Business Examiner Vancouver Island - December 2016 by Business Examiner Media Group

DECEMBER 2016

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VANCOUVER ISLAND January 26 gala at Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria

Vancouver Island WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA

Family Endowments: Helping charities and saving taxes PAGE 4

NANAIMO Coast Industrial Machining’s new $2.3 million building improves efficiency

PAGE 21

INDEX News Update Qualicum Beach Nanaimo Cowicahn Valley Comox Valley Campbell River Port Alberni Tofino Who is Suing Whom Movers and Shakers Opinion Law

2 9 10 14 19 25 26 26 30 31 34 35

OUR 10TH YEAR

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Nanaimo Foundation helps families direct funds where needed and create a great legacy

A NA I MO – Ma k i ng a difference, one family at a time. T h a t’s w h a t t h e Na na i mo Foundation is experiencing, as local families have been opening Family Endowments through the organization, which allows family members to direct where their charitable donations will be distributed throughout the community, as well as providing tax deductions for contributions. Doug Johnston is the latest to lead his family in this regard, setting up the Johnston Family Endowment with a $10,000 donation in November. “I originally got the idea of setting up an family endowment when Tom Harris, a long time friend and client, invited me to a presentation put on by the Nanaimo Foundation about six months ago,” Johnston notes. Harris, a well known and respected businessman whose holdings include the Harris Auto Group and Tom Harris Cellular, SEE NANAIMO FOUNDATION | PAGE 1

Making it official: The Johnston Family Endowment cheque to the Nanaimo Foundation is being signed by, from left, grandchildren Adelaide, Nathan, Sophia and Owen, while Doug Johnston and the Nanaimo Foundation’s Laurie Bienert look on

Coastal Colour Printing Expands Services Under New Owner Elite Image New owners pledge to carry former Coastal Colour owner John Rockley’s legacy forward with a new array of marketing services

ARKSVILLE — Nanai mo-based creative, web, and print agency Elite Image has acquired Coastal Colour Printing following the sudden passing of former owner John Rockley. Elite Image President Catrina Elliott pledges to carry on Rockley’s legacy by building his business through an expanded

array of marketing services. “John’s passing is tragic, and this has been a difficult time,” acknowledges Elliott. “But the Coastal Colour and Elite Image teams are both working hard to carry his legacy forward.” According to Elliott, the Parksville-based Coastal Colour and Nanaimo-based Elite Image will

continue operating under their respective names and locations. But Coastal Colour customers will now have access to an expanded array of marketing services, including graphic design, digital marketing, and web development. Coastal Colour has long been known as a large-scale printer

that specializes in offset printing for customers in Parksville, Qualicum, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet. In fact, Elliott can recall speaking with Rockley three years ago about his vision to build Coastal Colour into the largest offset print SEE COASTAL COLOUR | PAGE 24

2 VANCOUVER ISLAND Island Manufacturers Receive Support The Provincial Government has committed more than $160,000 to help Vancouver Island manufacturers develop a comprehensive labour-market strategy, which will address priority training and skills-shortage issues affecting the manufacturing sector in the region. This investment is part of a broader Sector Labour Market Partnerships project led by Harbour Digital Media, which began in the fall of 2015. The BC government has invested over $190,000 in the project to support employer engagement and labour-market information research, as well as strategy development, for the Island’s manufacturing sector. “Organizing and aggregating the labour market issues for the Vancouver Island / Coastal manufacturing community has been an extremely positive and encouraging project,” says John Juricic, owner, Harbour Digital Media. “Manufacturers in this region are excited and optimistic to be able to communicate their labour-market issues to government and work towards solving and dealing with them directly, within a sustainable, constructive

NEWS UPDATE and long-term framework.” The strategy consultation will be completed in early 2017, culminating in a final report that will recommend specific activities for possible implementation in the next phase of the project. British Columbia’s manufacturing sector is the third-largest contributor to the province’s economy and a key part of the BC Jobs Plan, generating $15 billion in revenue and supporting approximately 172,500 jobs. T he Sector Labou r Ma rket Partnerships Program is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement. The program helps employers understand and respond to changing labour market demands, and ensures that training and education programs in BC are aligned with industry’s labour-market needs and priorities.

VANCOUVER ISLAND Export Pilot Project Launced A new pilot program to help small BC businesses navigate export services is now being offered in four communities throughout the province, including the Comox Valley and Port Alberni. Export Navigator is a one-year pilot project the Province has developed in partnership with Small

Business BC and federally funded Community Futures offices. The BC government is contributing more than $500,000; Community Futures is providing $140,000 and Small Business BC is administering the project. The program, which is part of a commitment in the #BCTECH Strategy to help small businesses become export ready, is designed to assist growth-oriented businesses that can demonstrate a capacity to increase production and have the resources to commit to exporting. Trained export advisors in each community are providing personalized support, helping to identify and connect businesses to the appropriate programs, services and contacts at every stage of the export process. The Comox Valley will have two export advisors through its Comox Valley Economic Development office, while Port Alberni has two export advisors operating out of its Community Futures office. Export Navigator is supported by the Ministry of International Trade, the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training and the Ministry of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.

COWICHAN VALLEY Catalyst Paper Wins Fight

DECEMBER 2016

Cowichan Valley Citizen Catalyst Paper has fought its way out of what it considers an unfair duty on some of its paper entering the U.S. The company announced Nov. 21 that the U.S. Department of Commerce issued preliminary results in its expedited review of Catalyst, finding that Catalyst received a negligible number of subsidies during the applicable period of review. That means, at least from this early report, Catalyst’s exports of supercalendered paper into the U.S. market would not be subject to countervailing duties. Joe Nemeth, Catalyst president and CEO, was pleased. “Today’s decision confirms that Catalyst did not receive any material subsidies from the Government of Canada or Province of British Columbia,” he said. Catalyst requested the review, which looked specifically at the 2014 period, after the DOC imposed countervailing duties on imports of that paper from Canada in December 2015. What had concerned the company was that, without individually investigating Catalyst, the DOC put the pulp and paper giant into an “all-others” group, saddling it with a countervailing duties rate of 18.85 per cent, based on what was charged to two other companies. Having such a rate assigned to Catalyst “painted an inaccurate picture of our business, and the

manufacture and export of our high-quality paper products,” Nemeth said. “Catalyst has paid over $18 million in duties and legal costs since the countervailing duties were imposed. T hese costs have imposed a burden on Catalyst and our effort to improve our financial performance and competitiveness.” However, the final results, which will come in after comment from all interested parties, will not be issued until February. Provincial Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson also issued a statement about the findings. “As we expected, the expedited review revealed that Catalyst did not receive any measurable government subsidies during the year investigated (2014) and if the U.S. Department of Commerce upholds this decision in their final determination, Catalyst will be excluded from further proceedings in this case,” he said. But, the minister said, Catalyst has been hit as a result of the tariff

COMOX VALLEY Farmers Institute Proposes Exhibition Centre to CVRD The Comox Valley Farmers Institute has presented the Comox Valley Regional District with a

NEWS UPDATE

DECEMBER 2016

proposal for the development of an agricultural exhibition centre. The proposed Agriplex would cost $9-million to build and would be located at Stonehedge Farms, which the CVRD owns. Under the Institute’s plan, the regional district will have ownership, but the facility would be managed by a designated board, group or company. The facility would feature a 56,000 square foot exhibition space, commercial space, meeting space, administration and offices, storage and kitchen and parking. Potential uses of the facility include community events, farming, agriculture, national and provincial, aquaculture, recreation, sports and events. The building the Institute has proposed is suitable for conventions of up to 1,000 to 2,000 people and would be expected to attract incremental spending by delegates and exhibitors. Additionally, it would extend the season of visits, support development of local food markets, attract new business audiences, support local jobs and draw new investment to the area. The centre would be comparable to other facilities on the island, such as the Victoria Conference Centre, Vancouver Island Conference Centre and Cowichan Valley Exhibition Centre. This proposal is the second the CVRD has received for a building at the fair grounds. In 2014, the Comox Valley Exhibition proposed a multi-purpose agricultural awareness centre that would cost over $2-million. The project has already received support in principle and proponents have already begun applying for grants and working with Island Coastal Economic Trust.

BRITISH COLUMBIA ICBC to no Longer Insure High-End Luxury Cars The provincial government is moving forward to no longer insure the high-end luxury car rate class (cars worth $150,000 and over) so that the broader ratepayer is not subsidizing these vehicles. The owners of these cars will have to go to private insurers instead. Drivers will still be required to

carry a certain amount of coverage to protect themselves and other drivers, but will not be provided through ICBC’s public insurance plan. While the legislative work is put in place, the government will immediately take steps to ensure high-end luxury car owners pay more than double for their basic insurance while their premiums fully cover all costs of any repairs. The average private passenger car in BC is worth approximately $15,000, which is 10 times less than the growing number of luxury high-end cars on the road (cars worth above $150,000). When more expensive cars get into a crash, it costs approximately six times more to fix them. However, until now, the owner has paid similar rates for their basic insurance. The new rates will apply to private passenger cars only, and not commercial trucks, pick-up trucks, collector cars or limousines. The new rule will also not apply to RVs.

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NORTH ISLAND North Island Supports Forestry Centre The Regional District of Mount Waddington (RDMW) is contributing $20,000 towards a Forest Industry Attraction, Training and Retention Strategy centre in Woss. The Regional District’s contribution is part of an application to the BC Rural Dividend Fund for $500,000 for the project. RDMW’s board of directors approved the request at their monthly meeting on October 18. The board also approved allowing the RDMW to enter into an agreement with North Island College, the Town of Port McNeill, Woss Residents Association, First Nation’s and other stakeholders who want to partner in the application for funding. The centre would be supported with matching in kind and financial contributions from Western Forest Products, Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), the Town of Port McNeill, School District 85, Woss Residents Association and other partners. The board also approved submitting an application to ICET for $50,000 for a marketing and attraction program.

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DECEMBER 2016

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Deluge of nominations for Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards Near record number of entries submitted for January 26 gala at Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria

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A N C O U V E R I SLAND â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Organizers of the 17 th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards are anticipating another exciting celebration of the best of the best in Island business January 26 at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;T he volu me a nd d iversity of the nominations this year is astounding,â&#x20AC;? notes Mark MacDonald of Business Examiner, which coordinates the event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recall us ever receiving this many nominations, and they include a number of companies we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even heard of. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing what businesses are doing

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on Vancouver Island, and where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we started these awards we believed weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d receive great participation from all over the island, and this continues to be the case. These awards seem to bring out new, exciting ventures that make our judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; job a little tougher as they decide who wins each award.â&#x20AC;? Black Press is a Platinum Sponsor of the BE Awards this year, and RBC Royal Bank and Hayes Stewart Little & Co. Cha rtered Professional Accountants are back as Gold Sponsors. Category sponsors thus far include CIBC, Helijet and Grieg Seafood. C a t e go r i e s t h i s y e a r i nclude: Ag ricu ltu re, Automotive, Construction/ Development, Entrepreneur, Forestry/ Wood Products, Green, H e a l t h , H o s p i t a l i t y/ 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). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each year, it seems that the nominations are nearly evenly split between companies south of the Malahat, and those from north of the Malahat, and this year is showing the same trend,â&#x20AC;? says MacDonald. â&#x20AC;&#x153;T hatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not surprising, as the population of both areas are very close, but it also shows the strength of the economy on Vancouver Island is spread out. The nomination deadline was December 1 this year, and companies were allowed to self-nominate. Tickets to the event are $1 25, a n d c a n b e p u rchased through www.businessexaminer.ca/events. For more information on the event or sponsorship, contact M acDon a ld at 1-866-758-2684 ext. 120 or email: mark@businessexaminer.ca

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REAL ESTATE

DECEMBER 2016

Inventory Dips Yet Again to Reach New Historic Low in November

nventory of single-family homes i n the VIREB a rea dropped yet again in November 2016 to reach a new historic low of 1,034, a 37 per cent decrease from one year ago and dipping below October’s 1,158 available listings. Sales of single-family homes in November decreased by 13 per cent from October 2016, but rema i ned f lat yea r over year, with 347 homes selling last month compared to 349 i n November 2015. T he lack of sales movement can be attributed to low inventory and seasonal market conditions, not reduced buyer dem a nd. Active listings of apartments and townhouses also dipped in November, down 45 per cent and 47 per cent respectively, an indication that consumers may be turning to alternative property types due to the lack of single-family inventory. T he British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCR E A) notes that robust housing dem a nd cont i nues to be d r iven by a prov i ncia l economy underpinned by consumer c o n f i d e n c e , s u rg i n g re t a i l sa les, popu l at ion g row t h, and a strong GDP. In its 2016 Fo u r t h- Q u a r t e r H o u s i n g Forecast, BCREA reports that M LS residentia l sa les i n the

province are forecast to climb 11 per cent to a record 113,800 units this year, eclipsing the p re v io u s re c ord of 106,3 10 units in 2005. Although BCR EA anticipates that less robust econom ic cond itions combi ned w it h gover n ment pol icy constra i nts w i l l slow housing demand by more than 15 per cent in 2017, unit sales should remain well above the 10-year average of 85,000. While the Foreign Buyer Tax imposed at the beginning of August has adversely affected the Vancouver market, there appears to be no negative fallout thus far in the VIREB area. Foreign buyers are not turning to Vancouver Island instead of the Lower Mainland and are not the impetus driving buyer dema nd i n the V I R EB housi ng ma rket, nor a re the new housing rules introduced by the Government of Canada in October. T he latter restrictions, intended to standardize el ig ibi l ity criteria for h ighrat io a nd low-rat io i n su red mortgages, will have a greater impact on buyers purchasing homes in the $500,000-plus ra n ge. V I R E B’s b ench m a rk prices on a l l property ty pes are below that mark. Hou si ng sa les i n t he V I REB area would likely be

considerably h igher i f there were more homes ava i lable, and buyers are frustrated by the lack of inventory. Margo Hoffman, 2016 VIR EB President, is encouraging potential home sellers to take advantage of these market conditions. “Sel lers a re i n the d river’s seat right now, but consumers need to realize that sellers’

ma rkets don’t last forever,” says Hoffman. “T he real estate m a rket a lways ex p er ienc e s ebbs a nd f low s, so i f you’re thinking of putting your home on the ma rket, now is the time.” In November 2016, the benchmark price of a single-family home in the V IR EB area was $395,300, up 17 per cent from

one year ago. Prices increased i n every zone, ra ng i ng from 13 per cent in Port Alberni to 22 per cent in Nanaimo. T he benchmark price of an apartment rose approx i mately 21 per cent board-wide from the previous year, but the highest increases were posted in the Comox Va l ley (23 per cent), Campbell River (28 per cent), and Parksville-Qualicum (31 per cent). The townhouse market also strengthened in November, posti ng a 15 per cent increase board-wide and ranging from 11 per cent in Port Alberni to nearly 20 per cent in Campbell River. The November 2016 benchmark price of a single-family home i n the Ca mpbel l R iver a r e a w a s $ 3 10,6 0 0, a n i nc r e a s e o f 15 p e r c e n t o v e r November 2015. In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price was $393,500, up 16 per cent from 2015. Duncan reported a benchmark price of $346,500, an increase of 14 per cent compared to November 2015. Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose 22 per cent to $433,700 while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price rise by 19 per cent to $452,600. The price of a benchmark home in Port Alberni hit $213,600, up 13 per cent from one year ago.

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DECEMBER 2016

TO PARTY OR NOT TO PARTY?

HR CHRISTINE WILLOW

he festive season is fast approaching. For many employers, this time of year raises the question, ‘To party or not to party?’. How should your company approach diverse holiday customs and the annual Holiday staff party? The diversity of our workplaces means that while one employee celebrates Christmas, the other celebrates Hanukah, while still others neither believe nor celebrate the season at all. So, should companies still host a holiday party? And if you do, what are some of the steps you should take to ensure that it is an inclusive celebration and not a negative event or liability. The following is a short list of things you may wish to be mindful of in order to mitigate any potential issues associated with an office Holiday Party or event:

■ If the employer is hosting the event, whether at the office or at another location, the employer still has responsibility for the safety of their employees even if it’s outside of working hours; ■ Responsibility can/does extend to how employees make their way home after an event; ■ Social media today ensures that negative or embarrassing details will travel across town or globally within the blink of an eye; ■ Not everyone feels comfortable socializing outside of work or with co-workers and superiors - ensure no one feels obligated to attend or ostracized if they choose not to attend. To avoid any potential liabilities or long-term negative impact on the workplace environment during the festive season, it’s important for employers to set boundaries so that it can be a time for all to relax and celebrate. Enjoying some time with co-workers can be stress-free if expectations are clearly communicated to all those planning to attend. Have a clear start and end time, provide safe ways for all to get home (i.e. taxi vouchers) and remind employees that inappropriate behaviour will

not be tolerated (bullying, sexual harassment, intoxication, etc.). What if a holiday party is not possible or an employer does not wish to be liable for an event? Employers can also find other ways to acknowledge their teams. A survey completed by glassdoor.com found that 73 per cent of adults surveyed in the US (over 2,000 participants) would prefer a cash bonus for the holidays over a party, 36 per cent wanted paid time off, 60 per cent a salary increase and 29 per cent grocery gift cards. Other ways to celebrate the holidays include donating the funds to an employee-chosen charity, adopting a family and assisting/volunteering at a community holiday event. The best way to know for sure what might work with your team is to ask your employees about how they might wish to celebrate the holidays in the workplace. From all of us at Chemistry Consulting Group, we wish you a wonderful Christmas/Holiday time. Christine is with Chemistry Consulting and can be reached at c.willow@ chemistryconsulting.ca

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Helijet Begins Weekend Flights Between Nanaimo and Vancouver

ffective December 24, Helijet International will expand its service to include weekend flights between Nanaimo and Vancouver. Helijet currently offers six roundtrips each day between its Nanaimo Harbour Heliport and Vancouver Harbour locations. The expanded service will see Helijet offer three roundtrips a day on Saturdays and Sundays. “Since starting service to Nanaimo and the mid-island, we’ve had many conversations with business and leisure travelers about weekend service,” said Rick Hill, Helijet Vice President of Commercial & Business Programs. “Our Vancouver Island and our Lower Mainland customers have all said they would welcome the addition of weekend service. “When we looked at how our traffic has increased since entering the Nanaimo market and at how positive the feedback has been to our superior service and reliability, we felt now was a good time to expand to a seven-day-aweek operation.” Scott Speakman, Ma nager, Sales & Community Relations Nanaimo-Mid-Island added, “I have had many requests for weekend service from many differing groups. Resident commuters, business people and leisure commuters all see value in this offering. Whether it’s having to make an important business

capacity, the heliport can now accommodate British Columbia’s Air Ambulance helicopters with their 7/24 emergency air service requirements, and support emergency patient air transfers to and from the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital’s proximity. “The expansion of the Nanaimo heliport is another example of our commitment to serve Vancouver Island communities,” said Hill. “On behalf of Helijet, I want to thank the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the Nanaimo Port Authority and the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for making that heliport improvement project possible,” said Hill. meeting, taking the family to a concert, sporting events or just shopping, they told us that having a reliable service available on weekends is very important. We are pleased to be able to provide that service.” To celebrate the occasion, Helijet is offering fares starting at just $79 on all flights from Dec. 19th through to January 3rd, 2017. Additionally, children 12 and under fly free when travelling with a paying adult, which makes this Christmas and New Year’s season one of the merriest times of the year to experience all that Helijet has to offer. Helijet also announced the expansion of the Nanaimo heliport. By providing additional

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SELLING YOUR BUSINESS – DON’T KILL THE DEAL While businesses sell all

the time, don’t make the mistake of assuming it will be quick or easy

Mike Berris, CPA, CA, CBV and Partner at Smythe LLP

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profits. There are a number of other strategies that can improve the chances of successfully completing the deal. These include: Be Prepared – Ensure you can demonstrate that the business can earn consistent profits for the buyer subsequent to the purchase. This requires that your financial records are in order. You should also be able to show that the current customers or sales will remain after you’re gone. Understand who the Buyer might be – You will want to target parties that are ready, willing

and able to purchase. Nothing is more frustrating than spending several months with someone that can’t or won’t close. Be Rea l istic on the Price – Preferably you want to conduct an auction process where potential buyers are put in the position to competitively bid for your business. In cases where this is not practical, a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) can help you with either a pricing analysis or by preparing a valuation report. Be Flexible – While not ideal, sometimes the best deals require you accept an earn-out or even provide financing with a vendor take-back. With proper safeguards, the arrangements can help bridge the gap when there is a stalemate in the negotiations on price. Engage Professionals – Selling one’s business is a complex process involving many interconnected components. While it might appear straight-forward at first, the process can quickly lose momentum. An experienced M&A advisor and lawyer will help you get the highest net price combined with the best terms. To put this all in context, I will speak in general terms about two deals we are currently working through. In the first, our client is interested in buying a successful

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here are a lot of great reasons to start and grow a busi ness. Some of t he best reasons include, but are not limited to, the ability to earn an income commensurate with your hard work, flexible work arrangements and the pride to watch something you own grow and prosper. In my view, one of the best reasons for entrepreneurship is the ability to monetize your hard work at a point in your life when you either want to retire or pursue other interests. While businesses sell all the time, don’t make the mistake of assuming it will be quick or easy. The Pepperdine University conducts a regular survey of private market transactions and found that 35 per cent of all sale processes fail to complete. Of these failed deals, 40 per cent are due to the inability to agree on a price, 22 per cent fail because of unreasonable demands by the buyer or seller, 9 per cent fail due to financing and the balance for a variety of reasons. Another interesting point is that 70 per cent of business sale transactions take more than twelve months to complete. While it goes without saying, you will be best prepared to negotiate the highest price with the best terms if your business delivers consistent or growing

Vancouver Island business. The vendor, who arbitrarily set the price at $5 million, has not engaged professionals to run the process and has not been able to supply the information required to properly evaluate the quality of future earnings. Of course our client walked away. Eight months later, the vendor has not found a buyer and approached us again, still without a proper process in mind, but a lower price. We now have the upper hand, but still may advise our client to walk away. In the second deal, we are engaged to run a divestiture process where our client allowed us to properly prepare for the sale, identify numerous potential purchasers, run an auction and then assist his experienced lawyer to negotiate the share purchase agreement. In this case, our client has a strong $43 million deal on the table that we expect will close in December. The above examples are similar deals, each with different outcomes based on the management of the process. Smythe LLP is a team of dedicated professionals who provide reliable accounting, tax and advisory services to businesses and individuals. They can be reached in Nanaimo at (250) 755-2111.

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Jewelry Store Has One-Of-A-Kind Pieces Parksville Qualicum Beach News UALICUM BEACH - Regal EstateJewelleryinQualicumBeach isn’t your usual jewelry store. Not only does Regal Estate Jewellery staff have more than 100 years of combined experience in the jewelry business, but almost all of the pieces in the store are different. Working within the store is owner Lance Marsh, manager Vickie Wong, Carol Spencer and Rob Liddicoat, who has his own goldsmith business within Regal Estate Jewellry. Spencer, who has a diploma in jewelry methods and design and is a Canadian Jewellers Association graduate jeweller, said her focus is on gemstones. “I try to focus on some natural gemstones. I have a thing right now for pearl, sterling silver, clean designs. That’s what I like,” Spencer said. “I’ve always loved jewelry and I have a huge passion for estate and antique jewelry.” Spencer said their store is the place to go if you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry or a unique gift. One of the pieces is a cameo (a carving in the stone), depicting Greek mythology, on consignment from a woman on Lasqueti Island. Spencer said the piece is from the early 1900s or “even earlier just because of how finely it’s been carved.” Wong said they try to get the history behind each unique piece.

a bit of work, they will refuse. A long w ith the jewelry, Marsh said they carry sterling silver serving spoons, tea pots and some jewelry boxes from Birks. “Birks doesn’t sell those anymore. They used to give them From left: Vickie Wong, Rob Liddicoat, away with stones over Lance Marsh and Carol Spencer of Regal $2,500 or $5,000, Estate Jewellery. The business opened in they don’t do that Qualicum Beach in April. anymore. Everything CREDIT: LAUREN COLLINS PHOTO is silver plate now, but we have some of the Marsh is one of two partners for original sterling silver from Birks,” Regal Estate Jewellery and he said said Marsh who is a graduate gemthe store, located at 145 Second Ave. ologist which is the highest desigin Qualicum Beach, specializes in nation a jeweller can receive. Because a lot of the pieces are estate and pre-owned jewelry. “Our philosophy is that every- unique, Marsh said, people comthing we sell is almost like new,” ing into buy will never know what Marsh said of their jewelry which they’re going to find. Wong, who has been working in they take in on consignment. “We try to only show stuff that another the jewelry business since 1978 in Hong Kong, said some of the pieces jewelry store does not carry.” Marsh, who has been working in of jewelry they carry may have only the jewelry business since 1978, also been worn once. “Then they put it in the safety said that most chain jewelry stores only carry mass-manufactured deposit box and now it’s a second goods made in China and India, chance for people to own it again,” but they will buy from other jewelry said Wong, who has expertise with diamonds. stores on consignment. Within Regal Estate Jewellery Some pieces, Marsh said have only been worn once. However, Marsh in Liddicoat with his goldsmithsaid that if certain pieces need quite ing business. Liddicoat, who does

onsite repairs, said he has been in this business for 35 years after working with his father-in-law at Parksville Jewellers. “My father-in-law used to own Parksville Jewellers 35 years ago and I got into business as a partner with him and I’ve been here ever since,”

Liddicoat said. Liddicoat said Parksville Jewellers closed about five years ago, and then he opened a goldsmith shop before moving into Regal Estate Jewellery. He said he fixes just about everything including jewelry and watches and other custom work.

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NANAIMO

DECEMBER 2016

BUSINESS WALKS – CHRISTMAS CALLING – BUSINESS AWARDS

T NANAIMO KIM SMYTHE

he Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and its partners have invited community members to volunteer on a ‘Business Walk’ team conducting friendly door-to-door business surveys. These Business Walks have been postponed until February simply due to how busy the business community has been (good news!) right now, and Christmas preparations for a lot of storefront operators right now. A “Business Walk” is an event dedicated to taking the pulse of the local business community through face-to-face interviews.

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Luncheon and Auction on December 7 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. This year’s theme? Your Favourite Christmas Movie. Come dressed as a favorite character or bring a memento that reminds you of yours. Or not! T he chef is pu l l i ng out a l l the stops for an old-fashioned Christmas menu. There are over $30,000 worth of auction items so you could virtually do all your Christmas shopping right there. From vacations in Ucluelet and Victoria, helicopter rides, snorkelling with seals, golf packages, tons of mixed merchandise and so much more. This time of year also signals the opening of nominations for 2017’s Business Achievement Awards. The Chamber recognizes the entire business community for their efforts and achievements this past year. Last year, some 400-people celebrated the nominees and

w i n ners i n a n ‘Osca r n ig ht’ style of Awards event in the Port Theatre. Jazz in the lobby and a 10-piece band on stage welcomed winners, their families, and friends at a fantastic evening celebration. Plan to be part of the Awards on Friday, March 3. For now, please consider nominating your favourite business, nominate your boss, nominate yourself for fame and fortune (well, maybe just the first part)! Details online at www.nanaimochamber.bc.ca Becau se t he goodw i l l of those we serve is the foundation of our success, it’s a real pleasure at this holiday time to say “thank you” as we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a new year filled with happiness and success! Kim Smythe is CEO of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at ceo@ nanaimochamber.bc.ca

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Business Walk volunteers will form the teams going from business to business to ask a few set questions of the owner or manager. Partners include the NEDC, DNBIA, Community Futures and Nanaimo Youth Services Association among others. Service clubs, professional associations, community boards, other groups and individual volunteers are especially helpful when it comes to conducting a community’s Business Walk. They also get to share in the intelligence gathered. Stay tuned for updates and come take a walk with us! Christmas is approaching far too quickly. With the season, we get a mix of highly busy times in our business and social lives as we try to wrap up the year, and leave time to get those once-ayear visits in with friends and family. We’re giving you an exceptional opportunity to do that with our 23rd annual Christmas

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ANAIMO – Chemistry C o n s u lt i n g r e l e a s e d Tourism statistics for the month of October showing a 7.86 per cent increase in occupancy. “Nanaimo should be pleased w ith the performa nce of its tourism sector in October. Despite some decline in Route 2 ferry traffic relative to October of last year, accommodation, airport and conference centre indicators are all up. Nanaimo’s tourism sector seems to be on a roll and it’s hoped that tourism promotion and marketing momentum will be maintained given the recent announcement that the community is changing how tourism marketing services are delivered,” said Frank Bourree, Partner at Chemistry

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Consulting. The BC Government has made changes to the provincial park reservation system to address concerns about abuse of the system – in particular that companies were booking provincial campsites and then reselling them at a profit to travelers. Key changes made include moving from a single opening day for reservations to a rolling window for reservations, and requiring people making reservations to provide one or two names that cannot be changed later meaning these reservation holders will have to stay at the campsite for the duration of the booking. According to a recent

survey conducted by Bentley University’s Center for Marketing Technology (CMT) for the International Association of Visitor Information Providers, despite how drastically technology has changed how people travel, tourists still value and view brochures as their main information source once they arrive at their destination. The survey found that: 7 out of 10 tourists and visitors pick-up brochures at their travel destination; when a tourist arrives at their destination the influence of brochures from a display stand (69 per cent) has edged ahead of web sites (68 per cent); 95 per cent of visitors had their travel plans influenced by information from a brochure; 83 per cent plan to visit a business or attraction highlighted in a brochure, map or travel guide; 78 per cent of visitors consider altering their travel plans as a result of a brochure; and 53 per cent of travelers use brochures to plan their trip before they arrive at their vacation spot. According to an article posted on Travel Roots, 2017 will see growing demand for wellness-minded travel options, responsible travel (which maximizes benefits and minimizes negative i mpacts to loca l com mu n ities), natu re based tourism, real local experiences, experiences for millennials who want to learn something new, and niche markets (e.g., agritourism; culinary tourism; volunteer travel etc.).

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NEW OWNERS KEEP PORT HARDY MALL LOCALLY OWNED “The business helps Smoked salmon company produces up to 65 different combinations of products as well as custom processing sports caught fish

ORT HARDY - When Bruce and Carol Dirom first created Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc. they thought of it more as a hobby than having the potential to be one of the community’s largest employers. “Bruce is an avid sports fisherman and he recognized the need for a storage facility for the seasonal tourist’s catch. He also thought it could help supplement our young family’s income,” Carol said. I n t w e n t y-t wo ye a rs, t h e bu si ness h a s gone f rom a 3000-square foot facility with a small 10 x 10 freezer operated by Bruce and his older brother, to its current location of 50,000 square feet with 65 year-round employees that increases to up to 75 in the summer months. The Diroms have a deep connection with their community and the City of Port Hardy. Although they initially moved there for Bruce’s job with BC Hydro, they stayed to raise their three children. “We really care about our community,” Dirom said. “Today, the business helps support not only our plant employees but also the spin off businesses that have been created to cater to the sports fishing industry.” Hardy Buoys currently uses half of the large mall located at the south end of town. The rest of the mall houses a restaurant, North Island College and Port Hardy Law Court and Probation Office, as well as the warehouse and plant. It purchased the space it was in, approximately 57,000 square feet, using 27,000 for its plant and the rest as a warehouse. Approximately 20,000 square feet of the remaining vacant mall is rentable space; Bruce, Carol and their eldest son

support not only our plant employees but also the spin off businesses that have been created to cater to the sports fishing industry.” CAROL DIROM OWNER, HARDY BUOYS SMOKED FISH INC.

Bruce and Carol Dirom moved to Port Hardy for Bruce’s job with BC Hydro, they stayed because they fell in love with the community CREDIT:HARDY BUOYS

Dylan want to change that and see more business come to their town. “Dylan worked his way up in the business starting at the age of 10 washing totes, upgrading to scrubbing buckets at 12 and then to vacuum sealing and lead hand. Today, at 23 years of age, he runs the whole sports fishing department.” Growing up in the community has given him a strong pride of place and he feels as strongly about growing and supporting the town as his parents do. “W hen the owners decided they wanted to sell the rest of the property, we decided to buy it,” said Dirom. “We’ve seen our population change and businesses close down, but we believe in this community and want it to succeed.” One of the keys to the Hardy Buoys success, in such a volatile and seasonal industry, has been its ability to adapt and stay flexible. “Availability of our product fluctuates,” Dirom said. “But we p ersevere d , rol le d w it h the punches and kept seeking out more markets and reliable sources.” T heir attitude has kept the company going. Now they intend to apply that determination

Bruce and their 23 year old son, Dylan purchased the Mall to keep ownership in the North Island CREDIT:HARDY BUOYS

and passion to growing their community. “In June of this year, with our son Dylan, we purchased the entire property. It was a challenging process getting the financing and making the purchase,” she explained. “But we wanted local North Island ownership of the building and felt the space had potential.” Now that the Diroms own the entire 12-acre property, they plan on filling the vacant spaces. They’ve donated units to the Rotary Club and Port Hardy Youth Soccer League for equipment storage. In the past few years the vacant space has undergone

One of the vacant spaces up for lease is outfitted as a dentist’s office and clinic CREDIT:HARDY BUOYS

major renovations, with new paint, flooring, sky lights, electrical and telecommunications upgrades, and it has a brand new roof. “Much of the space is wel l s u i te d fo r o f f i c e / b u s i n e s s

requirements. T here is even space that is designed and ready for a dentist. New leases and filled spaces would give us the security we need to invest in landscaping and other items on the list.”

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Hardy Buoys employs 65 year-round employees and up to 75 in the summer months. CREDIT:HARDY BUOYS

The Mall has undergone major renovations including, a new roof, skylights, painting, new flooring and electrical and telecommunication upgrades

With the Inland Highway making it easier and faster to get around, more tourists are coming to the area, not just to fish but to enjoy its natural beauty, parks and wildlife as well. That means unique business opportunities for those wanting to tap in to the tourist market. Dirom added that owning the entire property has also given Hardy Buoys the room to grow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bruce and I are invested in seeing our community grow. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re encouraging corporations, retail outlets or professionals to come to our community and experience all it has to offer.â&#x20AC;? Hardy Buoys is at 9300 Trustee Road in Port Hardy. www.hardybuoys.com

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DECEMBER 2016

CHAMBER HOLDS AGM

h e D u n c a n C ow i c h a n Chamber of Commerce held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, November 22, 2016. Fifty-eight individuals were in attendance, representing 45 member organizations. Members conducted general business for the organization, and acclaimed eight new and returning Directors to the Board. Directors Acclaimed at 2016 AG M : K a ren Bitt ner, Roya l LePage; Brenda Burch, Social Media is Simple; Chris Duncan, M N P L L P ; Rut h Ha r t m a n n , H a r t m a n n I nter ior D e sig n;

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Moira Hauk, Coastal Community Credit Union; Gary Osborne, Worthy Developments; Julie Scurr, Queen Margaret’s School and Marsha Todd, Unique Home Health Care. Di rectors conti nu i ng thei r term: Danielle Killam, Grant T horton LLP; Penny Lehan, C o l e m a n F r a s e r W h i t to m e L eha n L aw yers & Nota r ies; Carol Messier, Maple Bay Marina and Jason Price, Valley Life Insurance Solutions Inc. The Chamber Board also includes Appointed Liaisons and Municipal Liaisons from: the Duncan Downtown Business I m p r ove m e nt A s s o ci at i o n , Vancouver Island University, Community Futures Cowichan, Economic Development Cowichan, City of Duncan and Municipality of North Cowichan. The evening included a presentation from Amy Melmock, Manager of Economic Development Cow icha n. Describi ng t h e d iverse c on s id erat ion s that underwrite economic development, Melmock stated, “E conom ic development i n Cowichan is transformational, connecting community and business aspirations.” Cha mber P resident Ju l ie Scurr highlighted the Chamber’s varied Board representation, and ongoing engagement with Economic Development

Cowichan, the Tourism Cowichan Society, local government and other partnerships as key to the Chamber’s success and its contribution to the community. Scurr reported on the Chamber’s policy to address a ta x classi fication i mba la nce on t he product ion faci l it ies at small wineries and cideries. Developed in partnership with other Chambers, the policy was unanimously accepted at the BC Chamber AGM and forms part of the provincial body’s lobbying efforts. The Chamber partnered with MNP and Community Futures Cow icha n on the Cow icha n Economic Outlook Survey, and presented the resu lts at the Business Leaders Breakfast. Now the partners, including Economic Development Cowichan, are conducting a series of sector-specific roundtables to research and identify business challenges. Cha mber P resident Ju l ie S c u r r s t a te d , “ T h e C h a mber advocates for opportunities, and develops strategic partnerships that benefit our community economically and socially, to make Cowichan the best it can be.” Secretary-Treasurer Danielle Killam reported that the 2015/16 fiscal year was firmly in the black, due to careful planning

which included cost controls and additional revenue-generating activities. Executive Director Sonja Nagel reported that the Chamber welcomed 81 new members, roughly seven new members per month. Chamber staff continues to organize 50 events per year, processing 1500 RSVP’s and ticket sales. The luncheon speaker series welcomed presenters BC Ferries CEO Mike Corrigan, Tilray CEO Greg Engle, John Elzinga of the Cowichan Valley Regional District, Steelhead LNG and others. Events included the 4th Annual Business Showcase, and the 20th Black Tie Awards – both of which achieved record attendance. The Chamber also operates the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre (CRVC) that served more than 25,000 visitors in the 2015 calendar year, and is on track to serve 27,000 + by the end of 2016. These statistics include the CRVC’s Mobile Visitor Services Program which engages visitors at events throughout Cowichan. 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

DECEMBER 2016

100-YEAR-OLD SHIPYARD GETS NEW LEASE Classic Marine Ltd owners move into Cowichan Bay Shipyard carrying on in the nautical theme

OWICHAN BAY - For Rick Carpentier, retiring meant more time to pursue his passion for everything nautical. “We have a 35 foot Bayliner Avante so we try to get out on the water as often as we can.” But Carpentier wasn’t quite ready for sailing into the ‘retirement sunset’, so he started a construction company focused on small renovations and repairs. In 2015, however, Carpentier finally had the opportunity for full boating immersion when he and his wife, Debra, purchased Cowichan Bay’s Classic Marine Ltd. and Gift Shop. “Classic has been a fixture in the village for many years,” he said. “After we purchased the store we realized that expansion was a priority. When we were offered the opportunity to move the business to the old shipyard, it seemed like a natural fit.” Originally called the Cowichan Bay Shipyard, the building and railways were built by the Ordano family at the turn of the century for the construction of rental fishing boats. In recent years, the historic building was purchased by renowned First Nation’s artist, Arthur Vickers. He converted it into his workshop and art gallery while the previous owners continued to operate the outside ways of the Shipyard. Those owners are now retiring after 50 years of running the ways and the shipyard, while Vickers is closing the gallery and moving his workshop to another location. The building itself boasts one of the last surviving inside ways haul out on the West Coast, capable of accommodating up to 30 tons, a 14 feet beam and a length of 47 feet. A crane is also part of the facility allowing for rigging work on sailboats including mast stepping. The Carpentiers took advantage

Rick and Debra Carpentier share an enjoyment of everything nautical

Both ways can accommodate boats up to 40 feet weighing 30 tonnes

CREDIT:CLASSIC MARINE LTD

“The bay attracts a lot of transient traffic from south of the border because of its appeal as a quaint and charming community with the feel of a small fishing village.” RICK CARPENTIER OWNER, CLASSIC MARINE LTD COWICHAN BAY

of the opportunity and are leasing the historic building from Vickers, reviving the Cowichan Bay Shipyard as a fully working shipyard with the addition of Classic Marine Ltd. T he sh ipya rd w i l l now accommodate the Marine Supply Chandlery and is offering haul out service on both inside and outside ways, boat detailing, repair, installations, Classic Canvas, an onsite canvas and upholstery shop. A mechanic will also be running his own business out of the facility and is available for installations and repair. “We have expanded our gift shop. We have 1200 square feet of space on the upper floor. We’ve added a line of footgear and outer wear, including climate gear and floater coats from First Watch, unique offerings of Cowichan

The shipyard is ideal for wooden boat owners to bring their tender crafts in for service and repairs CREDIT:CLASSIC MARINE LTD

Bay T-shirts, a beautiful line of brass giftware, model ships, Cowichan sweaters and Native Art by Patrick Edwards.” Carpentier pointed out that for boat maintenance the shipya rd has qua l i fied sta ff a nd contractors for bottom painting, zincs and repairs, shop setup for owners, a well-supplied chandlery and fast special order service. “We are dealers for all major marine supply wholesalers in Canada and are official dealers of Canadian Hydrographic Service marine charts. We also carry a large selection of marine supplies on our lower floor that include paint, varnish, electrical

Marine Supplies Haul outs Repairs and Installations Classic Canvas Repair shop Extensive Nautical Gift Shop All Weather Gear

supplies, fittings, rope, cleaning products and more.” For the fishing enthusiast, fishing gear like prawn and crab traps as well as rods, line and lures can also be found at the store. Cowichan Bay attracts transient boating traffic from south of the border because of its appeal as a quaint and charming community with the feel of a small fishing village. It boasts a popular and well known bakery, restaurants, retail shops and boat rentals. It is also a popular stopover for day boaters and for those traveling through the Gulf Islands. The bay and local Marinas have provided convenient and protected mooring for commercial and recreational

boaters for many years. Both the main building and shipyard have been kept in good repair but before the official move in date of, November 1, Carpentier did some minor upgrades to the building by adding an inside stairwell and by moving walls. Throughout the renovations, however, his goal was to keep the building’s character and heritage, taking it back to its roots and maintaining its ambiance. “Wood boat enthusiasts will welcome the ability to bring their tender crafts in here for service on either the out ways or, the indoor ways.” Carpentier’s love for boating began as a young boy fishing in Cowichan Bay with grandfather Onni Parta and father Art. It was fueled by his competitive spirit on the Water Ski Circuit and later in sailing regattas. His love of sailing runs deep, having owned many different boats including a Tanzer 26, and had the pleasure of sailing a Benateau 42 for a few years. His wife, Debra, is the local librarian at the Duncan Christian School. Although she doesn’t have the length of experience in boating as her husband, they both share the enjoyment of being on the water and look forward to sharing their nautical love with both visitors and locals. Classic Marine Ltd. ‘Full Service Center’ is at 1719 Cowichan Bay Road in Duncan www.classicmarine.ca

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DECEMBER 2016

CONCERNS FOR HEALTH DIRECT ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE CHOICES “In a few years, three of Kim Cattrall had re-sawn Douglas Fir flooring installed in her Island home

us had developed chronic asthma and were on daily puffers.”

OMOX VALLEY - Steve Roscoe likes to say that the Los Angeles Philharmonic plays on his company’s flooring and that celebrities, Kim Cattrall and George Lucas, walk all over his products. It’s a source of pride for the owner of Woodland Flooring and Millwork and an affirmation that the serendipitous path he started on in 1996 was the right one. It began while Roscoe worked on a renovation project at the Mount Washington Ski Resort. “I bought alder harvested and milled from the valley for cabinets. The manager like it and asked if it could be milled and used for flooring in his house,” he explained. “I had never done that process but figured I’d give it a try.” It snowballed from there. People liked the concept of local wood, but liked even more that he used reclaimed, underutilized and windfall trees. “Those burn piles you see after clear cutting, blue pine beetle damaged trees, waste wood like Alder and Maple, even trees blown down in Stanley Park can be used to make floor planking of all sizes, even up to 10 feet long.”

Dene Roberts inc. Chartered Professional Accountant

Wishing Woodland Flooring Continued Success cga@denerobertsinc.ca (250) 248-9906

STEVE ROSCOE OWNER, WOODLAND FLOORING AND MILLWORK

Initially working out of his 20x40 foot garage, Roscoe said that the concept of reclaiming BC wood for flooring was eagerly received by the market and it wasn’t long before he outgrew his garage. In 1999 the business moved to its existing location. “We took growth one step at a time. As we got busier we either built or purchased the right equipment for each process, at first sending the planks to Vancouver for the final finishing.” Eventually, Woodland had the equipment and experience to do all the finishing itself right down to the coating of polyurethane. That’s where the story takes another turn. “In a few years, three of us had developed chronic asthma and were on daily puffers,” Roscoe said, adding emphatically that he was not an asthmatic and didn’t believe his medical doctor’s suggestion that the cause was the dusty workshop. “I went to a naturopathic doctor, found out my blood had all sorts of chemicals that could be impacting my health and was put on a program to detoxify my body. But I also had to stop putting those harmful chemicals back in.” Roscoe set about researching and finding an industrial version of hard wax that could be applied to wood floor planking. He sourced a product out of Germany made of organic oils and waxes that was sold through the Environmental Home Store in Seattle. The demand for this sustainable, environmentally friendly and nontoxic product skyrocketed, especially in the United States. “We were supplying product to Lake Tahoe, California, Oregon, Washington and even as far away as Michigan. People recognized the value of our product and the values and beliefs that went behind

Steve Roscoe feels strongly about producing a sustainable and environmentally sensitive product

Woodland Flooring adds character and warmth to any age or size home

CREDIT:WOODLAND FLOORING

CREDIT: WOODLAND FLOORING

Using non-toxic finishes ensures Woodland’s employees can work in a safer environment CREDIT:WOODLAND FLOORING

it. Each plank has a story and can be traced to its origins.” Unfortunately, Woodland took a big hit when the Softwood Lumber Trade Agreement changed the classification of wood flooring from furniture to lumber. “It annihilated our market in the States. Now we just focus on supplying the local Vancouver Island and BC market.” This year, Woodland Floors was featured by Love It or List It, a TV renovation show that has homeowners either liking a new renovation or listing the house and moving. “It featured houses on Hornby

Island and in Whistler. The homeowners actually requested our flooring. They wanted to know what was in it and where it was from.” Woodland sources its wood from privately owned, sustainably harvested woodlots on Vancouver Island and in the Interior. It also collects windfalls after heavy storms that topple trees across the Island. It even created 10’s of thousands of square feet of flooring from trees that came down in Stanley Park in 2006. Cattrall’s recent installation used Woodland’s signature resawn Douglas Fir. At the same time,

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she had Woodland treat exposed beams with Saico’s hard wax. “We’re now buying the hard wax direct from Germany,” Roscoe said. “The product makes the flooring easy to refresh, and for beams, wall paneling or kitchen counters, it prevents dust from adhering to the wood.” With no more inhalers needed at the shop, Woodland Floors is adhering to principles and values that create sustainable jobs and products and, most importantly, healthy homes. Woodland Floors is at 1584 Knight Road in Comox, BC www.woodlandflooring.com

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DECEMBER 2016

COMMUNITY IN

COMOX VALLEY Town Of Comox Debt Free In 2018 Region Sees New Commercial And Residential Development Due In Part To The Large New Hospital Project BETH HENDRY-YIM

ich in historical significance, the Comox Valley encompasses the communities of Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland. Agriculture, coal mining, logging and fishing have been its main industries since the 1860s. Today, though farming plays a role in its economy, the valley’s communities have various drivers that still include logging and fishing, but over the years have also seen the addition of CFB 19 Wing Comox, the Comox Airport, Comox Valley Hospital, North Island College and tourism as major economic drivers. A popular recreation destination, the region’s stunning mountain vistas, pristine river and lake waters, and close proximity to the ocean draws people from all over the world. It’s also attracting new residents. Real estate statistics for September showed a 29 per cent increase over the same time last year with house prices jumping by 13 per cent to a median of $407,474. Commercial development is reflecting this rise as well with several projects in the planning and ground breaking stages. Renewed interest in Comox’s downtown core will see the Comox Mall getting a major facelift, moving from an indoor space to open, exterior concept. Recently approved, the project will also add to the existing structure with some units available for lease. “We are also putting in new feature elements,” said Keith McCrae, partner, Comox City Retail Ltd.,

The new Comox Valley Hospital is a $331.7 million project funded by the BC Government and Comox Valley Strathcona Hospital District

Mayor Jangula feels Courtenay’s stable economic base comes from a secure cross section of employers

CREDIT:ISLAND HEALTH

CREDIT:CITY OF COURTENAY

and owners of the Comox Mall. “This is a prime location on the main street with the office spaces having beautiful views of the ocean.” Mayor Paul Ives said that the renovations represent a significant investment in moving the town forward. “It ties in with this council’s focus on downtown revitalization,” he said. “Four years ago the city created policy that provided tax incentives for eligible projects. We’re now starting to see the effects of those initiatives.” The waterfront is also seeing additions and enhancements creating more connectivity between the town, residents and marina. “Residents were asking for the waterfront to be more user

Investment in infrastructure prepare community for climate change CREDIT:TOWN OF COMOX

friendly,” he said. “With investments from Comox Rotary Club, federal government grants, the Island Coastal Economic Trust and Westcoast Economic Diversification

fund, pathways along the water will be connected, there will be two dedicated parking spots for food SEE COMOX VALLEY | PAGE 18

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COMOX VALLEY

DECEMBER 2016

COMOX VALLEY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

trucks and a community building available for use by local groups.” He pointed out that because of good fiscal practice, in 2018 the Town of Comox will be debt free, a unique position for a community to be in and one that will allow the city to invest back into infrastructure, including the waterfront. The City of Courtenay is also showing signs of growth with two large development properties moving forward opening up more lots for development. The Ridge, a master planned community, just announced that 43 lots in its Phase II will be now be available with construction beginning in January of 2017. And Crown Isle Resort &

Mayor Paul Ives said fiscal responsibility and good planning by city managers will enable the town to invest in its infrastructure

Diveristy and stability will continue to help the valley recover from the 2009 recession

CREDIT:TOWN OF COMOX

CREDIT:CITY OF COURTENAY

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Golf Community will also be seeing more development with 45 new lots available for development in their gated community. Part of the drive behind the growth, according to Mayor Larry Jangula, is the $331.7 million, 153bed hospital project, 60 per cent of the funding is from the BC Government and 40 per cent from the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District. “The project is using predominantly local trades and builders and is providing employment and training opportunities for apprentices. Currently, our best employers are contractors because of the development happening.” He added that Courtenay has a

relatively stable economy because it also has a secure cross section of employers, including the military base. He noted that the city is seeing more mobile residents that may not even work in the community. “We have farmers working their property in the prairies during the summer months and living in the Comox Valley during the winter months.” It doesn’t hurt that the Valley is also served by the Comox Valley Airport where Westjet is offering non-stop flights between Comox, Calgary and Edmonton and Island Express Air is now providing flights to Abbotsford and Victoria. June of this year saw the release of 2015 passenger numbers and they

broke records at 10 per cent growth, reaching an all-time high. “We are pleased to offer our passengers the option of flying to Victoria or the Lower Mainland,” said YQQ CEO Fred Bigelow. “This is a niche market that has been underserved and we are pleased that Island Express has seized the opportunity to cater to those passengers who are looking for another way to access these destinations.” According to a survey conducted by MNP and the Chamber of Commerce, diversity and adaptability will continue to help the valley recover from the recession of 2009 and help make it one of the fastest growing rural communities in BC.

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COMOX VALLEY

DECEMBER 2016

ANNUAL COMMUNITY AWARDS IN JANUARY Visit the Chamber website for more information on available tickets and a list of all the remarkable finalists. ■■■ The Chamber wishes to acknowledge our long-term members: The Salvation Army (17 years), Gunter Brothers Meat Co (18 years) and Courtenay Dental Lab (20 years). Congratulations to these long-standing businesses and orga n izations i n the Comox Va l ley. #ChamberStrong ■■■ Welcome new members: Make It Zone, Pen Perfect and Coast Capital Savings. Serving 500 member businesses representing over 9000 employees; the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is a fantastic resource for business. Become a Comox Valley Chamber Member today!

COMOX VALLEY DIANNE HAWKINS

ach year the Comox Valley Chamber of Com merce presents t he A n nua l Com mu n ity Awa rds i n January. T his year’s A nnual Awards Gala is on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Florence Filberg Centre in downtown Courtenay. The gala features a champagne reception, a sit-down gourmet dinner, an Academy Awards-style video presentation of all award finalists,

2015 Annual Awards and a not-to-be missed silent auction. This year’s Chamber awards will leave you shaken not stirred with a James Bond theme.

CAMPBELL RIVER AND COMOX VALLEY HOSPITALS NOW ENERGIZED

BUILDING LINKS

Current progress of Campbell River Hospital

Thank you to our sponsors the Comox Valley Record and 97.3 The Eagle and to our award sponsors many whom have been supporting this community event for years. We consider them the foundation of the event’s success. For 42 years, the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce has celebrated the community in recognizing businesses, orga n izations, a nd persons that exemplify the very best of the Comox Valley at the Chamber’s Annual Community Awards. Nominations for fourteen award categories poured in to the Chamber office and three finalists were chosen for each award celebrating the best and brightest for 2016 in the Comox Valley.

Dianne Hawkins is president and CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at dhawkins@ comoxvalleychamber.com or 250-3343234. www.comoxvalleychamber.com

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PHOTO CREDIT: CAMPBELL RIVER WEBCAM

CLARICE COTY

he North Island Hospitals Project (NIHP) reached an important milestone recently with the first-time energizing of the main electrical rooms in the new Comox Valley and Campbell R iver hospitals. NIHP electrical contractors Houle Electric (at the Comox Valley Hospital) and Keldon Electric (at the Campbell River District Hospital) worked in concert with BC Hydro planners and crews to connect the new hospitals to the electrical grid. This involved running two underground 25,000-volt lines on separate circuits – a primary and an emergency back-up line – into each of the new hospitals. The two lines come together at a special ‘vista’ switch, which automatically activates the back-up circuit if primary power is interrupted. Energizing the main electrical rooms set the stage to spread power throughout the hospitals via a 600volt distribution network.

That voltage can be further stepped down to levels required by specific hospital equipment, as well as the standard 120-volt level. Once the hospitals were energized, the information technology systems were set up. Each hospital will feature an amazing level of interconnectivity. Overall, the two new hospitals will have roughly 13,000 network connections. Network rooms will be spread throughout the hospitals, along with two equipment rooms, one on the roof and one in Level zero with servers in them. The network in each of t he new hospita l s w i l l do many things. It will connect computers and printers for uses such as recording medical data in the Electronic Health Record. It will provide the phone systems for the hospitals. It will also be used for many medical devices, such as vital signs monitors (which take blood pressure, temperature, etc.) as well as infusion pumps, wound cameras, Telehealth and

other video conferencing, and facilitates connections such as the nurse call system. T he hospita ls a re expected to open in the fall of 2017. Over the life of the project, construction of the new facilities will have created a n esti mated 2,200 direct jobs and more than 1,400 indirect jobs. Monthly employment figures peaked in April, 2016 w it h m ore t h a n 1,000 workers, including 290 apprentices, working at the two sites. Roughly twothirds of the workforce is local and approximately 92 per cent from Vancouver Island. For more information go to the news page on the North Island Hospitals Project website: http:// nihp.viha.ca/news/

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AND THE WINNERS ARE... 2016 Torch Awards On November 4, 2016 BBB serving Vancouver Island hosted the 2016 Torch Awards at the Union Club of B.C. This year’s event celebrated the success, achievements and ethical business practices of local companies and their dedicated staff.

Rosalind Scott, BBBVI President & CEO

We would like to congratulate the following 14 businesses for their exemplary commitment to building relationships of trust in the marketplace and customer service excellence. And the Winners are:

a special thanks to our

Community Partners

Contractors – General: Three Guys Construction (Ladysmith) Health & Wellness: Comfort Keepers (Victoria) Home Improvement: Enerheat (Victoria) Auto Sales & Service: Tri City Collision and Repairs Ltd. (Sooke) Drainage Contractors: Victoria Drain Services Ltd. (Victoria) Heating & Electrical Contractors: Servicexcel (Nanaimo) Movers: On Line Moving and Delivery (Victoria) Cleaning Services: Balance Home Cleaning (Victoria) Plumbing Contractors: HomeWise Plumbing & Drainage Services Ltd. (Victoria) *Trade-mark of the Council of Better Business Bureaus used under license.

Professional Services: 4 Pillars Consulting Group (Victoria) Rooﬁng Contractors: Oceanside Rooﬁng Ltd. (Parksville) Technical Services: Mid Island Computer Enterprises (MICE) Ltd. (Nanoose Bay) Customer Service: Kgeez Cycle (Victoria) Exterior Home Improvements & Services: CBS Stoneworks (Victoria) A special thank you to all the consumers, businesses, sponsors and donors that made this year’s event another wonderful success. For more information about the Torch Awards or other BBB events and services visit: bbb.org/vancouver-island.org.

Nominate a Business for a Torch Award Do you know of a business that stands out from the crowd? Nominate them for a 2017 BBB Torch Award. Visit bbb.org/

A special thanks to the 2016 Torch Awards“Promenade Deck” SPONSORS

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

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

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K-Jack R.V. Rentals Ltd.

Environmental Ltd. (Victoria)

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Dwight's Homes & Gardens Ltd.

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J. Lee Diamond Drilling Ltd.

Sunrise Moving & Storage

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Johnson Security Solutions Ltd.

Waterman Construction

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K & M Bobcat Services (Nanaimo)

DECEMBER 2016

WHY RETIRE ANYWAYS? Single drop bridge crane installed in Coast Industrial Machiningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new $2.3 million building improves efficiency

ANAIMO â&#x20AC;&#x201C; In Bruce Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first year of business he started small with an initial investment of $10,000 keeping his company, Coastal Industrial Machining, out of debt. In this first year of business Coast did $50,000 in sales, the third year it did $80,000 and by five years it had reached $360,000 in sales. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For those first five years I never took a holiday and I worked seven days a week, 16 hours a day,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t borrow money and all profits went back into the business. Each year I bought more equipment.â&#x20AC;? More than 30 years later, and over the next six months, Coast will be moving into a brand new $2.3 million steel building on its own three acres of property in south Nanaimo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was time to expand our service offering and give back to the city a full scale cylinder exchange and repair and full machining shop.â&#x20AC;? Initially, however, Williams began as an apprentice heavy duty mechanic in the logging industry. But finding an apprenticeship

In addition to its cylinder repair shop, Coast Industrial Machining also has a cylinder exchange program CREDIT:COAST INDUSTRIAL MACHINING

at that time was difficult, so the 25-year-old began work at West Coast Chrome. After two years, one of the partners left and moved to Vancouver and Williams went with him to work at Coast Valve Industries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I moved to Vancouver I bought 10 per cent of the company,â&#x20AC;? Williams explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now called Hydraulic Technologies and is the largest company in Vancouver doing what we do.â&#x20AC;? After working in Vancouver for a few years, Williams felt the pull

Bruce Williams said that the company now has $1.5 million in equipment and more than $1.9 million in stock SEE COASTAL INDUSTRIAL | PAGE 22

CREDIT:COAST INDUSTRIAL MACHINING

Congratulations on your 35th Anniversary and new building! J.E. Anderson & Associates (JEA), a fullservice land development ďŹ rm offering professional surveying and engineering services in British Columbia, has worked closely with Bruce Williams and his team at Coast Industrial Machining over the last several years.

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Built on 3 acres in South Wellington, Coastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new building, designed by owner Bruce Williams has special features like a chrome pit and 10 tonne single drop bridge crane CREDIT:COAST INDUSTRIAL MACHINING

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Williams wants to create a sustainable business that will continue to provide employment for his trades CREDIT:COAST INDUSTRIAL MACHINING

Coast Industrial Machining carries more than 110 cylinders in stock CREDIT:COAST INDUSTRIAL MACHINING

COASTAL INDUSTRIAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

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of the Island and with his wife and her two children, he moved back to Nanaimo where he created Coast Industrial. Although his first five years in business were intense and involved a lot of hard work, he hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regretted his move back home or his choice of careers as a business owner. Coast has seen steady growth with Williams maintaining his original business model and philosophy of no debt. New equipment was purchased as needed and as it could be afforded. Eventually, the business starting outgrowing

its location and Williams began the process of looking for the right building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today, Coast has about $1.5 million in equipment and $1.9 million in stock, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re outgrowing our current location. I started small because I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like being in debt. Within about ten years of owning the business I was even able to pay off my home.â&#x20AC;? A lthough his philosophy is straightforward, finding the right building wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Williams said that a trip to Alberta showed him the type of facility he wanted but he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find one like it in Nanaimo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had a specific design in mind,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It needed a certain type

of property and that just wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t available in Nanaimo. I ended up going south of town to South Wellington.â&#x20AC;? Part of his unique building requirements came from a shift in his business after the down turn of 2008. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We catered to the forestry industry,â&#x20AC;? he explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So when sawmills and logging took a hit, we did too.â&#x20AC;? Fortunately, as Williams explained, Coast had a unique angle. In addition to its cylinder repair shop, it also has a cylinder exchange program. It saves customers money, giving the company an edge on market fluctuations and over any competition.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our sales dropped significantly. What saved me was that I had everything paid off and had the exchange program, plus we could do all levels of machining repairs. I knew that when the economy turned around I would build a full scale machine shop.â&#x20AC;? The dream of expansion and owning a building included creating something that would allow Williams to eventually retire. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My purpose was to work until I retired, then do the things I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do while I was running the business,â&#x20AC;? he said. But health issues have changed that perspective for Williams. SEE COASTAL INDUSTRIAL | PAGE 23

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DECEMBER 2016

Williams said that with the new building Coast has the most modernized facility on the Island CREDIT:COAST INDUSTRIAL MACHINING

COASTAL INDUSTRIAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Severe spinal stenosis and limited mobility prevent him from playing golf or flying and having a ‘typical’ retirement. “At this point if I quit work, I’d be sitting at home doing nothing,” he said, adding that his wife asked him why he would retire anyways, he loves his work and it gives him purpose. “She encouraged me to continue expanding the business, design the building I’ve always wanted and keep working for as long as I can. It’s really just a matter of creating a different dream.” The building is 80 feet wide, 20 feet wider than most steel buildings of this type. Supplied by Norsteel from Kelowna, the facility boasts a 30-foot-high ceiling with a 10 tonne crane built into the structure’s frame. Bil Derby, owner of Tectonica, a construction and project management firm based in Nanaimo, said that his company acted as Coast’s construction manager and were responsible for the direction of the subtrades and the execution of the project. “It was a great opportunity to

After working in Vancouver for a few years, Williams felt the pull of the Island and with his wife and her two children, he moved back to Nanaimo where he created Coast Industrial

work with Bruce and be a part of this project,” he added. Williams who, over the next six months to a year, will be moving into the building, is pleased with the design, larger size and built-in efficiencies. “It’s an open concept with the single drop bridge crane able to move back and forth, shifting directions and helping make work flow more efficiently. No one’s taken the work Coast does to this level in Nanaimo. We now have a fully functional machine shop that does machining, welding and chroming,” he explained. Bra ndon M i l ler, o w n e r o f

Norsteel, said that the steel building is a less expensive building option than wood frame and is longstanding. “The building Williams chose offers great flexibility; you can add anything you want to it. But the best and most desirable feature for Coast’s needs is that the crane, which is an integral part of the building, is built right into the metal frame, attached to the ceiling columns.” Williams explained that he went with the Kelowna-based company because of its experience and the relationship Miller and he developed, one that he emphasized was based on honesty and openness. “If there was a problem, we were there. The whole process of installing the building went very smoothly,” Miller added. Williams stressed that because of his health concerns he also wanted to create a sustainable place for his employees to work, some of whom have been with him for more than 15 years. “Having the equipment and building ensures that we have the facilities for making the repairs, keeping my guys employed.” He added that his frugal lifestyle

and business model keep overhead costs lower, enabling Coast to offer lower prices. “Now we have the most modernized facility on the Island. But it wouldn’t have happened without the encouragement I got from companies like Wajax and people like Chris Dalton.” Wajax, which sells and repairs heavy equipment, has had a good working relationship with Coast for more than 18 years. Dalton and Williams know and respect each other for their honesty and integrity. Dalton said that his company was also planning on moving to the south end but that deal fell through. “The industrial area in South Wellington is a good location with great visibility and highway frontage, and it’s easy for big trucks to get in and out of,” Dalton said. “We’re still looking for the right opportunity in that area.” He added that he sees Williams as being committed to the industry and to continuing to provide his services to the industry. For Williams himself the encouragement he received from his family and business associates helped him step outside of the box and take that big step of property

ownership. “Running a business, providing employment for my workers, and maintaining good relationships with my customers, that gives me purpose,” said Williams and really, isn’t having an enjoyable and exciting purpose what retirement is all about? Coast Industrial Machining is currently at 1719 Kidson Road in Nanaimo www.coastindustrialmachining. com

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OFF THE COVER

24 COASTAL COLOUR

DECEMBER 2016

“John Rockley bought

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Coastal Colour in 1991 provider on central Vancouver Island. “Growing his brand and vision is very important,” Elliott says. “We can do that by offering customers the best service, product innovation, and a quality product.” In particular, product innovation via Coastal Colours expanded services is a priority. By leveraging Elite Image’s digital and design capabilities, Coastal Colour will be able to offer customers a “one stop shop” marketing experience. “We’re very excited by the synergies that exist between Coastal Colour and Elite Image,” says

and since then he’s grown it into an incredible company. We’re going to continue building the wonderful brand he established.”

New owner Catrina Elliott (second from right) with the Coastal Colour team

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A Coastal Colour team member poses with print equipment Elliott. “Now a client can walk in the door, connect with an expert, and receive support for every step of their marketing process, from concept to execution.” The benefits to clients, asserts Elliott, are numerous. Coastal Colour customers, who range f rom s t a r t up s to f ra nc h i se owners to large businesses, are time-pressed and need greater efficiency from their marketing

solutions. Instead of sourcing services from a number of providers, these customers can now connect with a Coastal Colour project manager who will coordinate their marketing efforts. With the processes and systems they are leveraging from Elite Image, the Coastal Colour team is better positioned than ever to serve customers efficiently and effectively.

And that Coastal Colour team remains the same one that served under Rockley. Elliott takes care to link the Coastal Colour reputation for outstanding service with the team Rockley curated and mentored. “The team at Coastal is a staple of the community,” she says. “They are all staying on board to continue growing the company and serving customers.” Despite the undeniable sadness of the circumstances, Elliott is energized by the challenge ahead of her. She describes the pleasure she has felt getting to know business owners in Parksville, Qualicum, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet with excitement. She acknowledges that Coastal Colour and Elite Image must compete with global e-commerce brands, or as she puts it, “the Vista Prints of the world.” But she asserts that her companies offer something that these e-commerce brands can’t: personal service. Personal service was the cornerstone of Coastal Colour. And that, she asserts, will not change. “I can’t tell you how many Coastal Colour customers have come forward to share stories about John, about how he helped them and mentored them. Service was everything to him—and it’s everything to the team that remains to carry on his legacy.” coastalcolour.ca eliteimage.ca

OFF THE COVER

DECEMBER 2016

NANAIMO FOUNDATION

The Family Endowment

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

concept is relatively was one of the guest speakers and talked about the reasons that he set up the Harris Family Endowment within the Nanaimo Foundation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the first things that resonated with me was that the name of his endowment,â&#x20AC;? Johnston recalls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The decision to call it the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Harris Family Endowmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was a deliberate and calculated decision by Tom. Tom has had a long history of being extremely generous with both his money and his time in giving to charities too numerous toÂ and he wanted to maintain â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a culture of givingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; within his family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is his hope that his family members would continue that tradition during Tomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life time as well as after he is gone.â&#x20AC;? Nanaimo Foundation Development Officer Laurie Bienert explained how other families that had established endowments had annual family meetings to discuss where and who the family would be donating to every year, and the whole family was involved, and Johnston was hooked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really got excited by that idea,â&#x20AC;? Johnston says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am blessed with a family that includes young four grandchildren who I am very proud of. Â My 7 and 9 year old granddaughters have already donated their hair to an organization that makes wigs for cancer survivors who have lost their hair during treatment. My 10 and 12 year old grandsons automatically give a percentageÂ of money they receive for birthday and Christmas gifts to charity.â&#x20AC;? The Family Endowment concept is relatively simple. A family can start with a lump sum donation, and is not compelled to contribute any more, although contributions can be added. The money is now under the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s umbrella, and proceeds from interest generated from the endowment fund â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or the principle itself â&#x20AC;&#x201C; can be directed to whichever community group the family desires. One of the big advantages of using an endowment moving forward is that individuals and/or

simple. A family can start with a lump sum donation, and is not compelled to contribute any more, although contributions can be added.

portions of the funds directed their way ending up paying for administration and other costs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and not reaching their intended goals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As we get older I think that most of us start to think of the legacy that we will leave when we pass and perhaps even more important than the legacy ofÂ money that we may chose to leave to charity,â&#x20AC;? says Johnston. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The idea of leaving and enhancing that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;culture of givingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Â within our families now is even more important.â&#x20AC;? For more information on this opportunity, contact Bienert at laurie@nanaimofoundation.com or visit www.nanaimofoundation.com

MICHAEL LAX

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] XXX MBJSEXIFBUPO DPN

families will have just one cheque to write and one donation receipt to keep.Â T he family can then direct the Nanaimo Foundation each year as to where to direct the funds. As the founder of Johnston Johnston & Associates Chartered Professional Accountants and now a consultant with the firm, Johnston points out that the federal government has instituted a number of very significant changes to the Income Tax Act that affects charitable giving and donations arising out of wills and bequests. For example, if a pensioner decided to cash in $40,000 in stock that was purchased for much less years ago, they would face a significantly higher tax bill due to Capital Gains regulations. However, if they were to donate that to a registered charity, they would receive the full tax credit resulting in no income taxes and eliminate or reduce the Old Age Pension claw-back. Smaller charities with volunteer boards with little or no staff may struggle with these new rules, particularly those pertaining to donated stocks or from insurance policies. The Nanaimo Foundation has the knowledge and expertise to deal with these complex issues. Nanaimo Foundation has minimal overhead with just one paid staff member, Bienert, and a volunteer board of directors. This is enlightening, as news of large national and international charitable organizations having large

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PORT ALBERNI

EXCITING INITIATIVES FOR LOCALS

PORT ALBERNI BILL COLLETTE

he Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce is working on at least two exciting projects right now. The first is our annual Shop Local Program now called ‘Try Home First.’ Through that program, we collect a large number of $100.00 Gift Certificates from various businesses and in turn we purchase a $25.00 one for each received. We then visit, by surprise and unannounced, each participating business for each gift card they have provided to us. We then courteously interrupt a sale in progress and we gift the $25.00 gift certificate to the customer to go towards their purchase. Next, we collect names and contact info for that customer and others in the nearby vicinity. This happens throughout December (we are on track to collect at least 80 Gift Cards this season - $8000.00 plus $2000.00

from us). Then in mid-January we’ll do a live draw on the local radio station and award some big prizes. Our top winner will get $25 X $100.00 cards and the next few winners won’t be far behind that! Cool and fun program meant to encourage people to try their local businesses first. That’s all we ask! Our next program is a training program for at minimum 300 local Front Line Staff. These folks will be granted 5 X 4 hour courses aimed at helping them in their future careers and at the same time assisting them in assisting visitors to the area. Called the Alberni Valley Tourism Training Program (find us on Facebook) the concept is backed by the City of Port Alberni through a grant they received and it also supported by Community Futures and of course ourselves at the Chamber of Commerce. Our ‘students’ will go through World host t ra i n i n g, So ci a l Media, Cultural learning and Tou rism w ith i n the A lbern i Valley. This program is planned for 20 months and will include people from many of our local stores and schools. Bill Collette is Executive Director of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at 250-724-6535.

SOCIAL MEDIA BOOTCAMP IN PORT ALBERNI

PORT ALBERNI PAT DEAKIN

everal initiatives supported by the City through the economic development budget are using many channels to ‘get the word out’. However my personal use of social media is quite limited. So, when the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Social Media Bootcamp, I jumped at the chance to learn more. T he event was i nspi red by

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Krista Mckitrick from Belle’s Haircare Salon who asked the Chamber for help in getting some social media training in place. The Chamber in turn contracted Orange Bridge Communications to organize it. The sold-out event took place on a Sunday at Char’s Landing, a great venue used by live performers most nights. Those of us who attended got much more acquainted w ith hashtags, ad boosting, algorithms and analytics, among others. We were also brought current with different platforms and apps, how they are used and how to get them to work on behalf of a business. It did not escape me that all of the presenters about social media were women, and all are running successful businesses or have successful careers in Port Alberni. Sarah Jones from Walk the Coast, Jody Roberts from Stay Connected, Desja Walker from

Haven Living, Kate Walton from INEO and KW Media and Jolleen Dick from the Hupacasath First Nation joined Kama Money from Orange Bridge Communications as speakers. Each talked about their work with social media on behalf of their businesses and organizations and answered questions. The audience was full of people who, by the show of their hands, were using many platforms and apps and are, by the sounds of their questions and comments, also skilled users. Sproat Lake Landing catered a delicious lunch and, judging by comments, we all left wiser as well as full. My thanks to all involved. 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

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING OPTIONS ABOUND

‘T TOFINO JEN DART

Celebrating the very best in 2016 business on Vancouver Island Jan. 26, 2017 in Victoria

th 17 ual n An

DECEMBER 2016

is the season to shop local! We like to kick off the holiday season here on the west coast with a few events that give locals and visitors the opportunities to gift buy in the area. The Make Merry Ma rket took place on Nov. 25-26t h at t h e Tof i no Botanical Gardens, bringing together many artisans with specialty products, from jewelry to leather goods to pottery and much more. T his year it coincided nicely with Tofino Winterlights in the same location – tens of thousands of lights on display throughout the botanical gardens made for a festive atmosphere! We ji ng led i nto Ch ristmas on December 2nd at Tofino’s yearly night of local shopping at many participating retailers in town. Our own version of Black Friday, on th is day shops stayed open late and offered amazing discounts and specials. Check out Tourism Tofino’s website for a list of retailers, their hours. (www. tourismtofino.com). Here at the Chamber we partnered with LOCO BC to raise awareness about the importance of buying local for Buy Local week Nov. 20-Dec. 4. This is the 5th annual such event for LOCO BC, a nd the th i rd time the Tofino Chamber has participated. To find out more, visit www.bcbuylocal.com. We are also launching a program called Try Local Tofino to encourage more local purchasing. In a poll the Chamber conducted, most Tofi no residents surveyed said they p u r c h a s e d b e t w e e n 2 5-5 0 per cent of goods outside of

the community. W hile some of the reasons has to do with availability and price, there is opportunity to increase local purchasing in many areas. Even a 10 per cent shift for each resident could mean thousands more dol l a rs stay i ng i n t he community each year. LOCO BC estimates that for each $100 spent locally, roughly $43-46 of that is recirculated into the local economy. When purchasing from large corporate retailers, that number drops to $13. We rely heavily on local businesses to donate to many local causes, and we should be supporting them in turn when possible. T he buy local program will also feature a Made in Tofino a sp ect h ig h l ig ht i ng loc a l ly made goods, of which we have many, including beer, chocolate, soap, and much more. If you’re visiting Tofino this holiday season, check out some of our many eclectic local retailers and specialty food purveyors. Happy holidays! Jen Dart is Executive Director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250.725.3153. www.tofinochamber. org

DECEMBER 2016

BUSINESS BRANDING NEEDS TO EVOLVE WITH CHANGING TIMES “That’s what a brand does, it is the sizzle, and

Professional Photographer Understands Importance Of Brand Evolution

it tells people all about your business.” TIM MCGRATH

ANAIMO – Professional photographer and marketing consultant Tim McGrath understands that the brand a business presents its public is more closely related to a living thing than it is a static logo. While formal marketing is used to present information to a specific audience a brand is all about the personality of the business, it is the image the business wants to convey to its current and future clients. Like a living thing that image can change over time, producing negative consequences if the business owner is unaware that a change has taken place. “The old marketing adage that you’re selling the ‘sizzle not the steak’ is still true. That’s what a brand does, it is the sizzle, it tells people all about your business, its culture, its audience and what it can offer you,” McGrath explained. “But over time tastes change, your customers age and have new interests, new products become

OWNER, ITS-FOOD.CA

Honing his craft for more than a decade, Tim McGrath has become a leader in this specialized field available, and more. All of these factors mean that what you’re providing and who you are providing it for may not be the same as it was when you first began. If you don’t recognize that change and alter your branding accordingly you could see your audience shrink and your profits slide.” McGrath is the owner of ITSFood.ca, a photography business focusing on the specialized niche market of food photography. For more than a decade he has produced images used in everything from menus and formal advertising to cookbooks, websites and countless Social Media marketing campaigns. “McDonalds is a good example,

it is changing how it presents itself, it has updated its menu choices, and has retooled its marketing to target an older, more demanding audience,” he said. “McDonalds noticed its market was slowly moving away and they weren’t growing up to match. It’s not about becoming more sophisticated or changing what you do dramatically, it’s about recognizing change and evolving to match the changing tastes of your audience.” By being conscious of change, by noticing popular and emerging trends in society and then having the courage and vision to move out of their comfort zone to embrace those changes any business can remain viable and prosperous. “It doesn’t have to be a radical change, even subtle adjustments can pay big dividends,” he said. For more information visit the firm’s website at: www.its-food.ca

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DECEMBER 2016

Big Cheese Charity Classic: Skating and donating 9th Annual fundraising hockey game a winner for business leaders and charities

ANAIMO – For the past nine years, a group of Na n a i m o a re a b u s inessmen have skated and donated in the Big Cheese Charity Classic hockey game, raising over $30,000 for a number of charitable organizations. A “gol f tou r n a ment” for hockey players, the November 18 game at Frank Crane Arena featu red a competitive, f u n game, a variety of skill levels, as well as awards, prizes and a grand meal at the Nanaimo Golf Club. Organizers Grant McDonald of Church Pickard Certified Professional Accountants, Darren Hauca of The Communication Inc. and Mark MacDonald of Business Examiner Vancouver Island were pleased with the results and outcome of the event, with proceeds to be distributed to a number of worthy causes. Recipients in the past have included the Child Development Centre, K idSpor t Na na imo, Vancouver Island Crisis Society, Loaves & Fishes, Haven Society and Vancouver Island Mental Health. E ach pl ayer i s requ i red to be an owner or manager of a

Participants in the 9th Annual Big Cheese Charity Classic November 18 at Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo business, thus the “Big Cheese” and this year contributed $325 to pl ay. Ta x receipts a ren’t issued, but the entry fee as a business expense works much the same way tax-wise. Players have their equipment bags chauffeured to the dressing room, with food and drink before - in the middle of - and after the game. There are full sets of Big Cheese uniforms, a sig natu re ta keaway wa rdrobe addition complete with Big Cheese logo, and an official program listing players’ pictures, business bios and contact information, colour team ph o to s up pl ie d b y Concept

Photography, and equipment stickers for all the players from The Sign Zone. Four awards are handed out following the game: The Brie Award for the “softest” play went to Blair Franklin of Johnston Franklin Bishop Lawyers, the Gouda Award for “goodest” play went to Kent Cookman of BMO Nesbitt Burns, the Limberger Award for “stinkiest” pl ay to Colin Jones of Nicol Street Pawnbrokers, and the Blue Award for “saddest” play to Scott Lewis of Newcastle Engineering. The game? Team White defeated Team Red 7-4.

Participants this year were: Team White: Michael Gill of Michael Gill Wealth Managem e n t, C o l i n Jo n e s o f N i c o l Street Pawnbrokers Ltd., Lee Pow of Mobalign Services Inc., Jim Dickinson of Del Norte Kennels, Kent Cookman of BMO Nesbitt Burns, Rob Orpen of Orp Corp, James MacIntyre of Cross and Company, Rick Bayko of DenMar Electric, Bob Janes of Island Office Equipment, Willie Der of Nanoose Medicine Centre, Derrick T urnbull of Hornby’s Canopy, Greg Kahan of Edward Jones and Mark MacDonald of Business Examiner Vancouver Island.

Team Red: Mike Carson of The Sign Zone, Blair Franklin of Johnston Franklin Bishop Lawyers, Mike Stone of Top Drawer Graphics, Dave Dugan of Central Island Distributors, Scott Lewis of Newcastle Engineering, Darren Hauca of The Communication Connection Inc., Dennis Campbell of Budget Brake & Muff ler Auto Centres, Barney Sharp of Monk Office, Rod Maley of Hornby’s Canopy, Mike Klassen of The Whole Show Restorations Inc., Grant McDonald of Church Pickard Certified Professional Accountants, George Hrabowych of Herold Engineering, Mike McClenaghan of West Coast Factory Direct Hot Tubs and Lance Sullivan of Concept Photography. “The event is always a big hit, and the after-game chat and interaction is tons of fun, and good networking, too, with other business owners and managers,” says MacDonald. “It’s good for business and charity, and this event could work in any city or region. We’d be more than happy to help someone set up a Big Cheese event.” For more information, contact Darren Hauca at darren@ communicationconnection.ca

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30 WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Suing Whom is provided by a third-party resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date. DEFENDANT 0735973 BC LTD 7-4180 North Island Hwy, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Tectonica Management Inc CLAIM $12,720 DEFENDANT 0763634 BC LTD 1945 Bunker Hill Dr, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Tectonica Management Inc CLAIM $ 12,720 DEFENDANT 0764915 BC LTD 200-1808 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Maw, Michael CLAIM $ 25,176 DEFENDANT 1639555 Alberta LTD 7-4180 Island Hwy North, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Herold Engineering Limited CLAIM $ 12,735

WHO IS SUING WHOM DEFENDANT Beacon Underwriting Ltd 290 Alexander St, Salmon Arm, BC PLAINTIFF Martel, Manuel JD CLAIM $ 18,326 DEFENDANT Booth White Fairtide Floors 4299 Entrance Ave, Ladysmith, BC PLAINTIFF Rona INC CLAIM $ 25,000 DEFENDANT Discovery Home Inspections 3-5144 Metral Dr, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Smith, Mary Gertrude CLAIM $ 25,168 DEFENDANT Discovery Inspections 1-5148 Metral Dr, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Shen, Zhihong CLAIM $ 19,700 DEFENDANT Englishman River Falls Rv Park Ltd 301-910 Fitzgerald Ave, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF 0987289 BC LTD CLAIM $ 344,509 DEFENDANT Envoy Construction Services Ltd

212-5455 152nd St, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF Tri K Drilling Ltd CLAIM $ 6,620 DEFENDANT Fair Isle Welding Inc 11-2355 Spit Rd, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Krynen Holdings Ltd CLAIM $ 22,676 DEFENDANT Freeflow Water Enterprises Ltd 1-1354 Craigdarroch Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Business Developent Bank Of Canada CLAIM $ 93,654 DEFENDANT Gain Foods Limited 210-3260 Norwell Dr, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Business Development Bank Of Canada CLAIM $ 43,749 DEFENDANT Heatwave Plumbing & Heating Ltd 1620 Cedar Hill X Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Citta Construction Ltd CLAIM $ 25,276 DEFENDANT Houle Electric Limited 1000-840 Howe St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF

DECEMBER 2016

Savage, Emery CLAIM $ 86,250 DEFENDANT Jubilee Self Storage Ltd 467 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Boyley Auto Body CLAIM $ 126,600 DEFENDANT K5 Contracting Ltd 813 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF TNT Industries Ltd CLAIM $ 44,073 DEFENDANT Namu Properties Ltd 1800-510 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF HMQ-Province Of BC CLAIM $ 167,106 DEFENDANT Pacific Landing Project Ltd 4th FLR 888 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Setter, Jacqui CLAIM $ 20,035 DEFENDANT Park Meadow Developments Ltd 102-1497 Admirals Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Tectonica Management Inc CLAIM

$ 12,720 DEFENDANT Peddle Construction Ltd 2300-550 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Slegg Limited Partnership CLAIM $ 128,919 DEFENDANT PG Hardwood Flooring Inc 2424 Main St, St Edouard De Lotbiniere, QC PLAINTIFF Rona INC CLAIM $ 25,000 DEFENDANT Signature Plus Automotive Center 570B John St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Coates, Blair CLAIM $ 8,366 DEFENDANT Sioux Chief Manufacturing Co Inc 24110 South Peculiar Dr, Peculiar, BC PLAINTIFF Citta Construction Ltd CLAIM $ 25,276 DEFENDANT Softcorp Software Ltd 303-1111 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Pizza Al Forno Inc CLAIM $ 7,107

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

DECEMBER 2016

NORTH ISLAND Villi Douglas, who managed Port Hardy Airport for over 40 years, was presented with the Robert S. Day Trophy at the BC Aviation Council’s Silver Wing Awards. Douglas was presented with the award for his contributions to the regional air transportation system. North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society (NVIATS) is opening an office in Port Hardy at Thunderbird Mall. NVIATS is a federally-funded not-for-profit organization that helps people reach career goals. Port Hardy has been named number 8 out of 16 by the Matador Network for the most diverse coldwater diving in the world, winter fishing, murals and chainsaw carvings. Matador is the world’s largest independent travel publisher, with over 12 million unique monthly impressions.

CAMPBELL RIVER Four businesses from Campbell River have been nominated for the 14th annual Small Business BC Awards. They are IZCO Technology Solutions for Best Innovation, gocampbellriver. com for Best Community Impact, Kiki’s Communications Inc. for Premier’s People’s Choice and Best Community Impact and Mosaic Vocational School for Best Employer and Best Community Impact. The awards ceremony will be held on February 23, 2017 at the Pan Pacific Vancouver. Executive Director Jodi Simkin and vice president Daniel Smith of the Quadra Island Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre board, have been named to the BC Museum

Association council. Century 21 Arbutus Realty introduces Katrina Kaboly to their sales team. Bill Howich Chrysler congratulates James Adshade for achieving top salesperson for the month. The dealership also welcomes Brant Peniuk to their sales team. Superior City Contracting has been awarded a contract for sewer line maintenance by the City of Campbell River. The contractor will perform chemical grouting and trenchless point repairs to sewer lines throughout the city. Dr. Byron Hamlund is the new owner of Dogwood Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Hamlund is an accomplished Small Animal Veterinarian with expertise in Dentistry, Orthopaedics, and Canine and Feline Reproduction. The Strathcona Regional District elected Sayward Mayor John MacDonald as chair of the board for this next year and Campbell River Director Michele Babchuk was named vice chair. North Island Nissan welcomes Hayley Wood to their team as a sales consultant at 2700 North Island Highway. The Immigrant Welcome Centre announced that the 2016 Immigrant Welcome Centre Ambassador Award recipient is Mary Catherine Williams. In addition, the Immigrant Welcome Centre elected a new Board of Directors, which includes Maria Kirley, Lorraine Theron, Cathy Voth, Layne Marshal, Lisa Blackburn and Leanne Brunt. Dodd’s Furniture at 825 12th Avenue is currently under construction. The location will be open during construction.

COMOX VALLEY Steve Blacklock, AACI, P.App

of Comox has been re-elected president of the British Columbia Association of the Appraisal Institute of Canada for a one-year term. Blacklock has been working for WM S. Jackson and Associates since 2006 as a commercial property appraiser. Hairpins Boutique is celebrating their 5th anniversary at #4, 224 6th Street in Courtenay. Island Honda at 1025 Comox Road in Courtenay welcomes Joel Isfeld as its new general sales manager. Coast Capital Savings opened a new branch on November 15 in the strip mall at the intersection of Lerwick and Ryan roads. Coast will have 52 branches in BC by the end of November, including the Courtenay location and a new branch in Kelowna. Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC at 2145 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay is pleased to announce that Ryan Sykes has been named top salesperson for the month. The BC government will provide $2.7 million in funding for trades programs at North Island College. The money will fund 744 trades seats funded through March 31, including the electrician, welding, carpentry, plumbing and cooking fields. Rainforest Outdoor Living has undergone an expansion at 3-241 Puntledge Road. The store has three times the amount of square footage since it opened in 2012, and now offers fireplaces. The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce will announce the winners of their annual awards at the Annual Community Awards Gala on January 28, 2017 at the Florence Filberg Centre in downtown Courtenay. After 25 years of working at Courtenay Physiotherapy, Gord McIlroy has moved closer to home and is now working at Bodyworx Physiotherapy in Comox at 156 Manor Drive. Coldwell Banker Slegg Realty announces the addition of Derek Mailhiot to their team of real estate professionals. Chances Casino on Hunt Road in Courtenay has applied to expand their liquor licensed area from an occupant load of 419 to 735 patrons. The application is currently awaiting approval from the provincial liquor board. In addition,

the casino, owned by Gateway Casino and Entertainment Ltd., will undergo major renovations on the gaming floor. Presley and Partners at 951 Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay congratulates Mike Bannerman on his promotion to Manager of the accounting firm. Nearly New Books is celebrating their 20th anniversary at 1761B Comox Avenue. Temprite Climate Solutions has added Trevor Hill to their team of heating and ventilation professionals at 50 – 2960 Moray Avenue in Courtenay. My Tech Guys celebrated their 10th anniversary on November 25. The local company has two locations in the Comox Valley and is looking at opening stores in Parksville and Campbell River. Ashley HomeStore has opened an associate branch in Courtenay at 2966 Kilpatrick Avenue. This is the second Ashley HomeStore outlet to open on Vancouver Island. Peggy Carswell, coordinator of the local non-profit organization, Fertile Ground, was recently presented with the 2016 Women’s Creativity in Rural Life award, for her work with farmers and tea growers in Assam, India. Carswell is one of this year’s nine laureates being honoured by the Women’s World Summit Foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland. Bill Massey has sold Bop City Records at 211 Simms Street to Kip Luce and his wife Karen Comer. Axis Heating and Cooling has merged with Westisle Heating and Cooling under the Westisle name. Westisle Heating and Cooling is at 2459 Cousins Avenue. Supreme Smoke is now open at 1810 Lake Trail Road. The Comox Valley Bed and Breakfast Association recently elected a new board of directors at the organization’s AGM. The officers are: Carolyn Touhey, president (co-owner of Two Eagles Lodge); Lu Ismay, vice president (co-owner of Red Roof Inn Cottage); Rebecca Kayfetz, secretary, (owner of Ellerslie Bed and Breakfast); John Ismay, treasurer (co-owner of Red Roof Inn Cottage). The Comox Valley Bed and Breakfast Association includes properties from the communities of Comox, Courtenay, Royston, Union Bay, Fanny Bay and

31 Miracle Beach.

PARKSVILLEQUALICUM Jane Loney has opened Oceanside Yoga and Wellness Centre at 702 Memorial Avenue in Parksville, where she teaches yoga and practices shiatsu therapy. Lesley’s Esthetics and Accessories is celebrating their 25th anniversary at 180 McCarter Street in Parksville. PGB Dental Clinic has moved to a new location at Parksville’s Wembley Mall. French Creek Bakery and Café is now under new ownership and features a new menu at 894 Island Highway West.

PORT ALBERNI Carla Cares Foot and Nail Care, Streak and Love it Hairdressing and Feel Like Dancing mobile foot and nail care all celebrated their grand opening on November 26 at the former Mt. Klitsa School on Tebo Avenue. Jennifer Herman has opened Alberni Meals and Homemaking Services, which provides meals, homemaking, grocery shopping, pet care and yard cleanup for seniors. www. albernimealshomemakingservices. ca. Bistro on Main, a new breakfast and lunch restaurant, has opened at 3054 3rd Avenue. Global Securities has changed their name to PI Financial Corp. PI is an investment dealer servicing individual, corporate and institutional investors at Kingsway Crossing next to Gayle’s Fashion. Lily Diotte, owner of Swale Rock Café has opened Saasin Gifts at Carmoor Block. Saasin Gifts offers apparel and home accessories designed by First Nations artists. Port Dental Health and Implant Centre welcomes Dr. Michelle Samosinski to their team of professionals at 3633 3rd Avenue. Beaver Creek Home Center at 4643 Gertrude Street has announced that Bruce McDonald has SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 32

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retired. Members of the Uchucklesaht Tribe have moved into their new cultural and administration building at 5201 Argyle Street as construction nears completion. Construction of the building began in early 2015 after the Uchucklesaht received a development permit from the city. Fairway Market is closing down their Port Alberni location, citing declining sales as the reason for their decision. The Alberni Valley Museum opened their new exhibit “British Columbia’s War 1914-1918” on November 9. The exhibit focuses on BC’s participation in the First World

War. The Funk Trunk celebrated their 10th anniversary on November 19. The Funk Trunk offers fashionable clothing and footwear at 4920 Cherry Creek Road. The City of Port Alberni has hired Kelly Gilday as their new fire chief. Port Alberni’s Salmon Festival will be moving to Tyee Landing for Labour Day 2017. Secluded Wellness Centre is celebrating their 5th anniversary at Suite 106, 5091 Tsuma-as Drive. Secluded Wellness offers holistic health advice.

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DECEMBER 2016

TOFINOUCLUELET As a result of a partnership with California-based company, SUGA, surfers can now recycle their old wetsuits at the following locations: Surf Sisters and Pacific Surf School in Tofino and Howler’s and Relic in Ucluelet. Brian Johnson will no longer be the general manager of the Black Rock Resort. In the meantime, a local staffer will be filling the position. Johnson has filled the position since December 7, 2015 and had previously spent seven years with the Sandman Hotels in Victoria. Garth Cameron, a 14-year veteran of the West Coast’s volunteer Search and Rescue team, recently received an RCMP Certificate of Appreciation. Cameron earned the recognition for his actions during a recovery effort to find the remains of a father and son who died in a plane crash on Vargas Island in 2013.

NANAIMO The Canadian Home Builders Association of BC has announced the finalists for the 2017 Georgie Awards. Nominees from the midisland area include: Pheasant Hill Homes, nominated for custom home ($500,000-$899,999) and best certified home – custom; Alair Homes Vancouver Island along with associate companies Mazzei Electric, Slegg Building Materials and Mayco Mix, nominated for custom home ($500,000$899,999) and custom home builder of the year; T.S. Williams Construction Ltd., with associate company KB Design, nominated for custom home ($1,300,000$1,899,000), custom home ($1,900,000-$3,000,000) and for best outdoor living space – new or renovation. The award winners will be announced at the gala March 11 at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. Helijet International will expand its service to include weekend flights between Vancouver and Nanaimo starting December 24. The expanded service will see Helijet offer three round trips a day on Saturdays and Sundays in addition

to their six daily round trips during the week. Woodgrove Centre recently held a public celebration following the completion of its $20-million renovation project. The renovations include a new guest services centre, a refreshed food court that features charging stations and added seating, modernized washrooms, renovated entrances and new exteriors signs. Island Office Equipment Band and Concise Computers are moving into their new home at 2110 Northfield Road. The new building being constructed adjacent to the Esso gas station on Northfield Road will be a two tenant unit - one of which will be another Tim Horton’s restaurant. Gordon Halkett is a new partner at Wingren Flooring, as Dave Sjogren is planning to retire. Golden Flooring Accessories has a new branch office in Nanaimo, at 2512 Kenworth Road. They have other branches across Western Canada. Dulux Paints on Terminal Avenue has announced it is moving to Mostar Road in the new year. Bethlehem Retreat Centre held the grand opening of their new gift shop at 2371 Arbot Road on Dec. 4. Alkan Air is building a new large hangar at Nanaimo Airport to service their air ambulance fleet. Avalon Mechanical Consultants of Victoria now has a branch office at 4-4488 Wellington Road in Nanaimo, notes Tim Robertson. G and G Roofing has moved from Fremont Road to 113 Gava Place. Internal medicine specialist Dr. Anna Dabu is expanding her practice at 3-1179 Seafield Crescent. Sherlock’s Occupational Testing Services has moved to 2900 Norwell Drive. Tom Eardley is now a Managing Partner at Get a Go Go Driver Services. Sound Cinema has moved from Nored Plaza to the former Classic Care Carpet location on Mostar Road. Be Happy Cleaning Services has opened at 690 Bruce Avenue. The Pest Doctor has moved to 210-55 Victoria Road. SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 33

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

DECEMBER 2016

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

Hinkkala and Associates financial services firm has opened at 100-5279 Rutherford Road. Cascara Consulting Engineers has opened at 206-335 Wesley Street. The partners are Charles Ramos, Keith Davies and Matthew Rosenthal. Psychologist Dr. Gina Jenzen has opened an office at 120-256 Wallace Street. Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty announce the addition of Julien Provost to their Royal Service Group. Brad McCarthy is pleased to note that his White Sails Brewing at 125 Comox Road celebrated their one year anniversary on November 12. White Sails is a locally inspired award winning craft brewery with a West Coast-style taproom. Long Lake Nurseries at 4900 Island Highway North is closing down after 58 years of business. Rob Willoughby has been named top salesperson of the month at Steve Marshall Ford at 3851 Shenton Road. McLaren Lighting recently underwent renovations at their store at 2520 Bowen Road. Kirsten Michieli has been named the top salesperson of the month for Nanaimo Toyota at 2555 Bowen Road. Vancouver Island University athletics has hired Stephanie White as their new director of high-performance sport, recreation and physical literacy. White has been associate athletic director at Ryerson University in Toronto for the past five years. In addition, VIU announced they will present Buffy SainteMarie with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws in recognition of her career as a musician, visual artist, composer and actor. The Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society was chosen as the ASPECT BC Organization of the Year for 2016. The Association of Service Providers for Employability and Career Training recognizes one organization every year that has made a significant contribution to community training in progress in BC. Whiteaker Roden and Associates Chartered Professional Accountants welcomes Tyler Laitinen CPA, CGA to their team. Tyler brings more than eight years in diverse financial, tax and business experience to the firm. Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation has named Erralyn Thomas as their new chair. Nanaimo Elks Club is celebrating their 100th anniversary recently. VMAC Global Technologies is celebrating their 30th anniversary. VMAC is a Nanaimobased world leader in mobile air compressor systems. After 48 years in practice Dr. Richard Pistone will be retiring. Dr. Scott Hollingsworth will be taking over the care of his patients in the same location at #2011808 Bowen Road. Black Bear Pub at 6201 Doumont Road recently completed a renovation. Imagine Cruise and Travel is celebrating their 25th anniversary at 2834 Norwell Drive. Mycollectables Vintage Toys has opened for business at 314 Fitzwilliam Street. They buy and sell toys and collectable items and memorabilia for all ages. Eight certified general accountant (CGA) students from Nanaimo attended the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia’s (CPABC) CPA convocation ceremony held on November 26 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The students are: Michael Chmielewski, Chanda Eap, Courtney Hulme, Katerina Orsagova, Kim Shotton, Gretchen Tomborello, Marina Walker

and Yue Wu. Students recognized at the convocation ceremony have either become designated members of CPABC this year or will be eligible for membership. MNP LLP congratulates Caroline Read on successfully completing the 2016 Common Final Exam (CFE) for accountants.

LADYSMITHCHEMAINUS

Pictured: Peter Watts, General Manager of the Chemainus Inn Congratulations to General Manager Peter Watts and the team at the Best Western Chemainus Inn, for picking up three awards recently at the Best Western Hotel Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. These include: The M.K. Guertin Award (which recognizes quality assurance, customer service and guest satisfaction), the Champion RevPAR Award (which recognizes net revenue) and the Champion Customer Care Award. Former town councillor John Wilson is retiring from his position as chair of the Liquid Waste Management Committee. During Wilson’s career he has been active on a variety of commissions ranging from the regional environmental commission as a representative of the town as well as the local environment commission. The Town of Ladysmith recently honoured community volunteer Myf Plecas with the Citizen of the Year Award. Plecas has made significant contributions over the years to the Ladysmith Soup Kitchen and Coats for Folks. Green Aura opened their doors for business at 3055 Oak Street in Chemainus. The new business is a marijuana dispensary that provides locally produced organic products. The Benjamin Moore store in Ladysmith celebrated its first year in business in the community at B, 132 Roberts Street. Jonathan Zeiler opened the shop in November last year after working as a paint contractor for six years.

COWICHAN VALLEY Duncan-based Whole Hog Productions has been purchased by Sarah White and renamed Island Pigasus Production Services. Griffiths Plumbing is moving from its longtime location at 251 Government Street to the Duncan Industrial Park. The Michaela Davidson Art and Gift Gallery on the corner of Highway 1 and Trunk Road is closing its doors for business at the end of this year. Davidson’s art gallery in Lake Cowichan will remain open. After 13 years of service Mary Ann Hartley is retiring as the manager of downtown development and member relations for the Downtown Duncan BIA. GBS Glass Blowing is closing its doors at the end of this month. Owners Ann and Graham Fowle have decided to retire after 50 years of glass blowing and operating at 678 Shawnigan Lake Road. Panago Pizza in Duncan Village Mall is undergoing extensive renovations.

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OPINION

DECEMBER 2016 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 SALES | Shawn Bishop – shawn@businessexaminer.ca, Josh Higgins – josh@businessexaminer.ca, Joanne Iormetti – joanne@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Julia MacDonald, John MacDonald, Beth Hendry-Yim, David Holmes, Kristin Van Vloten WEBSITE | John MacDonald – john@businessexaminer.ca

WHAT A TRUMP GOVERNMENT COULD MEAN FOR CANADA

MARK MACDONALD

s the dust begins to settle following a wild, no-holdsbarred election in the United States, what will the Donald Trump presidency hold for Canada? At this juncture, it is difficult to see exactly what is in store for North America under Trump, although he’s starting to put together his cabinet, and the names being floated about provide inkling of what is possibly to come. Trump has already reached out to some of his most outspoken Republican opponents to have them involved in his cabinet, which also shows his willingness to let bygones be bygones. One hopes that same mindset will be maintained when he looks northward to a Canadian government that was far too outspoken in regards to an election in another country, and is more aligned with Democratic values

than the GOP. His major domestic thrust will be to put Americans back to work, in meaningful manufacturing jobs – the ones that pay mortgages, buy cars and raise families. That will come at the expense of out-ofcountry suppliers who don’t demonstrate a significant commitment to bettering the U.S. economy. Trump’s “Make America great again” campaign slogan encapsulated thoughts he’d share intermittently in the decades prior to his actual decision to run. Trump was not shy in noting that there are many countries in the world that have done very well by America, but America hasn’t done well by them. He cited Japan specifically, noting that Japanese electronics, cars and trucks are all over America – but “you can’t find a Chevrolet in Tokyo”. That, he said, will need to change. “I do business with China, but I win,” Trump said at one point. While the sabers haven’t yet been rattled between China and the U.S., they’re at least being sharpened for trade discussions to come. The Keystone Pipeline will be built. But get used to hearing this: America First. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the Trans Pacific Partnership, while a good deal for Canada to be a part of since it will foster trade

with other partners throughout the Pacific Rim and Asia, will be significantly less impactful if Trump follows through on his promise to not participate. America is the world’s largest trading nation, and without the U.S. taking part, it makes the stakes and potential advantages significantly less. Softwood lumber will continue to be a major concern. Although trade tribunals consistently sided with Canadian arguments in this never-ending wrestling match over tariffs and alleged subsidization, the U.S. still maintains the upper hand and obeys rulings as they see fit. Don’t be surprised if future negotiations on softwood lumber become increasingly U.S.-centric, protecting American wood-based companies from more affordable Canadian products. With 72 per cent of our country’s trade still conducted with the U.S., what happens below the 49th parallel is of utmost importance to us. Canada’s moral superiority complex was on full display during the Trump-Clinton slugfest, yet there was and is very little we can do to influence or counter what America decides to do in terms of an economic course except follow along. Under the previous federal government, there was a decided push to diversify Canada’s trade interests, thereby lessening its almost

complete reliance on the U.S. That needs to continue. Canada needs to caution against the “eggs in one basket” approach, believing that Canadian exports will be given high priority in a Trump-led economy, simply due to our lower dollar. The signals Trump has given for years - and trumpeted during the campaign - show he believes in America first. And that doesn’t necessarily mean North America. Trump is a billionaire, and even though he received a healthy head start thanks to a family trust, he still turned that into a sizeable, wealthy family empire. And any successful businessman knows that true “wins” are where both sides win. Don’t expect a Trump America to run over other nations to further its own interests. Trump knows that won’t work in business, and it won’t work in government. Partnerships will remain and grow – but they will tilt more towards America’s favour. Trump demonstrated he is calculating and can think on his feet. Even though the media would have us believe that “only Democrats have brains”, Trump outfoxed them, playing the media who thought they were framing him. In fact, the more the media moaned about Trump, the more it started to sound like the “warnings” of the arrival of another American

President, Ronald Reagan. For those of us who remember, Reagan was portrayed as being not sophisticated enough, “just an actor”, albeit a great communicator. Yet he became one of America’s most respected and accomplished presidents. Some of Trump’s attractiveness to voters was that he is not a politician and has no experience serving in public office. That, also, is a cause for concern, because there is no public service track record from which we can perhaps anticipate his next moves. We do know of his business accomplishments. And for those who believe that business people are the most qualified to oversee the biggest “business” in the country, i.e. the government, this is something that is long overdue. He actually does know how to balance his own cheque book, and budget, and make things happen. Change is here, and change is coming. Canada will be affected, as usual, by what happens in the U.S., and it needs to stay the course it is on by encouraging trade with other nations and diversify. The U.S. economy should do well under Trump, which will help those countries whose economies are intertwined with theirs. But make no mistake: It will be America First.

BC MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS ON UNSUSTAINABLE SPENDING PATH Latest report shows BC municipal inflation-adjusted operating expenditures grew four times faster than population growth from 2004 to 2014

CFIB AARON AERTS

he Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) released a report examining municipal spending across the country, which reveals 97 per cent of British Columbia’s municipalities have increased their operating spending at an unsustainable pace since 2004. The 9th edition of the BC Municipal Spending Watch ranks 152 municipalities based on 20042014 inflation-adjusted operating

spending growth and the most recent spending levels per capita in 2014. This iteration places a special focus on the 20 largest municipalities. The worst ranked municipalities in the province show operating spending far outpacing that of inflation plus population growth (a sustainable rate), and have higher than average operating spending per capita. The report shows none of the provinces’ 20 largest cities managed to maintain spending levels at a sustainable rate. The Township of Langley, Abbotsford and Delta performed worst (see table below). Maple Ridge, Port Coquitlam, and Kelowna were the top three performers of the group. “While a

few of the largest cities have been a bit more fiscally sustainable, it’s troubling to see none were even close to keeping their spending in line with the reasonable benchmark of inflation plus population growth,” says Aaron Aerts, BC Economist. BC’s ten-year municipal spending trend is a serious concern. While

the BC population in 2014 was 12 per cent higher than in 2004, the total inflation adjusted municipal operating expenditures rose 48 per cent, four times faster than population growth. Over the past decade, the cumulative spending over inflation and population growth was $8.6 billion. Over this period, only five of the 152 municipalities

managed to keep operating spending at or under the rate of inflation and population growth. “Had municipalities kept their operating spending at the rate of inflation plus population growth over the past ten years, the BC family of four could have saved, on average, around $7,400 in municipal taxes,” adds Aerts. “Spending growth of this magnitude is simply unsustainable.” “The vast majority of municipalities continue to spend at unsustainable rates. Thankfully, a few mayors and councils have attempted to get on a better path. The rest appear to ignore the reality that excessive growth in spending will result in higher taxes on businesses and residents,” Aerts concludes. The CFIB report makes a series of recommendations to enable municipal governments to better control growth in operating costs, including: limiting spending increases to the rate of inflation and population growth, conducting formal core service reviews, increasing fiscal transparency, and adopting sustainable wage growth policies.

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, 2016. Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

LAW

DECEMBER 2016

MYTHS THAT DRIVE IP LAWYERS CRAZY LAW

It is possible to obtain a

Intellectual property issues

patent for an invention but to be unable to work

l ients often have m isconceptions about patents and trademarks. For example, a client contacted me the other day and asked that I make every effort to expedite his patent application. He wanted it granted as soon as possible, and pressed me for a best-case scenario about how quickly I could obtain his patent. The client was frantic because a competitor was threatening to sue him for infringement of a patent the competitor had obtained. The client thought that obtaining a patent would make him safe from the threatened legal action. Unfortunately, it is a myth that your patent will save you from being sued by a competitor. You can obtain a patent and still be sued for infringing a patent owned by a competitor. For example, it is possible to obtain a patent for an improvement to an existing product or method, if the improvement is new and unobvious. However, if the improvement relates to

the patent without the permission of the owner of a patent for some underlying technology

Michael Cooper and Doug Thompson of ThompsonCooper LLP something that is patented, and if in order to use the improvement it is necessary to use the subject matter of the original patent, then use of the improvement would infringe the original patent unless the owner of the original patent gave permission for such use. Thus, it is possible to obtain a patent for an invention but to be unable to work the patent without the permission of the owner of a patent for some underlying technology. When there is an allegation of patent i n fri ngement, you must either negotiate your way

out of the problem (perhaps by cross-licensing) or “design around” the problem. Fortunately for my client, the client’s product is in the early stage of development and the allegation of infringement came up at the first tradeshow where the product was displayed. The client is now considering what changes can be made to the product to avoid the competitor’s patent. If the “design around” attempt is not successful or will take too long, the client has patents on some other technologies that can be used as bargaining chips in a

negotiation. T h at sa me d ay, one of ou r Trademark Agents, Laura Duckett, came into my office to discuss two Trademarks a client had asked us to apply for two years previously. The Trademarks had been allowed by the Trademark Office. The problem was that, in the intervening period, the client had changed the Trademarks. With respect to one of the Trademarks, the client had asked us to apply for a Trademark consisting of two words. However, he had dropped one of the words

and was now using a single word. To make matters worse, the single word was a “generic” term for the product that we will be unable to register. With respect to another of the Trademarks, the client had also asked us to apply for a Trademark consisting of two words. However, in the intervening period, he had made a substitution replacing one of the words with another word he liked better. Unfortunately, (or fortunately depending upon your point of view), the Trademark Office grants you protection for the Trademark you apply for. It is a myth that the Trademark office will accommodate changes should your Trademark “evolve”. If you make material changes to your Trademark, you have to start the Trademark registration process all over again. When you get involved w it h I nte l l e c t u a l P rop e r t y issues, instead of relying upon myths communicated to you by well meaning friends, seek the assistance of a Registered Patent Agent or Registered Trademark Agent in your area. A list of licensed agents is maintained on the Canadian Intellectual Property Office website at cipo.gc.ca.

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