Business Examiner Victoria - November 2014

NOVEMBER 2014

» ENGINEERING

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VICTORIA

EVERY DAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY.

Campbell Construction better than ever at 50 years.

Where do you go from here?

Victoria

PAGE 15

SIDNEY Mayor Larry Cross says that Sidney’s ambiance continues to draw new residents and visitors.

VICTORIA

Purchase of Re/MAX office results in synergy Owners of Re/MAX of Nanaimo buy Re/MAX Camosun Victoria offices, expand market

BY MARK MACDONALD PUBLISHER

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INDEX News Update 2 Sooke 5 Saanich Peninsula 5 Victoria 6 Sales 14 West Shore 24 Technology 26 Who is Suing Whom 29 Movers and Shakers 30 Opinion 34 Legal 35

harlie Parker, Mike Heinrich and Graeme Parker have discovered another route over the Malahat.

It’s via balloon, as in the signature icon of Re/MAX. The owners of Re/MAX Nanaimo have purchased Re/MAX Camosun Victoria from Wayne Schrader, who owned the franchise, with five offices in Greater Victoria, for the past 25 years.

“I’ve known Wayne for many years through our common interests as Broker/Owners,” says Charlie Parker. “He’s been thinking about retirement for a few years and this past February we began more serious discussions which culminated in this transition.”

The purchase means the

combined offices have 275 sales associates in total.

Structurally, Heinrich has moved to Victoria as the Managing Broker, while Justus Edmundson has been promoted to replace Heinrich as Managing Broker in Nanaimo. Schrader will stay on at Re/MAX Camosun for several months to help with the transition.

“I w i l l be t ravel l i ng between the two cities throughout the week implementing the integration of our two groups under the same balloon,” notes Parker. “Graeme is developing a training program that begins in November.

“Both companies have tremendous staff resources, all of whom have been asked to remain on board.”

Parker, who has deep roots

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SEE PURCHASE OF RE/MAX OFFICE | PAGE 3

The new owners of Re/MAX Camosun Victoria, from left: Graeme Parker, Mike Heinrich and Charlie Parker

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OUR 30TH YEAR

Change and growth are the future for Buckerfield’s Store is building on its proud 90 plus year history

BY GOODY NIOSI

Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

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herever and whenever a Buckerfield’s store has opened, whether in Duncan, Nanaimo, Salmon Arm or West Kelowna, it has quickly

become part of the community.

The company has been doing business, growing and evolving for more than 90 years. Today it is still true to its roots as a feed store, but it is also so much more.

It provides food for livestock and

Over 300 years of experience.

Vancouver Island’s largest independent copier and MFP dealer.

Reliability, serviceability and affordability. We are Unity Business.

Unity Business 575Systems Bay Street 575 Bay Street | Victoria, BC 250.384.7243 V8T 1P5

T: 250 384 BC 7243V8T 1P5 , Victoria, F: 250 385 7732 www.unitybusiness.ca E: admin@unitybusiness.ca

pets, gardening and landscaping supplies, beekeeper supplies, cookware, outdoor clothing and even toys for children. Kelvin McCulloch, president of Buckerfields Ltd. sums it all up this way: “Buckerfield’s is a place for people

who enjoy the outdoors – who are growing things and caring for things.”

Buckerfield’s was founded by Ernest Buckerfield, who grew SEE CHANGE AND GROWTH | PAGE 4

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NEWS UPDATE

VICTORIA Tourism Victoria and partners on China sales mission Tourism Victoria and partner businesses are collaborating together to lead industry and drive business with its 2015 annual Asia sales mission in China and Japan.

This is the largest mission to date, and combined, the delegation will conduct almost 1,000 sales calls and conference appointments.

2014 year-to-date data from Destination BC shows overnight custom entries to B.C. from Asia percent have grown 11.7 percent over 2013, with China growing 29.7 percent alone. Tourism Victoria, is dedicated to being active and aggressive in pursuing new business, in the market.

From October 11 to 28, 2014, Tourism Victoria along with eight tourism partner businesses will travel to Asia to take part in annual conferences and sales calls in the region.

“The potential in the China market is huge,” says Paul Nursey, President & CEO of Tourism Victoria. “We are focused on growing our presence and investment to support the long term potential and volume of this market. Working together as a cohesive Greater Victoria sales team is the key to success.”

Participants in the sales mission include Tourism Victoria, The Butchart Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, Hotel Grand Pacific, the Royal BC Museum, Chateau Victoria, Victoria Clipper and Huntingdon Manor. With the combined individual initiatives along with opportunities from Destination BC and Canadian Tourism

Commission, the delegation will deliver an impactful presence, generate leads, close deals and build product awareness.

“We have worked with local businesses and Tourism Victoria to increase investment and open markets for our community,” says Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin.

“Tourism is one of Victoria’s top sectors and we are proud to support Tourism Victoria’s work to develop international partnerships and grow our local economy.”

Summer tourism numbers show red-hot results Tourism businesses and local communities around Greater Victoria are celebrating a successful summer season with results that show tourism in the region is growing.

Based on the Victoria Tourism Bulletin released by Chemistry Consulting average occupancy, Average Room Rate (ADR) and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) all rose significantly in August, adding to terrific results received earlier this summer.

The average occupancy rose 6.1 percent from August 2012 to 2014 and there was an increase of 17 percent in the average room rate from August 2012 to 2014.

“These results speak for themselves,” says Paul Nursey, President & CEO. “The industry is healthy and vibrant. These numbers demonstrate Greater Victoria is well positioned as a destination of choice by visitors, and Tourism Victoria is dedicated to continue working hard to further position the region for long-term, sustained success.”

To keep the momentum going Tourism Victoria is busy preparing for the upcoming off-season, including building

NOVEMBER 2014

a strategic position around Halloween to drive rate and volume for the month of October.

Currently a digital marketing campaign geo-targeted to Seattle, Vancouver, Portland, Calgary and San Francisco is cementing Victoria’s reputation as B.C.’s Haunted Capital. The campaign includes a series of videos that feature some of Greater Victoria’s iconic ghosts and drive potential visitors online to get the full story. To ensure the destination is aligned with its messaging for October, Tourism Victoria has met with several stakeholder groups and created a messaging flat sheet for members including the hashtag #VictoriaBOO. Tourism Victoria was recently named Marketer of the Year by the BC Chapter of the American Marketing Association (BCAMA). Greater Victoria’s tourism industry generates $1.89 billion of economic impact to the region and direct employment provides almost 22,000 jobs. These increases signal that Greater Victoria is a solid destination to do business in and demonstrate the ongoing recovery of the accommodation sector.

New consortium supports, strengthens Indigenous economic development A new national consortium to support and strengthen Indigenous economic development across Canada was announced at the University of Victoria.

The National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development (NCIED) was established by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business and the Faculty of Law to harness community-based education and research to drive innovative economic change.

The NCIED will focus on seven key areas including entrepreneurship, the development of appropriate structures for Indigenous economic activity, and the conditions for effective collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous enterprises.

“Canada’s future is tied to the well-being of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous communities and their participation in the economy,” says Saul Klein, dean of the Gustavson School of Business. “Unlocking the potential for economic development in light of this requires careful consideration and elimination of the structural and behavioural impediments to capital investment and economic growth.”

“As Indigenous peoples gain greater control of their lands and governance, they seek to use those powers to secure their economic future. This consortium supports those initiatives,” says Professor Jeremy Webber, dean of the Faculty of Law. “Indigenous economies interact closely with their neighbouring communities. Strong Indigenous economies make for strong regional economies.”

Advisor Miles G. Richardson (Haida), a business adviser, key member of the former British Columbia Claims Task Force, and co-chair of the National Indigenous Advisory Circle for the Institute on Governance, was named as NCIED’s interim director. He is also past president of the Council of the Haida Nation, former chief commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission and is an Officer of the Order of Canada. As interim leader, Richardson (a UVic alumnus) will oversee the launch of the NCIED and development of its work nationwide.

The consortium was developed with the

collaboration of leaders from Indigenous communities, business and government.

The program will help to define and maximize the conditions most conducive to Indigenous economic development across Canada.

NANAIMO Western Forest Products announces sawmill consolidation Western Forest Products Inc. announced the consolidation of its Nanaimo-area sawmill operations, as the Company’s $10 million investment to modernize its Duke Point Sawmill nears completion.

The consolidation will increase lumber production at both of the Company’s Duke Point and Saltair sawmills, and will result in the closure of the Nanaimo Sawmill Division. Employees at the Nanaimo sawmill will be offered employment at the Company’s other mills, along with severance in accordance with terms under the existing collective agreement with the United Steelworkers.

T he Compa ny a nticipates that the permanent closure of the Nanaimo sawmill will occur prior to the end of the year.

This timing will coincide with the ramp up of production at Duke Point and Saltair.

“The investments being made at Duke Point and the consolidation of our Nanaimo sawmill operations are expected to reduce costs, improve our flexibility to produce different grades of lumber, and increase our recovery factors from log to lumber,” said Don Demens, Western’s President and CEO. “The announcement is consistent with our strategy of building a globally competitive, sustainable business on the coast of British Columbia. This strategy involves the evaluation of new market programs and operating configurations desig ned to i mprove ou r operat i ng results.”

“I am pleased we are able to improve our competitiveness and at the same time achieve a smooth transition for our Nanaimo sawmill employees. We will work collaboratively with the United Steelworkers to make this possible,” said Demens.

Strong sales and stable market conditions continue through September The Victoria Real Estate Board released its report on real estate activity in the Victoria area for September 2014.

565 properties sold in the region this September - an increase of 16 percent compared to the 487 properties sold in the same month last year. The quarter ending in September shows a 15 percent increase in the number of sales overall compared to the same quarter in 2013.

“Once again we see more houses sold this month than last September,” Victoria Real Estate Board President Tim Ayres says. “We haven’t seen sales like this in September since 2009. The balanced market conditions we’ve seen over the last seven months mean property prices are stable, so it might be more comfortable for buyers and sellers to make a move because they know that property values are predictable.”

The Multiple Listing Service Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core this time

OFF THE COVER

NOVEMBER 2014

last year was $550,900. This month the benchmark value increased to $556,200.

“There are some districts in the Victoria area that have seen an increase in their benchmark values, and others that are relatively flat compared to last year,” adds President Ayres. “Since there is this difference within the local market, it’s important to connect with your local realtor to get an understanding of the market as it relates to your specific neighbourhood.”

Uptown wins national awards, adds to growing recognition Uptown has been awarded three national Maple Leaf Marketing Awards from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). The gold and silver awards were presented to Kristy Lowes, Uptown’s marketing director, at the annual awards ceremony in Toronto. These awards bring the total of Uptown’s ICSC marketing awards to eight since Uptown first opened in 2010 and recognize Uptown as a leader in Canada for innovation in responding to market trends and creativity in giving back to the community.

“We put a huge amount of time, energy and resources into our campaigns to make sure that they resonate with the community and help us to give back as much as we can to worthy causes. I’m very proud to receive this recognition for Uptown and all of the people who make these initiatives successful,” said Lowes.

Uptown’s awards were in the categories of publicity, customer service experience and engagement and cause-related marketing. The campaigns included Zip over Uptown, which generated more than 1.6

PURCHASE OF RE/MAX OFFICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

in Nanaimo and is a past president of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, is originally from Victoria.

“I have family there, so for me, it’s just like coming home,” he notes.

“I have always spent a lot of time in Victoria, and consider it to be a world class city. Mike, Graeme and I are anxious to get involved in the community to try and make a positive difference.”

Re/MAX Camosun, with 175 realtors, is the larger of the two operations. Re/MAX Nanaimo, which has 100 realtors, which conducts over 50 percent of the real estate transactions within its market area.

“In Nanaimo we’ve worked hard to create an environment of support, training, education and a family atmosphere,” says Parker. “Both operations have had a high level of involvement from ownership and as a result have many systems that are industry leading.

We expect to see the best of both used throughout the new organization.

Parker says he’s noticed a growing number of moves between the two Vancouver Island regions, and that the new collaborative structure will allow clients to seamlessly buy and sell between the two centers through associations formed between sales associates in each area.

“It’s the same company and customer service, with specific local expertise at both ends,” he adds.

million impressions, Uptown Personal Shopping Room which was recognized for creating a new category of personalized shopping services and for the Baby Iver fundraiser which raised more than $23,000.

MILL BAY New public accessible boat launch announced Boaters across the South Cowichan should take note of the cooperative agreement reached between Malahat Nation, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) and Mill Bay Marina to improve marine access for the public to Saanich Inlet and the Salish Sea. The three parties have collectively agreed to work together on establishment of a new publicly accessible boat launch on Mill Bay Road just north of Vedier Point by July 2015, complete with upland parking for vehicles and boat trailers.

“The cooperative agreement in place secures community access and use of a new boat launch which should serve the needs of local boaters for decades to come,” notes Electoral Area A -Mill Bay/ Malahat Director Mike Walker, “The relocation of boat traffic off the narrow Handy Road will make it safer for the local community to access the waterfront in this location, as well as providing boaters with more than ample parking and tiedown area at the new site.”

The new boat launch is designed to operate at all tide levels and an extensive parking area will be located within Malahat

Parker says he’s noticed a growing number of moves between the two Vancouver Island regions, and that the new collaborative structure will allow clients to seamlessly buy and sell between the two centers through associations formed between sales associates in each area One of Parker’s initiatives at ReMAX Nanaimo has been the creation of Re/MAX University, specifically designed to train realtors.

“As an organization, education and training has always been a high priority,” Parker states, adding they plan on of fering the training to Re/ MAX Camosun realtors over time.

“With the industry becoming more and more complex and regulated, we found the idea of establishing our own training center made sense.” www.remax-camosun-victoriabc.com

Nation’s reserve next to the launch. This new boat ramp will replace the existing public launch at the end of Handy Road in Mill Bay, which has served the community for many years. Plans were in motion to replace the Handy Road Boat Launch when the opportunity to work with Malahat Nation on a new and fully accessible boat ramp arose.

“Malahat Nation welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the broader community and local businesses on mutually beneficial developments that bring greater capacity to our Nation,” Chief Michael Harry observes, “In addition to the new boat launch, Malahat Nation is also working on creation of a public waterfront walkway from Vedier Point to the north end of the reserve, which we will encourage community partners to come forward to further extend to Mill Bay Village”.

The existing launch ramp on Handy Road will be removed concurrent with opening of the new boat launch on Mill Bay Road and in its place the public waterfront walkway in front of Mill Bay Marina will be extended. A new smaller ramp will also be installed to continue to provide water access for the launch of dinghies and kayaks.

PlusROI Online Marketing Launches Internet Marketing Education Initiative With marketing and advertising tactics shifting dramatically and small businesses being left with more questions than answers, a local company has decided to take action.

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launching “Webucation Week” at VIATeC’s Fort Tectoria at 777 Fort Street during the last week of November. The week-long event starts with “Ingredients for a Successful Website” on Monday November 24th and is followed by “Generating Website Traffic and Customers” on Tuesday the 24th.

The series will wrap up on Friday November 28th with a presentation on “Successful Web Marketing Strategies” which showcases successful web strategies for different types of businesses. Friday’s session will be followed by an informal Q&A session with leading local web marketing experts, social media thought leaders, videographers, and photographers.

With the kickoff of their new website on November 3rd, PlusROI has also launched a weekly “Web Marketing Fundamentals” series, where they explain in simple language how small businesses can execute on the web.

While PlusROI founder Rob Cooper has been a long-time proponent of marketing education, it’s the current confusion in the market that has lead him to this new initiative: “It’s the wild west out there in advertising and marketing. Businesses know they need to get on board with web marketing, but there’s very little clear information available about what type of strategies work for what type of businesses,” says Rob. It’s clear that business owners need at least a minimum level of knowledge to make sound marketing decisions and fortunately PlusROI is providing a way to get that knowledge. More information about Webucation Week and the Web Marketing Fundamentals series can be found at PlusROI.com.

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OFF THE COVER

4 CHANGE AND GROWTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

up on a farm near Moncton. In 1890 he arrived in Vancouver and began working as a salesman for his uncle’s grain company. A few years later, he established his own feed and flour business; in 1919 he joined with Frederick T. Vernon, eventually becoming a partner in the firm of Vernon & Buckerfield.

Vernon and Buckerfield expanded gradually in the 1920s, absorbing other small millers.

Buckerfields Limited was established in 1927 after Frederick Vernon retired from the business.

Expansion continued through the 1930s and the firm soon became the largest feed company in British Columbia.

In 1951 Ernest Buckerfield was hospitalized and did not believe he would survive more than a few weeks. He sent a message to Federal Grain owner and president Harry Sellers, asking him to buy the company. After some consideration, it was decided that two Winnipeg-based, family owned firms, Pioneer Grain and Federal Grain, would purchase equal parts of the company. Soon after the purchase Ernest Buckerfield recovered and continued as president until his retirement several years later. In 1965, Pioneer Grain acquired complete ownership of Buckerfields.

The company was acquired from

Pioneer Grain in February of 2005 by five shareholders with a vision to re-establish a retail chain of stores under the Buckerfield’s banner. Those shareholders are Kelvin McCulloch, Robert Andersen, Andrew and Barb Gent, Peter Baldry, and Gary Jacobs. All but the last two are involved in the operations of the company.

McCulloch had returned as an international consultant from Europe in 2005 when he became acquainted with the managers who wanted to buy Buckerfield’s. At the time the company owned six stores. Today, it owns eight stores.

“We certainly envisioned what we have today,” McCulloch said.

“And we’re not in any way finished with growing and building the company and transforming it. It’s an ongoing program: continuous improvement, continuous growth, continuous innovation in our product.”

In 2005 the company was maintaining itself without any expectation of strong growth. Since 2005, sales have increased 300%. Shortly after the partners bought Buckerfields, they sold the Courtenay store and opened stores in Salmon Arm, Abbotsford and West Kelowna. All the stores are doing well, McCulloch said, with the Abbotsford location being a useful conduit for imports from the United States.

Buckerfield’s remains competitive due to several factors.

“I would say that we have one of the best levels of customer service

NOVEMBER 2014

Andrew Gent, Kevin McCulloch and Robert Andersen are working partners of Buckerfields Ltd. that people will find,” McCulloch said. “Our staff know more about the product than other staff do at other stores.”

Director of marketing Robert Andersen added that staff have a background in what they are selling.

“They’re experienced and they are able to help you when you come in with a question, whether it’s about about fertilizer or a horse blanket.”

The stores also have a wider selection in the products they carry than many other stores. Andersen pointed out that the store pays attention to the flyers produced by its competition and makes sure that its prices are in line.

Moving forward, McCulloch said, “We certainly intend to have more stores and larger stores. We also intend to have a much more positive Internet and social media presence than we have now.”

The newly renovated Duncan Store carries everything for caring for gardens, pets and livestock

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Andersen said that Buckerfield’s reaches the public through hundreds of thousands of flyers, which are the backbone of its advertising. However, with the imminent launch of a dynamic new website, Buckerfield’s will be able to reach even more people.

Its annual community events, like Pet Photos with Santa have also been a significant part of the community.

“We don’t want to go away from our history,” Andersen said. “But we want to have facilities that are attractive and we want to continue to hire people based on their ability to impart their knowledge.”

T he sign ifica nce of Ernest Buckerfield’s contribution to the business community of Western Canada was recently reaffirmed in print when the story of his life appeared as a section of David Mitchell’s book BC’s Business leaders of the Century. And although he died in 1971, the legacy of the business he founded continues to flourish.

Buckerfields Ltd. is at 5410 Trans Canada Highway in Duncan. www.buckerfields.org

3335 Oak St. Victoria

onk Office interiors, a division of Monk Office Supply Ltd., is the onestop solution for complete office design. With two staff designers to draw on, clients can configure the office that is right for them and provide a space where staff can maximize their productivity.

“We offer space planning services for clients who are purchasing furniture or walls,” said interior designer Kirsten Cluett. “We also offer a la carte space planning – you don’t necessarily have to buy furniture from us.” She added that the designers work carefully to the client’s budget and also offer project management services.

Monk Office Interiors is the distribution partner for DIRTT Environmental Solutions, a Calgary company that builds leading edge modular walls that can embed televisions and communication networking.

“We determine the client’s needs and what services they might require,” Cluett said. “We like to educate them on the type of furniture that we have and on

the modular walls. Every business is so different. Ultimately we want to make sure their workers are the most productive they can be.” She added that recently Monk’s main copy centre, which is in the same building as the Office Interiors division, acquired a large format printer, which allows the designers to print out 24x36 plans, making the plans easy to read and mark up for the designers, architects and clients.

“We can print off a big piece of paper and make changes on the fly much easier,” Cluett said.

“We can look at elevations and really walk them through the space.”

She said that the big advantage clients have in working with Monk Office is its broad range of services. Along with office supplies, interiors and furniture, the company also provides the technology and networking – every detail a company needs, right down to its stationery.

“We can outfit the entire office,” Cluett said. “We’re here to make everything easier for our clients.”

Monk Office Interiors is at 3335 Oak Street in Victoria.

Monk Office Supply Ltd. is at 800 Viewfield Rd. in Victoria. www.monk.ca

SOOKE/SAANICH PENINSULA

NOVEMBER 2014

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CHAMBER AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Over the past two years, direct services to members have been enhanced with greater opportunities for learning, improved

SOOKE MICHAEL NYIKES

communications and by maintaining such things as member fees

D

elegates at a recent national conference of Chamber executives were asked what they perceived as the real purpose of a Chamber. Most agreed that while the first mission is to provide their members with support, advice and a positive business environment; the best way to achieve those goals is through leadership at the community level that impacts all citizens and businesses, whether Chamber member or not.

That statement fits very well with the commitment of the Sooke Regional Chamber of Commerce. Over the past two years, direct services to members have been enhanced with greater opportunities for learning, improved communications and by maintaining such things as member fees.

At the same time our Chamber has worked hard on the larger

BEFORE BEFORE

issues of community advocacy and leadership. These initiatives have included the creation

COMPETITIVENESS HINDERED

BY SKILLS SHORTAGE

SAANICH PENINSULA DENNY WARNER

S

kills shortages have been identified by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce as one of the top 10 barriers to competitiveness in Canada. Many of the employers in our area have stated a lack of skilled workers as being their most significant challenge. As our population ages, this problem will continue to grow, especially in the most in-demand professions such as the skilled trades.

of a Newcomers Club so that new arrivals to the community are aware of the wide range of business services available to them; launch of the Better Buy Sooke campaign to support shopping locally; working with local municipal government and the tourism industry toward a Hotel Guest Fee which would generate significant funds for tourism and conference promotion; and the creation of the Sooke Town Centre Design Guidelines to establish new design standards that will ultimately provide a much more attractive and walkable town centre.

If we wish to achieve economic growth, our plan of attack should include strategies for getting youth from education to employment. We laud the benefits of post-secondary education but fail to provide options for this important source of talent to prepare them for the market they are entering. Young people need information about where the jobs are, what the jobs will be and access to adaptable education and training options.

Strategies are required for enhanced development of basic skills and options for the delivery of advanced, specific workplace training. The skills gap will be narrowed when stakeholders, including employers, education providers, labourers, students and government, join forces to offer dynamic career information and flexible training options to our youth.

In the coming weeks, residents in all municipalities will be focused on voting for their new Mayor and Council. As a service to the community, our Chamber will be hosting an “All Candidates Q&A Meeting” which will be open to the public and free of charge. Although non-partisan and not endorsing any one candidate, our Chamber knows it’s critical for everyone to be engaged and informed, to come out and vote, and to help shape the future leadership at the municipal government level.

O n t h at s a m e n o te, m a ny Chambers will also be having

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their Annual General Meeting approaching in the next few months, and it is equally important for Chamber business members to step forward and provide leadership to serve on their Board of Directors.

The coming challenges and opportunities are many, and they all ultimately impact the success of your business community, the livability by your residents, and the attraction of visitors to your municipality.

Michael Nyikes is President of Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce

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VICTORIA

NOVEMBER 2014

NOT FAIR TO VOTERS

VICTORIA BRUCE CARTER

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u r i n g t h i s m u n i c ip a l election period, I worry that once again we are doing our voters a disservice.

There are hundreds of candidates running to be our elected leaders, which are far too many for voters to be able to m a ke sen se of wh at’s goi ng on. The media will try hard to represent each of the candidates equally and be fair to the candidates. Unfortunately, the reporti ng of election events and all-candidate forums will focus on the spectacular informing voters on who stormed out, who went on a nonsensical rant, and who stole the microphone and didn’t give it back.

T he provincial Capital, the City of Victoria, seems to be

the most severely afflicted by the lack of reasonable information for voters. The candidate count in Victoria is eight m ayora l c a nd id ate s a nd 2 4 council candidates. I understand everyone who wants to should be allowed to register a n d r u n fo r e l e c te d of f i c e.

However, I’m not sure treating every candidate equally is fair to voters. There are certainly two ends to the spectrum. In the Victoria mayoralty race we have an incumbent mayor, an incumbent councillor, a former councillor and cabinet minister, and a media personality.

A l l of these fou r ca nd idates have relevant experience, informed perspectives and are taking the process seriously and they should be heard. On the other end of the spectrum, a clown is running for office.

A literal clown, who dresses l i ke, a nd I ca n on ly assu me, acts like a clown. I recognize the protest and statement this makes, but shouldn’t we just ignore the clown?

Yes, the clown has the right to f re e s p e e ch , b ut we a l so have the rig ht to not l isten.

Our community needs to elect people into roles that govern m u l t i-m i l l i o n d o l l a r p u b l ic ent it ies, dea l w it h complex legal issues and provide

community leadership. I don’t think a clown should be invited to all-candidate forums in t he n a me of fa i r ness a lone.

I don’t think a clown should be i n the med ia because the oversize nose makes for a good photo.

As a community, it is critical to identify reasonable candidates who present a platform that w i l l help voters ma ke a decision. I think for any group: private, media, not-for-profit, charity, or topical website to t re at c a nd id ates equ a l ly is unfair to voters. A ll these g roups ne e d to do t he h a rd work of sor ti ng out reasonable candidates and promote a content-rich dialogue about how our communities will be shaped a nd who ca n lead us there.

We s h o u l d b e s u p p o r t i n g voter’s right to i n formation to en s u re ou r com mu n it ies thrive. Treating every candidate equally may be fair to the individual candidates but it is unfair to voters and does not meet the spirit of the electoral process.

Bruce Carter is CEO, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at bcarter@victoriachamber.ca or (250) 383-7191

NOVEMBER CHAMBER EVENTS • Wednesday, November 5 Industry Tour: Sitka 9:00 – 10:00 am Location: Sitka • Thursday, November 13 Prodigy Group November Mingle 5:00 – 7:00 pm Location: Madrona Gallery • Thursday, November 20 November Business Mixer 5:00 – 7:00 pm Location: Camosun College (Interurban Campus) • Saturday, November 22 32nd Annual Dinner Auction Gala 6:00 – 10:30 pm Location: The Union Club of British Columbia • Thursday, December 4 Industry Tour: Times Colonist 10:30 – 12:00 noon Location: Times Colonist

7

NOVEMBER 2014

ENGINEERING Engineers look to the future where collaboration is key New technology is changing how engineers do things

BY GOODY NIOSI

T

he engineering profession faces new challenges every day. They are known globally as the world’s problem solvers, and today more than ever, they are taking a global approach to finding solutions to the challenges that face the world – or the issues that affect people in a neighbourhood close to home.

Rick Peleshytyk, a principal in the Kelowna office of Golder Associates, says that locally, engineers constantly have to keep up with changes in building codes.

In British Columbia that currently means making sure that new buildings can withstand earthquakes.

Golder Associates, with its head office in Calgary, consist of more than 50 offices worldwide and is particularly noted for its consultation, design, and construction services in earth, environment, and related areas of energy. The industries it serves include oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, power, transportation and more.

Working in those fields means that the firm has expanded beyond engineering per se.

“Engineering companies aren’t just engineering any more,” Peleshytyk said. “We have engineers and scientists and that includes biologists, soil scientists and landscape architects.”

It is this diversity of skills and expertise that brought Golder Associates into the Bernard Avenue upgrade project in downtown Kelowna, where it worked with Focus Engineering. Golder Associates was responsible for the geotechnical work while the utilities were being replaced, did the asphalt design and also handled environmental monitoring and the landscape architecture for the streetscape.

“I think that’s what a lot of the clients are looking for these days,” he said. “They want companies that can provide a lot of different services.” He added that in his own field of environmental engineering, changes in recent years include more soil remediation in place and risk management rather than simply dumping contaminated soil into the landfill. But here, as everywhere else, the future emphasis is on global

“We want to be able to use the expertise we have across the world and bring that into one project, whether it’s in Kelowna or Alberta or anywhere.”

RICK PELESHYTYK PRINCIPAL, GOLDER ASSOCIATES, KELOWNA OFFICE

Golder Associates provided landscape architectural, consultation, geotechnical and environmental services for detailed design and construction services of the Bernard Avenue project in Kelowna

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collaboration.

“We want to be able to use the expertise we have across the world and bring that into one project, whether it’s in Kelowna or A lberta or any where,” Peleshytyk said. “I know that within Golder, that’s one thing we’re working really hard at: improving our communication systems internally so that people around the world can work on the same project.” He noted that he belongs to a global group of environmental engineers.

“You can put out a question to everyone and it’s amazing the experience and the knowledge that my colleagues have around the world. Tapping into that is what we’re really striving to do. This is probably what a lot of the other larger firms are doing as well. There’s a lot of knowledge out there and a lot of problems are the same SEE ENGINEERS LOOK | PAGE 8

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8

ENGINEERING

NOVEMBER 2014

ENGINEERS LOOK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

technically no matter which country you’re in – and the technology is there to have virtual meetings with people across the world.

I think that’s the biggest change that we’re trying to make in the future.”

For PBX Engineering Ltd. with offices in Victoria (which won new business of the year award 2014 from the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce) and Vancouver virtual meetings amongst staff and clients are the big trend. Managing principal Ian Steele said that it’s a given that technology and software in his company, which focuses on electrical engineering, is constantly evolving. But the game-changer for his staff has been the smart phone.

“For us, as a company, they really are a pretty powerful tool,” he said. “The collaboration and communication that’s possible using a smart phone has really affected our business in a positive way.”

As an example, he pointed to a staff member on-site, who can take a photo with his smart phone and email it back to the office within seconds to get an opinion on an issue.

PBX Engineering works extensively on transportation issues. Steele said that the Regional Transportation Data System in Vancouver looks at routes in the region, measures travel times and provides trip advisory information; that makes a big difference to commuters – and they do it all on their smart phones. Google Street View has also been an evolution for the firm. Steele said that engineers can now virtually drive a roadway.

“That has materially affected how we look at jobs,” he said. “We don’t actually have to do as much site investigation as we

McElanney’s Island Highway Improvement Project in View Royal won the People Choice award at the Association of Consulting Engineering companies of BC annual Achievement Awards used to. There’s always an amount that has to be done, but to get questions answered or to get the layout of a roadway, especially in remote locations, that has been a very powerful tool for us.”

Beyond the more obvious ways a smart phone helps staff collaborate, Steele said that many apps have also proved useful.

PBX Engineering won new business of the year award 2014 from the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Recently someone on a site needed to know the angle of a slope of a concrete pad. Sure enough, he found a level app and had it calculated instantly.

PBX has even developed its own app for the Ministry of Transportation that amalgamates different data sets in the province, particularly for border routes, giving travel time estimates for certain routes.

Related to the innovation of the smart phone and other technologies, Steele said that in the future, his firm is striving to allow more flexibility for staff to work on-site or from their homes, but through a more integrative experience than simply teleconferencing.

“We’re looking for ways, when they’re out of the office, to make that whole experience more seamless. We’ve been exploring that so we’re looking at ways of stretching the work environment and making it less tethered to the physical office. That’s a trend for us.”

For Russ Irish, branch manager of the Nanaimo and Duncan offices of McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd., the big change in recent years is also technology.

He said that in his 35-year career he has seen more changes than his profession had seen in the past 200 plus years.

McElhanney is a firm of civil engineers and land surveyors. Essentially, Irish said that the firm is involved in work that supports the development of communities.

The basics have not changed, he said – but how the work is executed has undergone a revolution.

“The way that we did survey work 35 years ago was more similar to the way that George Washington surveyed than the way we do it today. And that’s the thin edge of the wedge.” He added that engineers are constantly re-learning how to do their jobs.

SEE ENGINEERS LOOK | PAGE 9

ENGINEERING

NOVEMBER 2014

9

Ian Steele says that smart phones and apps have changed the way engineers collaborate and work cooperatively ENGINEERS LOOK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

“It’s a continuum of new techniques that are presented by advances in technology.” He noted that his company has more than 20 offices and 500 staff and about a third of his staff is currently focused on natural gas projects in northern BC. “We’re able to do that because of technology,” he said, noting that recently he teleconferenced with someone in Toronto while they both shared the same images on their computer screens.

“When I want to communicate with my secretary, I send her an email. So the way that I communicate with someone who is 10 metres away is the same way I communicate with someone who is 10 time zones away.”

The McElhanney project former Peerless Road Recycling Center turned a former incinerator site into a new state of the art recycling drop-off center

PBX – A REPUTATION FOR INNOVATION Staff at PBX are adept both within the office and on-site

P

BX Engineering has established itself as one of the lead i ng electrica l consulting engineering firms in BC. With over 18 years of experience operating in three major market areas – transportation, security, and industrial systems – the firm has a reputation for getting things done, and done well.

This past year has been exceptional for PBX, including the management repurchase of the firm from a large US company, rebranding, and the opening of a new Victoria office.

“The return to a locally-owned business model has been pivotal for us” says president Ian Steele.

“Our staff is excited and support from our clients and colleagues has been incredible. We are now positioned to realize the company’s full potential.”

Cory Edgar, lead of PBX’s transportation business unit, believes that the solid reputation is based on the consistent delivery of high-quality designs. “PBX has built a reputation for providing innovative and cost effective engineered solutions for our clients,

including other engineering firms, developers, contractors, municipalities, and transportation agencies. Our projects are diverse, ranging from street lighting and traffic signals to more sophisticated traffic management technologies like reversible lane control systems.”

Through their experience delivering large, specialized projects including the Johnson Street Bridge, Sea-to-Sky Highway, Pitt River Bridge, Golden Ears Bridge, and the Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement project, as well as hundreds of smaller projects, PBX has built an impressive resume.

But the expertise doesn’t stop there.

“Historically, PBX has been known as a transportation system design firm, but our depth goes well beyond into other specialty areas, including municipal water and wastewater, marine ports and terminals, security, and alternative energy. Automation and control encompasses a large portion of what we do,” explains Victoria office manager Andrew Townend.

Townend noted that staff at PBX are adept both within the office and on-site. “We’re a very handson firm. Site services are a large part of what we do. This includes programming, testing, and commissioning – we set ourselves apart

in that regard. You quickly learn which design aspects work and which don’t when you are responsible for commissioning systems.”

While locally based, with a very strong presence on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland servicing all of BC, they are no longer just a BC firm. “We have effectively applied our unique expertise to provide solutions for clients across Canada and around North America” adds Steele. “We have on-going projects in Alberta, the Yukon, the Maritimes, in New York, and in California”.

PBX projects a busy year ahead and is planning for growth.

“Continued support from our clients is enabling us to expand our resource capacity. We’re a strong proponent of the engineering co-op program –in January we’ll be welcoming another student from UVic to our Vancouver Office” notes Steele. The company plans to add several permanent positions over the next year. “As the region expands and infrastructure demands increase, we’re building capacity that will enable us to effectively support our clients’ evolving requirements.”

PBX Engineering maintains four offices in BC – Vancouver, Victoria, Qualicum Beach, and Squamish. Additional details can be found at www.pbxeng.com.

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10 COMMUNITY

NOVEMBER 2014

SIDNEY Sidney offers everything to residents and visitors Seaside town is growing in all the right ways

BY GOODY NIOSI

S

idney is changing – and for those who are part of the change, that is very good news. Denny Warner, executive director of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, s a i d t h a t n e w re t a i l s to re s have been opening in Sidney and they’re thrilled with the reception.

S a n dy B ay nto n , o w n e r o f Waterlily Shoes and Provenance Fine Things is doing so well that she’s about to open a third store in the municipality.

She said that her business is amazing,” Warner reported.

“Month over month her sales improve. Most of her customers come from Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary and Seattle. But she has a strong base of people on the peninsula who support her as well. A lot of people see Sidney now as a shopping destination. It offers an alternative to the chain stores in malls.” She added that without exception, every retailer she spoke to in Sidney shared the same vision: that box stores are not going to threaten their business; in fact they will drive more people to the area and to Sidney’s unique shops.

Scott Thompson of W&J Wilson, a woman’s clothing store with locations in Victoria and Oak Bay, said that he waited four years for the right location to open up in Sidney. Warner gave credit to the Sidney Visitor Centre for driving business to the stores.

“A lot of visitors come through the centre,” she said. “And the sta f f h a s rea l ly encou raged them to ex plore Sid ney. Reta i lers have been i mpressed by the number of tourists who have been convinced to stop and shop in Sidney.” She also gave credit to Mayor and Council for making Sidney pedestrian friend ly a nd for ma k i ng it a beautiful destination. Flower ba s ke t s b e aut i f y t he s pa c e while benches invite people to linger.

“A n d I t h i n k s o m e o f o u r merchants in town have done a really good job figuring out what product lines appeal to people,” she said. “So they offer things that are different and there’s a lot of turnover that encourages repeat visits.” The area is also business friendly,

Its oceanfront location is part of Sidney’s charm

“What we know is that people who live here will shop here and make the town more vibrant and energetic and that will simply enhance the feeling of Sidney as a place to live and a place to visit.”

LARRY CROSS MAYOR, TOWN OF SIDNEY

Mayor Larry Cross says that Sidney’s ambiance continues to draw new residents and visitors

Denny Warner says that good changes are occurring in Sidney

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SIDNEY

NOVEMBER 2014

11

EXCITING CHANGE TAKING PLACE AT PENINSULA SIGNS

Boats - Aircraft - Trailers - Storefronts View-thru Windows - Real Estate Cars - Vans - Trucks - Sandwich Boards Sandblasted Cedar signs - Decals Digital Prints - Banners - Posters Backlit Signs - 3D Lettering & SO MUCH MORE!

Yes we can!

C

hange is taking place at Peninsula Signs Ltd. in Sidney. The company, always known for exceptional oneof-a kind cedar signs and expertly produced storefront signage, has entered the digital age with the addition of a wide format printer.

With digital capabilities, Peninsula Signs produces signage using a variety of media including vehicle wraps, full window graphics, trade show signs, banners and just about any sort of sign that might be needed. On the other end of the scale, it also creates products like contour-cut, full-colour decals and stickers.

Peninsula Signs was founded in 1980 by Bruce Nunn, an oldschool trained sign painter who remains more a sign artist than a painter. The company’s general manager, Susan Norman, is part of the transition Peninsula Signs is currently experiencing. Bruce Nunn is still very much involved with the company, particularly design work, but Norman, who came to the company a year ago with a background in sign making and graphic design, is helping to lead it forward into a new era.

She said that she chose Peninsula

Susan Norman says that Peninsula Signs is an important part of the community Signs for its close connection to the community.

“It’s part of the community,” she said. “It fits into the community.

It’s been here so long. You can walk down the street and everywhere there’s a Peninsula Sign – there’s a connection with just about every business.” The company is locally owned and operated and cares about the community, she said.

Personal service is key to the company’s longevity and success.

Peninsula Signs’ ongoing success hinges on its transition into the much broader world of sign design and manufacturing.

“We’ve just scratched the surface of our capabilities,” Norman said. “Today, when a customer comes in with a request for any kind or style of sign, more than

LOVE OF FASHION DRIVES SUCCESS OF BADEN BADEN BOUTIQUE “The store’s friendly, Owner’s stores carry a range of fashion including cruise and holiday wear

A

love of fashion and a willingness to take a risk is all it took for Barbara Hubbard to start her business, Baden Baden Boutique, in 1984. Thirty years later, Baden Baden Boutique, Barbara’s Boutique and Barbara’s Showroom, in Sidney are known for their chic, high quality, fun fashions. The stores offer a mixture of European and North American designers, with outfits that go from a day in the office, to exploring the city, to a night on the town.

“We also offer exceptional service that matches our fine fashions,” Hubbard said. “The store’s friendly, knowledgeable and highly-trained staff is on hand to provide expert advice if needed.”

Hubbard travels to Europe twice a year, selecting what she calls, “classics with a modern twist” and putting the emphasis on quality, fit and comfort. Women planning a cruise or tropical escape love the Showroom’s travel section, which offers an extensive selection of summer and leisure wear. And with the season of special events

knowledgeable and highly-trained staff is on hand to provide expert advice if needed.”

BARBARA HUBBARD

ever we can simply say, ‘Yes we can.’” She added that new team members at the company bring specific expertise in the latest, leading edge sign technology.

“We now also have the ability to do electric signs, monument signs, wayfinding signage and directories, and 3D building signs with backlit letters, all within our shop.” She added that it is also exciting to be able to still do beautiful handfinished cedar signs and complete storefront signage, as well as everything that is new and cutting edge.

“Peninsula Signs has been successful in the sign business for 34 years,” Norman said. “And yes, we are changing.”

Peninsula Signs Ltd. is at 2064 Henry Avenue in Sidney. www.peninsulasigns.ca

Celebrating 30 Years of

FABULOUS FASHIONS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

OWNER AND PRESIDENT, BADEN BADEN BOUTIQUE

almost here, the stores feature a large selection of dresses, suits, blouses and accessories for formal meetings and seasonal gatherings.

“From casual wear to festive wardrobes, from cruise wear to fun wear, we try to maintain a wonderful selection of fashions,” Hubbard said, adding that customers especially appreciate the Showroom where they can browse on their own, get inspired and spend as much time as they like looking for the perfect item. All three locations are a terrific success.

“I call it ‘real clothes for real people,’” Hubbard said. “The quality is right and the fashion is right. Come to Sidney-by-the Sea; spend some time and delight in our wonderful selection of fashions for all occasions.”

Baden Baden Boutique is at 2485 Beacon Ave. in Sidney. www.badenbadenboutiques.com

Baden-Baden Boutique 2485 Beacon Ave. 250 655 7118 Barbara’s Boutique 2392 Beacon Ave. 250 655 0372 Barbara’s Showroom 104-9840 5th St. 250 655 0372

Sid n ey, BC ww w . ba de nbad en bout iq ue s .c om

12

SIDNEY

NOVEMBER 2014

SIDNEY OFFERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

she said, noting that a new craft brewery is about to open in the area, spurred on by good zoning, excellent available space a nd sk i l led workers. Lastly, Warner also praised the Sidney Business Improvement Area (Sidney BIA) for the work it has done.

“They have a fairly good marketing budget,” she said. “And that’s been helpful in getting the news out about Sidney. The Ch a mb er work s b eh i nd t he scenes to make sure the bylaws are in place to support business – and they’ve been doing their job with the marketing. We’ve got a really good partnership.”

The Sidney BIA was formed only 18 months ago but already it has made a big difference in promoting the municipality to visitors. Cliff McNeil-Smith, the society’s chair, said that of the BIA’s $250,000 budget, almost 80% goes to promoting the area.

“We had a successful brand development process,” he said.

“Our mandate is to increase footsteps i nto ou r bu si ness district.” He added that Sidney’s location made that job anything but onerous. Not only does it enjoy an idyllic setting on the ocean but it is also in the middle of the peninsula’s transportation network: BC Ferries,

The marine sector is an important part of Sidney’s economy the Anacortes ferry, marinas, the highway and the airport are all at Sidney’s doorstep. The Sid ney BI A is promoti ng its

location, its people and what it offers, like the Mary Winspear Community Centre with its 600 seat main hall and 300

seat theatre, that is the home to many events year round. Sidney also has five hotel properties and is home to the Shaw Ocean

Discovery Centre, the third biggest tourist draw on Vancouver SEE SIDNEY OFFERS | PAGE 14

SIDNEY: THE SHORTEST DISTANCE TO FAR AWAY…

T

o ensure the success of conferences and meeti ngs, orga n i zers wa nt to locate a city and venue that attracts participants and fully meets the diverse needs of the event. If you are looking for an affordable, attractive and well-appointed venue, look no further than Sidney. Sidney offers a stunning small town setting, with big town options that are guaranteed to impress even the most seasoned meeting planner.

Located only five minutes from the Victoria International Airport, the Swartz Bay ferry terminal and the Washington State Ferry service dock, Sidney is the gateway and transportation hub of Vancouver Island! Your delegates will save time and money on travel and hotel costs as they can be on Sidney’s doorstep in just minutes from the airport or ferry terminal.

The Mary Winspear Centre (MWC) is the event and conference a nchor i n Sid ney. It

has over 30,000 square feet of modern and f lexible meeting space. T he M WC featu res a large exhibition hall (8100 sq. ft.) that seats 900. It includes an 18 ft. vaulted ceiling, performance stage, drop screen, lighting and sound system and a large commercial kitchen. The 310 seat iconic Charlie White Theatre is an impressive space that is perfect for presentations a nd musica l performances. T he M WC also offers multiple breakout rooms including a boardroom, modern gallery space (perfect for receptions and registration) and four breakout rooms, each with natural light and features local First Nations artwork.

The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa located on the waterfront is a breath of fresh air for meeting and event attendees. Perfect for small corporate meetings and incentive groups, the on-site Event Manager is highly responsive to the needs of both conference delegates and busy meeting planners. Downtown Sidney has six hotels with over 300 guest rooms that include unique independent waterfront hotels, a charming, boutique, European style inn, and two well-recognized brand hotels too. There is something for every taste and budget!

Dive i n a nd host you r nex t

event under the sea! The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Sidney’s aquarium, brings your guests face-to-face with octopus, jellies and many other creatures of the Salish Sea. W hether you’re planning a small meeting, reception (up to 200) or sit down meal, the aquarium and its exhibits create a unique and stunning backdrop your delegates will never forget.

T he St ar Cinema, Sidney’s local, vintage-style theatre offers rentals to conferences for fun team building movie nights or presentations. Re-define the working lunch and treat your delegates to a “playing” lunch at the retro bowling alley just steps away from the Mary Winspear Centre.

Along with unique venues for your meetings, Sidney offers an abundance of options for pre and post activities including whale watching, historical walks, kayaking, skydiving, fishing, crabbing, wine tours and much more!

Sidney is a dynamic small town with charm and quality venues.

A walkable, friendly place with an abundance of great cafes, boutique shops and buzzing with art and culture, the perfect place for your delegates to enjoy!

For a detailed list of hotels, attractions, transportation information, local events and much more visit www.distinctlysidney.ca.

SIDNEY

NOVEMBER 2014

13

LOCAL CABINET COMPANY MAKES ITS MARK Cabinet Works builds quality without compromise

C

Best Traditional Kitchen

CARE AWARDS GOLD WINNER: Best Renovation

CASTLE VIEW

THE GALLERY

CARE AWARDS GOLD WINNER:

Builder: Maximilian Huxley Construction Builder: Maximilian Huxley Construction Designer: Jenny Martin Design Designer: Zebra Design Cabinet Maker: Cabinet Works Cabinet Maker: Cabinet Works A proud member of

Cabinet Works WINNER: 2013 Crystal Awards Business of the Year (1 - 15 Employees) WINNER: 2012 Crystal Awards Outstanding Customer Service

250.652.5081 • www.cabinetworksvictoria.com

abinet Works in Sidney has received significant recognition. T he company won the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Crystal Award for outstanding customer service in 2012; in 2013 it won business of the year for 1 – 15 employees. This year it is entered for entrepreneurial spirit.

What makes Cabinet Works worthy of this kind of recognition? Operations manager, Vivienne Scott said, “We’re very personal and we don’t take anything for granted.

We’ve learned that we need to connect really well with people for them to believe in us, trust us and to feel valued. Certainly, we do great cabinetry, but there are other shops that do great cabinetry. To go that extra step and design something that connects with the client and that comes from within. An extra-nice cabinet can thrill someone’s heart.

They remember the hours we put into understanding what it is they are trying to achieve.”

E a ch proje c t i s cra f te d i n

Cabinet Works’ shop and each receives individual attention from the company’s team of skilled artisans. Its 20 years of service is based on three watchwords: quality, innovation and satisfaction, which adds up to superior liveability – an investment in the client’s quality of life. Cabinet Works builds to a client’s budget..

“What stays constant is the service that we give,” Scott said.

“That never falters. It’s no different if we are building mid to high-end range cabinetry, or a more conservatively priced option. It’s customization without compromise.”

It was an unwillingness to compromise that inspired Neil Scott to start a renovation company in 1980. He became frustrated with the lack of quality in the cabinets he was buying – so he decided to build his own. His son, Jeff joined him and began running the cabinet shop in 1990. Today, Jeff is as focused on quality and service as his father was.

“We have to make sure that everything is done as we promised from the very beginning,” h e s a id . “S u c c e s s i s i n t h e details.”

Cabinet Works is at 11 – 2075 Henry Avenue West in Sidney. www.cabinetworksvictoria.com

A proud member of:

2537 Beacon Avenue (in the Cannery Building) Sidney 250.656.5606 info@waterlilyshoes.com

Provenance Fine Things is Sidney’s newest destination for inspired gift giving, offering an edgy mix of eclectic and indulgent items to embellish your home.

WATERLiLY SHOES

Fans of Pandora, Brighton and Pyrrha jewellery can find everything they desire alongside sought-after Sid Dickens memory tiles, sumptuous candles by Voluspa and delicious body care products from Lothantique France… all perfect to indulge yourself or for gift giving.

Waterlily Shoes Featuring brands located in the such as Fly Cannery Building London, Michael at the foot of Kors, Mjus, AS98, Sidney has become Naot, Clarks and Victoria's go-to Coach; you are sure shop for women to find that perfect wanting the latest must-have shoe or fashion forward boot for Fall. footwear.

We are open every day and Sidney is such a great place to bring your friends for a day of boutique shopping… one of a kind items…. excellent customer service and great eats.

From fine jewellery to trendy tableware to the popular Michael Aram home accessories, Provenance will quickly become your favourite new destination shop!

In the Sidney Pier Hotel 2536 Beacon Ave. Sidney, B.C.

250-656-5676

14

Cliff McNeil-Smith calls Sidney and an “authentic town”

SIDNEY OFFERS

SIDNEY

Donna Petrie says that Sidney is unique because it offers a complete experience

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Island. “ We’re a n a u t h e n t i c tow n , ” Mc Nei l-S m it h said. “We just have to tell our story.”

Sid ney BI A executive d i re c tor a nd e vent l iaison facilitator Donna Petrie sa id t h at wh at makes Sidney so unique is that it offers a complete experience.

“You can grab a coffee, go down to the beach – you’re i n a tow n where every th i ng you need is r i g ht h e re. It’s s u c h a charming setting and in the past maybe Sid ney h a s n’t b e e n prom o te d enough in the destination

poi nts a nd the BI A is really doing an incredible job in working with our industry partners like Tourism Victoria and the Butchart Gardens to promote Sidney as another product and another reason to come to the island a nd maybe stay a l ittle longer.”

Mayor Larry Cross said that the Sidney BIA has made a big difference to the town.

“It has rea l ly added m a rk e t i n g f u n d s ,” h e said. “It has also provided a body, which involves all of our downtown businesses. Donna Petrie is a

NOVEMBER 2014

wonderful marketing and tourism person who has pushed the awareness of our town. Before that we had no individual to do that. And now it’s happ e n i n g.” Howe ve r, h e added that tourism isn’t t he on ly econom ic engine in town. It also has an industrial base near t he h ig hway, a m a r i ne industry and residential construction.

“These other industries are key,” he said. “They provide a steady base to the whole economy. Tourism is really important because it adds to the amount that’s coming to town but if you only have tourism, then you have problems.” He called Sidney a “full service town” that attracts new residents because it provides everything for locals including shopping and professional services. It also offers a plethora of special events throughout the year including the upcoming Fine Arts Show and the Santa’s Parade and Sail Past.

C ro s s s a id it i s c le a r t h a t S i d n e y w i l l c o ntinue to grow, but it must do so w it h a con sidera ble a mou nt of a s t ute planning.

“We don’t want to lose the ambiance and sense of

The Mary Winspear Community Centre offers programs and events year round a small town – that’s really important for residents and visitors alike. However, many of the buildings in our downtown are pretty old, so we’ll have to look at longer term redevelopment and we have

to have a plan. In that plan, we need to talk about densification. We’re looking to grow our population in the downtown area. We’re looking at new buildings with commercial below a nd resident i a l above.

W h at we k now i s t h at people who live here will shop here and make the tow n more vibrant and energetic a nd that w i l l simply enhance the feeling of Sidney as a place to live and a place to visit.”

SELL TODAY, EDUCATE TOMORROW

SALES JOHN GLENNON

H

ave you ever given a presentation to a prospect who seemed ready to buy … but found that, for some mysterious reason, the opportunity went nowhere once your presentation was complete?

Maybe before your big meeting, you were getting only “green light” signals from the prospect. Maybe you decided that, because things seemed to be going so well, and because you’d done such great work up to this point in the sale, you were going to go all out and share everything you had in your arsenal – even adding some new “bells and whistles” that the prospect had not seen before, but was sure to love.

Maybe you thought the presentation went quite well. Maybe you expected a “yes” answer on the spot.

Why, then, did the prospect tell you that it all seemed very interesting, that there was a lot to think about, that the two of you would be in touch? Why did the sale

feel further away at the end of your presentation than it did at the beginning?

One possible explanation: In your excitement to go all out for this prospect, you threw in new elements, new features, new benefits, new pricing, or even entirely new solutions. You added one or more topics of conversation that the prospect had never discussed with you before. And when you did that, you gave the prospect the best reason in the world to postpone a decision: too much information.

If you had left the educating for after the close, you’d have been better off.

Many salespeople make the mistake of believing that one of the objectives of a presentation is to educate the prospect in all the various aspects of the solution, even those that have played no role in the discussion up to this point. Actually, there should be only one objective for a formal presentation— secure a buying decision.

If you have effectively qualified this opportunity–discovered what the prospect wants, why he or she wants it, all the budget issues, and all relevant aspects of the decision process—the only thing left to do is close the sale. How? By demonstrating to the prospect how specific features of the product or service address the specific issues (and only those issues) uncovered earlier in the selling process.

The presentation is not

the place to introduce other features or benefits of the product or service that were not previously discussed or don’t specifically address the needs and wants of the prospect. Yet, many salespeople do just that— bring up additional features and benefits, often in an attempt to demonstrate “added value.” What they actually do is introduce added confusion –which leads to a “think-it-over” response. That means no decision and no sale!

Avoid the temptation to throw in lots of new information. Even one piece of new information about a feature, service, or plan that is unfamiliar to the prospect is enough to stall your forward momentum with the prospect. Don’t try to educate today. Sell today! After the prospect becomes a client or customer, you can take all the time you want to educate him or her on other aspects of your product or service.

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

John Glennon is the owner of Insight Sales Consulting Inc, the authorized Sandler Training Licensee for the Interior of British Columbia.

He can be reached at jglennon@sandler.com, toll free at 1-866-645-2047 or visit www.glennon.sandler. com

15

NOVEMBER 2014

ICONIC VANCOUVER ISLAND CONSTRUCTION FIRM MARKS 50 YEARS “They know the project Campbell Construction Ltd. is one of the biggest on the island

A

s Campbell Construction Ltd . i n Victor i a celebrates 50 years in business, it is performing stronger than ever. The company is one of the largest, and likely the l a rgest genera l cont ract i ng company on Vancouver Island, operating mainly from Nanaimo south to Victoria and through the peninsula.

T he compa ny u nderta kes every kind of project including high-rises, commercial and institutional projects, multif a m i ly d w e l l i n g s a n d e ve n single-family homes. Talking about the long-term success of the company, general manager and operations manager Wayne Farey said, “Probably the primary factor in our success is finding talented people and developing their skills through training. A company is built on people. We maintain scheduled timelines, while never losing our focus on quality and we have a reputation that we perform on time and on schedule. We are one of the few contractors on the island that provide and use

is in good hands and they let us run with it because they trust our expertise and they know we’re going to get it done right.”

WAYNE FAREY GENERAL MANAGER/OPERATIONS MANAGER, CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION LTD.

Wayne Farey, Ken Farey and Archie Campbell are the driving force behind Campbell Construction’s success their own forces for concrete and wood framing, and we even have our own millwork shop.”

Campbell Construction Ltd. wa s e s t a bl i s he d i n 196 4 a s W. Campbell Ltd. by William (Bill) Campbell, Ken Farey and also Campbell’s son, Archie.

Before that, back in the early 1940s, Bill Campbell worked for the long-established company called Looney Brothers and Hamilton, eventually rising up to management. In 1953, Ken Farey, Wayne’s father, started working for the company and a few years later, Archie also joined. All three began their careers as carpenters.

SEE CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 16

Congratulations to Campbell Construction on 50 years of community building.

We design with community in mind.

stantec.com

and congratulates them on 50 years of building the future.

16

NOVEMBER 2014

ICONIC VANCOUVER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

When the Looney Brothers and Hamilton successors decided to retire, they offered to sell the company to Campbell. He turned down the opportunity.

Shortly after that, new buyers were found. It was then that the two Campbells and Farey decided to strike out on their own as W. Campbell Ltd. Their first job was a cabin on Shawnigan Lake, a project worth $6,600.

Farey recalled an old newspaper cl ippi ng show i ng t he three partners in June 1964, introducing their new company

The company recently built the new BMW Dealershsip in Victoria

Campbell Construction completed the iconic New England building

SEE CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 18

The Pier in Sidney was a major project for the community Advanced Products Roofing

CONGRATULATIONS on your 50th anniversary, and thank you for making us a part of your team • Geotextiles & Erosion Control • Concrete Chemicals & Accessories • Masonry Products & Accessories • Building Envelope & Roofing Products

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Congratulations Campbell Construction on this incredible milestone of 50 years!

We look forward to working together on future projects.

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Bus: (250) 746-6251 Fax: 746-7634 office@drycosystems.ca

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Contact Wayne today @ (250) 920-5757

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17

NOVEMBER 2014

Congratulations CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION on 50 years in business

United Rentals thanks Campbell Construction for your business over the years.

Happy 50 year anniversary.

BENSON INDUSTRIES LIMITED Proud Supplier of Kitchen & Bath Cabinetry www.bensonindustries.ca

The Atrium under construction

www.unitedrentals.com

(250) 385-7555

The Atrium is one of Victoria’s newest eye-catching buildings

SINCE 1967

DIAMOND DRILLING LTD.

Congratulations on 50 years of building Victoria!

- From J. Lee Diamond Drilling Ltd’s Management and staff

Concrete Scanning Coring Wall Sawing Floor Sawing Demolition Serving All B.C.

250-479-1251

Congratulations on fifty years and all the best for the next fifty!

Prince George Construction Association

250.562.0065

Congratulations Campbell Construction on 50 years!

250-597-7943

www.pmlbc.com

18

NOVEMBER 2014

The Chelsea is another stylish building completed by Campbell Construction

ICONIC VANCOUVER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Congratulations to Campbell Construction on 50 years in the Industry.

We are proud to have worked with you on many of your projects!

Exterior work including: • Full Building Envelope System • Siding • Stucco • Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) • Metal Cladding

www.hrexteriors.ca • 250-474-5118

to Vancouver Island. He also noted that it took almost no time at all for the company to become well established. It began buildi ng schools a nd ma ny other buildings in Victoria.

“Before you knew it, they were one of the larger contractors in town,” he said.

In 1976, Bill retired and Ken Farey became president; at that time the name also changed to Campbell Construction. The essential things didn’t change, Farey said, “But they started to SEE CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 19

The Aria in downtown Victoria is a new condominium building recently completed by Campbell Construction

50

years

is an incredible achievement, you should be proud!

www.universalsheetmetal.ca

250-652-6771

Congratulations to

Campbell Construction for your 50 years of successful business Victoria office: 250-475-1955 Nanaimo office 250-751-7760

www.canem.com

Clearlite Glass is always happy to provide our services to Campbell Construction.

Best wishes as you celebrate 50 years of excellence!

Contact us today!

250-652-8090 www.clearliteglass.net

19

NOVEMBER 2014

ICONIC VANCOUVER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

take on more work and bigger projects. The goals and values didn’t change. The company remains that way today: it’s based on building a quality product.

It’s not all about the dollar. We like to walk away feeling proud of all the projects we’ve built.”

Wayne Farey joined the company in 1979 as a carpenter apprentice. Eventually he began s up er v i si n g jobs a nd wa s a sup er i ntendent i n t he f ield until 1995, at which point his father moved him into the role

of op e rat ion s m a n a ge r. He said that he grew up with the business.

“I’ve always been interested in building. I was involved i n bu i ld i ng a la rge boat as a teen-ager. I had always taken woodworking and other courses involving construction. I think this company was just bred into me.”

To date, Campbell Construction has worked in the capacity of general contractor/construction manager on hundreds of projects; through its management a nd sk i l led workers it has the ability and expertise to

perform: • excavations, • concrete formwork, • c o n c r e t e p l a c i n g a n d finishing, • wood framing, • rough and finish carpentry, • m i l l w o r k s u p p l y a n d installation.

Campbell Construction is one of the few true general contractors remaining in British Columbia. Farey said that when the company is engaged as a construction manager/project manager, its clients benefit from deep knowledge and a proven

performance record.

“We give our clients the confidence that their project will be completed to the highest standards, on time and on budget.”

Campbell Construction may have started with a mere cabin on the lake, but today it handles projects for major private developers like Concert Properties and Jawl Properties worth anywhere from $15 million to $40 million. Currently Campbell Construction is completing the CRSA building at the University of Victoria worth $60 million.

In the past, the company has built projects like the Commonwealth pool in Saanich and the

A proud partner in the success of Campbell Construction.

Telephone: (250) 248-6261 Fax: (250) 248-6201 Cell: (250) 616-9757 Email: bricky@shaw.ca

MARTIN MALTESEN Owner

SVEND SV VEND VE D MALTESEN MA ALTE A LTE ESEN ES SEN N MASONRY M SON MAS SONR NR RY LTD. LTD. LTD BRICKS & BLOCKS 1175 Franklin’s Gull Road, Parksville, B.C. V9P 1R2 Email: svendmaltesenmasonryltd@shaw.ca

SEE CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 20

Best wishes as you celebrate 50 years.

Well done!

250.388.6864 www.lbcrane.ca





Campbell Construction has built several important hotels

Gravel & Concrete Sales municipalities and the outlying areas of the 6700 VictoriaB.C. CRD also extending our service over the Butler Crescent, 250-652-4484 Malahat and into the CVRD. We have a large Victoria portfolio of mixes designed to meet your & Concrete Sales project’s needs along with a wide varietyGravel of Sooke 6228 Sooke Rd., SookeB.C. washed or crushed sands and stone.

250-642-5296

Duncan

Gravel Sales

Butler Brothers Supplies Ltd. isrun a proud supplier to Campbell Construction.

Butler Brothers Supplies Ltd. is a family company 4998 Langtry Rd, DuncanB.C. thatCongratulations has been supplying South50th Vancouver on your year inIsland business, and best wishes for the future!

250-746-1080 with building supplies since the early 1930’s, along with Ready-Mix Concrete since the 1950’s. Today our focus is primarily on concrete, sand and gravel supply. We currently operate 3 gravel www.butlerbros.bc.ca pits, alongside 3 concrete batch plants, with a large fleet of concrete trucks for prompt delivery.

Providing quality construction service for over 30 years Roll Off Bins • Temporary Fencing • Porta-Potties • Storage Containers • Slinger Services

www.alpinegroup.ca

Alpine Group would like to congratulate Campbell Construction on their 50 year anniversary.

We look forward to working with you for another 50 years.

Local business supporting local business.

20

NOVEMBER 2014

ICONIC VANCOUVER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Alliance Engineering is proud to work alongside Campbell Construction supplying structural steel and miscellaneous metals.

Congratulations on 50 years!

www.alliance-works.com (250) 544-2020

Congratulations on this amazing achievement!

– From all your friends at Island Floor Centre

Phone: 250-475-3323 Email: info@islandfloors.com

Port Theatre in Nanaimo. The company has worked on at least one-quarter of the buildings on the UVic campus in Victoria since the institution opened its doors in the 1960s.

“We have a lot of return business, and we think that says someth i ng about us,” Fa rey said. “We have some customers we’ve been working with for more than 20 years. The feedback we get is about the quality of the product and the timeline – our ability to complete projects within the given timelines.” He added that Campbell Construction also handles servicing at the end of the contract if necessary and receives accolades for prompt attention to minor issues.

Some of the company’s work, such as government contracts, is awarded through a tender process. However, Farey noted that the majority of the work is through private developers.

Typically, the process begins with a concept drawing, and while the company does not get involved in conceptual design, it does offer invaluable input in constructability.

“We try to guide them along to build an economical building,” he said. “We have input at various stages; our idea is to build things economically and

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for longev ity.” T he way the company works with the client is dependent on the client itself. Some take a hands-off approach, Farey said.

“They chose us for a reason.

They know the project is in good hands and they let us run with it because they trust our expertise and they know we’re going to get it done right.” He pointed out that when the company finishes a project, it is finished to the last detail. On a high-rise condominium for instance, the project isn’t complete until the appliances and window-coverings are installed and all a new owner has to do is move in. If there are minor issues like a scratch in the paintwork, the company handles it quickly and efficiently. Most commercial projects are completed to the “tenant improvement” stage, because most offices have distinct requirements that they handle themselves.

Campbell Construction is currently completing numerous projects throughout the lower island area such as Selkirk Waterfront, Shawnigan Lake School, Railyards Phase 3, and The Era in downtown Victoria, a project with commercial on the ground floor and living quarters above. The ground floor will be completed to the typical tenant improvement stage.

The number of crew the company employs varies according

to the number of projects at any given time. Farey said that this past year has been a busy one – and that is not about to change going into 2015. In downtown Victoria you could literally stand on any street corner and see a project completed by Campbell Construction. “ We reg u l a rly h ave m a ny, many projects going simultaneously,” Farey said. “And then there are were also other projects going on around town.” He added that it takes good people to keep all those balls in the air at the same time. He noted that when the company gets this busy, its own crews can number up to 350 people.

“We were averaging about 340 people on our sites for probably about a straight year,” he said.

“It fluctuates – and we’ve got a lot of work coming up next year.” One of those projects is the South Block behind the Parliament Buildings with Concert Properties and Jawl Properties.

The company also has ongoing projects with LeFevre & Company and Alpha Properties.

Things have not always been so busy, Farey said, noting that he has been with the company through more than one economic slowdown, including in the early 1980s when staff had to be pared down to about 15 people.

But the company has great versatility, he said, and that has kept it going through it all.

“We’re a ver y competitive contractor,” he said. “W hen the work is lean out there, we have the ability to aggressively go after the work and make the numbers work – and by mid2015 it looks like it’s going to be very busy on the island again.”

Because of the ups and downs of the economy, long range planning for a company like Campbell Construction isn’t easy, he said. But he certainly has goals and ambitions.

“I plan to be around for a number of years yet,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, I’d like to see the company hit 75 years while I’m still around.”

Campbell Construction Ltd. is at 559 Kelvin Road in Victoria. www.campbellconstruction.ca

21

NOVEMBER 2014

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION

A

lpha Project Developments has been working with Campbell Construction since 2003. Since that time, the developer has turned over virtually every project to Campbell Construction.

“I have a great deal of trust in Wayne and his judgement,” said company partner Fred Rohani.

“They are by far the best people to work with for concrete projects and our projects are mostly concrete.”

Those projects have ranged in size from $3 million to $60 million.

Rohani said that he likes to bring Campbell Construction in at the beginning of the project, long before the foundations are dug.

“We bring them in at the design stages of the project and they are excellent to work with to bring about new ideas to save costs in construction, while maintaining the quality that we want. They also have an excellent quality control as well as outstanding warranty follow-up procedures. We’ve been very happy working with them in terms of warranties.” He added that until Alpha Project Developments began its relationship with Campbell Construction, it had been its own general contractor, a role they were happy to cede.

“We now put our trust in them.

Wayne is extremely reliable and

“We are a one stop shop, which means we take care of the design, risk assessment, planning and the permit process for renovation projects. We have interior decorators on staff and we manage the entire project through our project coordinator.”

ED MCDONALD OWNER, MAC RENOVATIONS LTD.

knows his business really well.”

Alpha Project Developments’ newest project is the 17-storey Legato tower in Victoria. Once again, Rohani said, his company is counting on Campbell Construction to manage the project from the ground up.

Chris LeFevre, owner and president of LeFevre & Company Property Agents Ltd. has also worked

with Campbell Construction for many years.

“I trust them,” LeFevre said.

“They are very capable; they have a huge depth of knowledge; they build to a high quality; they are reliable; and they have a sustained work force. All those things add up to somebody that you can rely on.

They’re unique.”

Along with working on many LeFevre buildings in Victoria, Campbell Construction has also done extensive work at Shawnigan Lake School where LeFevre is the former chair and chair of the building committee. Campbell Construction has worked on dining halls, dormitories, sports facilities, libraries and refurbishment in the main building.

“That building program has been in excess of 10 years,” LeFevre said, adding that he has no doubt he will continue to work with Campbell Construction in the future.

“They allow me to sleep at night,” he said. “I need people I can rely on. Once you establish a relationship like that, you do everything to sustain it, just as they do. You come across people like Wayne Farey once in a while in your business career and when you find them, they’re gold.”

On behalf of Acme Painting (2010) Ltd., We would like to offer our congratulations to Campbell Construction Ltd. on your achievement of 50 years in business. With the quality of people that you employ, your commitment to exceed professional workmanship and outstanding outcome in project completion.

We are sure your next 50 years will be just as successful as the first!

Best wishes to all!

250-474-2981

CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 22

Congratulations to Campbell Construction on 50 great years

Benton & Overbury (Vic) Ltd. is pleased to provide our interior systems expertise to Campbell Construction

www.bentonoverbury.com (250) 474-1251

22

NOVEMBER 2014

GP Systems Best wishes as you celebrate 50 years

250.294.0621

CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Concert Properties Ltd. has been working with Campbell Construction for about 10 years. Senior vice-president Arif Rahemtulla recalls that the first of many projects the firms collaborated on was a Marriott Hotel. Since then, Concert Properties has used Campbell Construction exclusively for work on Vancouver Island.

“We have an outstanding relationship with Campbell Construction, spanning over 10 years,” Rahemtulla said. “In that time we

have collaborated on six significant projects. Campbell brings competent and well experienced field staff and management personnel to every project. They are professional, courteous and have demonstrated willingness to do whatever is necessary to ensure a project’s success. We are looking forward to working with Campbell Construction on our upcoming projects in Victoria.”

Robert Jawl of Jawl Properties Ltd. also intends to keep working with Campbell Construction.

“We have worked with Campbell

Construction over the past 30 years on a wide range of projects,” he said. “We’ve had a long and very productive relationship with them since the early days of their business. We’ve found them to be absolutely first-rate in terms of the quality of the construction services they’ve been able to provide and it’s been a wonderful partnership throughout that time.”

He particularly cited The Atrium in downtown Victoria completed in 2010.

“They did a spectacular job,” Jawl said.

gpsolutions@shaw.ca

A newspaper article form 50 years ago applauds the new company Campbell Construction

CONGRATULATIONS ON 50 YEARS JLT ARE VERY PROUD TO BE THE INSURANCE AND SURETY PARTNER OF CHOICE TO CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION

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ED. L I T O.LT

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WE CONGRATULATE THEM ON THEIR MANY OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND THEIR POSITIVE IMPACT TO CONSTRUCTION ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

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23

NOVEMBER 2014

LED LIGHTING INCREASING IN POPULARITY, DECREASING OPERATING COSTS

H

av i ng the right l ighting is one of the most important choices that a business can make when it comes to energy efficiency in a small business.

Not only that, it also helps create a better setting for employees and customers.

For several years, the owners of the eco-toy store Dilly Dally Kids wanted to use LED lighting in its East Vancouver store, but cou ld n’t f i nd a product that produced the warm light they were looking for. All that changed last year, when they sw itched th ree dozen M R 16 halogen track lights to LEDs for savings estimated at about about 2,500 kWh per year.

With a $312 rebate from BC Hydro on the purchase of the LEDs, the owners expect to pay back their investment on the upgrade in just 18 months.

And they solved two problems they had with the track lighting: frequent burnout and the extra, unwanted, heat produced by the halogen lights.

T he Dilly Dally K ids story underlines both the importance of selecting the right lighting option, and the increasing

popularity of LEDs, which have dropped in price by 85% over the last five years. LEDs are especially suited as a replacement for traditional incandescent or halogen screw-in bulbs.

Replacing traditional bulbs is a fairly simple upgrade for most businesses, and the payback can be less than a year, thanks to Power Smart incentives on efficient lamps. Plus, LEDs have dropped in price an average of 85% over the past five years and are now available in a wide variety of shapes.

But even if a business is replacing high pressure sodium la mps or h igh-bay l ighti ng, LEDS offer increased energy efficiency and a longer lifespan than older lighting technologies. That longer lifespan means that you need to replace lamps less often, reducing maintenance costs.

To find out which LEDs might work in a business, companies can start by looking at the available product incentives to see which LED incentives are available for the type of lighting that is being considered to be replaced.

BC Hydro offers an e.Catalog

YOUR NEXT BUILDING CAN IMPACT MORE THAN JUST THE SKYLINE. Looking for new ways to build better?

BC Hydro Power Smart’s New Construction Program can provide energy modeling funds to help you identify energy-saving measures that will lower operating expenses and increase the value and marketability of your building.

For more information visit bchydro.com/construction.

A13-531

to see all the available LED incentives. There is also an LED screw-in lamps tip sheet which shows if a project is eligible for incentives, as not all replacements are (e.g. replacing CFLs with LEDs). They also offer information about screw-in LEDs, and have Power Smart lighting

experts ready to address frequently asked questions.

The dollar savings ad up. In the past, business owners have received an average incentive of $3,174 by implementing an energy efficient upgrade project, like lighting. The incentive, plus the money saved on energy bills

each year, means companies can reinvest back into what matters most – the business.

T he Power Sm a r t E x press prog ra m prov ides BC bu sinesses with incentives for implementing energy efficiency upgrade projects. www.bchydro.com/express.

WEST SHORE

24

NOVEMBER 2014

PATIENCE FOR MANY RUNNING OUT ALONG THE E&N LINE

WEST SHORE CRAIG SOROCHAN

D

espite reported agreements between VIA Rail, the Island Corridor Foundation and Southern Rail, we appear to be no closer to a concrete funding announcement from the province or feds about upgrading the tracks for t he much r u mou red second coming on the E&N Rail Line.

While the province and other parties struggle to find a suitable funding formula for the E &N Li ne, loca l mu n icipa lities and developers have had to pay millions to upgrade rail crossings for trains that don’t seem to be close to leaving the station. Crossi ng the tracks can be a very costly endeavour, especially if you happen to own property on the E&N Rail Line and hope to build a road crossing. Each crossing can cost

upwards of a million dollars and because of government rules the crossings have to be suitable to handle trains, even though no trains are running.

Locally, this has meant that Victoria, Esquimalt, View Royal and Langford have spent millions to have train-ready crossings over the past few years. All crossings have to be up to the same standards as if the trains were actually running. How long ca n th is conti nue? T he occasional promise of future funding isn’t sitting well with many who are wondering if the province has any intentions of investing in the E&N (as proposed). So t h is u ncer ta i nty leaves us at a switch track; continue spending millions down the same uncertain track, or look at other options that will put the corridor to use in a cost efficient manner.

Population and business growth on the West Shore has been phenomenal and this has been good for the economy of the entire region. It’s to everyone’s advantage to have people, good s a nd ser v ices f low i ng properly throughout the region.

Yet we are still discussing the same transportation solutions that were being put forward in the 1970s.

Progress on the transportation

front on the island seems to be goi ng ex t remely slowly a nd it’s hurting the economy of the enti re reg ion. T he situation su rrou nd i ng the E &N is the antithesis of progression.

Despite the lack of progress, the Island Corridor Foundation and Southern Rail continue to collect public funds and operate with little to no transparency.

It’s been very difficult to get answers to some serious questions. Such as, who is the Island Corridor Foundation accountable to? Has there ever been an audit to see whether the funds the public have given to the ICF and Southern Rail have been wel l spent? T he ag reements that are purported to have been reached with Via Rail are based on the premise that funds will be allocated for upgrades and maintenance of the track. Is there any reason to believe the province is actually going to fund the repairs needed along the tracks to get the trains going again?

One has to wonder i f we should be looking at alternative uses of the E&N corridor, so that we can actually utilize the amazing passageway at our disposal. The current uncertainty regarding the status of the E&N corridor is a burden on local businesses/governments

and cannot continue.

The West Shore is now one of the most vibrant areas on Vancouver Island and the growth will continue in the years to come. There already is demand for alternative transportation options, aside from busses and HOV lanes. Now think about 20 years from now.

Upgrading the tracks for rail is going to be a costly endeavour and it does not appear as though the Feds or the Province are set to provide funds to get things going in the near future. T his appears to be a great time to start looking at what else can be done to utilize the tracks in a cost effective manner. If the corridor is paved instead of tracks being laid, can the corridor be used for transit and emergency services? What would this cost?

How many people could a versatile roadway for emergency and transit vehicles move in and out of the city? There are a lot of interesting questions t h at we don’t k now t he a nswers to, but they are worth investigating now.

We know that there are already congestion problems on the Galloping Goose Trail because of high traffic amongst pedestria ns a nd cycl ists. At least we should be able to get

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the bike/pedestrian sections of the trail completed as soon as possible, so that we can start to move people down the corridor.

The case for completing the pedestrian sections of the trail is easier to make because many sections of the trail are ready and just need to be connected.

Let’s hope that the CRD can get this project wrapped up as soon as possible because the demand is already there.

To build a corridor like the E&N trail from scratch today it would be in the 100s of millions and perhaps billions of dollars. L ocal governments and businesses along the corridor deserve some concrete answers about the viability of this project in the long term. The complex series of agreements that have been reached to preserve the E &N corridor shou ld be applauded but now we need to move forward with a plan to put the corridor to use in a reasonable and economically sustainable fashion as soon as possible.

Craig Sorochan is manager at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce.

Reach him at 250-478-1130 or craig@westshore.bc.ca

25

NOVEMBER 2014

PLAN B HAS A PLAN A “Every one of our tags Brand recognition front and centre for Plan B Imprinting Ltd.

I

mprinting a logo and name on a metal badge might seem like a simple process that almost anyone can do. Not so. Imprinting and doing it well is a skill and an art form, one that Plan B Imprinting Ltd. in Victoria has mastered.

Since 2001, Plan B Imprinting has provided the banking, insurance, hospitality, retail and sales professions with high quality handmade name tags, doorplates and desk signs. The tags and signs are of such exceptional quality that customers often see them as trophies.

“Customer service is something that we really strive to excel at,” said director and operations manager Jessie Edwards. “And everything we have is hand-crafted so the excellence of our product is very high. We aim to be the best out there – and they are beautiful, especially compared to a lot of other similar products.” She pointed out that there are companies that work on quantity and speed, pushing through products on an assembly-line basis. Plan B, on the other hand, focuses on quality and customer satisfaction.

“Every one of our tags and signs is hand-crafted and goes through multiple levels of quality control before it is sent out,” Edwards said, adding that the quality is obvious to customers. Client recommendations account for a massive amount of the company’s orders.

In the past two years, Plan B’s sales have doubled – and the company is only now beginning a marketing campaign.

Plan B was founded in 1999 and purchased by Edwards’ father, Jay Brown in 2001. Brown, an

and signs is hand-crafted and goes through multiple levels of quality control before it is sent out.”

JESSIE EDWARDS DIRECTOR AND OPERATIONS MANAGER, PLAN B IMPRINTING LTD.

entrepreneur, had been working at the company and when the business was put up for sale he saw a terrific opportunity with a firm delivering a top quality product. In 2010, he passed away and Edwards’ brother, who was studying to be an engineer, took over the reins for a year. Edwards, who had a degree in microbiology and was working at the Centre for Disease Control in the administration department, moved to Victoria in 2011 to take over the business.

“My strengths are in administration,” she said. “I’m very good at finding deficiencies and making a company work smoothly and well.

I can see the overall big picture and where energy and emphasis needs to be placed.” That talent meant a great deal to the company. Edwards said that there was work to be done in setting up systems when she took over. However, the basics were in place, as was a talented and skilled team of craftsmen.

“We’ve always focused on customer service and excellence in products,” she said. “Now, not only do we have processes in place to make the company operate efficiently, but we’re also growing.” As a matter of fact, in early October, Plan B moved into new premises on David Street. The company purchased the building earlier in the year and renovated the interior, almost doubling its space from its previous site.

“I wa nt to have a work i ng

Jessie Edwards says that Plan B strives to excel at customer service

Plan B works with clients to design the right signs and badges

name tags. Edwards also pointed out that there is no minimum order. A business can order one or one hundred badges.

“We work hand-in-hand with our clients to decide on the design that best suits their needs,” she said. “If a client comes to us with an order and gives us their logo, but they don’t have an idea of how they want it to look, we’ll give them three to five options and then we’ll just go from there. Once they give us the go-ahead, we take it from there.

They can order one at a time or fifty or more.”

Plan B has customers that have working with them for 10 years or longer and now that the business is growing rapidly, Edwards is working with outside consultants to build a marketing program to attract even more customers.

“We want to be the number one name badge company for banks and higher end companies,” she said. “Brand recognition is the next step for us.”

Plan B Imprinting is a proud member of: Canadian Association of Family Enterprise Vancouver Island Chapter Passionately Committed to the Success of Families in Business www.cafecanada.ca/chapters/ vancouver-island Plan B Imprinting Ltd. is at 3 – 615 David Street in Victoria. www.planbltd.com

environment that encourages creativity and pride,” Edwards said. “We really feel it’s a family environment here. We have open communication where we discuss everything, including ideas.”

While Plan B is known for its work with large companies, particularly the banking industry, small business owners have also discovered the excellence of the firm’s work, and that customer base has been growing significantly. Any business that has staff dealing with the public is well served to order metal

Name badges are of exceptional quality

Mann, Moulson and Co. Certified General Accountants

Thomas A. MacGregor, CPA, CGA, LPA Partner tom@mannmoulson.ca

Kerri Gibson, CPA, CGA, CFP

Partner kerri@mannmoulson.ca

Proud to work with Plan B Imprinting Ltd. Suite 702 – 1803 Douglas St. Victoria, BC V8T 5C3

T: (250) 386-3405 F: (250) 361-3188

Clients are presented with choices of designs

mannmoulsonandco.ca

26

TECHNOLOGY/INVENTING

METALAB – CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE INTERFACE AT A TIME One strategic decision that paid big dividends was an audacious and unsolicited redesign of Zappos, the online

TECHNOLOGY ROB COOPER

shoe store with about a billion dollars in annual revenues.

T

here are a couple of barriers in building a business in Victoria if you want to compete for business on an international level. One is having the confidence to compete at such a level, and the other is access to large-market clients.

MetaLab, a local 60+ person agency chose to simply ignore those barriers.

MetaLab currently specializes in designing interfaces (apps, web services, websites) and has also launched several online products and services. These include Flow (workflow management), BallPark (time tracking and invoicing) and PIxel Union (creative themes for platforms like WordPress, Shopify and

Tumblr). Clients such as TedX, Apple, Google and a host of other Fortune 500 companies are the standard for MetaLab. Andrew Wilkinson started the firm in 2007 as a single person design firm, and quickly grew a consulting and design team, while concurrently launching successful side projects.

One strategic decision that paid big dividends was an audacious and unsolicited redesign of Zappos, the online shoe store with about a billion dollars in annual revenues. Seeing some rough edges with the site and an

opportunity for big improvement, Wilkinson spent the time to redesign the site and then shared the results in a public letter to CEO Tony Hsieh.

While Metalab didn’t win the Zappos account, the controversy and conversation that stemmed from the public letter brought a lot of exposure to the company, and was critical in lifting its international status. Similar unsolicited redesigns for companies like Facebook and CollegeHumor. com also built some great relationships and drove similar leaps in recognition. Despite the early successes, Wilkinson remains refreshingly humble. He’s quick to credit his team and has the belief that more people could succeed in this sort of entrepreneurial fashion if they would “just take the first step and start something.”

In his words, “You don’t need a factory anymore to start a business. If you have a concept that will work on the web you can get up and running on $100 a month.”

Rob Cooper is a Director at VIATeC and founder of PlusROI Online Marketing, a strategic web marketing firm. He can be reached at Rob@PlusROI.com

NOVEMBER 2014

PATENTING GENES

INVENTING ANNE FLANAGAN

A

fter years of the US Patent Office granting patents for human genes, it appears that human genes may no longer be patentable. This is good news for some and bad news for others. It is good news for those people who do not agree that something produced by nature should be patentable. Some say it is good news for patients as well. It is bad news for biotechnology companies - potentially very bad news.

The US Supreme Court recently ruled that two cancer-associated genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, owned by Myriad Genetics, are not patentable.

Biotech companies fear that this will be extended to all genes, and potentially proteins as well. After all, there is no reason why it would be restricted to just human genes. Such an outcome could be catastrophic for both agricultural and medical

biotech companies.

While the ruling seems clear and potentially very broad reaching, there are complications. The main complication is that the ruling pertains only to “natural human genes”.

Genes that have been modified are not included. Some researchers contend that the mere removal of a gene from the genome constitutes modification. This clearly is not the case. What about synthetic DNA? Synthetic DNA is made in labs routinely by complementary DNA synthesis to produce cDNA or by chemical synthesis. If that DNA is exactly the same as the natural DNA - is it modified DNA? Do the researchers have to put in changes to the DNA to modify it so that it is no longer “natural”? If they do, how much change is needed?

While the researchers are scratching their heads, wondering how to make gene sequences that can function in the desired manner, while being different enough from the natural gene sequences to be patentable, US patent attorneys are scratching their heads.

All in all, what appears to be a clear ruling has left biotech companies and their patent attorneys in a mess.

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

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27

NOVEMBER 2014

HOBSON WOODWORKS WINS GOLD “For my team and me to Local company noted for fine woodworking

H

obson Woodworks Inc. has struck gold. After years of entering the Victoria Residential Builders Association CARE awards and winning nine Silver awards, this year, Hobson Woodworks took home Gold for its stunning work on a Mexican inspired house called La Haciendita.

“For my team and me to get the recognition for all the hard work we put into this project that was so heavily detail oriented was fantastic,” said company president Geoff Hobson. “All those hours and days that were put into this project: to actually be recognized for it in the industry was a great honour.” The Victoria-based company worked closely with the clients and the design company, The Sky is the Limit, to create the dream kitchen. Hobson noted that typically, the company is asked to build modern or arts and crafts style cabinetry. This project was completely unique.

“We had never done a project with this amount of inspirational flair,” he said. “It had to be authentic looking – inspired by Mexican homes. The cabinets themselves had to be knotty alder and they

get the recognition for all the hard work we put into this project that was so heavily detail oriented was fantastic.”

GEOFF HOBSON PRESIDENT, HOBSON WOODWORKS INC.

Geoff Hobson says that quality is “business as usual” for Hobson Woodworks had to be distressed to make them look anywhere from 50 to 100 years old.” To do that, the team at Hobson Woodworks got creative and tried out a few things like beating the wood with a chain and a chisel, and scraping it with nails – all to make it look rustic. Staining and glazing was a six-step process to give it the authentic, old look.

“It was quite a delicate art,” Hobson said, noting that he and his shop foreman, with 30 years of experience, didn’t start blind. They had done distressing in the past and had good ground to start from.

Still, they worked on samples before committing to the final product. He said that the La Haciendita kitchen took about twice as much time to complete as it normally takes – but time is no issue for the company

where quality and perfection is concerned. The result was not just a Gold CARE award, but also a happy client who still praises the kitchen a year later.

“It’s always nice to stop and take a few minutes at the end of a project,” Hobson said. “Sometimes we don’t because the next one is already lined up and going. But it’s great to look back and know it really did turn out great – that it was worth all the sweat equity put into it.” He added that putting quality into the work is never a conscious thought – rather, it would be unthinkable for the company not to do quality work.

“I just consider that’s the way it should be. I like enjoying quality things myself and I believe that when you’re paying money to have something done, you want to get

your money’s worth. We’re really proud of the workmanship we put into everything we do. We don’t have it in ourselves to do anything less than to put out our best effort.

We’ve carried that philosophy from the beginning.”

The beginning was when Hobson decided to quit being a fishing guide and turn his passion for finish carpentry into a full-time job. After a couple of years working for other people, he struck out on his own in 2004. In 2012, after becoming well known for exquisite finishing carpentry, he opened his custom cabinetry division.

The company’s areas of expertise include fine finish carpentry, on-site trimming services, custom cabinetry and millwork, built-ins, and storage systems. With its 3,200

sq. ft. millwork and cabinetry shop, it is able to execute any custom carpentry job required in residential or commercial construction projects.

Hobson said that 90% of the company’s work is in renovations and new home construction – and Hobson Woodwork can do it all, from closet manufacturing to installing handrails. Through its contacts in the industry, it can also coordinate counter installations, making it almost a one-stop shop for the customer. Very few companies have the wealth of experience that Hobson Woodworks does, especially on high-end custom projects.

“We have experience doing it under pressure and doing the unique items,” Hobson said, adding that the company also knows how to bring in projects economically: on time and on budget. As the president of the company, he is also the general manager and works handson with his team and the customers.

Customer service is also important, he said – even if a doorknob needs adjusting after two years, it gets handled quickly and efficiently.

Hobson said that although he has expansionplansforthecompany,customerserviceremainsthetoppriority.

“We want to ensure that we stay with the vision we had in the beginning, which is to put out the best product we can.”

Hobson Woodworks Inc. is at 130 – 2932 Ed Nixon Terrace in Victoria. www.hobsonwoodworks.com

La Haciendita’s Mexican inspired kitchen won a Gold CARE award

HOBSON WOODWORKS IS EXPERT AT ALL STYLES OF CUSTOM CABINETRY

Jo-Ann Richards, Works Photography

Joshua Lawrence Photography

2014 CARE Awards

2|

3|

1 | Windjammer – Terry Johal Developments winner of 6 Gold Awards including Project of the Year and People’s Choice Award 2 | Churchill Farm – GT Mann Contracting Ltd, Gold winner of Best Single Family Detached Custom Home over 3,500 sq. ft. and Best Master Suite (New or Renovated) over 500 sq. ft.

1 | 3 | Cadence – TS Williams Construction Ltd. and KB Design Gold Award for Best Single Family Detached Home over $1,000,000

28

CELEBRATING

WEST SHORE

2014 Best of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce Awards

E

“ I ’m S e x y a nd I K now It” Award to the best Aesthetics, Hair, or Spa service provider: Santé Spa

‘Taste of Excellence’ Award to the best new food service provider: Brown’s Social House

“Work Ha rd, Play Ha rder” Award went to the best recreation provider: WildPlay Element Park

nvironmental Stewardship Award went to an organization committed to running an eco-friendly operation: Royal Roads University

“Healthy as a Horse” Award for best Veterinary care provider: Juan De Fuca Veterinary Clinic

“ B r i n g Ho m e T h e B a c o n” Award for the best independent grocery store: Quality Foods “Shop ‘Till You Drop” Award to the best new reta i l goods business: Capital Iron (West Shore) ‘Show Me The Money’ Award to t h e b e s t B a n k o r C re d i t Union: Coast Capital Savings

Congratulations to all the winners at the 2014 Care Awards from Megson FitzPatrick megsonfitzpatrick.com

‘If You Build It..’ Award to the best recent or ongoing development project: Westhills “New Business of the Year” Award to the best new business opened within the past two years: Origin Bakery – Colwood “Business of the Year” Award for the best business citizen in the West Shore: Saunders Subaru

NOVEMBER 2014

VICTORIA

The Freebird Collective launches with a gala event

M

ore than 100 members of Victoria’s small business community gathered yesterday evening to celebrate the launch of the Freebird Collective — an innovative new branding and marketing business — and to award a lucrative $10,000 prize to the winner of the Freebird Contest.

Out of more than 50 entries for the Freebird Contest, five finalists were selected and entered to win the grand prize of a complete reimagining of their brand story: a new website and logo, copywriting, social media, business photography, marketing strategy, and community connections — a prize package valued at $10,000.

West Coast Roar, a retailer carrying apparel and safety gear for motorcycle riders, with a particular emphasis on outfitting female riders, was the grand prize winner.

“The owners of West Coast Roar not only showed passion and dedication to their business, but they also showed the same commitment to their community. We really felt that their genuine excitement about what they do matched the energy of why they do it,” says Freebird Rebecca Kirstein. “We also felt that their brand transformation would have the most impact on their business, in our community, and in all the communities that they reach with their

Winner West Coast Roar, Greer Stewart (centre) and Joley Baker (right) of West Coast Roar, with runner-up Laura Watters of Snowdon House (left) fundraising initiatives.”

The runners-up are: Telling Our Stories, Club Kwench, Snowdon House Gourmet and Gifts, and Men’s Trauma Centre Dave Campbell, Regional Manager of Business Banking at Island Savings, the presenting sponsor, was on stage to honour the five finalists.

“Just like the Freebird Collective, our mission at Island Savings is to help small businesses on the Islands flourish—so the opportunity to welcome this incredibly creative group to the Victoria community was an absolute privilege,” says Campbell.

The Freebird Collective is an innovative and strategic alliance of freelance branding and marketing specialists based in Victoria and working globally. Eight professional women comprise the collective and offer an array of services: Rebecca Kirstein (photographer), Anna McKenzie (photographer), Frances Kinloch (marketing consultant), Niki Campbell (web developer), Kim Timothy (graphic and web designer), Andrea Ting-Letts (content writer), Carolyne Taylor (community builder and event producer), and JUHLi SELBy (social media consultant).

WHO IS SUING WHOM

NOVEMBER 2014

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

DEFENDANT 0700805 BC Ltd 200-7134 King George Hwy, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF Windsor Building Supplies Ltd CLAIM $ 14,918 DEFENDANT 0776197 BC Ltd 2700 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Acacia Landscaping Inc CLAIM $ 11,714 DEFENDANT 0952482 BC Ltd 225 Vancouver Ave, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Windsor Building Supplies Ltd CLAIM $ 14,918 DEFENDANT 0952482 BC Ltd 225 Vancouver Ave, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Windsor Building Supplies Ltd CLAIM $ 8,025

DEFENDANT 1953 Developments Ltd 225 Vancouver Ave, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Windsor Building Supplies Ltd CLAIM $ 14,918 DEFENDANT Abstract Developments Inc 1976 Oak Bay Ave, Nanaimo BC PLAINTIFF Davison, John CLAIM $ 21,964 DEFENDANT Amorous Homes Ltd 6054 165th St, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF Windsor Building Supplies Ltd CLAIM $ 25,651 DEFENDANT Amorous Homes Ltd 6054 165th St, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF Windsor Building Supplies Ltd CLAIM $8,025 DEFENDANT Amorous Homes Ltd 6054 165th St, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF Windsor Building Supplies Ltd CLAIM $ 15,080 DEFENDANT Artsee Eyewear Ltd

602-732 Broughton St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Uncommon Cents Presentations Inc CLAIM $ 37,952 DEFENDANT Ashya Properties Ltd 6054 165TH St, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF Windsor Building Supplies Ltd CLAIM $ 14,918 DEFENDANT Barak Enterprise Ltd 2700 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Acacia Landscaping Inc CLAIM $11,714 DEFENDANT BC Jade Designs 1-33 Manzanita Rd, Galiano Island, BC PLAINTIFF Yang, Ze CLAIM $ 25,156 DEFENDANT CBS Prehung Doors Ltd 200-1260 Shoppers Row, Cambell River, BC PLAINTIFF Gentek Building Products Limited CLAIM $ 29,910 DEFENDANT Central Island Salvage Ltd 2530 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, BC PLAINTIFF

Client: McGregor & Thompson / Size: 9.8” X 6.2” / CMYK / BUSINESS EXAMINER

Berk’s Intertruck Ltd CLAIM $ 10,385 DEFENDANT Century Group Constructors Inc 5150 Cordova Bay Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Wall To Wall Top To Bottom Cleaning Service CLAIM $ 12,608 DEFENDANT Davey Consulting & Agrology 2881 Virago Place, Ladysmith, BC PLAINTIFF Smith, Nolan CLAIM $ 25,216 DEFENDANT Davey Holdings Ltd 201-156 MORISON AVE, Parksville, BC PLAINTIFF Smith, Nolan CLAIM $ 25,216 DEFENDANT Duncan Tire (1999) Ltd 157 Trunk Rd, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Duncan Tire Ltd CLAIM $ 205,847 DEFENDANT Gartside Marine Engines Ltd 9830 4th St, Sidney, BC PLAINTIFF Kramar, Robert CLAIM

29 $ 5,216 DEFENDANT Macintosh Homes Ltd 505 5th St, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Brooks, Steve CLAIM $9,336 DEFENDANT Mann’z Home Inspection 7250 144th St, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF Sangha, Ranbir CLAIM $ 23,356 DEFENDANT Maximilian Huxley Building And Renovations 3295 Midland Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Slegg Construction Materials Ltd CLAIM $ 21,299 DEFENDANT Suzy’s Landlord Holdings Ltd 4192 Beckwith Place, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Bc Traditional Homes Ltd CLAIM $ 119,237 DEFENDANT Wc Eveson Holdings Ltd 301-830 Shamrock St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Canadian Western Bank CLAIM $ 978,972

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE CONSTRUCTION SPECIALTIES WASHROOM ACCESSORIES ELECTRONIC SECURITY DOORS & FRAMES LOCKERS

McGregor Thompson has been providing quality products to the construction industry for 50 years. Over that time, we’ve built relationships with clients, suppliers, and employees with honesty and respect, relationships that inspire and motivate us every day. For the past years and for all the years to come — thank you. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Visit our expanded showroom at 466 Bay St., Victoria, 250.383.8666 Serving Victoria since 1990.

Find out more about us at www.mcgregor-thompson.com C A L G A R Y | K E L O W N A | N A N A I M O | S E A T T L E | VA N C O U V E R | V I C T O R I A

Version 1

30

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

To get in Movers and Shakers, call Thom at 250-661-2297 or email thom@businessexaminer.net Royal LePage Victoria announced its top producers for the month of September. Those recognized include: James Liu, Sarah West, Morley Bryant, Tammy Hatter, Rick Hoogendoorn, Sharen Warde, Paul Holland, Kellie Elder, Saira Waters, David Stevens, Neil Bosdet, Beth Hayhurst, Lorenda Simms, Tasha Noble, Rosemarie Colterman, Tammi Dimock, Brenda Russell, Tom Fraser, John Monkhouse, Kami Norman, Marlene Arden, Mark McDougall, Shaunna Jones, Vicky Turner.

ScotiaMcLeod’s McCrodan Tarangle has welcomed Mandy Curran to its Wealth Management team, located at 400-1803

Douglas Street.

Bagheera Boutique has opened its doors for business, located at 618 Broughton Street.

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is set to begin its $14-million expansion and renovation in March 2016. The development is set for completion within 18 months of the start date, if all goes according to plan.

The contract was awarded to Vancouver’s Lang Wilson Practice in Architecture Culture Inc. and Victoria’s Moore Architecture Inc. XS Cargo, a retail chain that sells name brand goods for distressed companies, is going out of business. The nationwide company’s eight BC locations, including the Victoria store at

3090 Nanaimo Street, will be closing their doors.

McGeachie’s Foam & Upholstery celebrated the opening of its second store, located at 2103 Douglas Street.

The Children’s Heath Foundation of Vancouver Island has named Catherine Schissel as its director of community investment and Norma Cameron as its director of development.

Alan Macnab has been named the recipient of the Canadian Geotechnical Society’s G.G. Meyerhoff Award, recognizing outstanding and exceptional contributions to the art and science of foundation engineering.

NOVEMBER 2014

Wally Buono, former head coach and current vice-president of the BC Lions, is being inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame.

Uptown Shopping Centre was the recipient of three national Maple Leaf Marketing Awards from the International Council of Shopping Centres. The awards were won in categories of publicity, customer service experience and engagement, and cause-related marketing.

Blue Beetle Books Inc. has launched a new division for the custom publishing company, Blue Beetle Creative Media, which offers communications services for small-to-medium sized businesses.

ViVi Therapy celebrated the

grand opening of its new location at 1271 Pandora Avenue. The business has been offering massage therapy, acupuncture and other services since 2006.

Vintage Hot Tubs is celebrating it 36th anniversary this year, with locations at 2020 Blanshard Street in Victoria, and 102-2374 Millstream Avenue in Langford.

The Greater Victoria Automotive Salespeople of the Month for September have been announced, and include: Cam McFarlane of Harris Auto, Dave Darveau of Metro Toyota, Joe Halasz of Pacific Mazda, Murray Chapman of Wheaton, Graham Clarke of Audi Autohaus, Sandi Hester of Volkswagen Victoria, Matt Kennard of Porsche Centre Victoria, Adam Mikasko of

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

NOVEMBER 2014

Three Point Motors, Sean Wall of Victoria BMW, Patrick Taylor of Volvo, Mario Velazquez of Wille Dodge, Justin Stacey of Jenner, Lloyd Jones of Campus Honda, Roland Buehler of Campus Infinite, Nelson Chan of Graham KIA, Frank Pecorelli of Campus Nissan, Phil Hines of Saunders Subaru, David Kim of Campus Acura.

for the apple operating system.

The game is now available throughout North America, Europe and other regions for iOS devices.

The new Victoria chapter of the Ladies Learning Code has launched, joining 17 other chapters across Canada to offer beginner-friendly tech education for women and children.

Duncan-based Island Java Bags, which makes purses, totes and messenger bags from burlap coffee sacks, has increased its production by 30 percent with the addition of a new industrial sewing machine provided by Oughtred Coffee & Tea.

The Vitamin Shop, located at 1212 Broad Street, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

David Goldstein, current President and Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association will be stepping into the same role with the Canadian Tourism Commission, effective December.

TinyMob Games has launched its fantasy warfare game Tiny Realms

School District 63 has awarded Heatherbrae Construction with construction management for the seismic upgrade to Parkland Secondary School.

Jersey City has sold its licensed sports apparel locations to LIDS Sports Group.

Munro’s Books has been highlighted as one of the world’s most exotic bookshops in a new book by author Jen Campbell.

Winners of the 2014 annual Care Awards have been announced.

Winners include: Gordon English of Genco Construction Ltd., Falcon Heights Contracting Ltd., Terry Johal Developments Ltd., GT Mann Contracting Ltd., West Coast Contemporary Homes, TS Williams Construction Ltd., KB Design, MAC Renovations Ltd., NZ Builders Ltd., The Sky Is The Limit Design, Story Construction Ltd., Jason Good Custom Cabinets, Goodison Construction, Maximilian Huxley Construction, Zebra Design, Citta Group, Jenny Martin Design, Mada Construction, New West Development Corp., Coast Prestige Homes, Hobson Woodworks Inc., South Shore Cabinetry, Sidney Architectural Millwork & Cabinets Co., Metropolitan Capital Partners, Aryze Developments, Verity Construction, Patrick Morrison of We Paint Inc., Limona Construction, Bill Patterson of Citta Group, Matt Peulen of Metropolitan Capital Partners, Brandon Graham, Michael Barrodale.

Beaver Gift Shop is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Peninsula Co-op has announced its Board of Directors for the 2014-15 term. Members include: Paul Hames, Gordon Griffiths, Ron Gaudet, Cathy McIntyre, Mike Fecteau, Grant Hilliard, Patti Hunter, Pat Fafard, Doug Potentier.

31 Shopping Centre in the late Fall.

The University of Victoria has announced the appointment of Peter B. Gustavson CPA, FCA to its Board of Governors.

Russell Nursery is celebrating its 22nd anniversary, located at 1370 Wain Road.

ScotiaMcLeod has welcomed the addition of Kevin Lockwood, Peter Chambers and David Burden to its team.

ReMax Alliance congratulated its top performing associates for the month of August, including: Ron Neal, Karen Love, Laura Godbeer, Chris Cochrane, Robyn Wildman, Gary Alberts, Alex Burns, Thaddeus Monckton, Julie Swift, Steve Duben.

Lori Elder Lori Elder, communications consultant and former Manager of Communications & Community Relations for Volunteer Victoria has launched PR4Good. This local communications firm supports non-profits and small business with strategic communication needs.

Story Construction has been awarded a tenant improvement contract for a new Escents Aromatherapy retail location slated to open at Uptown

The Victoria Advanced Technology Council has welcomed Jennifer Jacques of Schneider Electric, Elizabeth Dutton of UsedEverywhere.com, Tim Teh of KANO/APPS and Scott Dewis of RaceRocks 3D to its Board of Directors.

Budget Blinds celebrated its grand opening, located at 100915 Fort Street.

Prospect Lake Golf Course is celebrating its 40th year under the ownership the Steele family, formerly purchased by Cedric and Dorene Steele in 1974.

SEE MOVERS AND SHAKERS | PAGE 33

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

NOVEMBER 2014

Larry Stewart is the new owner of Ocean Point Realty in Ladysmith.

Dona Garland has been named the new owner of Curves Ladysmith, located at 21 High Street.

Maple Bay branding firm Taiji Brand Group has been awarded the rebranding assignment for American Iron & Metal. Based out of Montreal, American Iron & Metal is a global metal recycling company with revenues in excess of $1.5 billion.

Elizabeth Biberger, Wendy Klyne, Wendy Mitton, and Kenton McNutt were Royal LePage Duncan Realty’s top producers for the month of August 2014.

Modern Windows will be closing its Duncan location as of October 31. The company will still be running out of its Courtenay and Powell River locations. Jason Clayton, formerly with the company, will be moving back to his former company, Mouse Trap Marketing.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

RG Properties has announced that Saveon-Foods has extended its naming rights for the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre for another 10 years.

Guy Bezeau has sold ReMax Ocean Pointe Realty in Ladysmith to a buyer from Saskatoon.

Bezeau will remain active as a real estate agent.

Trail Appliances is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

RE/MAX of Duncan – Mill Bay recognized Maria Ng, Don McClintock and Doug Irving as their top individual performing associates for the month of August. The top three performing teams were Kim Johannsen’s Team, Cal Kaiser’s Team, and Debbie Meiner’s Team.

The Vancouver Island Salt Company, founded

by Andrew Shepherd, was awarded $100,000 as winners of a national contest sponsored by Telus and the Globe and Mail. The money will go towards helping the company go global.

We didn’t stop at just flags.

Colwood City Council is considering plans to move the current Colwood municipal hall location at 3300 Wishart Road, making it a more accessible and central location.

Island Outfitters is celebrating its 20th anniversary, located at 3319 Douglas Street.

David Busch

Victoria will be hosting the upcoming annual Western Canadian Music Awards ceremony and BreakOut West music industry conference.

David Busch, a local lawyer and registered nurse, has launched his campaign to become the Conservative nomination candidate for the new federal riding of Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke.

Winchester Galleries is celebrating 20 years in operation.

Robert Stewart-Patterson of Central Saanich’s Boulders Climbing Gym has set a new Canadian Men’s Speed Climbing record at the International Federation of Sport Climbing World Cup event.

Greg Hays, Silvia Marcolini and Takashi Ito have been inducted into the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association’s Hall of Fame.

33

Local service on Vancouver Island.

Camosun College is celebrating its 20th year of offering the Leadership Development certificate program.

Stevenson Luchies & Legh has welcomed Emily Drown and Justin Hanson to its Sooke team, located at 6689 Sooke Road.

The Cold Shoulder Café has opened its doors for business at 11950 West Coast Road.

HTO and Jordan River Soapworks are now operating together out of one location at 6711 Eustace Road.

Serving all of Vancouver Island

Wood Travel & Cruise has opened for business in its new location at 6635 Sooke Road. itgroove has welcomed the addition of Matt Longpre to its team as the newest SharePoint Consultant. itgroove’s Kelly Marshall has been named the first person in Canada to receive the Microsoft OneNote MVP Award, being among ten OneNote MVP’s in the world.

Beverly Carter Notary Public has moved to 240-2950 Douglas Street.

The Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn has been recognized with the brand’s highest honor, the MK Guertin Award, as well as the Champion Customer Care Award at Best Western International’s 2014 Convention.

Tourism Victoria has announced the BC Hospitality Foundation as its first official charitable partner.

IRIS on Hillside has announced the opening of its new location at 1633 Hillside.

Shaun Wysiecki BMO Bank of Montreal has announced the appointment of Shaun Wysiecki as the new Branch Manager of its WestShore location.

The Canadian Heritage Arts Society, which owns the Canadian College of Performing Arts, has welcomed the addition of Julie Sanderson, Scott Hylands, Fay Melling and Duncan Stewart to its Board of Directors.

McLean, Lizotte, Wheadon & Company Certified General Accountants has announced that Carol Gevers has joined its firm, and will be operating out of the Victoria office.

Taiji Brand Group has been awarded the rebranding assignment for American Iron & Metal, based in Montreal.

Email: Info@FinelineMarking.com Phone:

1 888 227 5043

Website: www.finelinemarking.com

OPINION

34

NOVEMBER 2014 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Head Office 1027 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, BC V8V 3P6 Ph: 1.250.661.2297 Fax: 1.250.642.2870 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Website: www.businessexaminer.net

PUBLISHER | Mark A. MacDonald, mark@businessexaminer.net EDITOR | Lise MacDonald, lise@businessvi.ca SALES | Thom Klos, thom@businessexaminer.net; josh@businessvi.ca, shawn@businessvi.ca WRITERS | Goody Niosi, Julia MacDonald

CANADA REMAINS AMONG WORLD’S MOST ECONOMICALLY FREE COUNTRIES, OUTRANKS THE UNITED STATES

FRASER INSTITUTE

O

nce again, Canada ranks among the world’s most economically free countries, ranking seventh overa l l a c c ord i n g to t he Fraser Institute’s annual Economic Freedom of the World report, released at a n i nternationa l event in Brussels.

The report measures the economic freedom (levels of personal choice, ability to enter markets, security of privately owned property, rule of law, etc.) by analyzing the policies and institutions of 151 countries and Hong Kong.

“The link between economic freedom and prosperity is undeniable. Countries like Canada

offer the highest quality of life a nd persona l freedom wh i le the lowest-ranked countries are usually burdened by oppressive regimes that limit the freedom and opportunity of their citizens,” said Fred McMahon, Dr. Michael A. Walker Research Cha i r i n Econom ic Freedom with the Fraser Institute.

This year, Canada moved up one spot i n the ra n k i ngs, to seventh from eighth, and improved its score (to 8.0 from 7.9 out of 10). The United States, once considered a bastion of economic freedom, ranks 12th in the world.

“The United States has suffered f rom a wea kened r u le of law, the ra m i f ications of wars on terrorism and drugs, and a confused regulatory environment. Consequently, it’s dropped from second place in the world rankings in 2000 to 12th place this year, five spots behind Canada,” said Michael Walker, Fraser Institute senior fellow and co-founder of the Economic Freedom of the World project.

According to the report, based on 2012 statistics, the most recent year of available data, the top 10 most economically free jurisdictions are Hong Kong (which continues its streak of number one rankings), Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland, Mauritius, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Australia, Jordan and (tied for 10th) Chile and Finland.

“Hong Kong’s nu mber one rating based on 2012 data and the ongoing protests this year highlight how much Hong Kong stands to lose if the rule of law or fair treatment of all is undermined. This is threatened by encroaching mainland Chinese influence in Hong Kong’s legal system and attempts to impose government control on judges and their decisions—potentially turning the rule of law into a political instrument. This is an attack on Hong Kong’s future prosperity and international standing,” McMahon said.

Other notable rankings include Japan (23rd), Germany (28t h), Ru ssi a (98t h), I nd i a

(110th) and China (115th).

The 10 lowest-ranked countries are Myanmar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Chad, I ra n, A lgeria, A rgentina, Zimbabwe, Republic of Congo and Venezuela, which retains the title of the world’s least economically free country.

Some despotic countries such as North Korea and Cuba could not be ranked due to lack of data.

According to fact-based research in top peer-rev iewed journals, people living in countries with high levels of economic freedom enjoy greater prosperity, more political and civil liberties, and longer life spans.

For example, countries in the top quartile of economic freedom had an average per capita GDP of US$39,899 in 2012, compared to US$6,253 for bottom quartile nations.

Moreover, t he average i ncome of the poorest 10 per cent in the most economically free countries in 2012, US$11,610, was almost double the overall average income in the least free

countries. And life expectancy is 79.9 years in the top quartile compared to 63.2 years in the bottom quartile.

The Fraser Institute produces the annual Economic Freedom of t he World rep or t i n cooperation with the Economic Freedom Network, a group of independent research and educational institutes in nearly 90 nations and territories. It’s the world’s premier measurement of economic freedom, using 42 distinct variables to create an index, ranking countries based on economic freedom, which is measured in five areas: size of government, legal structure and security of property rights, access to sound money, freedom to trade internationally, and regulation of credit, labour and business.

The 2014 report was prepared

by James Gwartney, F lorid a State University, Robert A. Lawson, Southern Methodist University and Joshua Hall, West Virginia University.

The full report is available at www.freetheworld.com.

LIQUID NATURAL GAS INVESTORS GETTING NERVOUS

MARK MACDONALD Petronas cites concerns over red tape, taxation and environmental delays for B.C. project

C

hristy Clark’s vision for the economic future of British Columbia focused on Liquid Natural Gas, and was a big reason she led the BC Liberals to a stunning yet convincing upset of the NDP in the last provincial election.

Jobs, jobs, jobs was the message Clark drummed into the ears of B.C. voters, and it worked. Revenues derived from LNG would eliminate the provincial debt and provide a future slush fund to cover a cornucopia of projects

and programs in the future, she promised.

When Apache Corp. announced in July that it was pulling out of the Kitimat LNG project, it raised more than a few eyebrows. Just recently, Petronas, the stateowned Malaysian company who promised a $36 billion investment in the industry, threatened it might cancel its interest due to red tape, taxation and environmental hurdles. Shudders.

What this will do to Premier Clark’s agenda remains to be seen. But if the BC Liberals aren’t nervous about LNG prospects now, it would be surprising.

There are many outside the caucus who felt the LNG project was a pipedream anyway. Let’s hope they weren’t correct.

But the concerns raised by Petronas are particularly concerning. And predictable.

It’s getting easier and easier to stop forward progress in B.C., due not only to the increasing amount of hurdles a company must jump through to bring their project forward, but the effectiveness of anti-everything groups who have

become masterful at resisting change.

Protesters know which buttons to push, and how to drag proceedings out so that investor resources are unnecessarily strapped, waiting for the green light to start the project. Requests and demands for this and that - all sounding like they’re absolutely necessary - extract a heavy price. Legal challenges mean big lawyer bills for defendants, and precious little in terms of retribution if frivolous suits are tossed out because they’re, well, not worth the judges’ time to consider.

It doesn’t matter which way we proceed with our economy, there is going to be some impact on the environment. Canada has high standards and a quality of life that is the envy of the entire world, and thus far, the combination of adherence to environmental protocol and economic sustainability has struck a pretty fine balance.

We need to realize that some environmental groups will never be satisfied unless entire projects

are stopped, period, despite their suggesting that “one more thing” is, really, the last item on their check list. How we are still studying and mulling over the Site C dam on the Peace River is perhaps the tell-tale sign of where we’re at in B.C. There are already two dams on the Peace River. One more, or three more for that matter, aren’t going to make any difference. Hydroelectric power is the least expensive way to produce what we need, and it’s what helped make B.C. an economic powerhouse. Yet the dithering over Site C continues, as if it’s the last river on earth.

With the promise that surrou nds LNG, it is obv iously concerning for investors to hear governments and social program advocates rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect of even more newfound revenues. The loud hints of higher taxation for LNG to fund whatever tops the wish list is frightening for investors, who are taking such big risks in the first place.

One of the biggest problems with the LNG dream is that, by

the time the product actually reaches the market, other nations in the world with less regulatory nightmares will have beaten us there. With that, will there actually be the markets we expect once we actually get BC’s LNG to where it needs to go?

Clark’s rush to promote LNG yet at the same time her ambivalence and disinterest in the Northern Gateway Pipeline is somewhat puzzling. The pipeline is a nation-building, mega-revenue project at B.C.’s doorstep, and Clark has certainly not been supportive. Go figure.

Of course we support the concept of the LNG plants and pipelines. B.C.’s economy has always been resource-based, and the future calls for more of the same.

Every Canadian province that has an oil and gas industry within its borders is a “have” province (B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland), while every other province is a “have not”.

One shudders to think what our ledgers would look like without oil and gas.

And, of course, LNG.

SUBCRIPTIONS | $45 PER YEAR (12 ISSUES), $80 FOR 2 YEARS (24 ISSUES), SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.NET. DISTRIBUTION: FOURTH WEEK OF EACH MONTH VIA CANADA POST AD MAIL. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Produced and published in British Columbia. All contents copyright Business Examiner Victoria, 2014. Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

LAW

NOVEMBER 2014

35

A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON CRAFT SALES LAW

Products can become lost on the internet

In order to survive in the early stages, the inventor must look for ways to test the market for the

L

arge chain stores generally do not want to create a listing for a single product.

That means that an inventor seeking to sell a product through the chain store must do so through a distributor who already is doing business with the chain. In exchange, the distributor charges 30%. The chain store will have a standard mark up, typically 50%.

The chain store has high fixed expenses and need a constant turnover of inventory in order to make money. If inventory of a particular product does not turn over within a reasonable time period, the chain store will cease carrying the product.

In order to ensure turnover, products must be priced to sell.

This results in the chain store dictating to suppliers what the retail price must be. For example, if the chain store determines the retail price is to be $10.00, the wholesale price must be $5.00 in order to do business with the chain store.

Once the distributor’s 30% is deducted from the $5.00, this leaves the inventor with $3.50. Out of the

new product that will see the inventor receiving a higher return which will offset the higher cost of producing products in small runs.

Michael Cooper and Douglas B.Thompson, ThompsonCooper LLP $3.50, the inventor must pay for materials and labour; the remainder (if any) the inventor retains as profit.

When products are mass produced, there are “economies of scale” that results in the per unit price being reduced. However, in the early stages of a product’s development, the product runs are typically small. There are a number of reasons for this.

T he first reason is that the product is still in development

and changes are being made. The second reason is that most inventors have limited resources; they cannot afford to produce in mass quantities. The third reason is that it has not, as yet, been confirmed that there is a market for the product. The inventor does not want to end up with 10 boxes full of products gathering dust in the garage.

In order to survive in the early stages, the inventor must look for ways to test the market for the

new product that will see the inventor receiving a higher return which will offset the higher cost of producing products in small runs.

Selling the product on a website dedicated to the product is the modern answer to that dilemma.

However, while the internet allows the inventor to potentially reach a global audience, products can become lost on the internet.

The most effective way to interact with the buying public while retaining most of the sales proceeds is still at small venues; what are commonly referred to as farmers markets, flea markets, and craft sales.

The public vote with their dollars. If they do not have an interest in your product, that will be painfully apparent and you will barely recoup the cost of your market stall. If there is a lot of activity, the public will tell you if the price is too high or it will become apparent by poor sales numbers. I hope that the foregoing will give you a new perspective. The Christmas craft sales season is upon us.

If you see a new and innovative product as you wander around the craft sales, I hope you will remember this article and treat the vendor with respect. He or she may be a budding entrepreneur who is merely passing through a test market stage on the way to greater success.

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