Business Examiner Vancouver Island - December 2015 by Business Examiner Media Group

DECEMBER 2015

» COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

–PAGE 14

NANAIMO The 16th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards are set for Jan. 21, 2016 at the Coast Bastion Hotel in Nanaimo

Hardware Software

Vancouver Island WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA

New Era Begins For Nanaimo’s St. Jean’s Cannery PAGE 4

PARKSVILLE New managers bring expanded knowledge, skills and options to local Culligan Water outlet

PAGE 24

INDEX News Update Nanaimo

2 10

Cowichan Valley

Comox Valley

Campbell River

Mt. Waddington

Who is Suing Whom 30 Movers and Shakers 31 Opinion

Law

Controlling interest in Nanaimo’s St. Jean’s Cannery was sold to a Port Alberni First Nation’s group BY DAVID HOLMES

“An alliance with NCN

Cannery LP increasingly

ANAIMO – It’s business as usual at the Harbour City’s St. Jean’s Cannery and Smokehouse following the announcement that the iconic 54 year old Nanaimo business had been sold to First Nation’s interests from Port Alberni. Gerard St. Jean, the current owner and son of company founder Armand St. Jean announced December 1 that he had sold controlling interests in the company to NCN Cannery LP, a corporate entity owned by a group of five Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations. “St. Jeans was started by Gerard’s father Armand, literally in his back yard and it’s grown into what it is today, 54 years later. Right now Gerard and his family trust own 100 per cent of the company’s shares. For personal reasons, business reasons he’s selling an interest to a group of

made sense for our company, employees and clients.” GERARD ST. JEAN PRESIDENT ST. JEAN’S CANNERY

Native groups from Port Alberni,” explained Steve Hughes, St. Jean’s General Manager. In the formal announcement of the sale St. Jean said he was excited about the business prospects this new partnership will provide. “The seafood industry continues to evolve. First Nations have increasing access to local wildcaught resources that will help with our supply chain, and they have an important story to tell in the market,” he said.

Larry Johnson (left) and Gerard St. Jean (in inset) formally concluded a business transaction that sees NCN Cannery LP acquire Nanaimo’s St. Jean’s Cannery “We have been talking for a long time and, as our business continues to grow and seek new areas to expand, an alliance with NCN Cannery LP increasingly made sense for our company, employees

and clients.” Larry Johnson, President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation, the SEE ST. JEAN’S CANNERY | PAGE 27

VIU Students aim high and win MBA students at VIU beat out the big universities at planning and winning the first ever provincial MBA games

OUR 10TH YEAR

Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

BETH HENDRY-YIM

ancouver Island University’s (V I U) Master of Business Administration students aim high after their underdog win against BC’s universities at the first ever provincial MBA games. Hosted by the VIU MBA Society, the games were a practice volley for the national competition held in Toronto, January 2016.

In October of this year, teams of students in MBA programs from the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia and Thompson River University came together to compete in academic, athletic and spirit competitions. In total, 110 students and coaches attended the event that had VIU MBA students winning overall and several individual commpetitions. Brock Dykeman, director of MBA

programs, said that the games, modeled after the annual event that draws teams from universities across Canada, was created, organized and launched after the VIU team returned from the 2015 games in Toronto. “The games have never been held at a provincial level,” he said, adding that when the students returned they wanted to continue the energy, fun competition, community spirit and networking they

had experienced back east. He explained that each step of the logistics and planning of the event helped develop a learned concept, from hiring volunteers to creating resumes and interviewing prospective team members. “It’s a business model that has individuals trying out for different teams and getting experience doing what they might not normally SEE VIU STUDENTS | PAGE 17

NEWS UPDATE

2 VANCOUVER ISLAND Island Construction Activity On The Rise

VANCOUVER ISLAND Better Business Bureau Elects Its 2016 Board To help it prepare to serve its members in the New Year the Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island (BBB-VI) recently elected its Board of Directors and Executive for 2016. The BBB-VI Executive Board for 2016 includes: Chair: Rich a rd G ordon - Access Records & Media); Vice Cha i r: Wa lter D on a ld - T h e E xe cut ive Network ; Pa s t Ch a i r:

AGS

Con st r uct ion act iv ity a nd employment on Vancouver Island is on the upswing, according to information released in the Third Quarter (Q 3) Construction Report released by the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA). “While the weather is frosty, mem b ers a re rep or t i n g t he ma rket is not. T he V ICA Q 3 Construction Report backs that up,” explained Greg Baynton, VICA President. Constr uction employ ment on Va ncouver I s l a nd i s reported to be well ahead of last year’s figures. T he Q 3 V ICA Con st r uct ion Rep or t noted construction employ ment continued its upward surge in the Capital Region and it drove the year-to-date gain to 8 per cent for the region. Three of the seven island regional districts saw gains in building permits. They were the Capital, Mount Waddington and Comox Valley Regional Districts. “Year-to-date permits were 7 per cent higher than 2014, due entirely to a 23 per cent i ncrease i n resident ia l permits. The Island’s construction

out look rem a i ns opt i m ist ic t h a n k s to a n i mprov i n g US economy, low interest rates, a nd net i n m ig rat ion. Residential activity will continue to outperform the non-residential sector due to a market w ide su rge that is projected to continue in 2016,” Baynton reported. According to stats compiled i n a V ICA member su r vey a full 86 per cent of the members stated t hei r work force will remain the same size or g row. T he membersh ip a lso stated that finding the right people is one of the top three barriers to success. The number one barrier reported was the nature of competition and the market.

Gary Eisenstein - Falcon Software; Treasurer: Vern Fischer - Fischer Financial Services; Secreta r y: Mike Regimbal Money Mart; President & CEO: Rosalind Scott - BBB serving Va ncouver Isla nd a nd L ega l Counsel: Sharon Cartmill-Lane - Sheen, Arnold MacNeil. T h e BBB-V I D i re c tors for 2016 i nclude: Chris Gillen Dial-A-Geek Consulting Inc.; Detective Rick Anthony - Oak Bay Pol ice; Dr. Robi n R ichardson - Independent Funeral Planners; Kim Garnett - Brainy Girl Virtual Assistant; Rose Arsenault – Talentcor; Robyn Walle - Collins Barrow Victoria; Gregg Meikeljohn - Enrollment Resources Inc. a nd D ave Ro ge r s - B C H A Z M AT Management Ltd. The BBB-VI offers its national and local consumer services online and in person to its member companies. The Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) is the network hub for BBBs i n the US a nd Ca nada. Like BBBs, CBBB is dedicated to fostering honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers -instilling consumer confidence and advancing a trustworthy marketplace for all.

NANAIMO Nanaimo Airport: A

DECEMBER 2015

Regional Business Centre Located just south of the City of Nanaimo, the Nanaimo Airport has for decades developed a reputation for connecting the Central Vancouver Island area to the rest of the world. But according to information released by the Nanaimo Airport Commission, the facility has also become known as a thriving nexus for business. According to a recent media release, Na na i mo A i rport is responsible for more than 1,300 direct and indirect jobs in the area, and that within the next five years, that number is projected to hit over 2,000 jobs. Currently airport operations provide an economic contribution of almost $100 million to the region. The total includes wages paid by the many businesses that call Nanaimo Airport home, plus the goods and services they purchase, largely from local suppliers. Much like a shopping mall the airport provides the space while its numerous business partners employ their own staff. All of the partner firms bring with them a commitment to serving the needs of all customers of the facility. The airport’s business partners also have another thing in common: they’ve prospered du ri ng t he u nprecedented growth the airport has experienced in recent years. FedEx

and Enex Aviation Services, for example, both expanded their operations in 2014 to keep up with surging demand. Business partners of the facility run the ga mut from la rge orga n izations - such as Air Canada and WestJet, which fly hundreds of thousands of passengers every year - to small businesses, such as Connections Cafe, wh ich prov ides food serv ice i n the terminal for all passengers. Businesses directly using the facility of the airport include charter flight operators, couriers and freight shippers, three ca r renta l agencies, g rou nd tra nspor tation fi rms, a nd a f lying school that opened in 1990. But it’s not just businesses that make their home at the airport. The facility is also the base for several community groups that enrich the local reg ion such as the Na na i mo F ly i ng Club, 205 Col l i sh aw Nanaimo Squadron of Air Cadets a nd the loca l bra nch of Civ i l A i r Sea rch a nd Rescue Association (CASARA).

NANAIMO Nanaimo Economic Corporation Appoints New CEO The Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) Board of Directors announced

Quality Products… Make People Smile

Ricoh Copiers/Printers recently won the 2015 Buyers Laboratory Award for best product line. AGS focuses on great service & offering products that interface with any mobile device you are using. Quality Products, excellent service & mobile ready devices to take you into the future will put a grin on your face.

#1-1850 Northfield Rd.

250.756.5611

2015 A3 MFP Line of the Year

NEWS UPDATE

DECEMBER 2015

November 24 that it had appoi nted a new Ch ief Executive Officer (CEO). T he B oa rd a n nou nc e d that John Hankins would ta ke over as CEO as of January 4, 2016. Hankins replaces the former CEO Sasha Angus who left the position to pursue other business interests. “ We a re ver y excited about working with John, and feel that his blend of private sector and economic development experience will make him a valuable asset for the community” says Andre Sullivan, N E DC Boa rd Chair. “We are pleased s u c h a s t r o n g c a n d idate has chosen to join NEDC.” A n e x t e n s i v e s e a rc h using an outside recruiting firm was conducted. Hankins stood out as an except ion a l ca nd id ate with extensive economic development and private sector experience. He spent five years (2007 – 2012) as Vice President of Calgary Economic Development (CED). Since his time with the CED, Hankins has operated a successful international business consulting c o m p a n y, s e r v i c i n g companies seeking new m a rk e t s b o t h i n Ca nada and abroad. Beyond his economic and business development positions, Ha n k i ns has a n i m p re s s i v e re s u m e o f professional experience, including such titles as Leader of Supply Chain Ma nagement, Globa l Marketing Manager, and more. “I a m ver y excited to be joi n i ng N EDC a nd To u r i sm Na n a i m o to work col lectively w ith ou r pa rtners to rea l ize many opportunities for t h e c i t y o f N a n a i m o” said Hankins. “I was attracted to this position as the board and team of NEDC have a real can-do

attitude, and the city and regional district of Nanaimo has such a great energy and envious quality of life.”

PORT ALBERNI Electrical Training Program Coming To Port Alberni Thanks to North Island College (N IC) Por t A lberni residents will have an opportunity to start electrical careers, without leaving Port Alberni and the West Coast this w i n t e r. A p p l i c a t i o n s are now being accepted f o r t h e n e w 2 4-w e e k E le c t r ic a l Fou nd at ion prog ra m s t a r t i n g t h i s February. “This is a unique opportunity to start one of BC’s most in-demand t r a d e s ,” s a i d C h e r y l O’Connell, NIC’s Dean of Trades and Technology. “By 2024, the BC Labor Market estimates BC will need 5,400 electricians t o f i l l v a c a n c i e s . We wanted to support Port Alberni students in entering those trades close to home.” Last year, Alberni District Sen ior Seconda ry h igh school students Cole Haider and a classmate took the Electrical Foundation program in Ca mpbel l R iver, where NIC operates four levels of Electrical Apprenticeship training. The program, available to anyone wa nti ng to prepa re for w o r k i n t h e e l e c t r i cal fields, was offered to Haider as part of ACEI T, an industry funded t rades prog ra m wh ich gives students access to trades credentials before graduating high school. H a ider cred its N IC’s E le c t r ic a l Fou nd at ion

program for helping him explore career opportunities and find a rewardi ng ca reer. “I f i n ished school and was on the job the following Monday,” he said. “T he Electrical Foundation program taug ht me how to w i re and install an electrical panel and do conduit work, the more I learned, the more certain I was this is the right career for me.” I n t he prog ra m, st ud ent s g a i n k nowle d ge and skills for entry-level electrical work. On completion, they work in the field or continue training as an apprentice electrician, working side-byside with Red Seal certified electricians to install, assemble, test, troubleshoot and repair elect r ic a l w i r i ng, f i xtures and related equipment for commercial and residential customers. O ne of t hose elect r icians, Fred Gray, ow ns a nd operates Aines & Tyler Electric Co. Ltd., full-service residential, commercial and industrial electrical company in Port Alberni that employs about a dozen staff, including two apprentice electricians. Many years ago, Gray h ad to leave Port Alberni for the Lower Mainland to achieve h i s R ed Se a l. “H av i ng the foundation program here i n Por t A lbern i is a great opportunity for local students,” he said. “There’s a big waiting list for electrical training and it’s nice to know there are more seats available in Port Alberni.” N IC works closely w ith Greg Freethy, the School District 70 Career Education Coordinator to develop student opportunities. For more information, or to apply v isit w w w. nic.bc.ca/trades or call 1-800-715-0914.

Thank You to our Community Partners! DECEMBER 5, 2015 CONCERT SPONSORS

POPULAR PLEASURES SERIES SPONSOR

CIBC Wood Gundy – Thornton Harding Investment Group Country Club Centre Dog n’ Suds Pet Services Ltd. Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Manning & Kirkhope Barristers and Solicitors Nanaimo Honda St. Jean’s Cannery & Smokehouse

2015–2016 SEASON SPONSOR

It’s our People that make the Difference. Chartered Professional Accountants (Corner of Cavan & Albert)

Sam Lewis

The partners & staff of Church Pickard are proud to announce that Sam Lewis successfully passed her CPA examination.

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

NEWS UPDATE

DECEMBER 2015

BE Award Nomination Deadline Looms

ecember 15 is the date when nominations must be in for Vancouver Island-wide celebration of the best of 2015 Which companies have had the best 2015? That will be announced at the 16th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards, set for Jan. 21, 2016 at the Coast Bastion Hotel in Nanaimo. Momentum is building for the gala event, with the December 15 Nomination Deadline just around the corner. “We’re very pleased with the number and quality of nominations that have come in already,” notes Mark MacDonald of the Business Examiner, which coordinates the event. “The Business Excellence Awards recognizes the top companies from all over Vancouver Island in 17 different categories. “It’s a great opportunity to recognize the hard work put in by businesses throughout the year and celebrate their accomplishments and stories.” RBC Royal Bank, Hayes Stewart Little & Co. Chartered Professional Accountants and Coastal Community Credit Union are the Gold Sponsors for the event. Category sponsors are Helijet, Thompson Cooper LLP, CIBC and Grieg

Seafood. Categories this year include: Agriculture, Automotive, Construction/Development, Entrepreneur, Forestry/Wood Products, Green, Health, Hospitality/Tourism, Manufacturer, Ocean Products, Professional (legal, accounting, insurance), Real Estate, Retail, Small Business (under 50 employees), Technology, Trades and Business of the Year (over 50 employees). “One of the things I think is really great about the Business Excellence Awards is how the nominations and the awards are almost evenly split between north and south of the Malahat each year,” says MacDonald. “It’s quite amazing how it has worked out, and it shows the strength of the economy on Vancouver Island is not concentrated in only one or two areas.” MacDonald added that making it through the nomination process to become a Finalist offers great marketing opportunities for companies for their recognition in the awards. Last year’s Business of the Year for over 50 Employees was Real Estate Webmasters of Nanaimo. 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 downtown Nanaimo offices. Small Business of the Year for under 50 Employees was Hoyne Brewing Company of Victoria, a small craft brewery focused on quality and integrity that has been in business for over three years. It produces a wide variety of craft beer, primarily in the Victoria area, but also throughout B.C. “Someone might want to nominate a business they believe is worthy of consideration for these awards, and all they need to do is email or call Business Examiner, and the business will be contacted,” explains MacDonald. “Self-nominations are also accepted. It’s a straightforward process, and it doesn’t cost businesses anything to enter the competition.” For further information about the Business Excellence Awards, visit: www. businessexaminer. ca/events/2016-vancouver-island-business-excellence-awards

DECEMBER 2015

Black touts â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;saferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; oil-by-rail plan for BC refinery The Nanaimo Daily News

C oi l ref i ner y proponent David Black says his $22-billion proposal wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t die with the apparently thwarted Northern Gateway pipeline â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he a i ms to bri ng oi l sa nds bitumen across northern BC by train instead. T he Victoria businessman, who is majority owner of Black Press and this newspaper, spoke recently at a Rotary Club meeting in South Surrey. Blackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitimat Clean proposal calls for a refinery between Terrace and Kitimat that would process bitumen into gasoline, diesel and other refined fuels for Asian markets. He sa id the federa l Libera l governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move to formally ban crude oil tankers from BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s north coast means the Northern Gateway pipeline plan is â&#x20AC;&#x153;pretty much deadâ&#x20AC;? but that shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t block tanker exports of refined fuel, which would be less damaging than a spill of crude or bitumen at sea. Black said his plan to carry oil by rail will be far safer than the crude oil trains that have been vulnerable to fiery disasters elsewhere. He said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in talks with CN Rail to load rail cars with undiluted bitumen, which would be much th icker â&#x20AC;&#x201C; v i rtua l ly

solid â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â compared to the diluted bitumen that moves through pipelines or the light oil thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often carried by train. The bitumen would be heated at the beginning and end of each rail trip to make it flow for loading and unloading from tanker cars. Black argues it would be unlikely to leak or burn if a train derailed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safer and way easier,â&#x20AC;? he said, estimating six trains a day would run every four hours. Bl ack cont i nues to pu rsue environmental approvals, and believes that with green lights from regulators and first nations, oil shippers and financiers will come on board. But his is not the only such proposal. Pacific Future Energy, led by a Mexican conglomerate, initially tried to buy Black out and has since proposed a similar refinery with the same technology. Its backers include SNC Lavalin and prominent aboriginal advisors. Pacific Future initially proposed a site in Prince Rupert but Black said that firm is trying to strike a deal with the Kitselas band for the same site Kitimat Clean had chosen. There are other potential sites with different first nations, he said, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re less suitable. Black also criticized the

provincial governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus on liquefied natural gas projects. He sa id h is refi nery wou ld generate more permanent jobs and taxes for governments than even an optimistic number of LNG plants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Government really dove at this,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding the province â&#x20AC;&#x153;rolled overâ&#x20AC;? in guaranteeing generous tax treatment to get the industry on board, leaving little future revenue to government. Too many LNG plants are already being built in Australia a nd the U.S., he sa id, wh i le Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shift back towards nuclear power will cut demand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I ju st donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t t h i n k t hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much chance,â&#x20AC;? Black said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The LNG dream is now fading.â&#x20AC;? Black is not concerned that low oil prices will also doom his refinery dream. He said he believes low prices as well as the U.S. rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline to the U.S. Gulf Coast will make his option for reaching lucrative Pacific markets increasingly attractive to oil firms grappling with narrowing margins, particularly in Albertaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil sands. Black ma i nta i ns a refi nery canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be built in Alberta itself because of opposit ion f rom multinational oil firms that own Texas refineries, and because the large prefabricated modules

that can be assembled on the BC coast canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be hauled inland. His proposal would use an unusual technology â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â adding $5 billion to the costs â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â t hat slashes the carbon emissions to less than one third of a conventional refinery. Black arg ues the â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenest refinery in the worldâ&#x20AC;? would

largely offset the higher emissions of oil sands bitumen and forge a political solution for Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy policy makers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It cleans the whole industry up,â&#x20AC;? Black said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not in the dirty oil business any more. We get a huge value add. And it takes away the issue of a heavy oil spill at sea.â&#x20AC;?

Deep Bay Marine Field Station

Meeting and Conference Space, Catering Available

250.740.6611 | viu.ca/deepbay

Scrooge approved. This holiday season we have a little something for you. Buy a $65 T J JLIW FDUG DQG ZH ZLOO JLYH \RX D JLIW FDUG WR Ä&#x2020;OO \RXU VWRFNLQJ : :H PDNH JLIW EX\LQJ HIIRUWOHVV IRU HYHU\RQH RQ \RXU OLVW )URP W WDEOHWV DQG WHFK WR VW\OLVK $HURQ FKDLUV DQG SUHPLHU VWDWLRQHU\ S SURGXFWV ZH KDYH LW DOO ĂŚ LQFOXGLQJ JLIW FDUGV IRU WKH KDUG WR SOHDVH

Think Monk... BUSINESS | RETAIL | INTERIORS | TECHNOLOGY

*Purchase and redemption in store only. Promotion Dec. 1 - 31. No expiry on gift cards.

For business solutions & locations: 1.800.735.3433 | monk.ca )UHH GHOLYHU\ 0RQGD\ )ULGD\ 6RPH H[FHSWLRQV DSSO\

Gift Cards Buy $65 * Receive $10!

DECEMBER 2015

M&N MATTRESS SHOP: A PASSION FOR HEALTHY SLEEP “We have lots of referrals Local store continues to wow customers

and lots of repeat business. That shows that we’re doing something

ARKSVILLE - M&N Mattress Shop Ltd. (est 2000) in Parksville is making headlines again. This year, The Better Business Bureau awarded the store its coveted Torch award for Top Fu rn itu re/ Mattress store on Vancouver Island again; in addition it won in the Category Community Engagement. Company owner and President Mark Nagra, said, “It’s hard to explain, but this year was even better than last year. Waiting for the winner’s company name to be called, was giving us a few butterflies. What a great feeling it was to be the top and get a BBB Torch Award for recognition of Excellence in Customer Service and more. Words can’t express how proud we are of our staff who are a huge part of the team work that allows this to happen! It definitely makes a successful year that much better to have this award proudly displayed in our store. Thank you to our fabulous customers for supporting us. And, for the second year in a row, the family-owned store is vying for the top Better Business Bureau Torch award.” Nag ra sa id that the store’s reputation centres on service, a great product and honest advertising. He also credits his wife, Neelam for bringing the store to the next level. Neelam has worked with her husband since day one and has managed the store since 2009. Nagra noted that the acknowledgement from the BBB is particularly noteworthy because it is customer driven. M&N’s website alone has nearly 300 customer testimonials (just in the last few years), with over 80 per cent signing with their full name and city of residence-credibility. M&N just celebrated its best year ever and September was an all time record month. Nagra credits his customers with bringing so much success to his store.

right.” MARK NAGRA PRESIDENT AND OWNER, M&N MATTRESS SHOP LTD.

“We love our customers,” he said. “We have customers who ca me to us 15 yea rs ago a nd they’re buying their second or third bed. We have lots of referrals and lots of repeat business. That shows that we’re doing something right.” He recalled the best advice he ever received from a former boss. “Always put yourself in the customer’s shoes; then it’s easy to know what you should do. And that’s what we all do. A customer comes in and has a concern, no problem. We understand. We make it right. We want happy customers.” Just as i mpor ta nt as g reat customer service, is the product M&N sells. Nagra said that he and his family live a healthy lifestyle and they understand that health is important in the products they sell. “We don’t sell chemical laden, man-made memory foam products,” he said. “We have the studies in the store that show that they off-gas more than any other material. We promote and sell products that are healthy and that hopefully, will make you healthier as well. Whether poor sleep is due to temperature or pressure points, we have material that will relieve pressure points and help you sleep with a regulated body temperature. Those are natural materials like wool, organic cotton, natural latex from a rubber tree, Celliant (Thermo-reactive natural minerals) and if it’s going to be foam, we have the cleanest foam in North America.” The store buys from the Restwell

Mark Nagra says his wife Neelam is largely responsible for earning the store a Torch nomination Mattress Company that produces the Ironman Recovery Mattress, an exceptional product that specifically assists people with issues ranging from arthritis to diabetes and poor sleep, and also helps athletes recover more quickly while increasing stamina. M&N Mattress Shop and its Surrey partner are the only stores in Canada to carry all eight models of the Ironman, a mattress that contains Celliant and Cellitex (patented), a combination of 13 thermal reactive natural minerals that keep the body cooler in sleep and have a clinically proven beneficial effect on the body, increasing the oxygen in the blood. It has been tested and proven by over 10 North American university medical centres. European, Chinese and Australian governments have given celliant class one medical device approvals. “So we sell healthy products,” Nag ra sa id. “A nd of cou rse, most of our products are made in BC as well.” He added that the store’s sales staff is also extremely knowledgeable. “We educate customers on the health benefits of the natural and organic materials in the products we choose to carry,” Nagra said, adding that most people have issues with beds that begin to sag and carry the indent of their bodies. The material the bed is made of makes all the difference. Given that most beds today can’t

M&N Mattress Shop is located in Parksville

Sukh Khakh is known in the store as the “Doctor of Sleep” be flipped, this “bouncing back” is more important than ever. M&N also specializes in space-saving cabinet beds – an excellent alternative to murphy beds. The cabinet is free standing, turns into a bed in 30 seconds and comes in multiple colours, mattress options, models, styles and sizes. Na g ra i s pa ssion ate about match i ng people w ith the right mattress and with helping people improve their health and sleep patterns – the two go hand-in-hand. “ We’re a l l a b o u t s e r v i c e , qua l ity a nd va lue,” he sa id, add i ng t h at it goes w it hout

saying that his store will match any competitor’s price – but its care of the customer is matchless. It also offers free setup, delivery and removal of the old mattress. “Beating people’s prices is easy,” he said. “We won’t be undersold. But getting the right bed for health issues or preventing health issues – that’s wh at we’re a l l about – t h at and the best customer service possible.” M&N Mattress Shop is at 1 – 291 East Island Highway in Parksville. www.parksvillemattress.com www.ironmanmattress.ca

Congratulations M&N Mattress Shop for receiving the BBB 2015 Torch Award for Excellence in Customer Service Ironmanmattress.ca OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

parksvillemattress.com Tel 250 248 7133 Toll Free 1-866-550-6275

NANAIMO

DECEMBER 2015

Float home proposal still very much alive The Daily News

p ro p o s a l to b u i l d u p to 60 f loat homes and more t h a n 100 b oat sl ip s at t h e Na n a i mo Sh ipyards site is sti l l very much alive despite delays, according to Scott Valliere, developer and owner of Harbour Homes Marina Inc. Valliere said a recent suggestion by Mayor Bill McKay in a letter to the editor that the site has possibilities for manufactu ring a nd electrica l-sector development is misleading.

McKay made the comments to dispute a reader’s claim he wa s t r y i ng to promote L NG development on t he Isl a nd, only that there may be “other” opportunities related to LNG. “ I a m re fe r r i n g to op p ortu n ities for mach i ne shops, fabrication shops, electrical contractors, and, with the possibility of opening a marine ways and fabrication shop at the previous Nanaimo Shipyards site, I would be eager to explore work for the employees of companies in Nanaimo,” he wrote.

McK ay sa id h i s com ments were not to suggest that the float home concept was dead, on ly t h at t here were possibi l it i e s for t h e site. “( Va lliere) himself told me that if he cou ld n’t get approva l for cha nges (to) the letters patent for f loat home s t h at he will seek to have the shipyard l e a s e d ,” M c K a y s a i d . M cKay a lso cited a blu rb i n the BC Shippin g Ne ws t h at sa id Va l l iere wa nt s to le a s e out sh ipya rd faci l it ies wh i le he constr ucts the f loat homes. Va l l iere sa id he wou ld seek

out ot her oppor tu n it ies for the property if the float home proposal is not viable as McKay had said, but added he has no intention of giving up with the project. “ R i g h t n o w, I ’ v e g o t 17 8 people on the waiting list for float homes,” he said. However, Va l l iere a lso expressed frustration with delays facing the project. In order to build the homes on the water lot, Valliere needs a lease with the Nanaimo Port A u t h o r i t y. To g e t t h a t , h e must secure changes to letters

patent which currently do not a l low for f loat homes i n the harbour. Only Transport Canada can authorize the change and First Nations support and approval is also required. That has yet to happen, Valliere said. T he Por t Authority’s Mike Davidson, d i rector of proper ty a nd env i ron ment, sa id the port authority has given approval-in-principle for the project, but said there was still add itiona l consu ltation a nd technical aspects of the project to work out.

NPA president excited by opportunities The Daily News

h e Na n a i m o Por t A uthority is excited to be a new component of the ele c t ron ic m a r i ne h i g hway in BC. Sp e a k i n g to a Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce recently, the NPA’s president Bernie Dumas sa id there a re lot s of b u s i ne ss op p or t u nities to be explored with the recent implementation of soft a nd ha rdwa re that prov ides real-time monitoring of local sh ip t ra f f ic i n loca l waters. He sa id the new mon itori ng s y s tem help s to en s u re t he safety of ships in the waters around Nanaimo in the Strait of G eorg ia, a nd shou ld help the N PA bring new business to Nanaimo. Dumas also spoke on the ongoing plans to build a second berth at the NPA’s Duke Point property. H e s a i d t h e p ro j e c t c o u l d cost up to $70 million and is i nte n d e d to h a n d l e t h e i ncreasing demands on the authority’s facilities. “T h is w ill a llow us to ha nd le two deep-sea vessel s at

the same time, including larger vessels,” Dumas said. “ We ’ r e h o p i n g t o r e c e i v e f u nd i ng f rom bot h t he federa l a nd prov i ncia l governments for the project, which w i l l l i kely see completion i n t h e 2 0 2 0 s . T h e re’s a l o t of energ y projects cu rrently u nd er way i n B C, i nclu d i n g L NG a nd oi l pip el i ne s, a nd we wa nt t he por t to benef it from them.” Dumas said the new $9.3-m i l l ion cra ne that was installed at NPA’s Duke Point site this summer signals another step toward the N PA’s goa l to become t he Isl a nd’s lead i ng conta i ner freig ht shipping and receiving port. He said the new cruise ship t e r m i n a l a t t h e N PA’s A ssembly W h a r f i s b eg i n n i ng to show benef its, a nd eig ht “l a rge cr u i se sh ips” a re a lready scheduled to visit Nanaimo next year. “ We ’ r e s t i l l l o a d i n g l o g s f rom t h at s ite a n d t h e n e w Helijet service (which offers regular helicopter flights between Nanaimo and Vancouver harbours) has also begun this year,” Dumas said.

WINTER SPECIAL! Starting @

109.00 plus tax

(Includes $25.00 food credit for the D.I. Restaurant & Lounge)

· Free hot breakfast buffet · Free Wi-Fi & Parking · Over 4500 square feet of banquet & meeting room space

HAPPY HOUR Monday-Sunday 4:00pm-6:00pm $4.00 Beer, wine and highballs · ½ price appy’s www.coasthotels.com

1-800-663-1144

975 Shoppers Row-Downtown Campbell River

BUSINESS BANKING IS ABOUT A SHARED PERSPECTIVE. Being headquartered in the West has its advantages. We know your business environment better, understand local markets and make timely decisions. More importantly, we can work closely with you to find solutions perfectly suited to your business banking needs.

Looking for a better fit for your business banking? Call Mark Marcil, Senior Manager, Commercial Banking at 250.390.6415 today! .FUSBM %SJWF /BOBJNP t Learn more at cwbank.com

INVENTING

DECEMBER 2015

HOW MUCH IS THAT PATENT WORTH – PART II? Licensing a foundational patent is usually expensive, both in terms of the licensing fee and the royalty payments

INVENTING ANNE FLANAGAN

ast month I started to discuss how to arrive at a valuation for a patent and ended by starting to discuss a patent term. It is very important to know when a patent will expire, because its value drops significantly as that date approaches. In fact, for some licensing deals, it may be best to wait until the patent expires and avoid having to license at all. If you do need to license, any licensing fee should be related to the remaining patent term. If the patent has 18 years left, then expect to pay a higher fee than if it only has 18 months left. A weightier consideration is the type of patent. Is it a foundational patent, an improvement patent or a patent in a crowded art? In this context, a foundational patent is one that is the first or one of the first in a given field. They are, by nature, very broad, difficult to avoid and easy to infringe. The first bar code patent is an example. Licensing a foundational patent is usually expensive, both in terms of the licensing fee and the royalty payments. You might think that the fee and payments should be low because of the number of licensees, but it is high because of the demand. An improvement patent generally has a lower value than a fou ndationa l patent. As the name implies, it is an improvement over whatever came before. Frequently, if there is a valid and in force patent that was improved upon that is owned by a different

party, then to work the improvement requires licensing both the improvement patent and its predecessor. Also, an improvement patent will have claims that are narrower in scope than the predecessor. Both these factors should reduce the valuation of the patent. A patent that is in a crowded art means that there are many patents for highly related inventions. These generally have claims that are narrow in scope. The valuation of these patents is highly variable. A final consideration, which I have eluded to above, is the scope of the claims. Make sure that you truly do need to license the patent. In order to do this, the claims have to be construed to understand exactly what is being claimed – if your product, process or method is not exactly the same as what is being claimed, you have no need to license. Anne Flanagan is the principal at Alliance Patents. She works with a cadre of highly skilled professionals and can help you build the team you need to succeed. She can be reached at anne.flanagan@ alliancepatents.com

“Your Full Service Wealth Management Team”

Stephen J. Stuthers 250-729-0904 |

101 - 5070 Uplands Dr, Nanaimo, BC

COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL PL ANNING Retirement Planning t Tax Planning t Insurance PlanninH t Cash Management t Investment Planning t Estate Planning

DECEMBER 2015

WHEN SHOULD YOU SELL YOUR BUSINESS

he A dv i sor y Group of S my t h e L L P re g u l a rly manages the tax and transaction aspects of transitioning businesses, but does that mean we always recommend that you sell? The answer is definitely not! For the last 15 years, financial planners and M&A professionals have been predicting the great transition of baby-boomer-owned-businesses to new ownership. Considering this, owners should have been cashing in on their lifetime’s work i n fa r g reater nu mbers tha n they have. So, what happened? There are several factors that might explain the lack of business transitions seen in this demographic: People are healthier than ever and enjoy what they are doing. The prospect of converting assets that generate cash flow into cash and/or risky investments is not appealing. They have become confident that there a re lots of buyers and that they have the luxury to wa it for the rig ht ti me to sell.

It is our experience that a planned exit can have a lot of personal and financial benefits

Mike Berris, CPA, CA and Partner Smythe LLP A Planned Exit It i s ou r ex per ience t h at a planned exit can have a lot of personal and financial benefits. Let’s look at some financial and non-financial reasons why planning is important: Your spouse has stood by you as you worked late, l istened to you fret about troubles at the office and was proud (and

maybe a little surprised!) you became so successful. Maybe it is time to make a plan to personally invest in your family. You’re not going to live forever. I n fact, you m ig ht not be able to rely on good health after 70. Converting almost guaranteed cash flow into investments i s ner ve-rack i n g; however, there are great advisors in the investment industry who will help develop a pla n to meet your family’s and your needs. If you wait until you absolutely have to sell your business, the timing and circumstances may not be right to maximize you r payout. Potentia l pu rchasers are always able to sense the urgency to sell and will do everything they can to sway the price and terms in their favour. A well thought out plan may allow you to work longer doing what you love, while almost g ua ra nteei ng you r eventua l payout. Planning your business transition is an important process, one we all know won’t be easy from both an emotiona l and

Benefits Made Easy Need a Benefits Plan with Stable Rates & Better Service? Tap into 35 years of Benefits Plan experience! Dental-Extended Health-LTD-Critical Illness

THE

Frank Allen

FINANCIAL GROUP INC.

frank@frankallenÀnancial.com

(250) 753-2101

www.businessexaminer.ca

strategic perspective. That being said, selling your business may not be the best option for you. I know lots of busi ness owners who have made a deci sion to keep work i n g a nd eventually close the business when they have had enough. This too can be a practical and beneficial strategy.

The best advice we can give you is to sit down and have an honest discussion with yourself, your family and your trusted adv isors. You m ight be su rprised where it leads you. Smythe LLP is a team of dedicated professionals who provide reliable accounting, tax and advisory services to businesses and individuals. They can be reached at 604 687 1231.

NANAIMO

DECEMBER 2015

SOME YEAR END MEANDERINGS Tourism seemed to flourish with BC Ferries passenger

s All Types of Custom Fabrication s 3TAINLESS AND Aluminum WELDING s 3HEET -ETAL &LASHING -aterials s #OMPUTERIZED WaTERJET #UTTING s 3TRUCTURAL 3TEEL FabircaTION -aterials s 2ETAIL -ETAL 3ALES sTank Fabrication

rates up solidly, airport traffic steadily on the increase, hotel room

NANAIMO

MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 TO 4:30

occupancy up and local campgrounds full

KIM SMYTHE

TOLL FREE 1-888-754-9711

Fax: 250-754-8913

Happy Holidays from the team at MosaicIT 250-591-1777 | www.MosaicIT.ca

or some, this will be the busiest month of the year — especially those in the hospitality and retail trades. For others, this will be your SLOOOOW month and you just hope to make it through until things start winding up again in the New Year. But, since we’ve all made it through to the end, I thought a bit of a recap was in order. With two elections in less than 12 months, we’ve had quite a few changes in the faces that represent us in government. We have new leadership in Ottawa whose impact should start to be felt soon. Let’s hope it’s as positive as promised. We’ve had a year to see where the changes at city hall have us heading. I’m not sure that anybody is certain what direction that is but let’s stay positive! Anybody who follows the Chamber and/or city hall, knows that we’ve spoken out for clarification and certainty and hope that is forthcoming in the New Year.

As far as big moves in the local economy, we await word of new plans or projections on a Conference Centre Hotel. Additionally, we’re anxious to hear some good news on Island Ferry’s goal of delivering downtown to downtown foot passenger service to Vancouver. Tourism seemed to flourish with BC Ferries passenger rates up solidly, airport traffic steadily

on the increase, hotel room occupancy up and local campgrounds full. Employment numbers are satisfactory in spite of the downturn in the resource sector and most retailers and restaurants smiling, even if just a little. Our Vital Signs report came out in the fall and clearly indicated that, in some areas, we’ve got some work to do especially in education and poverty reduction. The face of our business community is changing slightly as investors from China discover all the advantages that Nanaimo offers to business owners. As they move here to contribute to our economy, we need to work together to help them integrate to our business and social culture. The Chamber has been active all year in trying to make this work well for all parties. So on, we’ll also be welcoming families fleeing trouble in their homeland and looking for a new start. They will make their way eventually into our workforce and into new businesses. We must make sure Nanaimo is a safe and welcoming environment for all people to call home. Let’s keep that thought in mind as we celebrate peace and goodwill during the coming holiday season. Merry Christmas from the Chamber. Kim Smythe is CEO of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at ceo@ nanaimochamber.bc.ca

November Sales Activity Up Significantly From One Year Ago

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

ovember sales activity in the Vancouver Island real Estate Board (VIREB) area dipped slightly from October, but rose significantly from one year ago, with the board on target to reach its forecasted sales for 2015. Last month, 351 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service compared to 299 in November 2014, an increase of 17 per cent. Inventory levels are continuing their downward trend, with active listings showing a reduction of 17 per cent from one year ago. British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCR E A) Ch ief Economist Cameron Muir states that an improving Canadian economy and rising employment levels in British Columbia are bolstering consumer confidence and spending. “Employment levels increased by 3.1 per cent year over year in the province, and retail sales are up 70 per cent,” said Muir. “We’re in the midst of a strong bull market, and consumers are spending their money on everything from apparel to housing.” Muir noted that these dynamic market conditions will carry over into 2016, but he does anticipate

some tempering to occur in most areas, with sales in the VIREB area edging back between 3.5 and 4 per cent. “The housing market won’t dramatically wane because sales don’t typically hit historically high levels and then flat line, but we do expect to see some reductions,” he said. VIREB President Jason Finlayson says that it appears as though dropping inventory levels are now causing the benchmark price to rise in the VIREB area. “Our inventory levels have been going down steadily this year, and we’ve been expecting home prices to reflect that reality,” said Finlayson. “Almost all of our markets are now reporting increases in the benchmark price from one year ago. This includes townhouses and apartments i n add ition to single-fa m i ly homes.” With prices firming up in the VIREB area and a smaller pool of potential homes for sale, conditions are suited for selling a home. “If you’ve been thinking of putting your house on the market but have been holding off, it’s an excellent time to move forward,” he said. “But to ensure the best chance of a sale,

you should consider using a local realtor to help you price your home appropriately.” In November 2015, the benchmark price for a single-family home in the V IR EB coverage area was $338,500, up 6.77 per cent from one year ago. Benchmark pricing tracks the value of a typical home in the reported area. The average MLS price of a single-family home in November was $360,101, a six per cent increase from November 2014 and a slight decrease from last month. The November 2015 benchmark price of a single-family home in the Campbell River area was $270,500, an increase of 2.79 per cent from last year. In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price was $339,200, up just under eight per cent from 2014. Duncan reported a benchmark price of $304,100, an increase of 6.29 per cent over the same month in 2014. Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose 4.27 per cent to $355,600 while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price rise by 5.65 per cent to $377,000. The price for a benchmark home in Port Alberni was $189,600, an increase of 6.13 per cent since November 2014.

DECEMBER 2015

LANDSCAPING COMPANY PROVIDES THE FINISHING TOUCH “We have what it takes Ridgeview Irrigation and Landscaping has spent more than 10 years developing its skills and techniques

to service any size job and we are willing to go the extra mile for our customers. If we have to

ANAIMO – Carefully designed landscaping services enhance and bring the most to a commercial or residential building project. For Nanaimo’s Ridgeview Irrigation and Landscaping, providing that finishing touch is as much about art and function as it is technical expertise. Eric Harding, president and owner of Ridgeview Irrigation and Landscaping started his business 10 years ago. The company specializes in irrigation, landscaping and landscape lighting, as well as Allan Block retaining walls, patios, paving stones and pond construction and maintenance. In the winter, the company also provides snow removal services. For Harding the key to his company’s success has been his willingness to listen to the needs and concerns of his customers, helping to transform those ethereal visions into tangible results that will bring pleasure to the client and add value to the property. “We’re a full service landscape and irrigation company,” he said. “We cater to the customer’s vision. Even if it’s just extending a bed in the yard, or enlarging an irrigation system, we give the customer what

pour at midnight we will do that.” PRESIDENT, BEDROCK REDI-MIX LTD.

they want at a reasonable price. The emphasis of my business is providing timely service and project completion.” Ridgeview Irrigation and Landscaping has a core group of employees, with its crew expanding depending on the project. “The crew size change depending on the season. There can be up to six of us during the summer months depending on the type of projects we’re working on. But during the winter there are usually two or three of us,” he said. After more than a decade of service, with an expanding portfolio of completed projects and a database of satisfied customers to his credit, Harding has found that word of mouth advertising has been one of his most effective marketing tools. “A lot of my projects come from referrals,” he said. “It’s nice to know that if you

Ridgeview is well equipped with the right tools and personnel to complete any project, regardless of scale or complexity

Fabris McIver Hornquist & Radcliffe Congratulations on 10 Fine Years 250-753-6661

www.fabris-law.com

A variety of options can be used when landscaping a property, sometimes the use of curbs and containers can dramatically accent a yard

TERRY HUGHES

In operation for more than 10 years one of Ridgeview Irrigation and Landscaping’s biggest assets is its talented crew

A landscaping project does not have to be complicated, sometimes clean and simple designs can create the best impact While focusing primarily on residential projects Ridgeview Irrigation and Landscaping frequently handles commercial projects treat the customer right and you give them what they want for a reasonable price you get a lot of repeat business and referrals.” Over the years Ridgeview Irrigation and Landscaping has grown beyond its original imaginings. “We started out originally as an irrigation specialist. We’ve done a lot of residential work and we have done some commercial work.” Because of the company’s irrigation specialty it does plenty of repairs and expansions to existing systems. “For example consider a strata complex that hires a landscape company to do the gardening and the mowing and the trimming. Then they get the landscape company to do the irrigation and in many cases it just doesn’t end well. Ultimately I end up getting called

Proud to Support Ridgeview 250.616.3164 www.excaliburcustomhomes.ca

The equipment used by Ridgeview Irrigation and Landscaping sometimes does double duty during the winter months for snow removal and it can be a mess that can be tough to fix,” he said. A nother key component of Harding’s business success is his willingness to develop a positive relationship with his customers. “You need to build a rapport with the customer, sometimes it’s the most important thing. What I don’t want is a customer phoning me four months later to say we should have done this or that. Providing the options right from the get go is part of my job. If that call comes, then we should have been asking more questions.” Ridgeview has also become the landscaper of choice for many of Nanaimo’s premiere custom home builders, a relationship that allows him to provide the finishing

Quality Irrigation & Landscape Lighting Supply

Congratulations Ridgeview Irrigation

www.iritex.ca

Parksville 250 248 7028 Courtenay 250 338 5020

Ridgeview has had a great deal of experience working within strata developments where a uniform style is the desired effect touch to some of the area’s most spectacular properties. “Working with the builder we can create an indoor and outdoor look that will be around for a long time, proper materials have been used and it will last.” For Harding his company’s future growth is squarely linked to the level of personal service he and his crews provide their clients. “I deal with each customer individually one at a time because in the end you have to interact with the customer on a one to one basis,” he said. “For us the future holds a lot of opportunities. We’re growing and we’ll continue to grow. I’m moving more into high end residential projects. I envision in the not too distant future that we’ll get a project where we can put in such high end things as re-circulating rivers, bridges, cantilevered slabs over the edge of the river incorporating a patio, LED lighting, waterfalls and other extras,” he explained. “I’m just waiting for the opportunity to work on such projects, the kind that would make people who drive by just about drive off the road when they see it because of its uniqueness.” To learn more about Ridgeview Irrigation and Landscaping please visit its website at: www.ridgeviewlandscaping.ca

AND THE WINNERS ARE... 2015 Torch Awards On November 6, 2015 BBB serving Vancouver Island hosted the 2015 Torch Awards at the Union Club of B.C. This year’s event celebrated the success, achievements and accomplishments of our local BBB, and all the Accredited Businesses who were nominated for their dedication to their customers and their community.

Rosalind Scott, BBBVI President & CEO

We would like to congratulate the following businesses for their exemplary commitment to honest and ethical business practices and customer service excellence:

AWARD CATEGORY: Construction X 2 Lewis Modern Home Renovations (Qualicum Beach)

a special thanks to our

Community Partners

AWARD CATEGORY: Health & Wellness Comfort Keepers (Victoria) AWARD CATEGORY: Home Improvement CBS Masonry (Victoria) AWARD CATEGORY: Auto Sales & Service Tri City Collision and Repairs Ltd. (Sooke) AWARD CATEGORY: Heating & Air Conditioning Servicexcel (Nanaimo) AWARD CATEGORY: Movers Provincial Moving & Storage Ltd. (Victoria) AWARD CATEGORY: Cleaning Services Moore’s Cleaning & Maintenance Service (Comox)) AWARD CATEGORY: Plumbing & Drainage Contractors Andrew Scott Plumbing & Heating (Victoria)

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

AWARD CATEGORY: Professional Services Pain Free Tax & Bookkeeping Service (Victoria))

A special thanks to the 2015 Torch Awards “Diamonds Are Forever Sponsors”

AWARD CATEGORY: Rooﬁng Contractors Oceanside Rooﬁng Ltd. (Parksville) AWARD CATEGORY: Installation & Repair Victoria Tank Service Ltd. (Victoria) AWARD CATEGORY: Outstanding Employee Don Strickland (Drainscope.net of Victoria) AWARD CATEGORY: Community Engagement M & N Mattress Shop Ltd. (Parksville)

50 Years Accreditation R. Gallazin & Son Ltd. (Nanaimo) Victoria Rooﬁng & Insulation Co. Ltd. (Victoria)

For more information about BBB serving Vancouver Island orr tto o no nominate mina mi ina natte te a company for a 2016 Torch Award go to: bbb.org/Vancouver-island. i l d 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

360 Comfort Systems Mazzei Electric Above Roofing Mid Island Granite Inc. AeroSmith Heli Services Mile Zero Tours Beautiful Smiles Denture Clinic Inc. Mosaic Information Technologies Bin There Dump That Nanaimo And Voyager Magazine Garat Financial Group Ltd. North Ridge Fitness Centre Ltd. Great Dane Painting Pacific Coast Dental H. D. Trucking Ltd. Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute Henderson Plumbing and Gas Rusnak Gallant Limited Highwest Contracting Signature Plus Automotive Centre Hinkkala & Associates Storey's Gate Financial Services Inc The Velvet Crease Consignment Sales IIMG Immigration Services Think Local First Victoria Island Torque Converters & Drive Shafts Three Guys Construction Kean Auto Service Top-Lite Car Service Kyla Kleaning Arrowsmith Automotive & Towing Maxxam Insurance Services Inc.

COWICHAN VALLEY

DECEMBER 2015

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

COWICHAN VALLEY SONJA NAGEL

he Duncan Cowichan Chamber AGM on November 2 4th was wel l attended with 48 individuals representing 36 businesses. The Chamber enjoys significant interest from members wishing to serve on the Board of Directors. This year was no exception and seven new and returning Directors filled the available positions. The new Board includes professionals and businesses owners from different sectors including: hospitality, not-forprofit, finance, law, accounting, independent education, insurance, and agriculture. T he 2015 – 2016 Board of Directors are: Miles Anderson - Outlooks Menswear, Karen Bittner - Providence Community

Association, Martin Buck Thunderbird Motor Inn, George Gates - NuTech IT Solutions, Ruth Hartmann - Hartmann Window Covering, Moira Hauk - Coastal Community Credit Union, Danielle Killam - Hayes Stewart Little & Co., Penny Lehan - Coleman Fraser Whittome Lehan, Sebastien Martin – Wedderspoon Organic Inc. & Folki Herbs Inc., Carol Messier – Maple Bay Marina, Jason Price – Valley Life Insurance Solutions, Julie Scurr – Queen Margaret’s School, and Marsha Todd – Unique Home Health Care. The Board will elect a new Executive at the December Board meeting. To ensure the Chamber remains con nected w ith the community, there are three Appointed Directors: Jean Cardno of the Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Association, Keith Chicquen of Vancouver Island University and Cathy Robertson represents Community Futures Cowichan. There are two Appointed Liaisons – John Horgan a Councillor from the City of Duncan, and Rob Douglas, a Councillor from the Municipality of North Cowichan. Liaisons do not vote and their primary role is to ensure pertinent information and points of view are shared between organizations.

Salt Company wants to expand operations ■■■ The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Governance 101 Workshop on March 5th of next year. The session facilitator is governance expert Deb McClelland of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. Twenty seats are currently being held open for Directors from Island Chambers and Notfor-Profits. Contact the Duncan Cowichan Chamber for details, or check the Chamber Events calendar on our website. The Governance 101 Workshop regularly sells out wherever it’s offered. We recommend you register soon! ■■■ The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce welcomes the following new members: Data Stream Networks, Dr. Karen McClinchey Optometric Corporation, Newmatek Industries Inc., Coastal Bliss Adventures and Neat n Clean Eco Frfiendly Cleaning Services. Consider joining Cowichan’s most active business networking organization. Sonja Nagel is Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at manager@duncancc.bc.ca or 250-748-1111

Comox Valley Echo ancouver Island Salt Co aims to add some more flavour to the Comox Valley’s economy and food scene. The Cowichan Valley based company that was started by Chef Andrew Shepherd in 2009 in Cobble Hill, wants to expand its operation here. “We are going to be really great contributors to the Comox Valley food scene,” said Shepherd. “There’s all sorts of reasons why there’s going to be great harmony between Comox and us.” The company, which is Canada’s first commercial sea salt harvestry, is rapidly growing. It plans to make its way into the United States market and eventually bring it to Europe and Asia. In order to do that, VISC needs to boost production. Shepherd and his partner Scott Gibson were targeting a property in Royston but that deal fell through at the last minute. They are now eyeing two locations in the valley where they will be able to produce hand harvested sea salt. The reason Vancouver Island Salt Co has chosen the Comox Valley is because the region can provide them a supply of beautiful clean unrefined sea salt from the globally recognizable clear waters of Vancouver Island, which the company has based its international brand on. “Everything about Comox Valley is right for us,” said Shepherd. “We’re super excited about it. The water is

stunning. We already made some test and they make stunning sea salt.” Shepherd said the valley has clean, protected water ways to draw its base product from. “Not only does the sea water on the Comox shores look cleaner, but it is in fact cleaner and further away from damaging effects on the water ways of the capital city of Victoria,” said Shepherd. They also cited a booming and recognizable natural food scene as Comox Valley products are highly regarded as being at the front of ethical and sustainable food production in BC. The region also offers affordable commercial real-estate. They stated it has pricing that will allow VISC to grow into the new international markets they plan to push into. VISC would also love for consumers the world over to associate its brand with the beautiful, clean and green, scenic Comox Valley. Shepherd and Gibson also stated VISC will be a great addition to the fantastic local food scene in the valley. “Through participation and sponsorship of local food events we will make it a priority to become an integral part of the Comox Valley food scene,” they said. Once they’ve set shop here, they intend to hire local workers in their wholesale and retail operations. As well, their production manager and his family plans to relocate here to the Comox Valley.

NOW BOARDING 7 departures per day Monday – Friday this Fall/Winter Downtown Nanaimo – Downtown Vancouver: 18 minutes + Kids Fly Free!*

*Terms and conditions apply Pictured: downtown Nanaimo Heliport

helijet.com | @helijet | helijet | 1.800.665.4354

DECEMBER 2015

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE Interruption to revenue could mean business is dead in water Commercial insurance policies assess risk and protect clients at all levels BETH HENDRY-YIM

ommercial insurance could be one of the most valuable items a business owns. It could mean the difference between having a business after disaster strikes or not. Joanne Freelund, CIP, of Real Insurance in Nanaimo, said the right policy can protect not only the business’s building or physical work space but also the contents, including valuable equipment and/or stock. “Building the right insurance product starts with the physical or real property,” she said. “From there you can add things like boiler and maintenance coverage for heating, cooling and electrical or theft of cash, stock or revenue.” However, Freelund stressed that, although in many cases insurance for physical property is mandatory, business owners don’t often think of insuring against loss of income. “Interruption of income can be from fire or water damage

TSP5500 PALLET JACK

Moving Stuff for Christmas? Save your Back for only

312

Forklift Sales & Service * Aerial Equipment Repair NANAIMO, BC | 250.758.5722 | 1.866.758.5725 | WWW.PACIFICWESTFORKLIFT.COM

Chris Rigg said liability insurance is needed throughout the cycle of a development project

Joanne Freelund works in Nanaimo at Real Insurance Solutions

Gord Brownridge said the north offers up unique insurance needs

or a sewer back-up; either way bills still need to be paid, even when the business is closed or undergoing repairs,” she added. “Start by looking at the building and contents, but then look at what happens when business is interrupted.” Once the policy is in place, Freelund said, the business should get annual reassessment to ensure adequate coverage. Has revenue changed? Has the company purchased new equipment? Are there any new employees? “Over time a business evolves and expands, introducing new products or services, making new purchases and altering or adding to the business’s building or location. Going over the policy yearly catches those changes and ensures the business is covered.” Freelund, who caters to the restaurant business, said that loss can also come from stock shrinkage. “Restaurants can have daily issues with staff walking off with food items,” she said, adding that identifying the complexities of a business and assessing the risks is part of what a broker can do for clients. Christopher Rigg, CIP, CAIB, senior vice president, Capri Insurance Services in Kelowna, who works closely with religious institutions and property developers, said that liability insurance is needed throughout the cycle of a business. “For proper ty developers, whether a project is large or small, liability starts with the bare land.” A newly purchased piece of land

“Bills still need to be paid

may be used by neighbours for walking their dogs or by children riding bikes; either way, Rigg said the owner is responsible if something happens on it. “It doesn’t matter if you are liable or not, people may still sue you,” he said. He added that even after a development is complete there can still be liability issues for the builder. “There is no statute of limitations on completed operations. An extreme example would be of an attached covered shelter held in place with cables. If the cable rusts through, the shelter falls and hurts someone, the original developer could be liable.” For Rigg, more than half of his clientele are religious institutions and they offer up a unique and complex liability. “In a church you have elderly people who may slip and fall and youth groups who may get injured while playing sports,” he said, adding that both demographics have a higher risk incidence and need to be considered when underwriting a policy. Gord Brownridge of Brownridge & Company Insurance in Prince George said that the north offers up unique and area-specific clientele. “I work with a lot of tradespeople, contractors, and transportation compa n ies. T hei r i n s u ra n c e n e e d s a re l o c ation-specific but can also require floater policies for their property and liability needs.”

even when the business is closed or undergoing repairs.” JOANNE FREELUND CIP, REAL INSURANCE NANAIMO

SEE COMMERCIAL INSURANCE | PAGE 16

DECEMBER 2015

PERSONAL TOUCH IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS AT HATTON INSURANCE AGENCY Face to face, personal meetings with clients

U NCA N – People still want to deal with people. Especially in the insurance industry, where one size definitely does not fit all, as clients need to share their unique circumstances and needs with knowledgeable experts. Don Hatton recognizes this, and has built his Hatton Insurance Agency with that in mind. “Nothing beats face to face,” he notes. “Contrary to what some people believe, people still want to deal with people. There’s a niche for people who want to sit down and talk to a person face to face.” Hatton sold Van Isle Insurance seven years ago, and started Hatton Insurance Agency, next to the Cowichan High School pl ay i ng f ield i n D u nc a n, i n 2012. It’s been a resou nd ing success, growing 30 per cent each yea r. For t he pa st two years, Hatton has been named a member of the Top 30 Elite Broker list with Insurance Business Magazine, and he’s been a finalist for a Vancouver Island Business Excellence Award in the Professional Company of the Year category. The key to Hatton’s accomplishments? Face to face, personal meetings with clients and the Agency’s qualified staff of five. Hatton and his wife Natalie have both been in the business for three decades. Dorothy Freeman has 42 years’ experience in the industry. “Our customers tell us that they love coming here, because every time they do, they get to dea l w ith the sa me g roup of people, and our staff knows the customers. There isn’t a new face at the counter every time someone comes in,” he says. H at ton I n s u ra nc e A genc y offers house, business, travel, farm, boat, RV and motorcycle i nsu ra nce, a mongst

others, including cyber liability insurance. “T here’s nothing more important to the economy than i n su ra nce,” he notes. “A nd when it comes to most types of insurance, you can’t just go on-line. It’s not cookie cutter.” For example, before people p u rch a se t ravel i n s u ra nc e, they’d best discuss their trip a nd p otent i a l ne e d s w it h a qualified agent. “People are often dropping the ball on this, as they don’t realize the significant problems that can arise if they don’t have the proper insurance when going to another country,” he says. Their emphasis on personal service is appreciated by customers throughout Vancouver Isla nd, a nd is the key to the firm’s success. Hatton describes his Agency as a boutique-style operation. From its i ncept ion, H at ton Insurance Agency made a decision to not offer Autopla n services to clients, believing it was important to move into more personal, detailed insurance work. “After our three years of being in business, the CEO of one of the larger insurance companies wanted to talk to me because he wanted to know what we were doing right as we were growing so well without an Autoplan license,” Hatton notes. “What we’re doing right is that we’re meeting with our customers face to face, and we review their personal situation to come up with the product that fits what they do.” Hatton believes insurance can only be custom-tailored to the unique requirements of each customer. A one-size-fits-all approach to i nsu ra nce sa les does an injustice to both the customer and the industry as a whole. “For a broker l i ke us to be competitive we have to d i fferent i ate ou rselves by b eing so much better at product knowledge and so much better at customer service,” he says. “T he cry from the public is:

L to R: Dorothy Freeman, Natalie Hatton, Alexandra Miller and Don Hatton

“What we’re doing right is that we’re meeting with our customers face to face, and we review their personal situation to come up with the product that fits what they do.” DON HATTON OWNER, HATTON INSURANCE AGENCY

Don Hatton ‘We want to talk to a broker. . .we want to understand what we’re buying’. We’ve tapped into that, and our business is really taking off because of it.” Hatton says for the immediate future, the Agency will continue to grow its local market share, although he adds, “Ultimately we’d like to expand into other communities and to bring our philosophy to other

communities. But for now, we’ll focus on where we are. We want to grow our staff, and fill it with people who sha re that sa me philosophy.” In other words, keep doing what they’ve been doing so successfully thus far. “We have proven that we can compete head-on with the biggest players in the industry, and that we have the skill set to do

it,” Hatton says. “But we never lose sight of the fact that its customer service that drives us. “I enjoy being an insurance person and talking to the clients about what they’re doing, and that enjoyment is reflected in everything we do.” Hatton Insurance Agency is at 495 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan www.hattoninsurance.ca

Your Business is Unique

Let Hatton Insurance Tailor Make a Plan for You

Top 30 Elite Broker Status 495 Trans Canada Highway Duncan • 250-597-2899 • www.hattonins.ca

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

16 COMMERCIAL INSURANCE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Most businesses work in a set location, he explained, but tradespeople, especially electricians and plumbers, are more mobile, working in several locations in one day. Their insurance needs must travel with them, covering tools, vehicle and the area they are working in. “For a restaurant or retail outlet, damage

to the premises and interruption of work could mean that the business is shut down for months, literally dead in the water, with no income. Because of this, carrying business interruption insurance to replace that lost income is every bit as important as insuring the building and its contents.” Brownridge, with more than 25 years in the industry, said one of the most important aspects of commercial insurance for his clientele is keeping him up-to-date on

new equipment purchases and accurate replacement costs. “Making sure a piece of property, a vehicle, a tool or equipment is appraised for its full value, year after year, protects the owner if there is a claim,” he said, adding that an insurance broker isn’t necessarily an appraiser so it is vital to get a qualified appraiser giving accurate values on the business and its contents. When looking for the right insurance broker who can match the appropriate product to the business owner, Brownridge said to look for experience and education. He said the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada sets the industry standards and its provincial counterpart provides localized support and education. “Provincial licensing requires brokers to have a basic designation like a Certified Insurance Professional or CIP. With it, brokers get more in-depth education in dealing with claims and underwriting.” The Insurance Institute of BC (IIBC), is a not-for-profit organization operating under the umbrella of its national institution. Since its founding, it has grown to more than 4,400 members province-wide. It offers a variety of online and classroom courses in formats that are flexible and easily accessible. Prospective students can start right out of high school and get their level one licensing. A CIP designation involves 10 courses and

DECEMBER 2015

exams. The institute also offers networking events and seminars on specific topics. Freelund said that because of the complexity of insurance policies, it is important to have a good relationship with a qualified broker. “When a broker gets to know their client’s business, they are able to better understand its needs,” she said, adding that over the lifetime of the business the broker may be able to fine tune the policy, renegotiate and offer a better deal. Brownridge said a broker can provide input as to risk assessment and management, looking at a business from a unique and experienced perspective. They have been in the industry for a combined three quarters of a century, yet Rigg, Brownridge and Freelund have not lost their enthusiasm for the business. Each sees their expertise as providing a valuable service of protection and security. Rigg said that the industry is misunderstood, that many people see an insurance broker as a salesman sitting at a desk with reams of paperwork. “I like my job. I meet different people every day from different walks of life.” Freelund said that, for her, the insurance industry is an honourable profession, one with many heart warming moments, especially after a disaster when a client thinks they have no way back and she shows them they do.

ELEVATE YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE We are a team of educated, strategic professionals dedicated to raising the bar in our industry. Every team member is motivated to add value to our clients, beyond what is typically expected from a real estate transaction. Let us show you what real estate can be, and what we believe it always should be.

John Cooper & Sean McLintock Personal Real Estate Corporation

1-800-372-0304

CO O P E R M C L I N TO C K . CO M

OFF THE COVER

DECEMBER 2015

Omar Karim, center left and the VIU MBA team members Dragon Boat Tug of War champions

CREDIT:OMAR KARIM

CREDIT:BROCK DYKEMAN

VIU STUDENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

do in the course of their programming.” Headdedthatsomeofthevolunteersweresummer students with English as a second language. “Three months into their program and they’re in charge of a competitive event. It gave them an opportunity to shine and show off their skills to potential employers.” Omar Karim, president of the VIU MBA Society and chair of the BC MBA games said that the event brought together a diverse group of people from around the world. “It was a chance to promote our university and community, both students and the city.” Karim explained that the games revolve around three components: spirit, academics and athletics. “We designed the competitions to be similar to the nationals, but with a Nanaimo twist,” he said, adding that the athletic portion involved a dragon boat tug-of-war and game of dodgeball; spirit was fund raising before and during the weekend event, including a drumming session with Vancouver-based Drum Café; and the academic portion involved case study presentations and a dinner with the unique Pecha Kucha competition. “Pecha Kucha is a Japanese form of precise storytelling that has competitors making presentations alongside a slide show of 20 images shown for 20 seconds each.” The presentations and dinner, held at the Coast Bastion Hotel, boasted special guest Nabil Karim, TSN sports broadcaster and anchor, and Zahra Premji of CTV Vancouver Island News as MC. Omar Karim said that the evening served a dual purpose, acting as both academic and spirit portion. Fundraising plays a large role in the competition, Karim added, with the national

event raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada. For the Nanaimo event the MBA Society chose to focus on supporting families and individuals living with autism. “The theme of the BC MBA games was to connect, inspire and impact,” Karim said. “Part of that involved educating our community and raising awareness of autism. Between all the participating university teams we raised $10,000 for the Autism Society of BC and Canucks Autism Network, with VIU raising more than half.” He also said that local sponsors and partners, like Fuel Supplements, the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Square One and Coco Café, provided time and resources at the events and were instrumental in helping the competition move forward. He stressed, however, that it was a true team effort, taking over 200 people with 10 to 15 core members to create such a successful event. “Our intention was to create a legacy of volunteerism and community fellowship,” Karim said. “Each participant and volunteer took home much more: including the opportunity to lead, a strong connection with a diverse community of international students, and the enthusiasm and inspiration to take the show on the road to Toronto and the 2016 MBA games.” “The games have helped us prepare for the annual competition,” he said. “We’ve assembled a team of 32 and need to raise $60,000 for the trip. We’re almost there.” The team has already started to fundraise for Ronald MacDonald House and the spirit component of the upcoming national games. “Our goal is to raise the most money of any university in any of the annual MBA games.” Fueled by the energy and enthusiasm of their first event success and win, they’re off to a great start.

For Work That Matters Buying or starting a business? We can help. Minimizing tax - That’s our job. KMA Chartered Accountants Ltd. is committed to exceeding your expectations by providing high quality, value driven personal and business services. Our team is ready to serve you.

Business Services | Personal Taxes | U.S. Taxes - Need to get caught up? Questions about ﬁling in the U.S. personal or business?

Douglas K. Parkhurst FCPA, FCA, CPA (Illinois)

250-758-5557 | www.kmacpa.ca

DECEMBER 2015

DISCOVERY COMMUNITY COLLEGE OPENS NEW NANAIMO CAMPUS “96 per cent of Discovery First accredited in 1989, Discovery Community College has been serving the Nanaimo area for more than 11 years

Community College graduates have found work within six months of graduation.”

A NA IMO – Discovery Community College’s (DCC) state of the art downtown Nanaimo campus is now in full operation. The new facility is located at Suite 101, 495 Dunsmuir Street in the city’s downtown core. “It was time to relocate to larger and newer premises in the city’s downtown,” explained Lois McNestry the President of DCC. Discovery College had been serving the post secondary needs of the greater Nanaimo area from a smaller facility located on Bowen Road in Central Nanaimo. DCC had operated from its original location for more than 11 years. “We look forward to continuing to serve the community from our new location and to continue to deliver job-ready graduates into the business community. For the last two years more than 96 per cent of Discovery Community College graduates have found work within six months of graduation. Many of them find work immediately upon graduation,” she said. Originally a small business school located in Campbell River Discovery Community College was founded and accredited in 1989 and has been in operation for over a quarter of a century with McNestry being the owner since 1999. Under her leadership DCC has evolved into a full service career training institution specializing in hands-on jobready graduates. DCC currently operates main campuses in Campbell River, Parksville, Nanaimo, Surrey and Maple R idge. It has also developed a nd demonstrated its ability to deliver training in remote locations such as

LOIS MCNESTRY PRESIDENT, DCC

Bella Bella, Alert Bay, Gold River, Ahousaht and Tofino through its specialized delivery methods. DCC h a s a f f i l i at ion s w it h Health Authorities on Vancouver Island, Coastal BC and in the BC Interior. The institution has also developed affiliations and training partnerships with 20 senior-care facilities on Vancouver Island and on the Lower Mainland. “These affiliations and partnerships enable students to train in actual work environments and to be job-ready upon graduation,” according to Krista Clark, the Director of Admissions at DCC. “It also gives the Partnering Facilities an opportunity to observe students in actual working conditions, and very often this leads to employment upon graduation which is a win for all stakeholders, including the residents of the facilities. In early 2009, DCC entered into a training partnership with Retirement Concepts, the largest provider of private funded elder-care beds in BC, to train Health Care Attendants in their facilities in many BC communities. This speaks to our dedication to developing and delivering quality curriculum in excellent facilities, and graduating well trained job-ready students.” DCC also has many additional affiliations and partnerships that are related to its other programs such as Computer and Business Studies and Community Support and Police Foundations Programs. “One of the great

Discovery College is a shining light on the power of Career Education to change lives. Congratulations on your continued growth! We’re so grateful to be a part of your team.

A large part of the DCC curriculum deals with the health care fields with students having the opportunity to work in real world environments things about Discovery College is our commitment to each student’s success. Our classes are not full of student numbers; they are people with names, families, struggles and stories. We give each individual dedicated time and attention so that we can help them succeed. We have small classes which allow our award winning instructors to work with each person and their learning styles. Our CSW (Canadian Skilled Workforce) lead instructor in Nanaimo was just awarded Instructor of the Year by the BC Association of Career Colleges,” Clark said. “We take the time to get to know our students and their own situations – are they working while in school, do they have young kids to care for, have they sustained an injury that has brought them back to school for retraining? These are the factors that can affect anyone’s success and if we as a school are aware of

Our Grads get Jobs 97% Placement Rate (2015 Stat)

Visit our New Nanaimo Campus

250-740-0115 discoverycommunitycollege.com

Erin Beaudoin is the Regional Director at Discovery College’s new campus located in downtown Nanaimo

CONGRATULATIONS DISCOVERY COMMUNITY COLLEGE MNP is proud to be a partner in your success! Contact Cathy Voth, CPA, CMA, Business Advisor at 250.287.2131 or cathy.voth@mnp.ca

DECEMBER 2015

The traditional classroom setting is also found at Discovery Community College with experienced educators providing the instruction

The DCC computer labs are equipped with the same sort of systems students are going to find once they become part of the workforce them, we can help as best possible. That way we are prepared to build tailored plans and support systems for that individual in order to ensure they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just complete â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but they graduate with success and can look back on their experience here as one of the first steps towards the rest of their lives.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know each student by name,â&#x20AC;? explained Erin Beaudoin, the Nanaimo Regional Director. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And they know me, they know they can stop in and have some of my time any day. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that we foster a nurturing atmosphere here at Discovery so that students feel they can speak up about their challenges and that we will always be behind them in their journey. I like to remind them that what they do today can affect ALL of their tomorrows,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our expectations of our students also d iffer from other post-secondary schools. We

expect students to treat coming to school as they would a job. This helps them be 100 per cent job ready by the time they graduate. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than the content youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re learning in the curriculum â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about the attitude you host as an employee as well that can help you succeed.â&#x20AC;? DCC currently offers a variety of programs running from six to 24 months in duration which are designed to graduate students with job-ready skills. The programs are essentially divided into three main categories. Healthcare studies: Practical Nursing, Practical Nursing Access from Healthcare Assistant, Healthcare Assistant, Community Social Worker, Community Mental Health Worker, Chairside Dental Assistant. Computer and business studies: Advanced Web Design, Social Media and Coding, International T rade and Freight Forwarding, Business Management and

&RQJUDWXODWLRQV

Proud to support Proud to support Nanaimo Youth Services Association Discovery College

RQ \RXU QHZ ORFDWLRQ

Discovery Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown Nanaimo campus is overseen by Regional Director Erin Beaudoin (insert) and is located at 495 Dunsmuir Street Business Accounting. Police Foundations Program: Access to work as a police officer, security careers and corrections facilities careers. Discovery Community College is an active member of the British Columbia Career Colleges Association, (BCCCA) and also of the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC). The college also has a long standing membership of the Chamber of Commerce, an excellent rating at the Better Business Bureau and supports many community organizations. McNestry has served as President of the BCCCA and is currently Vice President. She also sits on t he execut ive of t he NACC. She also served as a board member of the PCTIA for six years. She trained as a Psychiatric Nurse and spent many years working as a community mental health nurse in Vancouver prior to entering the profession

of education. Last year in recognition of her contribution to Post-Secondary Education in Canada, she received the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee medal. Clark is the Director of Admissions and is also currently a board member of the BCCCA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole focus at DCC is on students, their education and their outcomes, our goal is to minimize attrition and maximize retention. We are judged by student success, quality is measured by student success, student experience during training, relevant curriculum content, successful graduation and successful graduate employment in their field of training,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Year after year we are achievi ng i n excess of 90 per cent graduate employment. In the last two years we have achieved 96 per cent and 96.25 per cent graduate job placement, and that is with more than 90 per cent of our graduates participating in

DCC began as a provider of business and computer-based programs, an area of study it continues to provide its growing student population the polling. We are constantly looking for improvement.â&#x20AC;? When sourcing new programs the team at DCC carefully assesses job opportunities in its local market areas. With the aging of the Baby Boomers, health care is expected to become an increasingly important source of employment in the future and will feature prominently in the programs offered at all of its campuses. The Police Foundations Program, which has been delivered in Ontario for many years, is becoming ever more relevant in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insecure environment. The staff at DCC is thankful to the Retired Toronto Chief of Police and its current advisory board of retired police officers who assisted in the development of this program. With the signing of the Trans Pacific Partnership which will make most of the Pacific Rim a Free Trade area the International Trade and Freight Forwarding Program appears well timed, and could end up becoming an educational blockbuster. With the opening of the new downtown Nanaimo campus DCC is preparing itself to better serve the post secondary educational needs of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students. To learn more please check out the Discovery Community College website at: www.discoverycommunitycollege.com

As the proud owners of the building at 495 Dunsmuir Street we are thrilled that Discovery College has recently opened in our building. Value Property Group is a commercial real estate holding and development group that owns and manages in excess of 1.25 million square feet of commercial properĆ&#x;es throughout BC

FRDVWVLJQV FD

250-751-1727 www.mazzeielectric.com

For leasing enquiries please contact 604-606-7000 www.valuegroupproperĆ&#x;es.com

DECEMBER 2015

PLANNED GIVING Planned giving net tax credits for donor Planned giving can involve having a charity as beneficiary of donor’s life insurance policy BETH HENDRY-YIM

“You don’t have to be

rich to leave a gift to a

iving is good, no matter which way you look at it, but there is a difference between giving to a charity, philanthropy and planned giving. Although philanthropy is any act of giving time or gifts to a charity or individuals, planned giving involves a gift or bequest that has involved careful consideration, planning and could also involve a financial planner and estate planning lawyer. Amber Adams, director of donor relations for the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation and chair of the Central Vancouver Island LEAVE A LEGACY Committee, said that approximately 80 per cent of Canadians give in some way to a charity, but only about seven per cent plan on leaving a gift to a charity in their will. “Many Canadians think that

charity.” AMBER ADAMS DIRECTOR DONOR RELATIONS, NANAIMO & DISTRICT HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Sara Neely said that a community foundation offers several options for giving leaving a bequest to a charity is for ‘philanthropists’ and that if they leave a gift to a charity there will be less left behind for the family,” she said. “You don’t have to be rich to leave a gift to a charity.” Gay Wise, ow ner Wise

Help create a better future for everyone touched by cancer. Discovery needs willing partners. When your client remembers the BC Cancer Foundation in their will, they’ll be supporting world-renowned research in BC that is shaping the future of cancer care. Please be sure to use the full legal name of our organization:

BC Cancer Foundation Registration Number: 11881 8434 RR0001 For more information, please contact 604.877.6040 or legacy@bccancer.bc.ca.

Amber Adams of Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation said only 7 per cent of Canadians will a gift to charity Insurance, said that planned giving can involve giving while the donor is living or in their will. “For assets that have appreciated there can be significant taxable gain. When willed to a charity before the donor passes, the giver benefits from getting donation tax credits on the full market value.” She added that it can also involve using a life insurance policy as a philanthropic gesture. “The donor pays on a life insurance policy where the beneficiary is the charity.” Sara Neely, director of philanthropic services at the Victoria Foundation (VF) said that life insurance leverages a large gift with a relatively nominal contribution from the donor’s discretionary income. She added that donors can either transfer ownership of the policy directly to the charity and name it as beneficiary and receive annual donation receipts for the premiums paid or name the charity as beneficiary only and the estate receives the donation receipt. She also said that a community foundation offers several options for giving. “When donors already give to several charities through annual gifts, using an umbrella organization to facilitate that ongoing support can ensure the legacy continues before and after death.” She said that VF works with seniors who get regular calls from charities, they want to give to each of them, but it can sometimes get overwhelming. “A foundation like VF makes it possible for donors to give one donation, establish a fund in their name and then provide a recommendation to the foundation for grants to their favourite causes.

With a minimum of $10,000, the foundation acts as a steward of the fund that will immediately begin generating returns for granting out. Neely said that the Victoria Foundation, for example, grants an average of a million dollars a month, supporting hundreds of organizations a year following the recommendations of fund holders. Gra nts a re made to qualified organizations, many of which reside in the capital region, and are made across five fields of interest: arts and culture, community services, education, environment, and health and recreation. Adams advised that a planned giving agreement and/or will are both very personal documents and as such should be based solely on the values and opinions of the individual. “I suggest going to a lawyer who specializes in estate planning, that way when you discuss leaving a gift in your will to a charity, the lawyer is well acquainted with the necessary terminology and legalities.” Adams also said it’s a good idea to let the charity know about the planned gift in advance, not only so it can ensure the wording in the document is correct but also to prepare for the gift. Most importantly, letting the charity know about the donation allows it a chance to say thank you while the donor is still living, and share information about the impact the charity is making to the community. Although Adams stresses that donors take care of family first, she said leaving something to a charity serves a dual purpose. “Leaving a gift in a will not only feels good, but it also inspires family and friends by showing a special level of care about what happens to the world after the donor is no longer in it.”

DECEMBER 2015

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RAMPS UP WORK ON VANCOUVER ISLAND A large group of

A NCOU V E R I SL A N D - Habitat for Humanity is ramping up its work on Vancouver Island with a six home development in Nanaimo, two homes in Campbell River, and two more planned for the Comox Valley. Two of the largest Nanaimo families Habitat for Humanity has ever been able to house (at si x and five members respectively) a re a l ready preparing to move into their new homes in 2016. These developments represent a decisive step towards fulfilling Habitat for Humanity’s strategic vision of building twenty more homes by 2020. The scope of the project is inspiring to Habitat for Humanity’s local volunteer base, but staff members are reaching out for more community support to ensure the project’s unmitigated success. Teresa Ludv igson, CE O of Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island, describes the families who will move into the new homes as “hardworking families who would never be able to afford a down payment in this market. They have had to move multiple times because their rental properties were sold under their feet, or their rents were raised too high, or their heating costs were too high.” R e f l e c t i n g on H a b it at for

construction volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels also show up daily to assist families they might never meet Teresa Ludvigson, CEO of Habitat for Humanity MidVancouver Island

Karen Bezaire, Habitat for Humanity North Island’s Communications and Marketing officer CREDIT: MCKINNON PHOTOGRAPHY

Humanity’s stellar repayment rate of over 99 per cent across Ca nada on thei r mortgages, Ludvigson expects great outcomes for these families. “Our fa m i l ie s c re ate s u c c e ss for themselves. We just provide them with the tools.” H a b i t a t fo r Hu m a n i t y ’s t rad it ion a l approach of fac i l i t a t i n g m a x i m u m c o mmu n ity i nvolvement is wel l

represented in these projects. The construction is supported by local businesses that contribute building supplies like c o n c r e t e a n d l u m b e r, a n d skilled labourers like roofers and drywall installers. A large group of construction volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels also show up daily to assist families they might never meet. This group includes many Vancouver Island University students who gain school credit and valuable “living classroom experiences”, as Ludvigson puts it. “These projects involve such a diversity of participants, and they make the community as a

whole a richer place.” “It’s a pretty common misconception that we simply give houses away,” remarks Karen Bezaire, Habitat for Humanity North Island’s Communications and Marketing officer. “When people see a build, they often think, ‘Oh, those are all Habitat for Humanity staff.’ What they’re actually seeing is a community that has shown up full force to help struggling

families to meet their goals. Habitat for Humanity just facilitates the project behind the scenes.” Beza i re a nd Ludv igson say that community members who want to get involved have many options. To carry out the projects, both Nanaimo and Courtney affiliate offices are asking for tax-deductible financial donations, building supply donations, and skilled and unskilled labour donations. “ We l o v e i t w h e n a w i l ling person shows up eager to learn and take direction,” says Bezaire. “I’ve watched so many people experience incredible t ra n sfor m at ion s when t hey come to a build site, do their best, and make friends with the crew. Our volunteers become an extended family.” Beyond that, Bezaire encourages community members to continue supporting ReStore locations, where they can donate a nd pu rchase bu i ld i ng supplies. In fact, Habitat for Humanity volunteers will pick up don at ion s f rom donors’ homes free of charge. To learn more, make a financial donation, or volunteer your time to Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island, visit habitatmvi.org. In Campbell River and the Comox Valley, visit www.habitatnorthisland.com.

Our Habitat affiliates have 8 home builds that need your help! VANCOUVER ISLAND NORTH

MID-VANCOUVER ISLAND

Help change two families lives forever!

Help change six families lives forever!

www.habitatnorthisland.org

www.habitatmvi.org

DONATE TODAY! Your local donation truly DOES make a difference! 100% of all donations do go directly to the build projects! Support us with donations to our ReStore. FREE PICK UP! ReStore Campbell River 1725 Willow Street, 250-830-1493

ReStore Courtenay 1755 13th Street 250-334-3784

ReStore Nanaimo #1-4128 Mostar Road 250-758-8743 ext. 1

CAMPBELL RIVER

New Ford dealership in the works Campbell River Mirror

teve Marshall is building a new Ford dealership. The new facility will be located on the corner of the Island Highway and Woodburn Road, next door to Marshall’s Mazda dealership in north Campbell River. Tom Dishlevoy, architect for the project, told city council at its recent meeting the new Ford facility will complement the Mazda dealership and incorporate a similar beach theme landscape. “The landscape features at the two ends of the site represent docks, or piers,” said Dishelevoy to represent that they are “hard at work in a waterfront community.” The docks, which will be set up in the two far corners of the dealership, will feature display vehicles. Landscape plans also include the use of trees, including street trees which will make up part of the city’s Woodburn Road improvements. “We worked fairly hard on our use of trees,” Dishlevoy said. “There’s trees in behind to create a tree-lined driveway and they also screen the service department. There’s also small trees to separate the Ford and

Mazda dealerships. We’re attempting to break up the large display of vehicle storage and vehicles there for servicing.” But while the team is working on some degree of separation between the two dealerships, Dishlevoy said there will likely be some shared space, namely the Mazda access. Access to the Ford dealership is also proposed from the Island Highway and Woodburn Road. Cou n . Cha rlie Corn f ield questioned why there is no proposed sidewalk for pedestrians along the Woodburn driveway. “If I’m waiting for a while I may want to take a walk down into Baikie Island,” Cornfield noted. He also suggested that Woodburn residents may want to take a walk down to the dealership. Dishlevoy said he would take that into consideration before construction gets underway. Once built, the new dealership is expected to have large floor-to-ceiling windows in the front, with a millennium tower down the middle of the dealership and an arch bearing the Ford logo. A second building is proposed for the southwest corner of the site to function as storage, but may be developed as a future phase.

The main building will contain offices, a showroom and a vehicle servicing/maintenance area. The back half, as well as the south side of the building, will accommodate vehicle servicing bays. The showroom and offices will occupy the front of the facility. Mayor Andy Adams told Dishlevoy and Ford representative Karl Edrup, who joined Dishlevoy in his presentation to council, to pass along his appreciation to Ford owner Steve Marshall. “Please pass along my (thanks) to Mr. Marshall for his confidence in investing in our community,” Adams said. Coun. Ron Kerr said he will be glad to have a brand-new building on a lot that’s currently sitting empty. “It’s great to see that lot will be cleaned up with a sparkling new building,” Kerr said. The rest of council agreed and approved awarding the Steve Marshall group a major development permit, on the advice of city staff. “This scale and type of development is an appropriate form of development of this strip for the foreseeable future,” wrote Matthew Fitzgerald, planner, in a report to council.

DECEMBER 2015

Marine Harvest undertaking $40 million improvements Campbell River Mirror AMPBELL RIVER - MarineHarvest Canada is building seven new recirculating aquaculture systems at its two North Vancouver Island salmon farms. The $40-million dollar infrastructure investment at the company’s Big Tree Creek and Dalrymple facilities has now begun, and will continue through 2016. “The new land-based tank systems for raising parr and smolts (juvenile salmon prior to seawater entry) represent a significant investment in hatchery infrastructure,” the announcement says, “and will enable the company to increase production while also improving environmental performance. Recirculation uses about one-hundredth of the freshwater as a traditional flowthrough aquaculture system.” Marine Harvest Canada has been using and developing recirculating aquaculture systems since the late 1990s and has pioneering knowledge of system design and operation, the release states. “The new systems will improve upon recirculating aquaculture technology currently being used for first feeders at Dalrymple.” The existing system was designed and built in-house, incorporating technology from InterAqua and Pentair for bio-filter and drum-filter components. Dean Guest, freshwater production director for Marine Harvest Canada, says it is, “the company’s most efficient

system to date,” with 15 million fry fed in the first 18 months of operation. “It was surprising that a simple system that was inexpensive to build uses less energy than competing systems. We designed the system to be very simple and compact and the only automation is the oxygen system and the drum filter,” Dean says. “I would be shocked if I saw anything better. Performance has met or exceeded our expectations. The engineering design is unique because water flows throughout the system without the many pipes and valves required in older models. The full flow passes through each process of the treatment system with no side stream components or use of piping.” Marine Harvest will build two first feed systemsandfivesmoltsystems,foratotal of 9,000 cubic metres of rearing space. When construction is completed, both facilities will be amongst the largest producers of salmon smolts in North America. The company says it will be local builders and electrical contractors working on the projects, many of which have already begun, but details about the number of locals being put to work and the types of work being done by them was not made available to the Mirror by print deadline. The first stage to be finished will be a six metre system at Dalrymple and it is expected to be ready for fish in early 2016.

Now offering MBA + MScIM dual degrees. Have the best of both worlds. Earn your MBA at a great school while staying close to home.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE GLOBAL EXPERTISE

worldviu@viu.ca 1.888.920.2221 viu.ca/mba

PARKSVILLE

DECEMBER 2015

Parksville tops Trip Advisor’s Canadian destination list The PQ News arksville saw a big spike in the number of vacationers visiting the area between 2014 and 2015. Thanks to a prominent online trip planner, that number could continue to climb in the near future. TripAdvisor.com has highlighted Parksville as one of its “Eight Canadian vacations ready for the spotlight in 2016.” The listing was posted on Trip Advisor’s vacation rentals blog on Oct. 20. “I’m impressed we’re going to get this kind of attention,” said Kim Burden, executive director of the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce and Visitors’ Centre. “Trip Advisor is a pretty significant travel planning tool.” The Trip Advisor blog is aimed at a U.S. audience and provides suggested destinations “north of the border.” While extolling the virtues of Montreal, Toronto, Whistler and Prince Edward Island, its blog warned that travellers to those locations better prepare for lots of other tourists — and a surge in hotel prices. Parksville topped its list of destinations that offer the same activities, recreation and accommodation, “but aren’t discovered by the masses ... yet.” Six of the eight communities l isted a re on Va ncouver Island or the BC Coast, including

Courtenay, Sooke, Halfmoon Bay, Ucluelet and Salt Spring Island. “The way these things work, somebody’s been here,” said Burden. “Obviously somebody stayed in Parksville, they stayed in Ucluelet, in Sooke and Salt Spring Island, and was impressed. Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism works hard to attract travel writers to the community, and they can share it with their audience.” The Trip Advisor Vacation Rentals Blog, which focuses specifically on the rental aspect of travel, stated that it analyzed interest in rental listings across all Canadian destinations on its main travel planning website and selected those that saw the greatest increase between 2014 and 2015. And Parksville came in at No. 1 in Canada, with a 58 per cent spike in vacation rental interest by Trip Advisor’s online travellers. It was just ahead of Crystal Beach, in Fort Erie, Ont., at 57 per cent. In order to qualify for the list, a destination had to have a minimum of 1,000 views and at least 20 available properties, the Trip Advisor blog said. No problem in Parksville, with a Resort Row nearly as well-known as its sweeping beachfront. In addition, the Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) website, which lists houses, cottages and condominiums available for short- and

ACTUAL STICKER FROM PARKSVILLE CHRYSLER

medium-term rentals, had more than 170 such properties listed this week in Parksville and the surrounding area between Nanoose Bay and Fanny Bay. Even though the Trip Advisor blog is focussed on vacation rentals, Burden points out that is simply a jumping-off point for the economic boost from tourism. “It’s all a matter of bringing dollars into the community,” he said. “It’s not only what’s spent on lodging, but those visitors are spending money throughout the community, at restaurants, galleries and local attractions. That money gets spread around.” And while the Trip Advisor blog based its “Eight Canadian vacations” on users’ interest in vacation rentals by region, it did highlight attractions like Rathtrevor Beach, Little Qualicum Falls, Paradise Fun Park and Paradise Mini-golf. And Burden added that online interest in rentals has translated into actual, documented visits over the past year. “I’ve spoken to resort and restaurant operators and they’re saying business is up 20 per cent. That’s a huge swing,” he said. “We didn’t see quite as big a swing at the Visitors’ Centre, but we were still up about eight per cent.” Much of that boost comes from

two specific regions — the United States and Eastern Canada, according to Burden. Trip Advisor stated “Americans are starting to catch on” to Parksville, which has long been a family friendly getaway even for fellow Vancouver Islanders, and added a Canadian-U.S. monetary exchange rate that’s the most favourable it’s been in years is helping to drive that traffic. “(Trip Advisor) hit the nail on the head for the reason people visit here: weather, and the Canadian dollar,” he said, adding the exchange rate is boosting Canadian visits almost as much as those from the States. “Last winter, from January through March (2015) our numbers at the Visitors’ Centre were up 25 per cent over what they were the year before for people coming from Eastern Canada. Their option was, ‘Well, we could go to Florida but, by gosh, our dollars’ worth only 75 cents. Let’s go to the West Coast.’ “We’re getting a lot of visits in that context. It’s a combination of Americans coming up here because they can get more for their dollar and Canadians coming because they don’t have to take a hit to their dollar. And we’ve got a great product.” Following the economic downturn of 2008 and several years of

ACTUAL STICKER FROM ANOTHER DEALERSHIP

33,295

Dealer Installed Accessories & Mark-up

DEALER INSTALLED ACCESSORIES & MARK-UP

3,505 505

41,200 $

45,825

a strong Canadian dollar, British Columbia saw a stark drop-off in the number of visitors from the United States, according to numbers from Destination BC For the month of September, for example, U.S. visitors entering BC for overnight stays dropped from 340,581 in 2007 to 275,692 the following year. Those numbers had remained in the general vicinity of 275280,000 annually until this year, when they suddenly rebounded to 317,880. The U.S. cross-border results are not broken down by region, but Burden said Parksville has the “X” factor that should make the current boost in visitors more than a simple one-year trend. “The mandate of Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism is to get ‘em here, and the mandate of the Parksville Chamber and Visitors’ Centre is to keep them here,” he said. “To do that you need to have accommodations, but also have nice people providing an excellent experience. It’s not about going to see Goats on the Roof. It’s about going to look at Goats on the Roof and getting excited and having a fun time doing it.” “If everyone is polite, if all our partners in the community are working toward the same goal, we’re all going to benefit.”

ADDITIONAL DEALER MARK UPS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU PAY!

Parksville www.parksvillechrysler.com • 1-800-561-3281 Honesty is our KEY

DECEMBER 2015

CONSUMERS NOW HAVE ACCESS TO MORE THAN BOTTLED WATER New managers bring expanded knowledge, skills and options to local Culligan Water outlet

hen Angela and Luis Nazare moved from Winnipeg to Vancouver Island, their primary motivation was to escape prairie winters, summer scorchers and the nasty pests that come with the territory. “ We move d f rom t here to Parksville in July 2014 in order to get away from summer and winter extremes in temperature and also from mosquitoes. We’re loving it here,” Angela tells Business Examiner. They didn’t come empty-handed though. What they brought with them was a wealth of experience and knowledge about the treatment, purification and filtration of water. For twenty two years Luis had worked with Culligan Water of Winnipeg and his goal now was to use that experience in a new setting. Prior to Luis and Angela’s arrival on the Island, the only service that Culligan provided in the area was water delivery; Luis was determined to offer more to the company’s current and potential customers. He knew those services well and he knew they could be available here. Now, just over a year later and after much planning, implementing, advertising and plain hard work, the couple has seen Culligan of Vancouver Island expand and diversify as they had hoped. Part of that significant increase may well be due to the fact that water is now bottled locally. Where once it was shipped from other areas, as of July 2015 bottles filled with purified water began rolling off the proverbial assembly line in their new hometown. Much to their delight, the water bottling plant was now operational. A nother add ition to the

New water bottling facility

“It’s a good service for locals. They just have to insert one or two dollars and fill their own bottles at a time which is convenient for them.” company’s services is the availability of bottle-free coolers, an attractive option for many venues but, perhaps, particularly so in a business or corporate setting. “These are great for larger offices,” Luis says. As well, a water refill station located at the front of their office, is accessible twenty-four hours a day. “It’s a good service for locals. They just have to insert one or two dollars and fill their own bottles at a time which is convenient for them,” he adds. Eighteen litre reusable bottles for water coolers can be self-filled or delivered; as well, Culligan equipment can be purchased or rented. Culligan of Vancouver Island

Luis and Angela Nazare of Culligan Water is now represented beyond the boundaries of Parksville through contracts with several corporate enter prises to ma i nta i n on-premise water bottle depots on the Island and also on the Upper Sunshine Coast. Over the past year, the couple has been busy. While Angela maintains the office and interacts with customers, Luis has been busy installing water systems, installing and servicing water softeners and iron filters

along with various other water treatment systems designed to remove calcium build-up, rust stains, and unpleasant odours such as sulphur. “I also service and install reverse osmosis [RO] systems, a primary system in purifying water. An RO is very effective in removing many contaminants that could be in your well water or municipal supply. An ultraviolet light can also be a very beneficial component of any water treatment system, be it well water or municipal supplied water as this would give peace of mind to someone facing a boil water advisory,” he explains. An important component of Luis’ work in Winnipeg was the servicing and installation of sterilization systems for use in medical facilities. Using his considerable skills and experience he’s designed one-of-a-kind systems for specialized water needs for labs and hospitals. As well, he’s designed systems for various businesses. It’s more than a job for him. “I most enjoy the challenge of finding out what is wrong with the customer’s water and designing a system to take care of their

needs”, he says. For Angela, assisting customers and seeing them happy with the services she and Luis provide is a major source of satisfaction for her. Their roles are different but they agree wholeheartedly on the success and pleasure they’ve found with their new home and their new office. It’s been approximately eighteen months since Luis and Angela moved to Parksville and so much has changed: winters are mild and mosquitoes nearly non-existent. Though summer was hot, the ocean is nearby. They’ve seen the results of their hard work and watched as many of their aspirations became a reality. They’ve acquired a shop and renovated it and they’ve achieved their goal of having water bottled locally. “Now our main goal is to get the word out that Culligan Water is local on the Island. We still run into too many people who don’t know that we’re here.” Now the word is out - Culligan Water of Vancouver Island is here! Fo r m o re i n fo r m a t i o n : www.culliganwater.ca or call 250-618-0781

Turn on better-tasting water right from the faucet

www.culliganwater.ca | 250 618 0781

COMOX VALLEY

DECEMBER 2015

SENIORS INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS Berwick Investments Ltd. is working with the planning department at the Town of Comox for a new proposed

BUILDING LINKS

expansion at the Berwick Comox Valley

CLARICE COTY

Rendering of the new proposed expansion at Berwick Comox Valley

here is a trend developing towards supplying more seniors housing in Campbell River and the Comox Valley. This year, the applications are increasing to add more seniors independent and assisted living accommodations to the area. In this column we have details on seven new projects moving forward. Comox Valley The Vista Housing Society has finalized design for its proposed affordable housing development for adults and seniors over the age of 55 at 2240 Comox Avenue and expects to submit applications soon. The project would see a complex with 74 self-contained units built on the site. The project will likely be tender ready in January of 2016. This is

a BC Housing project providing affordable housing for seniors. Berwick Investments Ltd. is working with the planning department at the Town of Comox for a new proposed expansion at the Berwick Comox Valley. The owner hopes to build an additional 34 units, bringing the total number of senior’s suites up to 166 units. A building permit application is expected to be made once the construction drawings are complete and all approvals are in place.

Plans are being finalized for a new proposed project called Tiger Lily at Courtenay River, and is a full-service, multiplecare-level senior’s retirement residence with condominiums and rental apartments for independent living, supportive living, assisted living and dementia care. Construction is expected to begin in early to mid-2016 once all approvals are in place. Once the building has been constructed, the building will be operated by Origin Active Lifestyles who currently have seven locations across Canada. T he K’omok s Fi rst Nat ion wishes to develop IR2 lands to permit commercial retail development, a seniors housing complex and the expansion of an

existing campground. To date detailed development plans have not been created, however the servicing agreement will cap service supply to an equivalent population of 500 or approximately 200-250 units. The development is proposed to take place at the Puntledge RV Campground in Courtenay. The Westerly Hotel is moving forward to convert existing hotel suites into 48 senior’s residences. The architect is currently working on the design for Phase II which will include the addition of amenities, such as a new dining room, media room and lobby and the conversion of more hotel suites to create additional seniors residences. Campbell River

Park Place Seniors Living is planning an expansion to its Campbell River facility. This new wing will house 40 new publicly-funded care beds, and five new private-pay beds for a total residential care capacity of 126 publicly-funded and 13 private-pay beds. This project will be coordinated with the opening of the new Campbell River Hospital in 2017. Construction is ongoing for Phase III, the $2.5 million expansion to Evergreen Seniors Centre. Twenty complex care b e d s a n d s e v e n i n d e p e n dent beds units are being built. Once Phase III is complete, the owner start the planning and construction of Phase IV. All sub-trades are in place and this project will be completed in June of 2016. In total, there are approximately 300 new seniors residences planned for the Comox Valley and Campbell River regions that are scheduled to be in the construction phase in 2016. There are also a few other seniors projects being proposed that have not yet formalized their applications. Clarice Coty can be reached at clarice@buildinglinks.ca, and through www.buildinglinks.ca

TICKETS ON SALE FOR THE 41ST ANNUAL COMMUNITY AWARDS Tickets for the Annual Awards Gala are available for purchase on the Chamber’s website

COMOX VALLEY DIANNE HAWKINS

i t h a S T A R WA R S theme, and nominations rolling in, the Chamber is eagerly anticipating the Comox Valley Annual Community Awards Gala being held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the Florence Filberg Centre in Downtown Courtenay We look forward to having the community assist us in celebrating our very best for 2015. Nominations were accepted for 13 awa rd categories, i ncluding two new awards being introduced this year. The Tech & Innovation Award highl ights the use of tech nolog y and innovative products in a business, and the Employee’s Choice Award highlights a business that values “Family First” initiatives.

Our panel of judges is reading each nominee entry in-depth and determining the finalists in each category. All finalists are invited to the Gala where the winner is announced in Oscar-fashion. ■■■ Tickets for the Annual Awards Gala are available for purchase on the Chamber’s website. Tables of 8 and 10 are available. The gala features a four-course gourmet dinner and an Academy Awardsstyle video presentation of award finalists. We would like to acknowledge our sponsors – many of whom have been supporting this community event for years. We consider them the foundation of the event’s success: Event Sponsors: The Comox Valley Record and 97.3 The Eagle,

Citizen of the Year (Lifetime Achievement) Award Sponsor: Canadian Tire, Customer Service Award Sponsor: Axis Heating & Cooling, New Business of the Year Award Sponsor: Presley & Partners, Heritage Recognition Award Sponsor: Vancouver Island InsuranceCentres, Business Leadership (formerly Professional Merit) Award Sponsor: First Credit Union & Insurance, Small Business of the Year Award Sponsor: Glacierview Financial Young Entrepreneur Award Sponsor: Wedler Engineering, Youth Leadership Award Sponsor: NIC School of Business, Not for Profit Organization Award Sponsor: Pacific Sleep Care, President’s Merit Award Sponsor: North Island College, Tech & Innovation Award Sponsor: OnDeck Systems, Business of the Year award Sponsor: MNP LLP, Employee’s choice award Sponsor: Comox Valley Child Development Association and Food & Farm award Sponsor: Locals Restaurant. Dianne Hawkins is president and CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at dhawkins@ comoxvalleychamber.com

• Low Slope Roof Systems All Types • Metal Panel Roof & Wall Systems • Mechanical & HVAC Systems • Asphalt & Cedar Shingles • Custom Sheet Metal & Flashing

FREE ESTIMATES

Comox Valley, Campbell River, Powell River, Sechelt, Vancouver

See What’s New With Canada’s Most Diverse Automotive Brand

PORT ALBERNI

DECEMBER 2015

THE ARTS CELEBRATED AND SUPPORTED IN PORT ALBERNI Arrowsmith Rotary first floated the idea of an Arts District six years ago and since then has contributed

PORTAUTHORITY

over $50,000 to implementing the vision

PAT DEAKIN

merican financier and ph i l a nt h ropi s t Dav id R u b e n s te i n h a s b e e n quoted as saying “The world i s a c o mpl i c ate d pl a c e a n d t here’s a lot of d iv ision between people. The performing arts tend to unify people in a way nothing else does.” That perspective seems so appropriate for the times we are living in and was also fitting for the night of Nov 27th when a small but enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Capitol Theatre in Port Alberni to celebrate RAD (the Rotary Arts District) and applaud the recipients of the 3rd A nnual A rts District Grants Program. Sandy Bouleau of Portal Players organized the entertainment wh ich was astou nd i ng in breadth and depth and the

range of feelings evoked. MC David Wiwchar of PEAK Radio d id a g re a t j o b o f i nt ro d ucing the acts, commenting on their impact, providing hearty laughs and announcing awards. The evening got off to a rousi ng sta rt by members of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation who performed “Lightning Canoe and Thunder Drum: A Timeless Bond”. This was presented by Wish-key Speaker and Storyteller for the King and Queen of the Huu-ay-aht. T h e p e r fo r m e r s w h o fo llowed i ncluded ‘the I mprov Army’ who were introducing a 13 yea r old member for h is f i rst publ ic per for m a nce; Yvette Marie Deveau doing a heart-wrenching monologue w ritten by D.M. Larson; the toe-tapping band ‘Bluegrass Fever’; ‘My-u’ dancing to an A rmen ia n song ca l led ‘Va rtar’ and a fusion piece called ‘Annie’; and 12 year old Libby Manson doi ng a n a musi ng monologue called ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No G o o d , Ver y B ad Day’. M i ke Brack on the saxophone closed out the evening accompanied by Sandy Bouleau on pia no. Mike deserves a ‘shout-out’ for his commitment to the event which included two float plane rides, over 8 hours of driving

Intraworks RɝFLDOO\ ODXQFKHV

and very little sleep in order to make his appearance and get back to work on time the next morning. In the midst of the acts, videog rapher Jenny Fortin, her young daughter and her daughter’s equally young cousin did a great job of showcasing the wide variety of talented artists in the Alberni Valley, a number of our murals and the terrific artistic and cultural events that took place throughout 2015. The Rotary Arts District itself is a partnership between the Arrowsmith Rotary Club, the Community Arts Council, Portal Players Dramatic Society, the City of Port Alberni and, as of this year, Alberni Valley News. A r rowsm it h Rota r y f i rst floated the idea of an Arts District si x years ago and since then has contributed over $50,000 to implementing the vision. In order to ensure that the Arts District continues to g row, the Club i n itiated the Arts District Grant program, a w a rd i n g g ra n t s to o rg a nizations, businesses and individuals who are helping to promote and enliven the Arts District. This year’s celebration saw funds being distributed to six projects for 2016 i nclud i ng

PORT ALBERNI BILL COLLETTE

• Business ready • Fully customizable • Multi-platform support • White label & private server opportunities

ȏ :RUOG FODVV WHFKQLFDO VWD΍ • Full IT services (networking, servers, computers) • Class ‘A’ Co-location Datacenter ȏ ΖQWUD%$& VHFXUHG R΍ VLWH EDFNXS ȏ :HE &ORXG VROXWLRQV

Technology... we make I.T. work!

Nanaimo: 250.729.8624 • Victoria: 250.384.8624 • Courtenay: 250.898.8624 1DQDLPR 2ɝFH %REDQ 'U DFURVV IURP 6KDZ EXLOGLQJ

intraworks.ca

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

PORT ALBERNI GIFT CARDS

Familiar with Dropbox, Sugarsync, etc? :H QRZ KDYH D &$1$'Ζ$1 VROXWLRQ EDVHG RXW RI RXU 1DQDLPR 'DWDFHQWHU

‘Music at the Market’ organized by the Spirt Square Farmers Market; ‘F.A.C.E. – Festival of A rtistic a nd Creative Expression’ organized by the Art Matters Society; ‘A rt on the Street’ organized by the A rt Rave Society and ‘Art Link – community art rag’ (published by Main Artery). In addition the Portal Players Dramatic Society and the Community Arts Council each received grants towards their i nvolvement i n the Solst ice A r ts Fe s t iva l Ju ne 17 to 19, 2016. This is the third year of the Gra nt prog ra m a nd t he A rrowsmith Rotary Club has now provided over $24,000 to those who a re contributi ng to the Arts in the Alberni Valley specifically in the Arts District. T he A r ts D i st r ict i s much more than a concept. Its accomplishments include opportunities for creative ind iv idua ls, i mprovements to our quality of life, instillation of pride in the community and diversification of our economy.

he Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce is fully engaged in several local initiatives including the third year running of our very successful ‘Shop Local’ Program that we’ve rebranded as “Try Home First.” The new brand simply asks the consumer to look around their home community first before heading to larger centers. Our program for 2015 includes nearly 60 local businesses who have each contributed a $100.00 gift certificate to the Chamber of Commerce who in turn have purchased a $25.00 one for each of the $100.00 ones received. Then over the first 24 days of December a Chamber representative will show up to these businesses, unannounced, and then await for a sales transaction to occur. Once it does the representative will politely interrupt the transaction, identify themselves and offer to pay the first $25.00 of the purchase. They’ll then collect the name and contact information of the

shopper and perhaps of other shoppers in the vicinity at the same time. Then in mid-January the Chamber will hold a random draw from the list of shoppers and from there we will draw names for the major prizing. For 2015 we’ll have a grand prize of $2500.00 in local Port Alberni Gift Cards. The second prize winner will receive $1500.00 worth of local gift cards and the third prize winner will receive $1000.00! The remaining gift cards will be awarded out over the next few picks until all collected have been distributed. The Chamber of Commerce will then invite one or more of the grand prize winners to speak at a coming Dinner Meeting as to what it means to him/her to support the local economy. Bill Collette is Executive Director of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at 250-724-6535.

OFF THE COVER

DECEMBER 2015

ST. JEAN’S CANNERY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

parent company of NCN Cannery LP said the acquisition is an historic event for Island First Nations. “We’re an ocean people we’ve been on the coast since time immemorial so it made good sense for us to make this acquisition. We had always been working toward developing a vertically integrated seafood business. After five years of retaining our earnings (under the terms of the DFO’s Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI) business initiative) we started looking at investment strategies in the areas of seafood business such as aquaculture and processing. Initially it wasn’t for sale. So we looked at other places and then investigated it further. I guess Gerard thought about it for a while and decided that it lined up nicely with his values - it certainly lines up with all of our First Nations values.” Founded literally as a backyard venture in 1961, St. Jean’s has expanded and evolved into one of the west coast’s premier providers of canned and packaged seafood products. Currently the company focuses on several key business areas. “There are really four parts to our business. There’s the sport fish processing which is what most people know us for. People catch fish here, or anywhere really, and they ship it down here for us to process. We also have a

The management team at St. Jean’s Cannery and Smokehouse are looking forward to the benefits the new business partnership will provide commercial co-packing element so we do smoking, canning and other products such as jams, jellies, sauces for other clients. We also have our retail aspect, our storefronts in the malls and our online sales are growing quickly,” Hughes explained. “Another element of the business, which had been a separate business that was bought about three years ago, is Rain Coast Trading. It primarily deals with our canned products. Rain Coast was a co-pack customer of ours and they’re heavily in retail, Thrifty’s, Wal Mart, Loblaws, Whole Foods and places like that.

It’s high end. Short runs, handpacked, personally selected, full traceability – we can tell you where the fisherman caught it and who the fisherman was. It’s all wild and consistently this brand finishes at the top of the sustainability index for Greenpeace’s tuna rankings. It’s a high end, highly valued brand.” For Johnson the acquisition was the result of an effort that had been ongoing for more than two years. “NCN was an entity that we had to put in place to complete the purchase. St. Jean’s was a perfect fit for us, the access to the cannery, value-added, the marketing, the

database of international customers and many other factors. Gerard and his family have built that landmark business. Part of our strategy is how do we integrate our licenses and quota and access into the corporation and start featuring our First Nation stories into the marketing,” he said. “I can imagine some place down the road where we’ll incorporate say shellfish from Kyuquot or Henderson Lake Sockeye or other different resources from each of the First Nations that could also feature their stories to help in the marketing.” St. Jean will continue to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the company as both a director and as a major shareholder. “Under the new ownership we’re expecting it to be pretty much business as usual. We’re focused on expansion, but other than making sure that we have continuity for the company and solid financial backing it doesn’t really change anything,” Hughes said. “We’re not going anywhere, we chart our own destiny. Down the line there might be some opportunities for synergies around raw material and quotas and that sort of thing but we haven’t really gotten into any of that yet. This is merely another step in the continuity plan for the business.” “We want to integrate our company vision and mindset to build on the successes Gerard has already accomplished. We totally

What it’s all about: Gerard St. Jean with a wild caught BC salmon, the heart of the company’s operations for more than 50 years appreciate what he has done with that company. This is now one of the largest canneries remaining in Canada. It’s an absolute win-win for everybody. We have access to the resource and now have access to the processing capacity,” Johnson said. “Our team which worked really hard on this for the past two years were exceptional. I’m really proud of all that we had to do to get to this point. There were some hard decisions and some hard negotiating, diligence, perseverance and patience have really paid off. It was a team effort all of the way.” To learn more please visit the company website at: www.stjeans.com\

DECEMBER 2015

BUSINESSES TOLD US WHAT THEY THOUGHT AND WE WERE LISTENING

CAMPBELL RIVER COLLEEN EVANS

Discovery College was one of the stops on the Business Walk

River through a series of questions and great conversations.

usinesses in Campbell River had the opportunity to share their opinions on the successes and obstacles of doing business in Campbell River and what we can do to help keep their local businesses thriving. D u r i ng t he Ca mpbel l R iver Business Walk, more than 30 representatives from the Campbell R iver Chamber of Commerce, the City of Campbell R iver, the economic development team, government and other local agencies visited with 122 businesses on one day, walking business to business and conducting on site surveys. Led by the Ca mpbel l R iver Chamber of Commerce, volunteers from the Chamber Board of Directors, North Island Employment Foundation Services, Immigrant Welcome Centre, North Island College, Campbellton Neighborhood Association and Mayor and Council all took time to drop by businesses to gather information about the business climate in Campbell

The Business Walk provided us an opportunity to connect with businesses face-to-face in an informal way so that both organization representatives and businesses could learn from each other. We took the pulse of the business community and got a real snapshot of the local business climate at this point in time. The data collected provided us excellent information around what are those ‘real’ versus ‘perceived’ opportunities and challenges facing our local businesses today. The Business Walk also helped identify which businesses would like more access to resources and information. This is a key next step in our process to support our local business community and help them grow and prosper. In 2016 we will be working closely with our members and business community to connect them to the organizations,

resources and support services that can help. We have a strong network in Campbell River working collaboratively

to retain the businesses we have and support them as they move through the various stages of their business cycle. We now have an additional tool and resource to measure the business climate year over year. Also, we can ensure we are leveraging our local resources in the most effective way as a commitment to retain our existing businesses and attract new businesses to our community. The Business Walk report will be presented early in 2016 and we look forward to sharing those results with the community. The Walk was a very positive experience and early indications are that Campbell River businesses

climate is very positive too. ■■■ On beha l f of t he Ch a mber Board of Directors and staff we are looking forward to presenting a new opportunity to recog n ize a nd celebrate the young leaders under 40 in our community with the Future 15 event. The Call For Nominations will take place in January and an awards cocktail party in February. Colleen Evans is CEO of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at colleen.evans@ campbellriverchamber.ca

E.B. Horseman on Business Walk day

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT FORUM IN MARCH 2016

NORTH VANCOUVER ISLAND DAVID MITCHELL

n the past 18 months there has been a great deal of economic planning activity on the North Island. Taking advantage of the Island Coastal Economic Trust’s “Economic Development Readiness Program,” Malcolm Island, Alert Bay, Port McNeill, Port Alice and the Regional District of Mt. Waddington have all created economic development strategies to guide their

development activities over the next few years. One of the common threads running through each of these plans is the potential for further development of North Vancouver Island Tourism. Though it may be a stretch to see this becoming a 12 month a year industry, most communities recognize that we can do more to attract visitors to our beautiful, wild and wildlife-filled region. Vancouver Island North Tourism in partnership with Tourism Vancouver Island and Destination BC, has done an outstanding

job of marketing our region to the rest of BC, Alberta, the US and Europe. The North Island has several great operators who are taking advantage of our cultural, wilderness and wildlife assets. Companies and organizations like North Island Kayaks, Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures, Stubbs Island Whale Watching, MacKay Whale Watching, Quatse Salmon Centre, Kawatsi Economic Development Corporation, the Namgis First Nation’s Umista Cultural Centre and many more know just how much our visitors appreciate the pristine and cultural beauty of our North Island Region. To support their efforts the Regional District of Mt. Waddington and its municipal and First Nations partners are collaborating on a Tourism Development Forum in March 2016. The aim of the forum is to create a unifying North Island tourism framework that will raise our region to the next level in the

industry. The region as a whole is doing more to make the diversity of its marine and land-based wildlife, trails and cultural history more attractive and welcoming to visitors. You gotta be here!

David Mitchell is the General Manager of Community Futures Mount Waddington. He can be reached at david@cfmw.ca or 250-956-2220

NORTHERN ROPES & Industrial Supply Ltd.

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

Courtenay, B.C.

Ph: 250-286-1027 Fx: 250-286-1024

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

DECEMBER 2015

SERVICEXCEL CONTINUES THE TRADITION “I grew up in the Three generations of refrigeration expertise

sk Doug Pope and he’ll tell you that working in the refrigeration business is a family affair. His father, Jeff Pope, was in the business and Doug apprenticed under him; Doug’s son, Tristan, is a journeyman in the same industry, his daughter, Mairead, works as receptionist in the Servicexcel office and his wife, Leah, is his business partner. Oh yes, and his brother works in the same sector. “I grew up in the business with my father and my brother. We are now in the third generation of refrigeration,” he told Business Examiner. In fact, he’s been installing, maintaining and repairing all brands of heat pumps for more than three decades. There was a slight detour in his career when he, his wife and their children lived in Ireland for three years. The time was well spent, however, with one of the benefits being the experience he gained in supermarket refrigeration. “I looked after a Dunnes stores in the south of Ireland as their refrigeration service engineer. Dunnes is a grocery-department store chain over there,” he added. On returning to Canada Doug brought that experience back and used it to set up the initial maintenance contract for their family business, Pope & Sons Refrigeration with the Quality Foods Supermarket chain. “My father and brother, Dave, and I started Pope & Sons Refrigeration after I came back to Vancouver Island. We provided on-going maintenance for all kinds of refrigeration equipment from heat pumps to 30 ton ice flakers. My dad has passed and twelve years ago I sold the business to my brother. It’s located in Parksville-Qualicum and it’s still very successful.” In 2008, Doug and Leah took

business with my father and my brother. We are now in the third generation of refrigeration.” DOUG POPE

the next step, launched a new company, Servicexcel, and they haven’t looked back. He also made a decision to focus his attention on heat pumps and has been Mitsubishi Heat Pumps top residential sales company in BC twice in the last three years. “We can install and service any type of heat pumps, from ground source to air source, ducted and ductless, as well as gas furnaces. Arrests efficient heat pumps are also ultra quiet,” Doug said. In saying that, Doug cautioned that potential users of the technolog y need to consider the origin and components of heat pump systems. Not everyone is qualified to install them, he noted. “The original name for heat

Safety on the job comes first

Loading up for a job pumps was ‘reverse cycle refrigeration system’. Heat pumps a re ref rigeration systems and need to be installed by a professional.” Given the importance of correct installation and maintenance of the specialized equipment, it’s no surprise that providing that kind of service has rewards of its own. “A major source of satisfaction for me is doing a professional, neat installation that will have a long, long life. The most important day in the life of a heat pump system is installation day. Following refrigeration procedures

Team appreciation event

with the proper tools is essential for the maximum life span of the system.” H i lto n W i n g , m a n a g e r o f Servicexcel agrees: “It’s like building a house. You need a solid foundation or no matter what kind of a house you put on it, it won’t last. You must have a proper foundation.” Building a solid foundation, be it for one heat pump or for the operations of an entire company, cohesive and committed team work is vital. Currently Servicexcel employs thirteen people, including three apprentices. “Our apprentices are from local training schools,” Hilton noted According to both men, every employee of Servicexcel strives to achieve the highest standards; in appreciation for their contribution to the company’s success, staff events are a regular part of Servicexcel’s schedule. “Our technicians know that without their efforts we’d be nothing so I really appreciate the high quality work that they do,” Doug said. Servicexcel is a lot of things: a company made up of well qualified and trained staff and tradespersons, an example of unified commitment to excellence and integrity, a group of individuals with high moral standards and a corporate sense of responsibility

to the community. So it really was no surprise when Servicexcel was nominated and won a Torch Award from Vancouver Island’s Better Business Bureau in the Heating & Air Conditioning category. When asked what the award meant to him and the company, Doug replied: “It’s confirmation that we’re doing a good job. Kudos to Tristan for nominating [the company], he’s the one who has been the driving force between [our presence] on Facebook and other social media. Without his input we wouldn’t have put ourselves out there.”

The Heat Pump Store

6# 4131 Mostar Rd. NANAIMO

250-760-0898 www.servicexcel.ca

Congratulations Servicexc T h e H e a t P u m p S t o r e on Your Torch Award! $200 INSTANT REBATE eligibility, dates, details and restrictions.

When installed by an Authorized HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) Installer. Certain conditions, restrictions and/or limitations apply. See warranty terms and conditions for complete details.

WHO IS SUING WHOM

30 DEFENDANT 1011 Management Inc 102-645 Tyee Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Namdor Reinforcing Steel (1987) Ltd CLAIM $ 9,526 DEFENDANT 5C Holdings Ltd 5925 Steel St, Port Hardy, BC PLAINTIFF Twin T Holdings Corporation CLAIM $ 20,176 DEFENDANT 625760 BC Ltd 5010 Santa Clara Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Coastal Windows Ltd CLAIM $ 10,532 DEFENDANT Boorman Investment Co Ltd 7TH Flr 1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Strata Plan Vis 6677 CLAIM $ 25,156 DEFENDANT Camp Okanagan Resort Ltd 2550 Vista Bay Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Yuan, Min CLAIM $ 5,252 DEFENDANT Cartwrights Service 5925 Steel St, Port Hardy, BC

PLAINTIFF Twin T Holdings Corporation CLAIM $ 20,176 DEFENDANT Cinnabar Brown Holdings Ltd 4052 Ebony Pl, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Owners Strata Plan Vis 1549 CLAIM $ 37,874 DEFENDANT Comox Harbour Centre Management Inc 102-645 Tyee Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Saywell Contracting Ltd CLAIM $ 1,024,000 DEFENDANT Envision Home Inspections Ltd 29-5854 Turner Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Charteris, Derek CLAIM $ 25,256 DEFENDANT Evans Technology Enterprises 2160 Joanne Dr, Campbell River, BC Sterling Pacific Air Ltd CLAIM $ 5,836 DEFENDANT Extreme Fiberglass Solutions Inc 551 9th St PLAINTIFF Westwood Power and Marine

Incorporated CLAIM $ 25,176

CLAIM $ 100,194

DEFENDANT Kar Industries Ltd 1620 Cedar Hills X Road, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Trueman, Mark CLAIM $ 25,126 DEFENDANT Kivela Contracting Ltd 415 Fourneau Way, Parksville, BC PLAINTIFF WCY Rentals Ltd CLAIM $ 91,678 DEFENDANT Mountain West Properties Inc 102-645 Tyee Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Namdor Reinforcing Steel (1987) Ltd CLAIM $ 9,526 DEFENDANT Peachland Investments Ltd 2550 Vista Bay Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Yuan, Min CLAIM $ 5,252 DEFENDANT Rocky Point Metal Craft Ltd 1 3rd Flr 26 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Schmitt, Kalus Dieter

Custom and commercial tile work

DECEMBER 2015

DEFENDANT Sagers Fine Furniture Ltd 204-655 Tyee Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Izzard, Paul CLAIM $ 10,324 DEFENDANT Satgur Development Inc 3205 Ridgeview Pl, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF 0769771 BC Ltd CLAIM $ 25,276 DEFENDANT Shaw Communications Inc 861 Cloverdale Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Shuttleworth, Brett Deane CLAIM $ 25,156

$ 7,187 DEFENDANT Tandem Food Inc 10-1599 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Coles, David CLAIM $ 5,176 DEFENDANT Tower Fence Products Ltd 319-877 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Sekhon, Hardip CLAIM $ 17,483 DEFENDANT Willow Creek Logging Ltd 300-2375 Burrard Ave, Vanderhoof, BC PLAINTIFF Morton, Jill CLAIM $ 20,505

DEFENDANT Skye Avionics Ltd 2160 Joanne Dr, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Sterling Pacific Air Ltd CLAIM $ 5,836 DEFENDANT Small Modern Living Inc 10971 Madrona Dr, North Saanich, BC PLAINTIFF 2nd Wind Ventures Inc CLAIM

Concrete polishing and preparation

Quality Flooring - From People you can Trust- Over 100 yrs of expertise Visit our showroom 3061 Barons Rd. Nanaimo ~ www.cornerstone-tile.ca 756-9996

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

DECEMBER 2015

NORTH ISLAND The Port McNeill Chamber of Commerce presented its 2015 Awards recently, with longtime former Mayor Gerry Furney, the Chamber’s first ever president, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. Other awards went to: Innovation Award: Tides of Change economic development partnership, Home-based business: Jessica Brown, Customer Service Award: Stacey Coy of Gus’ Pub, Tourism: MacKay Whale Watching (Bill and Donna MacKay), New Business of the Year: Aussie Diesel Services Ltd. (Scott and Jessica Brown), and Business of the Year: Mike Lee of Harbour Sushi. Chamber president Gaby Wickstrom also received the Chamber’s Spirit Award. Moose Meat & Marmalade, an Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) program, had its cast and crew in Port Hardy recently to film an episode for season two of their TV series. A major renovation of the Port Hardy Airport will be taking place in the near future. Shaw took over Keta Cable’s services Nov. 1. Keta’s Port Hardy office will stay open and their staff has joined Shaw. The District of Port Hardy has a new Chief Administrative Officer, former Director of Financial Services Allison McCarrick, who takes over from the retiring Rick Davidge. Tyson Whitney is the new reporter/photographer for the North Island Gazette. Gravel from Polaris-owned Orca Sand & Gravel near Port McNeill is being used to build a $1.1 billion, 1,070 foot tall Salesforce Tower in San Francisco’s Transbay Redevelopment Plan. There are new owners at Port Hardy Auto Parts. Neucel Specialty Cellulose in Port Alice is still in a holding pattern before commiting to re-opening the plant.

CAMPBELL RIVER General Manager Jonathan Shead is beaming, as the Comfort Inn and Suites, Campbell River, has been honoured with a national APEX (Award for Property

Excellence) award for Rookie of the Year. The property opened in April, 2015. Susan McInnes of S. McInnes & Associates Ltd. is the new owner of Reynen Business Services Ltd., after purchasing the company from Dan and Sue Reynen. Sue will stay on at the new CPA firm, which will have offices in Campbell River and Duncan. Susan McInnes was most recently with Johnston Johnston & Associates Ltd. in Nanaimo. City council has appointed Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce Chair Corby Lamb, Sean Smyth and Jeannette Ferguson for threeyear terms on the Campbell River Airport Authority Commission. The Tidemark Theatre is proposing a facelift for its exterior, notes Kim EmsleyLeik, managing director of the Tidemark Theatre Society. Sanjay Sharma has joined the sales team at Campbell River Honda. Thevi Pather has been hired as the new Executive Director of International Education at North Island College. Jim Brennan has been appointed Executive Director of the Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association (MISA). Sears held the Grand Opening of its new location at 825-12th Avenue in November. Marine Harvest Canada is investing $40 million to build seven new recirculating aquaculture systems at its two salmon farms on north Vancouver Island, Dalrymple and Big Tree Creek.

COMOX VALLEY Thrifty Foods owner Sobeys Inc. has purchased the liquor store at The Westerly Best Western Hotel in Courtenay and has re-opened under the new banner, to be managed by Crystal-Lynn Baucom. Silverado Sand Land Corp. is moving towards building a residential development on Crown Isle lands near Costco

in Courtenay. Comox Valley RV has moved to 1608 Ryan Road East in Comox. Kevin Tarrant is hoping that his new Lewis Bark Dog Daycare business is a “howling” success at 2-241 Puntledge Road in Courtenay.

Millstone Medical Centre

Ramada Hotel

Vancouver Island Conference Centre

Pacifica Waterfront Condos & Townhomes

Steve Blacklock of Jackson & Associates Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants has been elected president of the B.C. Association of the Appraisal Institute of Canada. Mark Hurworth is the new Parts and Service Manager at Courtenay Kia at 1025A Comox Road in Courtenay. Michael Laver of Laver’s Holdings plans to create the Riverway Square Senior Housing Complex at 11th Street and Bekensell, adjacent to the Central Builders’ land. In order for him to proceed, he is asking Courtenay council to drop the option of considering a third bridge over the Courtenay River at 11th Street.

Proudly serving Vancouver Island for 25 years

L ANTZVILLE PAINTING & MAINTENANCE

Interior & Exterior Residential - Commercial - Industrial

(250)390-3035 (250) 390-3035 | Nanaimo, BC | lantzvil@shaw.ca

“The only thing better than a $300 credit for my business is the best customer service.”

Bob Joiner has joined the sales team at Coldwell Banker Slegg Realty. Dr. Maria Smit will open a new practice in the Comox Medical Clinic in January. Congratulations to Bill and Bonnie Moore, who own Moore’s Cleaning & Maintenance Service, upon winning the 2015 Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island Torch Award for Cleaning Services, for the second straight year. Bottoms up to Michael Vincent, owner/operator at Forbidden Brewing Co. and their team for taking second place in the UK Pale Ale Category at the 2015 BC Beer Awards recently.

We hear you. That’s why we offer your small business Canada’s best customer service* plus a $300 credit† on every smartphone you move to TELUS. Switch today.

Come in today and ask for more details. Congratulations to Prestige Video Transfer on celebrating their 10th year in business.

DEALER LOGO AND ADDRESS GO HERE (dotted line does not print)

The North Island Christian Business Group, the first Vancouver Island chapter of the Canadian Christian Business Federation, has been formed. The nondenominational organization featured CCBF Executive Director Keith Knight as SEE MOVERS & SHAKERS | PAGE 32

authorized dealer

© 2015 TELUS Corporation. ©2015 Samsung Electronics Canada Inc. All rights reserved. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., used with permission. Screen images simulated. * Best customer service claim based on a comparison of national wireless service providers drawn from the most recent report of the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services; visit the CCTS website or see telus.com/bestservice for details. † $300 credit available for subscribers porting in from a competitor activating a Smartphone on a 2-year term with any rate plan and eligible feature combination of $60 or more. Available on PCS devices only for all Business account types with 2 or more subscribers. Not available for Consumer accounts. Lower credit amounts available for other device types. Not available with other credit offers. Offer available for a limited time and is subject to change without notice. 15_00756-01 TELUS and the TELUS logo are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2015 TELUS.

Check out the latest offers and arrivals at www.cowichansound.com

Locally owned We SHOP SERVICE what we sell! and operated LOCALLY 7139665

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

32 MOVERS & SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

keynote speaker of its inaugural meeting Nov. 28 at Roy’s Towne Pub in Royston. Local facilitators are Garth Sheane and Vic Funk. For further information, email Vic at funky.vic@gamil.com or visit www. ccbf.org. Comox Council has accepted Architect Steve Cohlmeyer’s final designs for the $1.89 million revitalization project at the Comox Marina. Manoja and Sudeera Gangodage have opened Ceylon Cuisine & Spices on Duncan avenue. Congratulations to Level 10

Eurospa for celebrating its 25th anniversary recently.

Hyundai.

Courtenay Dental Health & Implant Centre is pleased to introduce Dr. Anastasios (Tassos) Irinakis to their practice at 101-389 12th Street. Slegg Building Materials Ltd. is pleased to announce that Carolyn Dawson has been chosen to lead their Kitchen & Bath design team at their Cumberland location. Jean Fowlie has retired after 26 years working at Pilon Tool Rentals at the foot of Mission Hill on the Island Highway. A tip of the hat to Jan Vandenbiggelaar for being the top salesperson of the month at Finneron

Doug Walker and his son Brett have opened Walker 24 Menswear on Fifth Street in downtown Courtenay. Doug owned a local Mazda dealership for 20 years.

TOFINOUCLUELET The Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce has three new directors: John Douglas, Sarah Duncan and Damien Storm. Ucluelet has won the bid to host the 2016 Tourism Vancouver Island Conference and Annual General Meeting

DECEMBER 2015

PORT ALBERNI The good news keeps coming for the Coulson Group, as CEO Wayne Coulson has announced the company has a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to refit the C29t aircraft so it can hold water or fire retardant. Coulson has also expanded into the heavy jet business with medical evacuation – medevac, with another Island company, Life Support. The medevac jet goes into service in December and will be serving Hawaii. Kevin Porter, CPA, CGA, is joining the team at R. Anderson & Associates Certified Professional Accountants as their Senior Tax Manager. Their office is at 5155 Argyle Street. Howard Xie, Coco Li and Jianmin Wu have arrived in Port Alberni to open a new Sushi Bar next to the Port Pub on Argyle Street.

With a combined 50 years experience, Managing Partners Dave Zambonelli and Bob Janes have been providing practical, cost effective solutions on Vancouver Island for over 30 years.

Let us show you how to reduce your printing costs by up to 25% or more!

t Multi-Functional Systems t Scanning Solutions t Document Management Solutions t Managed Print Services t Shredders, Card Cutters, Folders & Slitters t Wide Format Printers & Scanners

Congratulations to Michael Lesosky of Arbutus RV Port Alberni, for achieving full Certified RV Technician status. Manager Bill Kirschner notes that LB Woodchoppers is undergoing renovations. The Fenton Team Real Estate Marketing at Royal LePage Port Alberni Pacific Rim Realty is pleased to welcome Darin Oscienny to their team. Denis Henri is back at Alberni Toyota, selling vehicles.

t Network Laser Printers

VICTORIA (NEW LOCATION) 104-3375 Whittier Ave. Victoria,BC V8Z 3R1 TEL: 250-384-7148 www.islandoffice.ca

NANAIMO

ISLA OWNEND OPER D & SINCE ATED 1968

33-1925 Bowen Rd. Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1 1 TEL: 250-756-4600 www.islandofficeequipment.ca

Call Us Today for a Free Consultation.

1-877-716-3577

Best selection of fresh flowers & plants Accredited Flowers Canada Floral Designers 60 Terminal Ave., Nanaimo, B.C. turleysflorist.com

p 250.754.6344 tf 1.800.699.6344 e Marianne@turleysflorist.com

We can help select & deliver the perfect arrangement directly to any business

Wynan’s Furniture & Upholstery is celebrating its 60th anniversary in business this year. Save-On Foods held a grand opening for its renovated store, and welcomes back the Starbucks coffee bar. The Jax Compton Store is undergoing a renovation.

life coach Dr. Neill Neill, Angela Hinz of Shorewater Resort, and Beverly Walkey of the Qualicum Beach Funeral Centre. Chair is Oura Giakoumakis of Thalassa Restaurant, and vice chair Jim Lynch of Vancouver Island Insurance Centre. Debbie Comis is the new chief administrative officer at the City of Parksville. Ward and Janet Cooper have relocated from Wawa, Ontario to own and operate the new Canadian Tire store that has opened in the 27,000 square foot, former Save-On Foods space in Wembley Mall. Qualicum Beach council has set up the framework for an Airport Users Committee for the Qualicum Beach Airport. 2nd Chance Thrift Shop is a new thrift store that has opened next to Sweet Pea Quilting in Parksville. Changes are coming to the Schooner Cove area, as Seacliff Properties, which purchased Fairwinds last July, is rolling out plans which could more than double the population of Nanoose Bay, which currently has a championship golf course, 700 homes and zoning approval for 2,100 more home sites on 750 acres of undeveloped land. Oceanside Vision Centre at 183 Harrison Avenue in Parksville has a new Children’s Myopia Control Clinic. Beachcomber Marina has announced plans to add moorage space for 26 additional boats. Travel consultant Michelle Brown is pleased to note a new travel agency, Cruise Plus.ca, is now open at 130-2nd Avenue in Qualicum Beach. Aretas Aerial, a high-tech company based in Qualicum Beach, has developed a fire-rescue drone that is garnering attention from across Canada.

PARKSVILLE/ QUALICUM BEACH

John Hankins is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo

The Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce has three new directors:

SEE MOVERS & SHAKERS | PAGE 33

NANAIMO

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

DECEMBER 2015

MOVERS & SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

Economic Development Corporation. Currently operating John Hankins International Consulting Service in Okotoks, Alberta, replaces Sasha Angus, who resigned in July, in January. Alice Munro has opened a new used home decor store called Romantic Ruins at 250 Prideaux Street. Hearthstone Bakery is getting close to opening in the Southgate Mall on 10th Street in Chase River. Construction is underway on a new seniors care residence behind Country Grocer in Southgate. Lantzville Construction Ltd. is reopening for business. Lakeside Dental Clinic at 7-4800 Island Highway North, featuring Dr. Aleem Kara and Dr. Robert Wolanski, is now offering IV sedation at their Vancouver Island Implant Centre. Trevor Styan, co-owner of Nanaimobased Northern Civil Energy Inc., has won top honours in his category in the national EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards ceremony recently. NCE, which employs 80 people, is an engineering, procurement and construction contractor servicing Western Canada. Jennifer Fox has joined the team at Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty. Quality Foods Northridge Village has completed its extensive expansion renovations of their deli area. Tracy Samra has been named interim manager of the City of Nanaimo. An accomplished lawyer, Samra is the first woman and Aboriginal to hold the position. Camargue is the name of a new seniors residential rental apartment at 6330 McRobb Avenue, owned by Robin and Sophie Kelley who are part of the Group Denux in Victoria. Nanaimo’s Windley Contracting Ltd. is building the high end seniors project. Linda Gerick has been promoted to the position of Account Manager, Cash Management at Canadian Western Bank on Metral Drive. Renovations are underway at the former Target location in Nanaimo North Town Centre, which will be home to a new Lowe’s Home Improvement outlet. Dave Taschuk is pleased to note that McGregor Access Control is now open at 1920 Boxwood Road. Oak Bay Bikes at 3700 Island Highway has changed its name to Rock City Cycles, notes co-owners Sean Lunny and Corey Piket. Harbour Air Seaplanes has announced a new partnership with Salt Spring Air, effective Dec. 1, which will expand their air service and passenger capacity.

Renovations have started at Convoy Supply on Boban Drive. Istockhomes Marketing is now open at 1595 Bowen Road, says Brad Camp. Dr. Paul Voorhoeve and Dr. James Laughren, Orthopedic Surgeons, have opened a new office at 204-1621 Dufferin Crescent. Leon Drzewiecki has expanded his NYLA Fresh Thread men’s store at 206 Commercial Street. Brad McCarthy held the official opening of his new White Sails Brewing at 125 Comox Road recently, in the former Foundry Pub location. Dr. Naomi Glick has moved her office from Dufferin Crescent to 2011450 Waddington Road. Nanaimo lawyer Sandra Dick, a partner in Heath Law LLP, has been appointed as a master of the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Renovations are underway at Central Drugs on Bowen Road. GW Solutions on Dublin Way is expanding into adjacent office space. Jeff Rae is now overseeing the Jim Pattison Hyundai car dealership. Sabrina Yeudall, formerly with Warsch Law, has opened Candid Legal Law Corp. at 23-4800 Island Highway North. The Penny Lane Thrift store is now open at 2-1601 Bowen Road. Jeff Severs is the new grocery manager at Pomme Natural Markets at 6560 Metral Drive. Aggressive Timber Falling has moved from Bowen Road to 3018 Ross Road. Jess Bone and Tash Baycroft are pleased to note that Filter Studios is now open at 38 Victoria Crescent. Former Nanaimo Daily News Circulation Manager Les Gould has been named an honorary colonel of the famous flying Snowbirds, also known as the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. Ashley Campbell indicates that Studio AR Interior Designs has moved to 301 Franklyn Street. Subhi Imports has opened beside The Soakhouse spa store on Bowen Road. A total of 12 Nanaimo businesses have been nominated for the 13th Annual Small Business BC Awards, presented by Small Business BC. They include: Artez Photography, Coco Café, Divinity Art, Doing Good, Gabriel’s Café, Hey Beautiful Salon, Inn on Long Lake, Integrity Impact Management Group, Lace N Pearls, LeadQuest, Design, Roar Representation. A total of eight Nanaimo Certified Professional Accountant students

passed their Common Final Examination recently: Allison Cheng, Andrew Dunbar, Samantha Lewis, Brenda Maguire, Parveen Manhas, Colin Mcphee, Arminder Parhar and Adrien Stewart. Here’s an event that can’t be “beet” – “Beets Nanaimo”, a borschtfest (Ukrainian beet soup), set for January 31 at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church at 4017 Victoria Avenue from 12 noon to 3 p.m. The list of contestants signing up to compete to see who makes the best borscht includes Sandy’s Ukrainian Kitchen, Firehouse Grill, New York Style Pizza & Pasta, Sandwich House, Gabriel’s Gourmet Café, 2 Chefs Affair, Coco Café, Masters Touch Catering and Coastal Culinary Creations. Tickets are $10. For information call Leona at 250-754-2646.

LADYSMITH/ CHEMAINUS Bill MacMunn has received approval from Ladysmith Council to open GP Vehicle Sales, a 15-car lot sales facility on Esplanade Avenue. MacMunn is well known in the Vancouver Island car business, as a former manager of Toyota and Budget car lots. Fred Bell Equipment Services Ltd. is a new business at 13436 Adshead Road in Ladysmith. Consider It Done Handyman Services has opened its doors at 3606 Clifcoe Road in Ladysmith. C. Ruff Physiotherapist Corporation

33 is a new business at 2920 Cedar Road. Beyond Ordinary is now open at 646 Oakwood Road in Ladysmith. BC Maritime Employers Association has moved from 9680 to 9728 Chemainus Road, the former Re/MAX real estate office. Captain Café at 12335 Rocky Creek Road in Ladysmith is now open for business. Karyn Pender was named Employee of the Month at 49th Parallel Grocery Store in Chemainus. Chemainus Visitors Centre held a grand opening in its new location in Water Wheel Square in mid November.

OPINION

DECEMBER 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 | Shawn Bishop – shawn@businessexaminer.ca, Josh Higgins – josh@businessexaminer.ca, Joanne Iormetti – joanne@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Goody Niosi, Julia MacDonald, John MacDonald, Beth Hendry-Yim, David Holmes, Linda Wenger WEBSITE | John MacDonald – john@businessexaminer.ca

POLITICIANS AND BUREAUCRATS FIND A NEW WAY TO STOP FORWARD PROGRESS: DELAY

MARK MACDONALD

“D

elay, delay, delay.” Those words, uttered by a n N DP candidate recently, outlines an anti-development mindset that is more prevalent than anyone would dare admit. This is apparently the new marching orders for the No Development Party. It’s the nouveau way to stall and prohibit investment and development. The “anti” crowd has learned how to kill projects with kindness, smiling as they declare they are open to development and the jobs they create, while silently slowing down the process to a glacial pace that strings out investors and drains their cash flow. We’ve seen it happen with increasing regularity at the municipal level, as politicians and bureaucrats pay lip service to the business community as they create new obstacles to prevent

forward movement. It’s reaching the upper levels of government. Not a surprise, since politicians often start at the civic level before moving up to provincial and federal politics. I recently interviewed an Alberta-based, oil and gas sector company, which expressed their frustration at the current state of affairs under Rachel Notley’s fledgling NDP governm ent. To paraphrase their comments: They’ve survived the National Energy Policy, the downturn in the price of oil and other serious challenges, but the indecision and vagueness of Notley’s Crew is proving to be excruciating for their company. They’re in a constant holding pattern, not knowing if they will even have an opportunity to grow in Alberta. Should they downsize to ride out the storm? How about moving east to Saskatchewan to a more business-friendly environment? The owner says the current conditions are the worst they have experienced as a company. Anti-oil industry protesters may find news like this to be delightful, and think their dreams are being realized. With anti-resource sentiment reaching an all-time high in Canada, as an increasing number of people view resource-based industry as evil and something that needs

to be stopped, or at least choked into submission. I n the recent past, a rou nd 5,000 people living in the Okanagan – and approximately the same amount on Vancouver Island – were directly employed by the oil and gas industry in northern BC and Alberta. They worked there and lived here, resulting in an influx of cash that boosted local communities and businesses. That doesn’t include the number of ancillary businesses positively affected by having those high-paying jobholders living in our towns. The rapid growth in air passenger numbers is directly attributable to workers commuting to and from the oil fields for work, for example. Although they manage to stay under the radar most of the time, the forest industry on Vancouver Island employs close to 6,000 workers. These are not minimum-wage jobs – they often pay in six figures per worker. All these represent a very significant contribution to not just our local economies, but government coffers due to the higher levels of tax they pay, compared to those holding entry-level positions. So, if the anti-resource and no-development forces that have ma naged to cl i mb i nto positions of influence want to

fundamenta lly change that, they’re now in a place they can try it. As they endeavour to do so, they’d best make sure they have an alternative - as in better method – of creating replacement high end incomes. We don’t need to look too far back in history to see what happens when a society decides to make a quantum shift in its economy. In 1958, Chairman Mao annou nc e d t h at Ch i n a wo u ld abandon its agricultural roots in favour of the potentially more lucrative stainless steel industry. In what was called “The Great Leap Forward”, Mao encouraged Chinese people to begin manufacturing stainless steel, which they did, in their backyards, homes. . .anywhere, in homemade “smelters”. This was how they would leap out of economic reliance on agriculture. The problem was that the stainless steel they made was, not surprisingly, completely worthless. This social experiment lasted for three years, ending in futility, and starvation for something in the neighbourhood of 30 million Chinese citizens. In their drastic shift towards industrialization, they forfeited not only their traditional occupations, but the means by which they fed themselves as a country. They stopped growing food.

It was, really, a great leap backward, as that period was the only time between the years 1953 and 1985 that China’s economy shrank. What does that have to do with Canada? Resource-based industry has been the backbone of our economy for decade upon decade. If we want that to change, then that needs to be made incrementally, not suddenly. I’m not suggesting that turning off the oil and gas taps will result in millions of Canadians starving. But we’re already starting to feel the pinch, and it’s more than just lower prices. A n estimated 50,000 Canadians have already lost their oil and gas related jobs. There could be more, and will be, if governments persist in carryi ng out t hei r a nt i-resou rce pronouncements. We’re waiting eagerly to hear the news about the change in economic policy that will replace those six figures jobs. Not with minimum wage options, but with similar yielding positions that raise families, buy homes and vehicles, and provide a future for our young people. It would be prudent to create those first, rather than cutting off the revenue supply we’ve traditionally had in this country without any reasonable replacement on the horizon.

PROVINCE’S RED TAPE REDUCTION EFFORTS WORTHWHILE

LAURA JONES

overnment departments are fundamentally different from private businesses in that they do not face competition. There is no voting with your feet if you think that frontline staff are unfriendly or if forms are confusing. It’s a recipe for mediocrity or worse, unless other ways of pushing for better service can be found. In this context, elected officials soliciting our feedback a b o u t go v e r n m e n t s e r v i c e improvement is a substitute, albeit a grossly imperfect one, for

competition. Provincial Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Coralee Oakes is doing just that. She is looking for your help to identify the blizzard of little irritants that arise from interacting with government. The six-week consultation, which ends on Dec. 3, is part of the government’s broader effort to keep a lid on red tape while preserving justified regulation. T he minister is looking for “simple fixes that will i mprove you r l i fe when you i nteract w ith govern ment.” It’s easy to contribute an idea on the website at: engage.gov. bc.ca/helpcutredtape. It’s also worthwhile. The commitment to those who contribute is that, “While not every idea will be implemented, every comment and idea submitted will be reviewed and considered. A list of actions will be posted on the website.” This is not for show. The minister and her staff are taking

this seriously, and we know they will be looking for things to announce on the recently legislated Red Tape Reduction Day in March and during Red Tape Awareness Week in January. The site now has over 100 comments and suggestions. Much of it is common sense. One woman describes the frustrating experience of dealing with six different doctors as they tried to diagnose her husband. Next, in her words, “We asked to see his chart, so that we could at least piece his prognosis together ourselves. We were handed a form and told it would be 30 business days. Apparently, the patient has no right to their own healthcare information. Obviously, this is not helpful.” Not surprisingly, there are many comments on the website about the challenges of dealing with the government electronically, from not being able to save a PDF to not being able to report a personnel change for a charity’s

board without declaring the former board member deceased. The consultation is the perfect place to raise any number of business issues too, such as this one: There is a rule requiring a truck driver who is also a temporary foreign worker to get a work permit before being issued a driver’s license, while another rule requires the worker to get a driver’s license before being issued a work permit. And while we are on the topic of driver’s licenses, over 1,000 British Columbians renew their licenses each day. What if we could do that once every 10 years instead of five? Think of the time that change alone would free up for everyone, i nclud i ng gover n ment employees. Broader issues for consideration include making sure gover n ment com mu n ic at ion i s intelligible, training staff to better understand the realities of the people they help, a nd

ensuring auditors have appropriate incentives to behave professionally, with repercussions if they do not. I n l au nch i n g t h i s con s u ltation, Oakes has created an opportunity to take action on the sma l l but i mporta nt red tap e i ssues t h at don’t g rab head l i nes but do m a ke d i fferences in people’s lives. Resolv i ng them contributes to the constructive relationship between a government and its citizens that is so important. It prevents the blizzard of little irritants from undermining our productivity and our good humour. This consultation is well worth the minister’s time and ours. Laura Jones is Executive Vice President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. She can be reached at laura.jones@cfib.ca. Follow her on Twitter @CFIBideas.

SUBCRIPTIONS | $45 PER YEAR (12 ISSUES), $80 FOR 2 YEARS (24 ISSUES), SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA. DISTRIBUTION: SECOND WEEK OF EACH MONTH VIA CANADA POST AD MAIL. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Produced and published in British Columbia. All contents copyright Business Examiner Vancouver Island, 2015. Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

LAW

DECEMBER 2015

ANGEL INVESTORS FINANCING INNOVATION LAW

The angel investors that I

They can exercise a measure of control

have known are relatively

recently had lunch with a banker friend. He related some of his daily struggles in approving loans and summed up by indicating that his bank hired him to fund viable businesses, not “dreams”. The reality of the banking business is that a banker will only grant you a loan to launch an innovative project if you have the pre-existing financial strength to financially back the new business. After the business has being operational for two years or more, the financial performance of the business over that period will clearly indicate whether or not you have a viable business rather than just a “dream”. Persons who do not have such financial strength are forced to seek assistance from investors. The quest for investors usually starts with family members and personal acquaintances who trust and believe in you. There are some investors, referred to as “angel” investors, who invest in projects of complete strangers for fun and profit. The angel

wealthy and have a past history of entrepreneurial success

Michael Cooper and Doug Thompson of ThompsonCooper LLP investors that I have known are relatively wealthy and have a past history of entrepreneurial success. Their angel investments are like a hobby to them. The number one criterion of the angel investor is that he or she must like you and feel he or she can work with you. If you are difficult to work with, it takes the fun out of the project and the angel investor doesn’t want or need the hassle. The number two criterion is that the angel investor must believe that the project has substantial growth potential and is not merely a “create a job” project.

The ultimate object of the investment is to make some money at the end of the project. Ideally, the angel investor has contacts or knowledge that can contribute to the project and help make that happen. The number three criterion is that there must be some logical jumping off point at which the angel investor can cash in on his investment. If you have a good fit with an angel investor, you may well develop a life-long friendship. You will have to do most of the work, but at critical times the angel investor will be there to assist you. The angel investor

will give you advice which will help you avoid mistakes you would otherwise have made. As he or she gets to know you, the angel investor will assess your strengths and weaknesses and get others to help cover your weak areas. The angel investor will set and expect you to meet performance milestones. Consider it tough love. It is for your own good. A controlling interest (over 50 per cent of the venture) is not essential to the angel investor, although the angel investor can exercise a measure of control by simply withholding additional funds if he or she does not approve of the way the business is being run. If all goes well, the relationship with the angel investor ends at the planned exit position. O n sm a l l proje c t s, t h i s i s often the sale of the business, at which time you both “cash in”. On large on-going projects, you will progress to the “next stage of financing” in which a venture capitalist steps into the shoes of the angel investor and puts serious money into the business to take it to the next level. I have nothing but respect for angel investors, the ones I have worked with are special people indeed.

Respect… Know a Business that’s earned it?

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

PATENTS TRADEMARKS COPYRIGHT

AWARDS

NOMINATIONS START NOW! admin@businessexaminer.ca 250-758-2684 BE Awards www.businessexaminer.ca

Proudly sponsored by:

Michael Cooper & Douglas B. Thompson We assist your corporate lawyer by protecting your inventions and trademarks 201, 1007 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3K5

T: 250-389-0387 • F: 250-389-2659 www.tcllp.ca