grow and thrive and deliver the service and products people have come to expect from Coast Glass.

Coast Glass Coast Closets is at 1002 Herring Gull Way in Parksville. www.coastglass.ca

HIGHWAY FOUR

RENTALS

.COM

Parksville Phone: 250-927-9182 est 1947

Congratulations on achieving years of success

30

www.aebigpaintingandfinefinishing.ca

250-758-6372

Shower and Bath Enclosures Delta BC 604-940-5562 www.shodor.ca info@shodor.ca Congratulations to Murray and Coast Glass

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE EXCEPTIONAL TEAM AT COAST GLASS.

250-240-1100

Congratulations

COAST GLASS

on your 30th Anniversary

SCAMS TO WATCH FOR ...in 2015 In the world of scams what goes around comes around.

There really are very few "new" scams circulating out there these days. There may be subtle new twists on a scam, or rather the face of the scam might seem fresh, but more or less, all the scams out there these days are trying to: a) steal your money; b) steal your identity, so they can later steal your money; or Rosalind Scott, BBBVI President & CEO

c) install viruses, spyware and malware on your computer devices, tablets and smart phones.

Keep your eyes open this year for these tried and true scams that impact thousands of victims each year:

a special thanks to our

Community Partners

to

Directory Invoice Scams Local companies are being aggressively targeted via fax and email with fake invoices that appear at first glance to be for advertising in a popular business directory. Businesses who pay the fake invoice, or fill out the contact form attached, find themselves contractually agreeing to purchase costly advertising in a virtually unknown online directory.

Masquerades Many computer virus and phishing scams masquerade as the emails or websites of legitimate businesses and organizations. Using the logo and good name of reputable charities, non-profits, banks, government agencies and businesses, scam artists send out a variety of legitimate looking, but fake links designed to get you to click on them so that they can install malware on your computer or steal your private information (such as passwords and account information).

Unauthorized Billing Scams Both consumers and businesses are finding themselves victims of a variety of different billing scams. In these scams the victims find that their credit card statements include minor charges for unknown products or services. Scammers using the guise of a fake business charge stolen credit card numbers small amounts of money (under $10) assuming that most cardholders won’t notice the relatively small purchase.

*Trade-mark of the Council of Better Business Bureaus used under license.

Trending Click Bait Scams Scammers use popular or “trending” news and entertainment topics to trick people into clicking on fake links to videos, images and posts embedded in social media sites, on websites and in emails. The fake links often result in malicious viruses, malware and spyware being downloaded onto computers, tablets and smart phones. In some cases, the link takes you to what appears to be a login page to your own social media account, but really it is a fake page intended to steal your login information and to hack into your account.

Do you know of a business that stands out from the crowd?

Computer Virus Telemarketing Scam Telemarketers fraudulently claiming to represent Microsoft contact businesses and homeowners to inform them that their computer has been infected with a virus. In order to “fix” the problem, the victim is directed to a website, asked to provide their credit card information as payment, and told to download an anti-virus program. In reality there is no computer virus. Victims are giving out their credit card information to scammers, paying for an unnecessary service and downloading spyware onto their computer.

For more tips on scams and frauds or for information about becoming a BBB Accredited Business visit our website: bbb.org/vancouver-island.

Nominate a Business for a Torch Award

Nominate them for a BBB Torch Award.

Visit bbb.org/

vancouver-island for details. *Note: We also accept business-to-business nominations.

WELCOME OUR NEWEST ACCREDITED BUSINESSES For more information on becoming a BBB Accredited Business call: 250.386.6348 ext. 105 or 115.

Become an Accredited Business

Brainy Girl Virtual Assistant (Victoria) Chemistry Consulting Group-Business & HR Consulting (Victoria) Cowichan Canine (Duncan) D H Contracting (Nanaimo) Freeze Right Marine Ltd. (Queen Charlotte Islands) Friendly Giant Window & Gutter Cleaning (Victoria)

Moving on UP Home Solutions (Victoria) Richlock Rentals & Sales (Sidney) Sweenie Moving Ltd. (Brentwood Bay) The Junk Box Rubbish Removal (Victoria) Van Isle Shrink Wrap (Sidney) West Coast Technical Services (Ladysmith)

COMOX VALLEY

FEBRUARY 2015

35

CHAMBER UNDERTAKES BIG INITIATIVES FOR COMOX VALLEY Since April 2014, our Comox Valley Governance Review Task Force has been working to collect 5000 signatures

COMOX VALLEY DIANNE HAWKINS

from residents for the Governance Review petition

T

his past January, we supported Hans Peter Meyer and his #WeAreYQQ Speaker Series featuring Nik Badminton.

This exciting multi-series focuses on bringing technical tools to help grow and support local businesses in the Comox Valley.

This February 23, Jayesh Parmar

will share his personal experiences of being a Saskatoon startup to Silicon Valley business and discuss how thinking beyond local markets can create value to small city talent. Join us at the Comox Valley Art Gallery from 7. to 9 p.m. for Thinking BIGger.

O u r Cha mber Showcase is February 27 at Crown Isle Resort. Have you purchased your table yet? Open to members and non-members, the Chamber Showcase hosts more than 40 local exhibitors and provides the opportunity to promote their products a nd serv ices. T h is event is the ideal venue if you are a new business to the Valley or an entrepreneur that works from home. Admission to the general public is free with an exciting chance to win an iPad 2.

A warm welcome goes to our new members joining the chamber family as of January. Quinsam

Communications Group, Harmonic Arts Botanical Dispensary, Duduza Bed and Bath Inc., Medium Rare Interactive Inc. and Uniglobe Alliance Travel Ltd. – we look forward to supporting you and the future of your businesses.

On January 15, we were pleased to partner with MNP LLP and the Comox Valley Economic Development Society to publically release the results of the MNP Business Leaders Survey and opened discussion about the local business climate, economic outlooks and other factors related to doing business in the Comox Valley.

One of the survey’s questions invited input around the notion of a governance review by asking, “Do you support or oppose the idea of conducting an independent review of the local government structure in the Comox Valley to see if alternatives would

better serve the area?” Out of 200 local business leaders surveyed, 88 per cent supported the idea of conducting a governance review.

Since April 2014, our Comox Va l l e y G ove r n a nc e R e v i e w Task Force has been working to collect 5,000 signatures from residents for the Governance Review petition. Their efforts have taken them to the Comox Centre Mall, retail businesses and door-to-door visits with one mission – to initiate a request for a study and have a joint committee established to oversee the review process. So far, we have collected close to 2000 signatures to date.

Dianne Hawkins is president and CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at dhawkins@comoxvalleychamber. comcomoxvalleychamber.com

2014 CONSTRUCTION STATISTICS FOR COMOX VALLEY AND CAMPBELL RIVER SUMMARY

200-457 Cliffe Avenue, CourTENAY s !CROSS FROM THE 3ID 7ILLIAMS 4HEATRE

BUILDING LINKS CLARICE COTY

E

very year, Building Links compiles a review of the construction statistics in the Campbell River and Comox Valley region. In 2014, the year ended with a 25% increase in construction values for the Comox Valley and Campbell River region, totaling $211.7 million.

This represents an increase of $42.5 million. All communities showed increases in the construction of single family homes with the exception of Campbell River, which was down slightly by 10 per cent or 14 permits for the year.

Construction for single family homes is expected to increase slightly for 2015 in all municipalities as new lot inventory is released onto the market. Demand for workers as a result of the Vancouver Island Hospitals Project and the replacement of the John Hart Dam Generating Station is expected to increase construction values significantly in 2015. The influx of new workers for these projects are expected to increase demand for single family dwellings, patio homes, duplexes and homes

Berwick Retirement facilty rendering with secondary suites in Campbell River and the Comox Valley.

2015 is off to a fast paced start with construction as multiple b u i ld i n g p er m its a re b ei n g issued totalling millions of dollars in January and February.

Courtenay has issued a permit for a multi-family condominium project, totalling almost $4 million; Comox has issued a building permit for multifamily duplex and townhouse project totalling $4.3 million and new building permits in C a m p b e l l R Iv e r h a v e b e e n issued for commercial projects totalling over $1 million. The Comox Valley Regional District has also issued permits totalling almost $1 million for commercial project. All municipalities have issued permits for new family housing.

The Comfort Inn and Suites, a new hotel in Campbell River, plans to open its 58 room westcoast style hotel on March 13, 2015. Some outside siding and i nterior f i n ish i ng is u nderway, as is the landscaping. The

four-storey hotel is located at 1357 Shoppers Row and almost a l l 58 rooms w i l l featu re a n ocean view. The building also contains an indoor pool, sauna, exercise room, breakfast room a nd meet i ng faci l it ies. T he building will be approximately 35,000 square feet in size; all of the rooms will have ocean views.

Also, in Campbell River, construction is now complete on the 132-unit, state-of-the-art Berwick Retirement faci l ity in downtown Campbell River.

The facility officially opened on October 27, 2014. At the time, 80 of the 132 rooms had been reserved, and the majority of those residents have now moved in. This $24 million, six-storey building is situated on the corner of 16th Avenue and Roberts’ Reach.

Clarice Coty is the editor of Building Links. For more information, go to www.buildinglinks.ca to receive four FREE issues.

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INVENTING

36

Harper Government Invests in Recreational Fisheries Conservation Projects in Nanaimo-Alberni

O

n Vancouver Island, the federal government partnered with the Central Westcoast Forest Society, Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society and Nuu-Chah-Nulth/WCVI Aquatic Management Society to undertake fish habitat improvements along the Taylor River and Roger Creek, Shelly Creek, and Tofino-area creeks. Member of Parliament Dr. James Lunney, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, highlighted today the Government of Canada’s investment through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP) of up to $439,671 in these projects.

As part of the National Conservation Plan, the RFCPP was created to restore Canada’s waterways and to ensure sustainability and ongoing productivity of our recreational fisheries. Given its success in ensuring a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country, and the high demand, the Government of Canada increased the investment in the Economic Action Plan 2014 to a total of $25 million.

Under the third round of the RFCPP, up to $2,587,043 has been made available for 30 projects in British Columbia.

The Central Westcoast Forest Society is receiving up to $118,152

to restore salmon spawning and rearing habitat in creeks within the District of Tofino. The project will replace damaged culverts and other barriers to fish, place new spawning gravel, create structures to provide cover and shade for fish and replant vegetation on creek banks. The Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society is receiving up to $47,000 to plan and implement a restoration program for Shelly Creek, a tributary of the Englishman River. This includes improving and stabilizing the creek’s banks, planting riparian vegetation and replacing culverts to improve fish passage and reduce erosion of the streambed.

The Nuu-Chah-Nulth/WCVI Aquatic Management Society is receiving funding for the following three projects: Up to $83,755 to address the limited spawning and rearing habitat in the upper Taylor River in the area known as the Borrow Pits. Up to $140,000 to improve habitat in the area of Roger Creek that flows through the City of Port Alberni. Up to $50,764 to increase the availability and quality of fish habitat in the Taylor River’s Glulam groundwater channel.

Since the launch of the program, over $18 million has already been committed to more than 300 projects across Canada.

NORTHERN ROPES & Industrial Supply Ltd.

Industrial & Safety Supplies Fire Ext. Charging & Testing, Complete Wire Rope Rigging Shop Campbell River, B.C.

Courtenay, B.C.

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Ph: 250-334-3707 Fx: 250-334-3721

FEBRUARY 2015

BACKATYA A substantial number of training devices have been devised that return a sports ball to the user

INVENTING

when propelled against the device

ANNE FLANAGAN

M

any ath letes need to spend hours improving their throwing and catching. This can be done in practices or may be done alone, as long as there is a suitable su rface to t h row aga i nst. A substantial number of training devices have been devised that return a sports ball to the user when propelled against the device.

A nu mber of these dev ices utilize a variety of nets or elastic membranes. These tend to stretch and wear out over time.

This means that there is a lack of consistency i n the retu rn of the ball. A limited number of ball rebounders have rigid panels rather than a resilient surface. These are usually for small balls, such as ping pong balls.

Obv iously as the weight of the ball increases, the striki ng force a lso i ncreases (rem e m b e r N e w t o n ’s s e c o n d

law…..force equals mass times acceleration!).

Ja d e M c G e e i s p a s s i o n a t e a b out l a c ro sse. It i s a h i g h speed sport that requires accuracy and force when throwing. T he ba ll is dense a nd doesn’t bou nce easi ly. T he most efficient way to improve i s to pract ice aga i n st a ba l l rebounder. That is where the “Backatya” rebounder comes in.

A n a t h l e te c a n t h ro w t h e

ball with consistent force and d i rection at a ny location on the rebounder’s rigid surface and have it returned with a repeatable trajectory, force and speed. As the surface is rigid, neither the placement nor the age of the surface will impact on the performance. T he reb ou nder h a s preset adju stments for adjusting the angle of the rigid surface so that the athlete can practice hitting at a number of different heights and angles.

O f c o u rs e, t h e c o a c h w i l l wa nt to have a nu mber of these rebounders at practices, so Jade has made them to collapse into a unit that locks and has a carrying handle – much like a thin suitcase. The coach and the athlete will also want to have feedback, so the rebounder is designed to provide visual and auditory feedback and has a timer, a counter and a force meter.

Jade is presently working out the bugs so that he ca n pass manufacturing on to a compa ny that ca n mass produce the rebounder. He has a wide ranging market that includes Canada, the US and Europe.

Anne Flanagan is the principal at Alliance Patents. She can be reached at anne.flanagan@ alliancepatents.com

PORT HARDY

BC Celebrates North America’s first ASC certified salmon farm

B

ritish Colu mbia is now h o m e to No r t h A m e rica’s fi rst sa l mon fa rm certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Marine Harvest Canada has announced that its Marsh Bay fa rm has joined fewer than 30 salmon fa rms worldw ide i n ach ieving the certification first developed by the World Wildlife Fund. T he company expects its first ASC certified salmon to be available to consumers in February.

“Members of the BCSFA are com m itted to world lead i ng pract ices, a nd h av i ng M a ri ne Ha rvest Ca nada ach ieve its first ASC certification is another step in validating the efforts and commitment made by the companies farming in British Columbia,” said BCSFA Executive Director Jeremy Du n n. Cermaq Ca nada cu rrently has two of its farms in ASC assessment.

The ASC standard is the most recently developed and most dem a nd i ng g loba l s u sta i nability certification system.

Th e standard was developed t h rou g h a d i a log ue process led by the World Wildlife Fund

Farm-raised salmon is BC’s highest-valued agricultural export with almost $300-million in value exported each year, contributing over $800-million annually to the provincial economy

(W W F) t h at engaged over 2,000 representatives from the global aquaculture industry, retail and foodservice sector, NGOs, government and scientific community between 2004 and 2015.

By 2020, B.C. aims to be the first region in the world to be certified by ‘Gold Standard’ env i ron menta l prog ra ms, which includes having all farm-raised Atlantic salmon ASC certified. B.C. is the first and only salmon farming region to have all of its Atlant ic sa l mon c er t i f ie d by t he Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aqu acu ltu re P ract ices program. The province is also home to North America’s first cer ti f ied orga n ic Ch i nook producer in Creative Salmon.

Today, over 50 per cent of the world’s seafood is farmed, with projections showing this figure will explode to 75 per cent in just 15 years.

Fa r m-ra i s e d s a l m o n i s B.C.’s h ig hest-va lued ag r icu ltu ra l ex port w ith a l most $300-million in value exported each year, contributing over $800-million annually to the provincial economy. The BCSFA represents the province’s v ibra nt sa l mon fa rm i ng i ndustry th rough its members – salmon farm companies and the busi nesses that proud ly provide services and supplies to B.C.’s salmon farmers.

NANAIMO

FEBRUARY 2015

37

National Revenue Minister meets with local business leaders Kerry-Lynne Findlay receives input from Central Island during pre-budget consultation

N

A NA I MO – Centra l Vancouver Island business leaders were able to share their ideas and suggestions with National Revenue Minister Kerry-Lynne Findlay in January at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

The round-table group included representatives from local accounting firms, construction associations, the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, Nanaimo Airport Commission and local entrepreneurs.

Findlay, born in Ladysmith and raised in Nanaimo and now the Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East, made her stop in Nanaimo as part of her pre-budget information gathering process. As minister, she oversees 51 tax service offices and tax centers across the country, 43,000 employees nationally and a $4.3 Billion budget. Prior to becoming Minister of National Revenue last July, Findlay, a lawyer by trade, was Associate Minister of National Defense, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General for Canada.

Fi nd lay says her emphasis since becoming Minister of National Revenue has been on cutting red tape and streamlining

Findlay says her ministry also works in association with organizations like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Retail Association of Canada, and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association

National Revenue Minister Kerry-Lynne Findlay operations.

The Canadian Federation for Independent Business (CFIB) has named Findlay the 2015 winner of its prestigious Golden Scissors Award, presented to an elected official or others in government who have shown leadership in freeing entrepreneurs from the burden of red tape. Findlay was honoured for eliminating more than 800,000 payroll remittances for over 50,000 small businesses.

“In Economic Action Plan 2014, our Government revised the remittance thresholds for employer source deductions,” Findlay states. “The real impact of that

change is that over 50,000 small and medium-sized employers will see the maximum number of required payments on account of source deductions cut in half.

This eliminates the requirement for more than 800,000 payments.

That’s 50,000 businesses who now have less frequent reporting to government, and therefore less red tape.”

CRA’s on-line services needed improvement, and adjustments were made to make it easier for web access so that “business owners can do it now, not just accountants.”

“CRA needed to communicate better with individuals, and had to be clearer,” she adds. “We adopted a ‘Plain Language Initiative’, which makes the CRA website more clear, concise and consistent.”

There are now 60 million pieces of correspondence available on-line.

One of the round-table participants queried whether or not the government would re-visit the highly successful home renovation tax credit. While costly to implement in terms of government revenues, it was successful in spurring homeowners to upgrade their dwellings. In

order to participate, receipts from registered companies were necessary, meaning the program also helped legitimate companies who were able to secure jobs from “underground economy” operations that avoid taxes, licenses and fees.

Another made a petition to amend Section 181 of the Income Tax Act which the Canadian Automobile Association made in 2011.

That particular section has a significant impact on small businesses in the retail car industry as well as construction and real estate industries. The suggestion wouldn’t result in an overall reduction in tax, but rather a deferral of tax, which would be paid later, from profits.

Findlay says her ministry also works in association with organizations like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Retail Association of Canada, and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.

“It’s very important to get feedback from the Canadian public, and to get input on Canada Revenue Agency policies and see what can improve,” she says. “I don’t think there’s anything better than face-to-face meetings like these.”

FESTIVAL NANAIMO TAKES OVER MONTH OF MARCH “We want them to Festival features large variety of family friendly events

celebrate everything we love about our city,” MARGOT HOLMES

N

anaimo welcomes a new reason to celebrate this March: Festival Nanaimo is a multi-dimensional community festival taking place in Nanaimo throughout the month of March that will include a wide variety of activities including concerts, arts and crafts, culinary delights, paint outs by local artists of Nanaimo scenes, PirateFest FunDay, a Nanaimo Rawks Play Off, and any additional events that the community would like to include to make Nanaimo the place to be in March 2015.

Vancouver Island Symphony (VIS), executive director Margot Holmes said that the purpose of the festival is to encourage residents of the region to explore their city and for tourists to come and spend a weekend in Nanaimo in March.

“We want them to celebrate everything we love about our city,” she said, adding that the month of March was chosen for Festival Nanaimo because it is

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VANCOUVER ISLAND SYMPHONY

the core season for arts events as well as the month when people are looking for activities for their children during March Break (March 14-29). Some key events like the Pirate Festival and the Rock ‘N Roll show are scheduled to take place during March Break.

“We want to drive people to Nanaimo,” Holmes said. “We’re very excited about it.”

Festival Nanaimo Signature Shows at the Port Theatre: • Thursday March 5 - Six Guitars starring Chase Padgett.

• Saturday March 7 - Canadian Singer Songwriters share the stage in a • double bill featuring Royal Wood and Tiller’s Folly • Friday March 13 - Iconic Canadian performers Barney Bentall, Jim • By rnes a nd Joh n Ma n n in one amazing night of

music.

• Saturday March 14 - 2nd Annual Nanaimo Bar None Variety Show - showcasing supreme scrumptious Nanaimo Talent! Over 100 performers will share the stage for a variety show like no other!

• Saturday March 21 - Tonight Piaf starring award winning songstress • Joelle Rabu with the Vancouver Island Symphony.

Friday March 27 - Nanaimo Rawks Play Off with musicians from Speed • Control Showcase 12 noon • Saturday March 28 - Vesta Fire presents a FR EE EVENING show at Diana Krall Plaza.

• March 17 - 50th Anniversary of the Irish Rovers ST R EET PA RT Y: FR EE EVENT. Holmes said people can make t he f i rs t Fe s t iva l Na n a i mo a big Na na i mo success by participating.

“We need Founding Festival Nanaimo FANS, sponsors, community partners,” she said. “Buy a ticket, tell your friends - volunteer! Love your City! www.vancouverislandsymphony. com

50th Anniversary of the Irish Rover’s ’STREET PARTY’ Barney Bentall, Jim Byrnes, John Mann Tiller’s Folly & Royal Wood 6 Guitars Tonight...Piaf starring Joelle Rabu with Vancouver Island Symphony Nanaimo Bar NONE Variety Show PirateFest Family FunDay VestaFire on the Plaza Speed Control’s Nanaimo Rawks Camp & Show

March 2O15

9

Signatur e Events! & so much more…

Festival Pass $1O8

At Port Theatre • Tickets: 250.754.8550 or www.porttheatre.com MEDIA SPONSORS

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

SIGNATURE ACCOMMODATION SPONSORS

www.festivalnanaimo.com

WHO IS SUING WHOM

38 WHO IS SUING WHOM

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

DEFENDANT A Vega Contracting 623 Belyea Cres, Qualicum Beach, BC PLAINTIFF Slegg Construction Materials Ltd CLAIM $ 51,071 DEFENDANT A Vega Contracting 623 Belyea Cres, Qualicum Beach, BC PLAINTIFF Andrew Sheret Ltd CLAIM $ 34,080 DEFENDANT Alan Jones Construction Ltd 202-1007 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Sky High Roofing Ltd CLAIM $6,264 DEFENDANT All Canadian Construction Ltd 129-883 Van Isle Way, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Yellow Pages Group Corp CLAIM $6,738 DEFENDANT

Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre 3-600 Fan Tan Alley, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Christie Lites Sales Ltd CLAIM $14,483 DEFENDANT Discovery Marine Safaris Ltd 101-990 Cedar St, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Daigle Holdings Ltd CLAIM $81,409 DEFENDANT Double T Developments 3908 South Island Hwy, Royston, BC PLAINTIFF Coastal Pacific Insulation Ltd CLAIM $5,839 DEFENDANT First Shot Contracting 4681 Bates Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Roofmart Pacific Ltd CLAIM $9,997 DEFENDANT Glenlyon Norfolk School 801 Bank St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Optinet Systems Inc CLAIM $25,176 DEFENDANT Goldstream Projects Ltd 202-1006 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Triumph Electrical Consulting

Engineering Ltd CLAIM $25,116 DEFENDANT Image Pro Exterior Contracting 1032 Nakini Pl, Brentwood Bay, BC PLAINTIFF 650866 BC Ltd CLAIM $17,395 DEFENDANT Image Pro Exterior Contracting Co 1032 Nakini Pl, Brentwood Bay, BC PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT Slegg Construction Materials Ltd CLAIM $139,907 DEFENDANT KLP Construction Ltd 200-1260 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Pioneer Hardware Ltd CLAIM $11,636

FEBRUARY 2015

$15,221

$10,777

DEFENDANT Pacific Playgrounds Limited Partnership 9082 Clarkson Ave, Black Creek, BC PLAINTIFF WC Home Theatres Ltd CLAIM $5,668

DEFENDANT Studio Kitchens & Design Ltd 6200 McGirr Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Business Development Bank of Canada CLAIM $137,398

DEFENDANT Phoenix FTA Holdings Inc 6200 McGirr Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Business Development Bank of Canada CLAIM $137,398

DEFENDANT Top Quality Flooring Ltd 104-9717 3rd St, Sidney, BC PLAINTIFF Business Development Bank of Canada CLAIM $16,364

DEFENDANT PI Granite Fabricators Ltd 6200 McGirr Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Business Development Bank of Canada CLAIM $137,398

DEFENDANT Top Quality Group Holdings Limited 104-9717 3rd St, Sidney, BC PLAINTIFF Fisgard Capital Corporation CLAIM $1,345,280

DEFENDANT Misty Lake Contracting Inc 6435 Cypress Blvd, Port Alberni, BC PLAINTIFF Parkland Industries Ltd CLAIM $44,583

DEFENDANT Puerto Vallarta Amigos Authentic Mexican Food 1010 Arcadia St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Comm Tran Mechanics 2007 Ltd CLAIM $22,128

DEFENDANT MYBC Mortgage Ltd 1779 Comox Ave, Comox, BC PLAINTIFF Coastal Community Credit Union CLAIM

DEFENDANT Queens Cove Ventures Ltd 921h Canada Ave, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Contract Equipment Company Ltd CLAIM

DEFENDANT Top Quality Painters Ltd 104-9717 3rd St, Sidney, BC PLAINTIFF Business Development Bank of Canada CLAIM $65,457 DEFENDANT Top Quality Painters Ltd 104-9717 3rd St, Sidney, BC PLAINTIFF Fisgard Capital Corporation CLAIM $1,345,280

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS l LOCAL EXPERIENCE l TRUSTED RESULTS Coffee Shop Busy coffee shop in Departure Bay Ferry Terminal.

Nanaimo l $78,000

Busy Restaurant Profitable Seasonal Mexican restaurant. Established in 2002.

Nanaimo l $395,000

Trucking & Landscaping Business Full service, year round trucking & landscaping, operating since 1998.

Nanaimo l $1,500,000 l L&B

Under Contract

News Stand Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, steady year round traffic.

Nanaimo l $295,000

Greenhouse Operation Successful seasonal wholesale operation, established in 2005.

Lantzville l $295,000

Equipment Sales & Rental Shop Premium performer. Specializing in equipment rental & sales.

Port Alberni l $1,965,000 l L&B

Under Contract

Flooring Retail/Distributor Popular discount flooring retailer founded in 2003.

Nanaimo l $295,000

Well Established Pub Superb neighbourhood pub operation in leased premises.

Nanaimo l $398,000 Hotel & Pub 7 room hotel and neighbourhood pub. Land, building & business.

Port Alberni l $439,000 l L&B

Gerry Van Vaals*

250 616 2155

gerry.vanvaals@DTZnanaimo.com *Personal Real Estate Corporation

Moving & Storage 31 unit storage facility and moving company on 1.96 acres.

Parksville l $2,495,000 l L&B Pro Mac Manufacturing Well-established, profitable business located on 1.3 acres.

Duncan l $4,975,000 l L&B Mobil 1 Lube No franchise fees! Turn-key oil change operation located in Mariner Square.

Campbell River l $495,000

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

FEBRUARY 2015

39

flying fish ...cooking, living & giving

COWICHAN VALLEY

Wolf Brewing Company’s expansion plans for its Old Victoria Road brewery are expected to be completed within the next two weeks. Taking over the site next door to the existing operation will triple the brewery’s production capacity.

Peter Baljet GM congratulated Brodie Harris, Jerry Deol and Mike Iorio on achieving top sales for the month of January. The dealership also congratulated Steve Aydon on achieving salesman of the year for the 13th consecutive year.

The new surgical suite at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is now complete, adding 25% more capacity for acute-care needs on the Central Island.

Pemberton Holmes congratulated its top six realtors for 2014, which includes: Dan Johnson, Ken Neal, Kelli Anderson, Ray Little, Ken Janicki and Catherine Hobbs.

The Cowichan Valley has been named as a Top 20 Place to Visit in Canada by vacay.ca’s travel experts.

Discovery Honda congratulated Trevor Sheck on achieving salesperson of the month for December.

Duncan-raised actor, Ali Leibert, will be on the Island filming for The Devout.

ReMax Duncan/Mill Bay congratulated its top performing associates for the month of January. Top individuals include: Janice McLean, Clint Steigenberger, and Mette Hobden.

Top teams include: Cal Kaiser’s Team, Debbie Meiner’s Team, and Kim Johannsen’s Team.

Engel & Volkers has announced that it will be opening locations in the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and York in 2015.

Western Forest Products has re-opened its Ladysmith Sawmill, after it was closed for more than a month.

The Cowichan Theatre will now be named the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre to better reflect its broad range of performing arts productions.

NANAIMO West Coast Shutters Blinds and Closets, located at 3-4341 Boban Drive, is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

North Island Wildlife Recovery Association is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Island Home Group has announced

Please send any business news to Shawn Bishop. shawn@businessvi.ca 250-758-2684 ext. 130

the merger of Layzell/Dreger and Dawn Walton.

Moksha Yoga Nanaimo has opened its latest studio at 1881 Dufferin Crescent.

Nesvog Meats & Sausage Co., which has been operating out of its Terminal Park location for nine years, has expanded its operations, taking over Bowen Road’s Piper’s Meats.

The Cactus Club Café has welcomed Nick Gontes as its new General Manager, taking over from Rob Shevchenko, who has moved on to manage another Cactus Club location in Calgary.

Wentworth Court Language Centre Ltd. is celebrating its 15th anniversary, located on Wentworth Road.

Alison Howard has been named the new vice-president of sales and marketing for Origin Active Lifestyle Communities.

The new Waterfront Suites and Marina has taken over as host of the annual Nanaimo Floating Boat & Marine Trade Show, which is scheduled to be held on March 27-29.

Island Ferry Services Ltd. has said that the company will have to renegotiate a new lease agreement with the City of Nanaimo for the fast foot passenger ferry link between Nanaimo and Vancouver.

The Nanaimo real estate market finished 2014 as close to normal state as it’s been since 2008.

The Beauty of Sharpness

Vancouver Island University’s student enrolment numbers are greater than ever, with domestic student enrolment up five per cent from 2011, and up to a 34 per cent increase in international student increase within the same time period.

Real Estate Webmasters president and Nanaimo entrepreneur Morgan Carey has turned down a $2 million offer from the hit reality TV show, Dragon’s Den. The investment offer was one of the most valuable deals in the history of the show.

Seattle-based Kenmore Air has scaled back Nanaimo service after its first year failed to live up to projections, reducing the schedule from 14 round trips a week to two.

The Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District has announced that it would cost at least $470,000 if the school board converted the closed Cedar Secondary School back into a high school.

Nanaimo Port Authority is looking for a new crane to load and unload containers at its new Duke Point shopping facility, as the existing crane will be scrapped.

The province has approved a twoper cent hotel room tax within the city of Nanaimo, which will be used to assist, develop and market festivals and sporting events.

Target Canada has told customers to expect the liquidation of its merchandise to begin in February.

The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce has announced that Nicole Langlois has joined its staff, filling the business development position that has recently become vacant due to maternity leave.

SEE MOVERS AND SHAKERS | PAGE 40

180 Commercial Street Downtown Nanaimo

4065 Motz Road Terrace BC

flyingfishnanaimo.com

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

40

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

Nanaimo Daily News sports editor Scott McKenzie has won a Paul Carson Award for excellence in sports journalism.

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) in Nanaimo would like to welcome to the team Account Managers, Scott Marr & Rae Schmitke along with Client Relationship Officer, Daniella Desrosiers

Tap into 35 years of Benefits Plan experience!

R.W. (Bob) Wall Ltd. celebrated the opening of its newest development, the Millstone Medical Centre; a new three-storey medical building located at 1621 Dufferine Crescent.

Dental-Extended Health-LTD-Critical Illness

Christine Laslo, an in-home designer for Nanaimo’s La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery, is being recognized for generating more than $1 million in sales each year for the company during 2013-14.

THE

Frank Allen

FINANCIAL GROUP INC.

frank@frankallennancial.com

(250) 753-2101

Rob Bye, general manager, is now the GM for the Q and The Zone. Rob Bye is the general manager for all 8 of Jim Pattison Broadcasting Stations on Vancouver Island.

This promotion took place in the fall.

FEBRUARY 2015

PARKSVILLEQUALICUM Qualicum Beach resident Shirley Culpin has created a tourism blog that reviews hidden spots, attractions and businesses on Vancouver Island.

Ken Crause and David Wicks of CrauseCo have created compostable tea and coffee pods for single-service brewing machines, made of filter paper.

Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell has been named to lead the BC government’s social development and social innovation portfolio, replacing Comox Valley MLA Don McRae. Parksville will be hosting its 7th annual Parksville Uncorked Wine & Food Festival Feb. 19-22.

PORT ALBERNI

Finneron Hyundai congratulated Jan Vandenbiggelaar on being named salesperson of the month for December.

A crew from web-based media site Salt, Fresh & Field, was in Port Alberni to highlight its fishing industry. Murphy Sportfishing’s Shaun Evans lead the excursion, which featured a steel-head fishing experience on the Stamp River.

Woodgrove Chrysler congratulated Mike Theedom on achieving 25 years of service with the company.

Double R Meats is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, located at 3030-3rd Avenue.

Louise Mandell, one of Canada’s foremost aboriginal rights lawyers, has been installed as chancellor of Vancouver Island University.

Capelli is celebrating its 35th anniversary, located at 4505 Victoria Quay.

Breanne Quist, a former Vancouver Island University student, has been nominated for the Ernest C. Manning Innovation Award for her work in putting together a website called The Private Compass, which helps schools, teachers and parents in BC to navigate privacy issues when using social media and learning management systems.

Island Natural Markets, located on Metral Drive, is now under the ownership of Vancouver-Island based Pomme Natural Markets.

Church Pickard Chartered Accountants has announced that Kirsten Hais has successfully completed the Chartered Accountant’s Uniform Final Examination, becoming the firm’s newest Chartered Accountant.

Manvirro’s Indian Grill is now open at 1045B Terminal Avenue.

The newest McDonald’s location at 1835 Bowen Road celebrated its grand opening.

The Harewood Arms Pub and its adjacent liquor store have been purchased by Liquor Plus, a privately owned liquor outlet with six other locations across Vancouver Island.

Vancouer Island University will receive almost $400,000 from the province to purchase new trades-training equipment.

Overwaitea Food Group has announced the closing of the Terminal Park Save on Foods location.

John Dutch and Margie DeRooy have moved the location of their business, Ladybird Engraving, for the second time since its inception in 2011 to a new, 3,000-squarefoot storefront at 4683 Margaret Street.

Sharon Rai, former resident of Port Alberni, was the recipient of the 2014 Canadian Hairstylist of the Year and Canadian Make-up of the Year awards at the Canadian Wedding Industry Awards.

Rod Gledhill is now the youngest certified steam locomotive engineer in the province.

NexGen Hearing celebrated its second year of business in Port Alberni in December. The company’s success has earned practitioner John Charley and his staff recognition with two awards, including Most Improved Performance and Clinical Achievement.

Capelli Hair Design is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

Watson’s Paint Centre has closed the doors of its 10th and Roger location as of January 31.

William Logan, former resident of Bamfield, now lives and works in Pasadena, California, at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The Port Alberni Port Authority has announced the hiring of Jenifer Hirmer as Marina Coordinator.

The Uchucklesaht First Nation plans to begin construction of its new administrative building and cultural centre in Uptown Port Alberni in late February.

SEE MOVERS AND SHAKERS | PAGE 41

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

FEBRUARY 2015

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

WEST COAST

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

CAMPBELL RIVER

This year, eight of the top assessed properties within the Vancouver Island region are located in Tofino.

Campbell River Honda has welcomed the additions of Brad Russell and Cat Panetta to its team.

New 2 U Consignment Clothing, located at 191 C Dogwood Street, is under new ownership.

Chan Nowosad Boates, Chartered Accountants, has congratulated Len Hiquebran on successfully passing the Uniform Final Examination.

The firm has also welcomed Derek Lamb to its team as its newest partner.

Campbell River City Council has sent a letter of support for Grieg Seafood’s plan to open two new fish farm sites in Clio Channel by West Cracroft Island.

The Lite Shop, located at 582 South Dogwood Street, is now under new management.

The Campbell River Salmon Foundation’s Salmon River Diversion facility will be undergoing improvements, including dam and canal upgrades, upstream adult fish migration and downstream fish out-migration, which is expected to be completed by 2018.

Marine Harvest Canada’s Marsh Bay farm is the first salmon farm in North America to attain Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification.

Bill Howich Chrysler, RV and Marine congratulated Ron May on achieving top sales for the month of December. The dealership also welcomed Scott Wood to its team as its new Special Finance Manager.

Charlie Cornfield, former Campbell River Mayor and current city councilor, has been named chair of the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District board.

City Manager Andy Laidlaw has left his position in Campbell River after his retirement. Ron Neufeld has been appointed as acting City Manager until the position can be filled more permanently.

Laidlaw will be acting as an interim chief administrative officer with Saanich, while it searches for a permanent replacement for Paul Murray.

The City of Campbell River won a Supreme Court of British Columbia decision that will require TimberWest to pay a lot more taxation for its managed forest lands within the municipality’s boundaries.

Paul Somerville has been appointed Publisher/Ad Director of the Courier-Islander newspaper and its associated products.

41

Outgoing Publisher/Ad Director Pierre Pelletier has been named publisher of Glacier Media’s Richmond News.

North Island College has named Cheryl O’Connell its new interim Dean of Trades and Technology, the most senior administrator at the Campbell River campus.

Interfor Coastal Woodlands has congratulated Otto Schulte on his retirement after 26 years of service to the company.

Kim and Ron Hamilton, Campbell River entrepreneurs, have received an endorsement for their product, K9 Clean – a portable pet shower.

COMOX VALLEY Compliance Energy has submitted an application for the Raven Underground Coal Project to the Environmental Assessment Office.

The project proposes to produce 1 million tonnes of metallurgical coal annually over the mine’s 16-year lifespan in the Comox Valley near Fanny Bay. The proposed major mixed commercial and residential development on a waterfront property on Beaufort Avenue in Comox will no longer be happening, as Comox council has rescinded resolutions they approved for the project in September 2010.

There has been an increase in Chinese interest in business within the Comox Valley, motivated by BC government immigration programs to encourage businesspeople from overseas to invest in commercial enterprises in areas of the province outside of Metro Vancouver and Abbotsford.

The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce congratulated the winners of its 40th annual Community Awards. Winners included: Level 10 Eurospa for Business of the Year, Hollie Wood Oysters for Agricultural Business of the Year, Allison Mackenzie for Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Pantuso Dance for Small Business of the Year, Glacier View Lodge Society for Non-forProfit Organization of the Year, Bob Scales for the President’s Merit Award, CanWest Mechanical Inc. for New Business of the Year, Ascent Coaching for the Business

Leadership Award, Darilyn Keene of Alley Cats for the Customer Service Award, Mady Monteiro for the Youth Leader Award, Comox Valley Child Development Association for the Heritage Recognition Award.

The Comox Air Show will be coming back the Comox Valley for August 15.

Cumberland Brewing Company is now open for business under the ownership of Adam and Caroline Tymchuk, with over 2,000 litres poured within its first week open.

park, institutional and agricultural zones, subject to regulations on location and size.

Finneron Hyundai congratulated Jan Vandenbiggelaar on achieving Salesperson of the Month for December, located at 250 Old Island Highway.

K’omoks First Nation members have re-elected Rob Everson for another term as its chief.

Brian McLean congratulated Gary Kremsater on achieving top sales for the month of December, located at 2145 Cliffe Avenue.

Cumberland is looking into the concept of developing a sidewalk streetscape, complete with cafes and culture, and is now seeking input from residents on the development.

Great Island Barbecue, located on the corner of Fifth Street and Fitzgerald in Courtenay, has opened for business, owned and operated by Richard Vilus.

Comox City Council is set to allow Wifi boxes to be installed in commercial, marine, industrial,

Ives Burger congratulated Paul Ives on being appointed as Queen’s Counsel by the Attorney General.

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The new high-speed fibre optic Internet is expected to arrive to the West Coast in 2016. The project is expected to cost roughly $13 million, with the cost being shared by Telus, BC Hydro, All Nations Trust Company and the Province.

Average property assessments in Tofino and Ucluelet have increased for the first time in four years.

Clodagh O’Connell has opened O’Connell Law Office in Tofino, serving the Tofino, Ucluelet and Ahousaht regions.

Coastal Community Credit Union’s Tofino Branch has opened its new location in The Shore retail and residential complex.

The Onni Group is one step closer to owning the failed Wyndansea golf development in Ucluelet, as the company’s restructuring plan won support in a vote of creditors owed about $100 million by the original developer.

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OPINION

42

FEBRUARY 2015 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Vancouver Island Office 25 Cavan Street,Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T9 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Lise MacDonald, lise@businessexaminer.ca SALES | Thom Klos –thom@businessexaminer.ca, Josh Higgins – josh@businessexaminer.ca, Joanne Iormetti – joanne@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Goody Niosi, Julia MacDonald, Christopher Stephens, Ezra MacDonald

BC GOVERNMENT WORKERS LIVE ON EASY STREET

They make more, receive better pensions, and retire earlier than private sector workers in similar positions

W

ith declining energy prices and a vulnera bl e e c o n o m y, t h e provincial and various municipal governments in British Columbia are facing importa nt f i sc a l c h a l len ge s. T h i s wa r ra nt s a sob er rev iew of government spending and an important place to start is the compensation of government employees, a key spending item for all governments.

And in light of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with public sector unions, now is an opportune time to ensure

that the wages and benefits of government employees are in line with comparable private sector positions.

This is about more than just economics; it’s also about simple fairness. It seems entirely unfair to have government workers re ceive a prem iu m that is paid for by private sector workers who receive less overall compensation for similar positions.

The traditional trade-off was that the government sector received lower wages than the private sector in exchange for more generous benefits. But a s a recent Fra ser I n st itute study reveals, that bargain has been undone. The government sector now enjoys a wage premium, and more than likely, more generous benefits as well.

Using Statistics Canada data from 2013 (the latest available), we found that the average wage i n the govern ment sector i n B.C. (including federal, provincial, and local governments) is 34.2 per cent higher than the private sector. However, this doesn’t account for differences like education, the nature of

the position, the experience of the workers, etc. Once we control for these factors, the average wage premium enjoyed by the govern ment sector is 6.7 per cent compared to the private sector.

But total compensation includes much more tha n just wages; it also includes benefits such as health, dental, pensions, job secu rity, etc. Unfortunately, Statistics Canada does not collect comprehensive data on non-wage benefits so it’s d i fficu lt to ma ke a definitive statement about whether government workers enjoy more generou s b enefits than their private sector counterparts.

The best and most comparable available data nonetheless point to a rather generous benefits package for the government sector compared to the private sector.

For example, pensions are one of the costliest benefits provided to workers in both sectors.

In 2013, 86.9 per cent of government sector workers in B.C. were covered by a registered pension compared to 19.2 per

cent of private sector workers.

A l so tel l i ng, a mong t hose covered by a registered pension, 95.7 per cent of government workers enjoyed the gold standard of pensions - a defined-benefit pension, which guarantees a certain level of benefits in retirement - compared to 46.9 per cent of private-sector workers.

More ev idence from the ava i l able d ata: gover n ment sector workers in B.C. retire almost three years earlier, on average, than private sector workers.

W hen it comes to job loss, a prox y for job secu rity a nd another way to measure nonwa ge b enef its, gover n ment workers have a d ist i nct advantage. In 2013, 3.3 per cent of private sector employment in B.C. experienced job loss more than four times higher than the 0.8 per cent of government sector employment.

A final indicator of the dramatic difference in compensation between the government and private sectors: the rate of absenteeism, which is the number of days lost per worker due

to personal reasons throughout the year. In 2013, full-time employees in B.C.’s private sector were absent for an average of 9.3 days while the average government worker was absent 12.7 days.

Of course, governments need to provide competitive compensation to attract qualified employees, but the fact is government sector workers in B.C. enjoy higher wages and, more than likely, more generous benefits than comparable workers in the private sector.

A s gover n ments i n B.C. struggle in the face of fiscal a nd econom ic u ncer ta i nt y, p ol i c y-m a k e rs c a n c o nt rol s p end i n g by en s u r i n g government sector compensation broadly ref lects private sector compensation for similar positions.

Charles Lammam and Jason Clemens are co-authors of the Fraser Institute study Comparing Government and Private Sector Compensation in British Columbia, available at http:// www.fraserinstitute.org

FOCUSING ON OUR STRENGTHS IS CRITICAL TO BUSINESS SUCCESS “But I finally came back to what I knew best – trucking” ALEX DUGAN CENTRAL ISLAND DISTRIBUTERS, OWNER

MARK MACDONALD

“I

got back doing what I do best.”

T hat statement beca me a sage piece of adv ice that can help every business person, and it came from one of my “business heroes”, Alex Dugan. He’s the owner of Central Island Distributors, a very successful Vancouver Island trucking company with depots in Nanaimo and Sidney that he started in 1992.

A year earlier, Alex was happily managing Pacific Brewers Distributors when he was summoned to a meeting in Vancouver after returning from vacation in Las Vegas.

They let him go, after almost 20 years of service. He didn’t see it coming.

A severance package helped cushion the blow somewhat, and he used some of the funds for a variety of ventures. Selling office supplies. Juice machines.

Vending machines. Ties. Jewelry. Flavored popcorn.

Jo-Ann remembers it well.

“A lex was devastated,” she recalls.

Although it didn’t look like it at the time, it really was a blessing in disg uise. A fter a year in which he tried a number

of different ventures, he re-focu sed a nd m ade a st rateg ic decision. He got back “doing what he was good at”, and got back into the trucking business by starting Central Island Distributors.

“I tried everything,” he says.

“I made about $2,000 the entire whole next year. I never felt so low i n my whole l i fe.

My accou nta nt, Doug Johnston, said to me: ‘I don’t know what you’re trying to do’. I was crushed.

“But I finally came back to what I knew best - trucking.”

T h e r e s t , a s t h e y s a y, i s history.

Today, Central Island Distributors has 50 trucks and 90 trailers in its fleet, and 73 employees. Alex and Jo-Ann’s son, Dave Dugan, who was a major part of getting Central Island on its feet, is now the General Manager and handles most of the day-to-day operations.

To me, Alex’ journey is one of the most inspiring business stories I’ve ever heard. It was Alex’ focused commitment to

build a company based upon what he knew inside and out and was an expert at - plus a torrent of hard work and elbow grease - that propelled Dugan’s family business to where it is today. His words resonate often in my mind, and have helped keep our business on track: Do what you do best.

Severa l ye a rs a go, we h ad a tempti ng offer la id before us that could have taken our company in another direction.

Although there were some commonalities with what we did, there were enough nuances that could have gotten us off track, within a very short period of time.

You k now how it goes: It’s new, it’s interesting, intriguing, and before one knows it, we’re meandering down rabbit trails, chasing information that may or may not be worth the time spent investigating it. I was reminded of Alex’ advice again - and heeded it.

A similar theme can be found in the excellent book, ‘StrengthsFinder 2.0’ by Tom

Rath. It is accompanied by a 30-minute on-line quiz component that spits out an amazingly accurate analysis of who we are and what we’re best at.

Rath’s basic premise in the book is this: We spend a lot of time trying to improve on our wea k nesses. W hy not focus on our strengths, and let other people do the things that we’re not good at? After all, isn’t that how successful companies and organizations are built? Experts in their respective fields working beside a team of others doing the same. . .how can that combination be beat?

Have there been bumps in the road? What successful business hasn’t had a few, especially if they’ve been around for any length of time? It goes with the territory.

However, by concentrating on the straightforward strategy of doing “what they do best”, the Dugans have avoided fragmenting their efforts towards unfruitful and distracting pursuits; they’ve helped make their family’s dreams come true.

SUBCRIPTIONS | $45 PER YEAR (12 ISSUES), $80 FOR 2 YEARS (24 ISSUES), SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: WWW.BUSINESSVI.CA. DISTRIBUTION: SECOND WEEK OF EACH MONTH VIA CANADA POST AD MAIL. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Produced and published in British Columbia. All contents copyright Business Examiner Vancouver Island, 2014. Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

LAW

FEBRUARY 2015

43

LEASE CONTRACTS LAW

Read them carefully

A

commercial lease is one of the most important contracts that a business owner will ever negotiate.

Leases represent a significant investment of time and money, but are notoriously unclear and complex. The wording is often a mbig uou s a nd d i f f icu lt to understand. Even experienced businesspeople can have problems with leases.

No Statutory Protection Un l i ke residentia l tena ncy agreements, commercial tenants and landlords have little statutory protection. If a right or obligation is not written into the contract, it likely does not exist.

When things go wrong, there is no commercial equivalent to the Residential Tenancy Branch.

If disputes cannot be resolved between the parties themselves, often the alternative is court.

There can be unpleasant surprises when trying to re-use an old contract, or something found on the Internet. The lease may easily be missing terms relevant to your situation. As well, it may not be based on British Columbia law, and easily be very out

James A. S. Legh, Partner with Stevenson Luchies & Legh of date.

E v e n w h e n p ro fe s s i o n a lly drafted, a lease prepared by one party is likely to favour that party. Due to the complexity of leases, errors are not uncommon even when drafted by lawyers. It is important not to accept a lease without reading it carefully and understanding the implications of each term.

Negotiating a Lease When negotiating the terms of a lease, tenants may feel they have a significant disadvantage.

In practice, (and depending on the market) the ability of the tenant to make changes to the lease can be limited unless the

tenant is able to walk away from the deal.

Typically, the lease is drafted by the landlord and given to the tenant as a “done deal.” By the time the potential tenant is shown the contract, it can be very late in the process. Both parties may be significantly invested in the deal and reluctant to reopen negotiations. If there are surprises in the lease contract, however, this shows t h at t he dea l is rea l ly not a “done deal,” and there is more to negotiate.

A common negotiating tactic is the appeal to a standard. Most business owners only ever see their own lease. “This is a standard lease,” you may be told, “we use it for all of our properties, and nobody ever objects.”

In truth, there is no “standard” lease contract. What this landlord is really saying is, “this is the contract which we always start with, and we hope that you will sign it without asking for changes.” There is an enormous variety between leases, and there may be more room for negotiation than there first appears.

Personal Guarantees One of the benefits of incorporating a business is that it limits the personal liability of investors. Many entrepreneurs

have compromised the protection of limited liability before t hei r b u si ne sse s h ave even opened, by g iv i ng person a l guarantees. Bankers and landlords ty pica l ly requ i re substantial guarantees from small business owners.

If you cannot avoid a personal guarantee, it is important to be careful about the terms. The scope of the g uarantee matters. The guarantor will want to ensure that the guarantee only lasts a reasonable period and is tied to the guarantor’s involvement in the business.

This makes sense for both parties. One of the functions of a personal guarantee is to align the interests of the parties. If a guarantee is to have value, the guarantor must be able to influence the business to honour its commitments. Years later, the guarantor may no longer control the business. There may be new investors. The business may have been sold, or the space may have been subleased.

A g ua ra ntee does not have to run for the full term of the lease. The risk that prompted the guarantee may disappear before end of t he lease. For example, the landlord may recoup the cost spend for tenant improvements by the end of the second year of the lease, and

may not need a personal guarantee for the full term. If the lease has a renewal option, the guarantor will want to ensure that the g ua ra ntee does not automatically renew with the lease without written consent of the guarantor.

Using a Lawyer There are many ways to use a professional during lease negotiations. A lawyer can advise as to the meaning of terms, and will know what to demand. A lawyer will be able to identify issues to be considered and advise you what is reasonable.

Some people prefer to negotiate themselves, but a professional as an intermediary can take an objective position, draw on legal expertise and experience in similar situations to help achieve the best result for you. Few people consider selling their own homes without using a real estate agent, even if the savings would be significant, so should be the consideration when leasing.

It is important to get a legal “opinion” on any written contract. A commercial lease is especially important because of the complexity, size, and lack of statutory protection. For leases, getting a legal opinion at the beginning will be worth it in the end.

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