Business Examiner Thompson/Okanagan - February 2015 by Business Examiner Media Group

FEBRUARY 2015

» KAMLOOPS

–PAGE 8

KAMLOOPS West Eco Panelized Buildling Systems uses SIP panels for homes and commercial structures

Thompson/Okanagan

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Major merger for Chartered Accountant firms

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SALMON ARM Gemm Diesel celebrates 30 years in business

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INDEX News Update

Summerland 3 Kelowna 4 West Kelowna

Kamloops 10 Salmon Arm

Movers and Shakers 23 Opinion 26 Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

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KNV Chartered Accountants LP joins forces with MNP LLP to form BC’s fourth largest accounting and consulting firm ELOW NA – Talk about sharpening their pencils. K N V C h a r t e re d A ccountants LLP, the eighth largest accounting firm in BC, is merging with MNP LLP, the fourth largest accounting company in the province February 1. The result is the third largest accounting and consulting firm in BC, by the number of accounts. “This is MNP’s largest merger to date and has come at a great time. Our strategic plan calls for continued growth in BC so we were looking to add much-needed resources and talent, while KNV was seeking to grow with a firm that would complement its existing service offerings,” says Jason Tuffs, Executive Vice President for BC for MNP. “Both our firms were looking to grow and to combine our expertise and leadership to help our clients achieve their growth targets. It’s a win/win/ win for both our firms and the marketplace.” Established in 1973, KNV has prov id e d ac cou nt i n g, auditing, tax planning and business

advisory services to corporate, public sector, not-for-profit and personal clients for over 40 years. Its Kelowna office is at 1708 Dolphin Avenue, and they also have offices in Vancouver and South Surrey, which is their head office. The firm consists of 14 partners and almost 200 additional professionals and support staff. In addition to tax and accounting expertise, both MNP and KNV deliver a diverse range of advisory services, including consulting, enterprise risk, corporate finance, valuation and litigation support, succession planning, estate planning, insolvency and restructuring, investigative and forensic accounting, cross-border taxation and more. “As our clients’ needs continued to grow, we recognized we also needed to grow,” says Dave Mitchell, Partner, KNV. “With more than 80 offices across the country and over 3,300 team members, they have a large national presence and access to many experts and specialists, SEE MAJOR MERGER | PAGE 20

Alix Larsen is a partner in MNP’s Kelowna office

BC Women Lead Conference steps up this year

he buzz about the upcomi ng spr i ng con ference “BIG Steps, BIG vision” has started. Organized by BC Women Lead, the one and a half day conference March 26th and 27th caters directly to the needs of business women in BC. “We’re really excited about this year’s line up of speakers,” said founder Deb Leroux. “We have a few favourite’s returning from last year and new this year we

have a brand expert from Mountain Equipment Co-op and a financial expert. We will be asking the women to come prepared to take steps out of their comfort zone.” Last year’s inaugural year for BCWL was a tremendous success with a full venue of attendees from all over the Okanagan. “The Buzz in the room at the end of the day was electric. The level of honesty a nd professiona l

i nte g r it y t h at e a ch wom a n brought to the event was inspiring in and of itself. Great ideas were exchanged and new business alliances formed. We hope to build upon that.” “We’ve chosen speakers we believe will resound with the variety of business women who represented 13 sectors of careers at our 2014 event,” said Leroux. “We were very proud of our demographics last year,

including entrepreneurs and corporate women under age 35, who are our business leaders of tomorrow, as well as women in the strongest years of their careers, and matriarchs who have been at this a long time...and encouraged us all to continue to seek out challenges well after Freedom 55 has come and gone.” Introducing the 1.5 day format SEE BC WOMEN LEAD | PAGE 20

NEWS UPDATE

forward to continuing to work collectively to grow the region’s existing base of advanced and leading edge sectors, as well as facilitating opportunities so that the region is known as an epicenter of cross-sector innovation.” Griffiths adds, “It’s been great working alongside Robert in the EDC for the past eight years. He’s been a significant mentor and will be missed. The community is fortunate that he’s going to remain in the Central Okanagan.”

KELOWNA 2015 Regional District Initiatives Featured

Corie Griffiths

KELOWNA New Manager for Economic Development Commission Corie Griffiths has accepted the position of Manager for the Economic Development Commission at the Regional District of Central Okanagan to replace the EDC’s Robert Fine. Fine is moving in March to become Director of Business and Entrepreneurial Development with the City of Kelowna. Griffiths is well versed in the work of the Economic Development Commission. Since 2007 she’s been the EDC’s Business Development Coordinator. Griffiths says, “I’m excited to take on the challenges of leading the Economic Development Commission. We’ve got a talented and dedicated team and Advisory Board representing a wide variety of business acumen and expertise. We’re looking

The Regional District of Central Okanagan programming and service game plan for 2015 is outlined in the new edition of the Annual Review. Among the initiatives planned for 2015: • Construction of a new Mission Creek intake for the Falcon Ridge water system and a new outfall from the Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. • Review several programs including the RDCO Fire Service, Victims Services, Crime Stoppers and Crime Prevention programs and report the findings for Regional Board consideration. • Conduct reviews of and updates to the Zoning bylaw, Rural Westside Official Community Plan and environmental inventories and mapping. • Engage the public and stakeholders to help create management plans for two Regional Parks: Woodhaven Nature Conservancy and Black Mountain/ Sntsk‘il’ntən.

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FEBRUARY 2015

“Our 43-page colour publication is an excellent overview of all the activities, programs and services provided across the Central Okanagan” says Bruce Smith, RDCO Communications Officer. “It explains what the Regional District is all about. We are the local government for residents in the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas and a service provider to the municipalities of Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland and West Kelowna for programs such as dog control, recycling, false alarm reduction and 9-1-1.” The 2014 Annual Review also highlights many of the programs and services that were provided in the Central Okanagan during the last year. It’s available online at regionaldistrict.com or printed copies may be picked up at the Regional District office at 1450 KLO Road in Kelowna.

BC Housing Market Stays the Course After a strong 2014, the BC housing market will again see rising prices and sales in 2015, according to a new forecast by Central 1 Credit Union. Compared to last years jump, gains will be modest, as last years sales were up 18 percent from the previous year, while this years sales are predicted to make a five percent gain. The median provincial home price is predicted to rise 2.5 percent to $414,000. The expanding economy will also keep transactions on a positive trend through 2018 with average annual price increases of about two percent. The forecast includes a few predictions for the foreseeable future. The study finds that the Bank of Canada won’t raise interest rates until the first quarter of 2016. It also suggests that the posted five-year rate will hold below five percent this year and will climb less than 50 basis points in 2016. Moderate growth in housing demand and lower new home inventory is set to contribute to a lift in housing stats of about two percent this year to 28,900 units. Despite an improved backdrop for building, starts will trend only moderately higher through 2018, reaching 30,400 units in 2016 and 32,300 units by 2018. Central 1 Credit Union is the primary liquidity manager, payments processor and trade association for 133 credit unions in B.C. and Ontario.

KELOWNA Kelowna Companies in the running at BC Small Business Awards The Top 5 finalists have now been selected for the 12th Annual Small Business BC Awards. The province-wide competition draws nominations under ten different

categories, where entrepreneurs and small business owners will be able to compete to have their company named a BC best business. This year, over 460 nominations were received from 70 communities across the province. The Okanagan Valley had a few businesses of it’s own named amongst the finalists this year. Under the Best Company and Best Workplace categories, CoreHealth Technologies – a company that caters to corporations to configure wellness and healthy living plans was named a finalist. The Best Concept category drew Kelowna companies: Nourish and Soil Mate. The former is a new restaurant that focuses on quality homemade meals and the latter a web platform that connects consumers with the origins of local produce. Under the Best Emerging Entrepreneur category, arguably one of the most unique businesses is Kelowna’s own, Float Space. Float Space is exactly what it sounds like; an integrative way to rest by floating in an isolated chamber filled with water, which is said to help reduce stress, manage chronic pain or recover from a tough training session. Finally, the Greenery Garden Centre was selected as a finalist for Best Online Marketer, which is a seasonally open family, owned and operated garden centre.

KAMLOOPS Kamloops Airport shows growing traveler numbers Kamloops Airport announced their traveler numbers for the month of December and year-to-date alongside last years numbers. December 2014 traveler numbers were off from December 2013 by 2 percent, likely as a result of a drop in the number of people working in resource industries who would often commute. In recent months those energy companies have reduced their investment in new and upgraded facilities as a result of lower oil prices. December of this past year saw 29,444 travelers through Kamloops Airport, compared to 30,021 last year. On the upside, more travelers are expected soon as a result of lower oil prices and dollar depreciation, especially from the United States. For year-to-date, the airport saw 312,895 travelers; a 7.2 percent increase compared to last years 290,394 travelers. Kamloops Airport mentioned that fluctuations in aircraft movement activity are normal and can be attributed to a variety of factors including weather, firefighting and corporate charter activity. They also noted that the boost in this year’s numbers are likely a result of increased courier and cargo related activity, a sign of growth in the local economy.

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SUMMERLAND/KAMLOOPS

FEBRUARY 2015

CHAMBER CELEBRATES BUSINESS EXCELLENCE From the 10th to the 20th of February the Summerland business community will have the opportunity to vote online

SUMMERLAND

for their choice

CHRISTINE PETKAU

very year the Summerla nd Cha mber of Commerce has the privilege of recognizing and honoring our local businesses as well as those who have made a difference in our community. Nominations f lowed in th rough Ja nua ry for the upcoming 77th Annual Business a nd Com mu n ity E xcel lence Awards. The Chamber has received nominations for close to 40 d i f ferent bu si nesses, some in multiple categories. T his year the Chamber has introduced two new aspects to t h e aw a rd pro c e s s. T h e fi rst was a new event where

we were able to honor all of the nominees in every category. T h is new Nom inee’s Reception was sponsored by Nesters Market and took place on Friday, January 30th. T h is yea r t here a re 11 categories to honor local entrepreneu rs a nd volu nteers. T h e s e a re: B u s i n e s s o f t h e Ye a r, Yo u n g E nt reprene u r, T rade Ser v ices E xcel lence, R e t a i l E x c e l l e n c e , P ro fe ssion a l Ser v ices E xcel lence, R i si n g Sta r/ New B u si ness, Sustainability Leader, Tourism /Hospitality Excellence, Manufacturing and Industrial Excel lence, Tech nolog y a nd Innovation and Citizen/Volunteer of the Year. From the nom i nations 2 finalists for each category will be chosen by committee. From the 10th to the 20th of February the Summerland business community will have the opportu n ity to vote on l i ne for their choice. T he second th i ng we a re introducing this year is a process where the general public ca n vote on l i ne i n one category – the Citizen/Volunteer

of the Year. This very important award has been given out to a worthy individual since 1938. T h is yea r we have received 7 nominations in this category. One additional special award is g iven out each yea r. T h is is the Mayor’s Awa rd of Excellence given at the Mayor’s d iscret ion to a loca l orga nization that has made an outstanding contribution to the community. All awards will be given out at the Gala on February 28nd when our theme will be Summ e rl a n d – O u r C o n n e c t e d Community. This year we are celebrating the impact our local business community has in our broader community. When we support local businesses through the purchase of goods and services, these businesses in turn are able to support the organizations that bring vitality and meaning to our communities – s e r v i c e c l u b s , y o u t h o rganizations and educational endeavors, arts and cultural organizations, sports organizations, etc. This is our year

to celebrate these significant connections. The event will be celebrated at the Summerland Waterfront Resort and is catered by Local Lounge Grille. The evening is MC’d by Erick T hompson of ET2Media. Christine Petkau is Executive Director at the Summerland Chamber Commerce. She can be reached at cpetkau@ summerlandchamber.com.

KAMLOOPS

Kamloops Chamber hears about benefits of LNG

David Keane, President of the BC LNG Alliance, addressed the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce.

iquid Natural Gas (LNG) extraction and production will benefit Kamloops, the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce was told at its January luncheon. David Keane, President of the BC LNG Alliance, told members that “from mining to forestry, from health care to postsecondary education, Kamloops is an integral logistical hub for goods and services with talented and skilled people. The present energy market volatility just masks a tremendous LNG opportunity in BC. “The projects proposed by our members will constitute the largest investment ever seen in this province,” stated Keane. “More importantly, investments made by our members, and the jobs and spin offs they will create, will have a very positive

and beneficial effect throughout BC and Canada” Keen stressed that access to energy isn’t just about watching a favourite show on your big screen TV. It’s actually the difference between prosperity and poverty. “For our LNG projects to be viable, we need to strike the right balance which enables British Columbians to receive fair value for the sale of their natural resources, while at the same time recognizing the enormous technical and financial challenges of very large and complex projects with significant tasks.” The BC LNG Alliance is the voice of British Columbia’s new LNG export industry. They stress that LNG in BC means jobs, government revenues, economic growth opportunities and many other benefits.

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KELOWNA

FEBRUARY 2015

OKANAGAN TECHNOLOGY SECTOR – WHY THE KELOWNA CHAMBER IS A FIRM BELIEVER The growth of the tech industry in the Okanagan is creating thousands of jobs for many highly skilled people who are

KELOWNA CAROLINE GROVER

ELOWNA – Two weeks a go, we re a d a mu chanticipated technology sector report by the Victoria Advanced Technology Council, better known as VIATeC, which put the study together for Accelerate Okanagan. Accelerate Okanagan – the Okanagan’s top accelerator and resource hub for the tech industry – wanted answers to specific questions around employment and financial contribution, among other issues. For instance, how would you a n s wer t h e q u e s t ion “ How much did the Okanagan tech industry contribute to the local economy in 2013?” Guesses? $1 m i l l ion? $500,000? Less? More? Two million? T he a n swer i s a whoppi ng

moving to our area to enjoy the Okanagan lifestyle.

$1.02 billion. Here is the breakdown: a direct impact of $797 million in revenues generated by tech compa n ies – a nd a n indirect impact of $223 million created by businesses that supply inputs to the tech sector. So, is the Okanagan a good place to start or invest in a tech business? Accelerate’s CEO, Pilar Portela said “yes.” “Startups and tech companies in the Okanagan have great access to vital resources,” she said. Portela goes on to list two of many reasons: 6,500+ highly skilled tech workers and YLW – an international airport that offers non-stop f lights to 64 destinations. E mploy m e nt i s a pr i m a r y concern of ou r Cha mber, as well as of our elected officials, residents, and educational organizations. The growth of the tech industry in the Okanagan is creating thousands of jobs for many highly skilled people who are moving to our area to enjoy the Okanagan lifestyle. This is good news, as always, for Accelerate Okanagan and other local organizations that support the tech industry. According to the survey, the Okanagan Valley is home to 558 technology businesses with a collective workforce of 6,551 employees. The average business has ten employees (eight full-time and two part-time)

and works with two independent contractors. It is estimated that there are 1,920 self-employed technology workers in the Okanagan. Employees are younger; more women are entering tech. Technology employees tend to be sl ig ht ly you nger t h a n loca l employees in other industries, a lt houg h a l l age g roups a re represented in the industry. 38 percent of the Okanagan tech sector employees are under the age of 35. A nd, a lthough h istorica l ly the tech industry has been a mostly male-occupied sector, t h is t rend is ch a ng i ng. T he study shows that one-quarter of loca l tech employees a re women. Based on local initiatives highlighting Women in Tech, Accelerate Okanagan is optimistic that this percentage will increase over the next few years. Overall, the Okanagan tech sector is diverse, growing and makes a significant contribution to the local economy. Accelerate Okanagan’s continued support and promotion of the sector will be important in raising the profile of technology businesses in the region. Just to prove the long-term promise behind the numbers, all you have to do is drive to t he cor ner of D oyle & E l l i s i n Kelow na – it’s the active

construction site for the new Okanagan Innovation Centre, scheduled to open in early 2016. The BC Premier marked the beginning of construction on the last day of October, noting the provincial investment will help “local innovators get a head start in growing their business, creating jobs, and solidifying Kelowna as a leader in technological development and investment.” Si x stor ies, nea rly 10,000 square meters of space – and, on t he way to open i ng, 500 construction jobs are creating an economic plus in the city. The City of Kelowna will own the Innovation Centre, leasi ng backspace to non-profit innovators. The Mayor, looking forward, said it is a spark to make Kelowna a hotspot for technology. Sizzling words: wish I’d said that! Caroline Grover is the CEO of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached by email at caroline@kelownachamber.org

Success Adds Up Success is the result of perseverance, hard work and the ability to capitalize on opportunities. MNP proudly congratulates Ryan Dolan, Jessica Grantham, Ryan McWhirter and Brett Matushewski on successfully completing the 2014 Canadian Uniform Evaluation (UFE). As a leading national accounting and business consulting firm, here are four more ways we can help your business succeed. Contact Tim Dekker, CPA, CA, Regional Managing Partner, Okanagan at 250.979.2589 or tim.dekker@mnp.ca Left to right: Ryan Dolan, Jessica Grantham, Ryan McWhirter, Brett Matushewski

WEST KELOWNA

FEBRUARY 2015

WESTSIDE BOARD OF TRADE NAMES NEW DIRECTORS “We have an ambitious program again this year with a primary focus on tourism and transportation.”

WEST KELOWNA KAREN BEAUBIER

EST K E L OW NA – The Greater Westside Board of Trade hosted its A nnual General Meeting January 12 at Two Eagles Golf Course. It is pleased to announce its 2015 Board of Directors w ith Cha i r Norm LeCavalier, Business Consultant,

Silver Fox Business Strategies Ltd. and Vice Chair Chris Cruz, Consultant, AMC Tours & Del icious Donuts, le ad i n g t he Board. “We have an ambitious prog ra m aga i n th is yea r w ith a primary focus on tourism and t ra n s p o r t a t i o n . I t h a s b ecome apparent that building relationships with communities outside of the Okanagan i n c l u d i n g Fo r t M c M u r r a y, W h itehorse, Cra nbrook a nd most recently Trail, with the recent establishment of direct flights to these cities, is critical

to increasing economic activity here in the Okanagan. The Directors of the Board of Trade believe by taking a leadership role and making the right connections with key people from these locations will drive our loc a l economy for wa rd a nd faster,” explains LeCavalier. “And on a local level, promoting the ground shuttle service from Kelowna International Airport southward to Osoyoos and northward to Salmon A rm and all com mu n ities in between will provide a valuable service to locals and travellers arriving at YLW.” EXECUTIVE: • Norm LeCavalier – Business Consultant, Silver Fox Business Strategies Ltd. (Chair) • Chris Cruz – Consultant, AMC Tours & Delicious Donuts (Vice Chair) • Noreen Redman, Finance & C o r p o ra t e S e r v i c e s

Manager, Kelowna Internationa l A i r por t ( Vice President) • Gary Schlenker – Senior Manager, Grant Thornton (Treasurer) • Marek Buryska – Branch M a n a ge r, Va l ley F i rst Credit Union (Past Co-Chair) DIRECTORS AT LARGE: • Jesse Bernhardt – Pushor Mitchell • Aaron Dodsworth – Partner, White Kennedy • Holly Pla nte – O w ner, Unveil Shuttles • B i l l R a i n e – R e a l t o r, Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty • Elfriede Schmoll, General Ma nager, Best Western Wi ne Cou nt r y Hotel & Suites • Gene Stafford – Directing Partner, Appleton Waste Services • Councillor Mic Werstuik

– Westbank First Nation “The 2014 tourism statistics for t he We s tsid e were ver y encouraging as we move into 2015. T here is room to g row a nd it’s ti me to ta ke adva ntage of the risi ng A merica n dollar,” says Vice Chair Chris Cruz. “We encou rage members and non members to attend our functions so they can meet our Directors and tap into their insights. Also, another great way to network is to join a committee.” Check the website for the organizational chart or contact the GW BOT office if you are interested in join ing a comm ittee w ith th is dy na m ic organization. For further info please contact Karen Beaubier, Executive Director, Greater Westside Board of Trade 250.768.3378 or admin@gwboardoftrade.com

New Canada Apprentice Loan program introduced to encourage training in trades

anadians wanting to fill the multitude of trades jobs expected in the near future received a helping hand from the federal government in January. Prime Minister Stephen Harper unveiled the Canada Apprentice Loan while on a visit to B.C. The initiative will help those already apprenticing to complete their training and encourage more Canadians to pursue a career in the skilled trades, allowing participants to take advantage of the many job opportunities across the country. “Apprenticeships play an important role in Canada’s postsecondary education system and are a key provider of the vital skills and knowledge necessary to power and grow the Canadian economy,” the Prime Minister Harper stated. “T he Canada Apprentice Loan initiative will allow young people from across the country to access jobs in the skilled trades that are in-demand in different sectors and regions – from shipbuilding in the East, to mining in the North, to oil and gas projects in the West The Canada Apprentice Loan, which was introduced in Economic Action Plan 2014, will provide apprentices in Red Seal trades across Canada with access to interest-free loans. These loans will help apprentices address the costs they encounter during technical training, including educational fees, tools and equipment, living expenses and forgone wages. It will be managed by the Canada Student Loans Program, within Employment and Social Development Canada. Apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship will be

Apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship will be able to apply for loans of

machinists, painters, plumbers, sheet metal workers, and truck mechanics, to name a few. The Conference Board of Canada predicts that Canada will need one m i l l ion add itiona l skilled workers by 2020.

“I’m pleased to announce that the Canada Apprentice Loan initiative is now open for business and accepting applications,” states the Prime Minister. “We encourage Canadians to use these loans, learn a trade, gain

hands-on experience, and take advantage of the largest and longest federal infrastructure investment in our nation’s history.” Those interested in applying for the Canada Apprentice Loan can visit Canada.ca/apprentice.

up to $4,000 per period of technical training

able to apply for loans of up to $4,000 per period of technical training. The loans are interestfree until after loan recipients complete or leave their apprenticeship training program, up to a maximum of six years. The Canada Apprentice Loan is one of many initiatives that the federal government has undertaken to encourage apprenticeships and career training. Other significant efforts include apprenticeship grants, Employment Insurance benefits for apprentices taking technical training, tax credits and deductions for employers and apprentices. It is estimated that at least 26,000 apprentices a year will benefit from over $100 million in Canada Apprentice Loans. According to Statistics Canada, almost 360,000 people are enrolled every year in over 400 apprenticeship and skilled trades programs. However, only half of apprentices are completing their programs, (in part, because of the financial demands incurred during their technical training.) Red Sea l trades i nclude 57 skilled trades, such as bakers, bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, gasfitters, heavy equipment operators, ironworkers,

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FEBRUARY 2015

TEAMWORK AND EXPERTISE HELPS KAL-WEST MECHANICAL SYSTEMS INC. THRIVE SPOTLIGHT

Kelowna plumbing, heating and mechanical services company has served clients throughout the region since 1987

ELOWNA – Back in 1987, John Davina had a choice to make after completing the Cottonwoods Care Centre expansion. The Victoria-based firm that Davina served as project manager decided it wou ld focus its efforts elsewhere, and he recognized a great opportunity to start his own plumbing, heating and mechanical services business in the Okanagan. Thus Kal-West Mechanical Systems Inc. was born. “With my background I was fortunate to have had the chance to get to know a lot of contractors in plumbing and gas,” says Davina, who was also a plumbing and gas inspector. “So I decided to try and start my own plumbing and heating company when work with the hospital came to a close. Kal-West was incorporated in 1987 and I look back at my decision as probably one of the best things I’ve ever done.” Ka l-West Mecha n ica l Systems Inc. has since developed

“I decided to try and start my own plumbing and heating company when work with the Cottonwood Hospital project came to a close. Kal-West was incorporated in 1987 and I look back at my decision as probably one of the best things I’ve ever done.” JOHN DAVINA OWNER, KAL-WEST MECHANICAL SYSTEMS INC.

Dedication to quality and integrity underlie 28 years of success. Pictured – the Landmark 18 Building mechanical room

D&G Mechanical (1997) Ltd.

410 Lougheed, Kelowna, B.C. V1X7R8

Proud to be a supplier to Kal-West Mechanical Systems

David Pelletier, President

Heating Sheet Metal Air Conditioning Dust Collection Systems Ventilation

Fax 250-765-1762 Email: dgmech@shawbiz.ca

www.inlandcomfort.com

250.491.8159 Kelowna, BC

A proud partner of Kal-West for over 25 years. The Staff and Management of D&G wish them continued success and the best of luck in the future.

into a thriving company with client base across a wide reg io n . T h e i r op e rat i n g a re a stretches from the U.S. border at Osoyoos to Golden BC, and they have worked in Northern BC, the Kootenays, Vancouver Island and Alberta. “Our customer base includes commercial, offices, high rise buildings, hotels, universities, colleges, waste water plants, water stations, rest homes, care homes, hospitals and schools,” Davina states. “We are recognized for putting only the very best possible workma nsh ip, m a n a gement a nd m ater i a l s into each project. We remain a small company with a core of approximately 18 staff. We only take on enough work to keep our crews going so we can ensure quality. “We are into our 28 th year of busi ness w ith a ver y strong position in our industry, which is very positive and satisfying for all of us at Kal-West. Some of the milestones have

been getting through a few of the construction industry recessions and economic slowdow ns. We have focused on resilience, not just growth, and not overextended ourselves,” he says. “A number of large projects h ave help ed establ i sh u s i n t he i ndu st r y a s a reputable company doing quality work. I n 2011, we completed work through a Federal contract on the Kelowna A irport Tower, which included radiant ceiling panels,” Davina notes. “Back in 2004 we provided a geothermal heating and cooling system for the El Dorado Hotel, a Kelowna la nd ma rk. Other prom i nent projects included mechanical contracting for the Big White Ski Resort office, Four Points by Sheraton, Parkinson Rec Centre and the Village at Mill Creek.” Kal-West offers a full range of services to customers. “As a f u l l serv ice mecha nical contractor we do Division

Kal-West Mechanical Systems Inc. Owner John Davina took the entrepreneurial route when he started the company in 1987 15 complete, wh ich i ncludes plumbing, heating, HVAC, refrigeration, controls and insulation. We do subcontract out work for some of t he se

Congratulations Kal-West Mechanical Systems on your many years of success.

We look forward to working with you in the future. 1555 Stevens Rd., Kelowna, B.C. V1Z 1G3 Ph: (250) 769-3303 Fax: (250) 769-7644

FEBRUARY 2015

A range of prominent public and private sector projects helped to establish the Kal-West name. Pictured – The Grand Hotel in Kelowna

Kal-West continues to be supported by the dedication of long term staff who make company goals for success their own sectors, a nd we prov ide the best of oversight and ensure the job fu lly a ligns w ith the high standards we have set for our company,” notes Davina. “Ultimately, we provide our customers a finished project that will last them many years with low maintenance and cost savings.” Some of Kal-West’s installations are design-build, where they work closely with owners and developers. Their repertoire includes green, energ y efficient projects, and low cost turn-key construction jobs. “Bei ng a sma l ler compa ny a l lows u s to ta ke a p ersona l i z e d a p p ro a c h w i t h c u stomers and apply innovative approaches to cha l lenges or opportunities,” says Davina. “W hether completing a routine project or making a difference for the environment th roug h energ y sav i ngs, we are the people who can bring the right materials or when required subcontractors to make

sure the best possible outcome is provided, not just an acceptable one.” Davina is proud of Kal-West’s highly trained and committed staff. “Long term loyalty is something we are fortunate to have developed. Most of our staff a re lon g t i me employe e s; 3 foremen have been here over 25 years. Our journeymen have been with us from 5 to 15 years, while new talent is being developed th roug h ou r va lued apprentices.” Dav i na says thei r sta ff is a cohesive unit, which has been i n t e g r a l t o t h e c o m p a n y ’s success. “T hey a l l get a long ver y wel l. . .you mu s t h ave t h at team atmosphere in order to excel,” he notes. “I never have to worry about babysitting the projects because when our employees are on-site, they look after it like it was their own company.” Resilience was a necessary

a nd welcome ha l l ma rk du ring the formative yearsof the compa ny, a nd the abi l ity to adapt and plan effectively have remained key to the Kal-West’s success. “Economic trends always affect ou r compa ny,” he says. “W hen busi ness is slow, we pull in our horns and go on a work reduced week. However, th is doesn’t usually last too long as we try to procure work just to keep our workers busy. “We are committed to prov id i ng steady, rel iable work for our staff and making sound projections so we can keep our team with us in the long term. We a lways wa nt to have the capacity ready to take on larger projects.” Innovation and making the m o s t o f e m e rg i n g i n d u st r y t rend s a l lows K a l-West to rem a i n prom i nent i n t he marketplace. “T he industry is always changing with new products, technology, and engineering

systems. We have already seen examples of positive change in the rise of the LEED program for energy efficient design and geothermal piping systems,” say s Dav i n a . “Con s id er i n g these trends as we move forward is a worthy challenge and we enjoy sourcing and installing new, cutting edge systems.” Collaboration, honesty and integrity define Kal-West. “I have been involved with the Mecha n ica l Contractors A ssoci at ion for m a ny yea rs

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FEBRUARY 2015

COMMUNITY IN

KAMLOOPS Kamloops thrives on a diversified economy City looks to attract more major employers

AMLOOPS – Kamloops mayor Peter Milobar admits that falling oil prices are some cause for concern in his city. A considerable number of residents fly into the Alberta oil patch to work but make their home in the community. “That’s something you have to be mindful of,” he said. “Being a bit of a service hub as well in terms of equipment suppliers, there will certainly be a ripple effect. But how severely it’s felt will depend on how long prices stay depressed.” He also pointed out that Kamloops has a diversified economy that has stayed strong and stable even during the downturn in the economy that began in 2008. The city also has major construction projects in the works. Currently the hospital is undergoing an $80 million expansion that will be complete in the spring of 2016. Another $300 million expansion is planned for the future. TELUS is also planning another data centre. At the same time, several large-scale residential complexes are undergoing zoning and approval processes. Thompson Rivers University (TRU), which employs about 2,000 people, is also a strong contributor to the economy. “I think that is partly why we have been able to stay stable and see near record building permit values through 2008 all the way up to now,” Milobar said. “TRU is a huge driver. Their registration numbers are good and strong and certainly the international program is still thriving.” The health care sector is also a significant economic driver. Milobar said that the mines in the area are doing well and the mills have retooled and reinvested in the lumber business. “We have a good mix,” he said. “Each one of these sectors have their soft points, but because we are not hitched 100 per cent to any one of them, it certainly helps things keep moving.” Sun Peaks, only 40 minutes from Kamloops also contributes to the local economy. Kamloops is a service centre for Sun Peaks and can even account for a spillover for tourism. Kamloops also has a couple of large industrial land parcels that have seen a good deal of interest of late from heavy and light manufacturing companies. “The hope would be in the next year that we would see something

Kamloops is prepared to welcome more industry to town

“It would be great to post double-digit gains and shout it from the hilltops how great the economy is here. But as an offset to that, we don’t suffer from real lows – not since the diversification has really taken hold.” JIM ANDERSON

Jim Anderson says that economic diversity makes Kamloops strong

Mayor Peter Milobar says that the Kamloops economy remains strong and stable

industrial parcels. “We’ll need another major employer,” he said. “We can’t rely on the same companies to employ the same people forever. We need to look at a major employer that can provide a major block of jobs. They’re always out there but they’re scarce – and that’s what we do here.” The KGHM Ajax project, a new mine planned for the area, could also add a considerable amount of jobs to the city. The environmental assessment is due this spring. The mine would employ several hundred people during its twoyear construction phase alone. At

the same time Kamloops is seeing hundreds of entrepreneurs enrolled in its business startup and entrepreneur program. Anderson said that the unemployment rate has crept up in 2014 but the number of people employed in the city easily outpaced that growth. “More people are entering the workforce and looking for work,” he said. “One school of thought says that if the absolute number of people looking for work is going up, that is an indication there is an economic attraction in the area.” The bottom line, he said, is that more people in Kamloops

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VENTURE KAMLOOPS

moving on that front,” Milobar said. “We’d like to see a good size workforce going to one of those larger parcels.” Jim Anderson, executive director of Venture Kamloops, the city’s economic development corporation, said that it’s his job to attract another major employer to the city, perhaps to one of those

KAMLOOPS

FEBRUARY 2015

Kamloops is prepared for growth in all sectors

Kamloops is home to a multitude of small and medium sized businesses are working. He also agreed with Milobar that anecdotal evidence shows that people from Kamloops travel to the oilfields in the North to work – but there are no hard numbers. That is about to change. Venture Kamloops has just contracted a consultant to complete a thorough labour market survey in 2015. “One of the questions we have specifically asked is to provide primary data on the migrant workforce,” Anderson said, noting that this portion of the workforce will include all workers who travel, not just to the North but also within the region. “The main impetus to initiate this study in the first place was that we’ve heard that there is a

labour shortage in the area. This seems to be taken as fact but we don’t have the quantifiable primary data to support that – so we need that. And we want to quantify the demand. Who is asking for labour and not getting it? We need to quantify that as well.” He said that Kamloops has always been a city that depends on natural resources. Now its economy has diversified considerably to include education, health care and a burgeoning high tech sector. That diversification has made for an economy that enjoys slow and steady growth. “Our business cycle doesn’t have unusually high highs,” he said. “But nor does it have unusually low lows. When economists

Kamloops boasts a diversified economy describe the economy of Kamloops, they describe it as steady but unspectacular growth. It would be great to post doubledigit gains and shout from the hilltops how great the economy is here. But as an offset to that, we don’t suffer from real lows – not since the diversification has really taken hold.” Among the 850 members of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, the general feeling is one of optimism, said Chamber executive director Deb McClelland. “From what I’ve been hearing,

we’ve been holding our own,” she said. She noted that although the city has to date not experienced any fallout from the drop in oil prices, it does plan to hold a round table in the very near future to discuss the possible effects. “No one has said this is a problem,” she said. “But we need to be looking ahead, not just reacting. We need to talk to our members to see what might arise. We are being pro-active in that area.” She added that although technology and retail sectors are contributing to the economy, Kamloops

still depends on the bigger industrial employers for well-paying jobs that support families. She said that if the Ajax mine goes ahead and heavy industry stays in town, that will be good for the future economy. Meanwhile, the Chamber is working on its strategic plan. “We’re going to be reaching out to our membership to make sure that the Chamber is an organization that the business community sees as relevant; we’re really excited about what is coming forward for our next three years.”

FEBRUARY 2015

KAMLOOPS CHAMBER SET TO HOST LEADERCAST EVENT An RRSP loan allows you to contribute to your RRSP - and therefore to increase your contributions - despite a

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temporary cash shortage.

DEB MCCELLAND

A M L O O P S – L e a d e rcast exists to positively change the way the world thinks about leadership. This year’s theme – The Brave Ones – challenges leaders to focus on the courage necessary to lead. Experience Leadercast Live and discover what it means to be a leader worth following. On May 8, 2015, we invite you to Experience Leadercast Live and hear from business and political leaders, sports figures, social activists and world-class communicators. T h i s one-of-a-k i nd event provides local businesses and i nd iv idu a ls a cost ef fect ive training opportunity generally found in major cities. The event is broadcast live from Atlanta and simulcast into communities across the globe. Join more than 100,000 leaders from around

the world and discover what it means to be a leader worth following. You ca n ex pect to be cha llenged, inspired and encouraged. You w i l l lea rn how to improve your own leadership skills and also have the opportunity to network with other leaders in your area. • I ncluded in your registration: Access to the broadcast of the 10 world renowed speakers. • Course pack of reference material to put in use after the event • Snacks, refreshments & lunch • Networking opportunities with local business leaders R EGIST ER today! Call 250.372.7722 or email events@

kamloopschamber.ca Does your business want to be associated w ith the most compelling leadership event in Kamloops? Sponsorship opportunities available by emailing events@kamloopschamber.ca for more information. Goddyn & Associates helping you to understand the ins and outs of RRSPs What is an RRSP loan? An RRSP loan allows you to contribute to your RRSP—and therefore to increase your contributions—despite a temporary cash shortage. The loan is an excellent tool that allows you to continue making and even increase your RRSP contributions at a very competitive interest rate. Why take out an RRSP loan? • You maximize your retirement savings. • Y o u re c e i v e a h i g h e r t a x refund. • You reach your savings objectives more quickly. • You increase your retirement income. • You take advantage of your unused contributions. • You move forward despite a temporary lack of liquidity. The advantages of your RRSP loan: • Choose from a wide range of investment funds. • S elect the repayment period

NEW WEBSITE FOR CHAMBER I n e a r l y 2 0 15 t h e K a mloops Chamber of Commerce launched a new integrated website with Weblink international technologies. With this new system members can; 1. manage their own directory listing including the ability to link social media pages and create member to member coupons. 2. promote their business through effective web banners and then receive real time reporting. 3. register and pay for events in a seamless process.

that works best for you: 12, 24, 36 or 48 months. • Wait for your tax refund and defer your first payment with the 120-day option. • Receive excellent variable interest rates. (3% +) • Benefit from the flexibility of paying off your loan in part or in full at any time, without penalty. • Plan your budget easily with different payment frequencies available. How does an RRSP loan maximize your retirement capital? By ta ki ng adva ntage of fund accumulation from the

4. stay up to date on everything happening with the chamber including new benefits, advocacy initiatives, community events and much more. Through all of this the chamber team can maintain effective reporting systems through the back end Weblink connect. Kamloops chamber hosts Leadercast 2015 | The Brave Ones Friday, May 08, 2015 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Coast Kamloops Conference Centre | Theatre, 1250 Rogers Way, Kamloops, BC

b e g i n n i n g of t he ye a r, yo u can maximize your potential growth. Then by using your tax refund to pay off part, or your entire loan, you are on the right track for meeting your retirement goals! S t a c e y Va i r – F i n a n c i a l Advisor Goddyn & Associates Financial Services Inc. Deb McClelland is the executive director of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached by email at deb@ kamloopschamber.ca

FEBRUARY 2015

KAMLOOPS COMPANY PROVIDES A MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT WAY OF BUILDING SPOTLIGHT

West Eco Panelized Building Systems uses SIP panels for healthy, energy efficient homes and commercial structures

A M L OOPS – West Eco Panelized Building Systems Inc. makes homes and commercial structures more energy efficient, more comfortable to live and work in and healthier, both for people and the environment. West Eco offers two services: it provides panelized building systems for contractors to install – or it provides those systems, working with the contractor to fully install a pre-built panelized system that is assembled on the site. “Sometimes it’s referred to as tilt-up construction,” said company president Duane Svendson. “But basically, it’s a panelized, pre-insulated system; doors and windows are cut out of it, it goes to the site, and each panel is numbered and each one has a place to go.” He added that the panelized system has much to recommend it. First, it’s 15 times more airtight than conventional stick framing. Second, it’s faster and more efficient. It’s a system approach to the building envelope. “You’re using a building material that is a system,” Svendson said. “It accomplishes multiple tasks with one product. You get the structure up, you get the insulation in the walls and you create the air barrier. One crew is installing the structural insulated panels (SIPs) and that takes the place of multiple crews.” SIPs are built indoors in a climate controlled facility; that means there is no threat of warping because of moisture and the walls are perfectly straight and fit exactly. Svendson said that recent changes in the building codes are very favourable to SIPs. He noted that governments, both provincial and national, have been promoting energy efficiency for years with

• • • •

“SIPs are not mainstream yet, but they’re more common. And SIPs are still 15 times more airtight than a stick frame building.” DUANE SVENDSON PRESIDENT, WEST ECO PANELIZED BUILDING SYSTEMS INC.

a great deal of focus on windows, doors and lighting systems. That attention has now turned to the entire building envelope. “ T h e y w a n t to m a x i m i z e p er for m a nce on a ny st r ucture, whether it’s commercial or residential,” Svendson said. “That’s good because we’re getting healthier and more energy efficient buildings and the real benefactor is the building owner.” Despite the great advantage of SIPs, they are still not mainstream, but they are beginning to catch on more and more. SIPs have been used for years, particularly in commercial building. SIPs have traditionally come in at about 15 per cent more in material costs for the exterior shell portion of the structure than conventional stick framing, but that is often offset by savings in labour costs. However, Svendson pointed out that the new building codes have also driven up the cost of stick framing and the price gap is narrowing. A more compelling reason to use SIPs is their energy efficiency and cost savings over time. Architects and builders striving for LEED and Built Green certification also garner considerable points toward that by using SIPs. The Canadian government is also one year into a three-year study looking at adopting SIPs in the building code. “Sips are not mainstream yet, but they’re more com mon,” Svendson said. “And SIPs are still 15 times more airtight than a stick frame building. There are fewer joints, there is less thermal

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West Eco provides panels for high quality, healthy homes of any style bridging and it’s all solid core as opposed to construction that is going to fit 2x6s together and fit your OSB efficiently and your insulation and your air barrier efficiently.” West Eco uses panels manufactured by the largest SIP manufacturer in North America. It has the best code reporting and testing in the industry. “If there are any issues, we are backed by a large company,” Svendson said, noting that he also brings 15 years of experience to the table. He founded West Eco in early 2014 and business has been strong ever since. “The company has been very well received,” he said. “The SIPs themselves are becoming more and more popular and I have lots of knowledge working with architects, designers, general contractors and home owners. I have successfully completed

many projects from recreational structures to multi-unit housing to providing wall and roof systems for timber frame structures and, of course, commercial projects.” Currently, Svendson is focused on growing the company both in the commercial and residential sectors. He also spends time educating people in both areas as to the uses and advantages of SIPs. “We educate contractors on the assembly side of SIPs so they can make it more mainstream within their company,” he said. “On the commercial side the education is not so much on the performance side but where they can be used.” He added that the benefits are enormous: for sustainable building, for healthy structures, for energy efficiency and for reducing the carbon footprints of homes and commercial buildings. Lastly, in the big picture, structures built with SIPs are cost efficient too.

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FEBRUARY 2015

LOCAL COMPANY CREATES BEAUTY FROM STONE SPOTLIGHT

RM Stone is nominated for Small Business BC Award for its outstanding work

AMLOOPS – RM Stone in Kamloops has been nominated for a Small Business BC Award in the desirable category of Premier’s Peoples Choice Award. Company owner Ryan McMillan said he is pleased and humbled by the nomination and the votes from his clients. RM Stone has received nominations in the past and this year’s recognition is another affirmation of the excellence of his work. For McMillan, the nomination is a particular affirmation of his passion for his career as a stonemason. RM Stone works with all natural and manufactured stone, including cultured stone and veneer. McMillan and his crew build patios, fireplaces, chimneys, arches, feature walls, old world brickwork and more. “It’s very artistic,” McMillan said. “That’s one of the reasons I enjoy it so much. It’s not a trade where anything is routine. You have to have an eye for it.” He added that because of the sheer size and weight of stone, working with it is also physically demanding, but creating beauty out of stone makes the labour worthwhile. In the six years that McMillan has owned and operated RM Stone he has worked on a large variety of prestigious projects including Privato Winery in Kamloops where he built the wine tasting room to resemble a warm and cozy grotto with an arched entry; he created a feature wall for a local retail store, built to look like an old brick wall with peeling stucco. He has also worked on multi-million dollar homes across the province. “We have done lots challenging, beautiful and interesting work for the more affluent market,” he said. “It’s the kind of work that I love to do.” He noted that some of his customers come to him knowing exactly what they want. Others

“I get huge satisfaction from my work, and from meeting my client’s needs first and foremost. I always make sure they’re happy.” RYAN MCMILLAN OWNER, RM STONE

leave the creativity largely in his hands. “Some people like to create a dialogue and get that artistic input,” he said. “That usually proves to be an excellent idea. It’s really nice to collaborate with people on something as artistic as stonework. In that respect, it’s nice to be given the opportunity to have an opinion. I know what looks the best in my eyes, but it’s also important to listen to other people’s opinions.” He added that he has been fortunate to consistently receive positive feedback for his work. “That’s always the cherry on top when the job is done,” he said. “It can be grueling work, but then, when the job is finished and you clean it all up, you have this wonderful product – I get huge satisfaction from my work, and from meeting my client’s needs first and foremost. I always make sure they’re happy.” RM Stone works with local suppliers who bring in natural and manufactured stone from around the world. Currently, the company is working on the YMCA Dream Home with stone imported from India. He works with large companies like K2 Stone and local companies like Kettle Valley Stone in Kelowna. The company also works with cultured stone of all kinds. McMillan said that today’s cultured

Ryan McMillan says that he and his crew have a passion for their work stone looks more realistic than ever. Cultured stone is lighter and easier to work with and has become popular and cost effective. RM Stone also works with veneer, a thin version of a natural stone. McMillan said that years ago stonemasons worked with full thickness stone that was highly labour intensive. Today veneer is used on structural beams to look like full thickness. The labour is a fraction of what it used to be and it looks beautiful. McMillan had achieved a visual arts degree at the University of Victoria and was working towards

a degree in design/architecture when a friend suggested he try masonry – and he never left the trade. “The best thing for me was that at the end of the day I got the exact same satisfaction doing rock work as I did out of painting a picture,” he said. “And I learned on full thickness natural stone – one of the harder things to master.” He added that he likes every kind of stonework, especially fireplaces and patios. After 10 years in the business, McMillan said he’s ready to grow in his calling. He plans to do more design and to travel to Europe,

particularly to his family’s roots in Scotland and Switzerland and to learn about the local stonework in that country. “It’s really working for me right now,” he said. “Getting the feedback I’m getting, it’s an honour to be working on the Dream Home this year – this is straight up my alley. I think the experience people get when dealing with us is that we really have a passion for it – we really put our heart and soul into what we do.” RM Stone is at 112 – 770 Hughallan Road in Kamloops. www.rmstone.ca

Proud Supplier to RM Stone! Congratulations! Producers of natural granite veneer , sill , key , trim , perrons, capping stone. Custom cut and polished hearth stones and architectural pieces.

At a retail location, RM Stone created a brick wall with a peeling stucco look

FEBRUARY 2015

A&T PROJECT DEVELOPMENTS EMPHASIS ON EXCELLENCE BOLSTERS REPUTATION SPOTLIGHT

Owner Jeff Arnold’s focus helps propel company to the top of the industry in Thompson Okanagan

AMLOOPS – Pride comes before profit. That’s the motto that has helped propel A&T Project Developments Inc. to become one of the Thompson Okanagan’s top developers and general contractors. “Our core philosophy says ‘pride comes before profit’,” says Sales and Marketing Manager Gary Reed, noting A&T was founded by President Jeff Arnold in Kamloops in 1992.

“By focusing on absolute excellence in service and workmanship first, amazing growth patterns and opportunities have followed. Our mission is to exceed client expectations while constantly seeking to enhance our trade through creative use of space, quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.” “With Jeff Arnold’s leadership and meticulous attention to detail he has expanded the company to include an ever growing portfolio of multi-phase developments,” adds Reed. “A&T now completes over 100 projects per year as one of the largest development and general contracting companies in the region. Our portfolio contains nearly 1,000 successful projects completed to date.” A&T takes on all forms of development, renovation and tenant

“Our philosophy of pride before profit has brought great success. A&T now completes about 100 development, construction and renovation projects per year as one of the largest development and general contracting companies in the region.” GARY REED

Owner/Founder Jeff Arnold has spent the past 23 years creating a leading development company through attention to detail and relationship building

SALES & MARKETING MANAGER, A&T PROJECT DEVELOPMENTS INC.

SALMON ARM BUSINESS TAKES DIFERENT APPROACH TO EMPOWERMENT

SALMON ARM CORRYN GRAYSTON

ALMON ARM - The vision held by Ce-analystic Ltd is important, one that encompasses a drive to help inspire and empower people and organizations to achieve their dreams. Owners Karen and Barry Wilson operate two divisions within the company, one being ecology and the other a holistic approach to the study of ecological systems to understand the interaction of ecosystems, our social fabric and economies. They combine stateof-the-art cumulative effects simulation models, collaborative planning and relationship building for a legacy of resilience and the development of a management frameworks to inform today’s and tomorrow’s critical land use decisions. The second division within the company is personal fitness training, and health and wellness. For information on either division, please contact Karen and Barry at (250) 463-2124 or visit www.ceanalytic.com. Spring is on the horizon, and WellBanks Sustainable Agricultural Services invite you to start thinking about your current farming practices. Owners Ernest Moniz and Una St.Clair-Moniz, with partner Peter Endisch promote restructuring of

current oil based, heavy footprint farming practices to a combination of innovative and traditional farming methods that are sustainable and beneficial to people, animals and the environment. They offer consultation, services, and educational programs, which include off-grid resources and diverse courses in permaculture and “care” farming methods. Current services offered include farm infrastructure construction and fencing, heritage farm building restorations and geo-thermal all-season greenhouse construction. Their goal is to support a vibrant and sustainable “food healthy” community in the Shuswap. Stay tuned for details of their one-day seminar in March, “Off Grid Living, Is It For You?” Call them directly at (250) 675-5595 for more details. Founded in 2009, Raptor Integration Inc continues to be a preferred supplier for customized automation and technology. Manager Tim Mosher and his team bring solutions tailored to meet the customer’s unique requirements by offering a range of industrial controls, automation and computer business systems. From concept to completion, Raptor’s experienced personnel provide the design and implementation expertise necessary to ensure your project is a success. Services such as web page hosting solutions, cloud data back-up, PLC based control systems, IT Network Infrastructure, and much more. Visit Raptor Integrations website for more details at www.raptorint. ca or call (250) 253-4201. Corryn Grayston is the General Manager at the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at (250) 832-6247 or admin@sachamber.bc.ca

improvement work throughout the Thompson Okanagan region. Two divisions carry out distinct aspects of the company’s work. “A&T Project Developments specializes in custom homes, leasehold improvements, renovations and commercial construction. A&T Ventures is the development division specializing in premier multi-family, commercial/mixed use and light industrial development,” explains Reed. “Our team of construction and technical-information experts, along with qualified trades partners ensure all aspects of our work reflect the results our clients expect on every project. Our team members bring decades of general contracting experience and have proven themselves as highly efficient and dedicated partners on construction projects of every size.” A&T Ventures currently has two developments underway. “District 1452 is a spectacular real estate development in a highly desirable area of Kamloops. Set along a wide, tree-lined boulevard offering remarkable views of the city, valley, mountains and river, District 1452 is a vibrant commercial, residential, office and light industrial hub offering easy access to the university, south Kamloops,

Congratulations from Steve DuMont and your friends at Gillespie & Company LLP Lawyers. Tel : 250-374-4463 Fax: 250-374-5250 200—121 St. Paul Street Kamloops, BC

downtown, and the north shore,” says Reed. “Our West Kelowna project ERA is a diverse multigenerational community that A&T Ventures is proud to be developing. Over 80 well-appointed townhomes will make up this highly unique project situated on Shannon lake golf club. We are confident that this project will redefine quality living in the Kelowna region.” The rising success of A&T is largely based on the confidence of customers through experience and a stellar reputation in the business community. “Whether investing in a commercial building, a lease hold improvement, a major renovation or a new home, our clients are guided through the building process by our dedicated project managers and client care representatives,” Reed states. “Our commitment is to build to suit - ensuring the highest quality products and workmanship - on time and on budget. Giving each and every client a higher than industry standard experience will always remain a top priority for A&T.” The combination of growth, quality and client care all contributed to the company having the ‘right stuff’ and receiving a sizable list of prestigious awards

since 1997. A&T was a KEYSTONE Award Winner in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 & 2011, with multiple awards received most years for achievements including Best Public/ Private Partnership, Best Multifamily Development, Best Marketing Project Advertising, Customer Choice Award for over 5 homes, and Best Single Detached Home which was received several times. Significant recognitions also include TOMMIE and GEORGIE awards given in 1997, 2000 and 2005, and a Canada Wood Building Award in 2009 for Best New Commercial Building. Relationship building in the business community is key, but A&T takes the approach of extending care to the wider community. This commitment was demonstrated by A&T’s instrumental involvement in the Kamloops Food Bank renovation in 2014. “The Food Bank’s Mission is “Sharing Food-Feeding HopeStrengthening Community” which showed how a community could come together. We became a big part of that,” Reed explains. “Along with private donations, a large part of the funding for the Food Bank was brought in from A&T’s encouragement to various experts and construction industry professionals in the community. The space has now doubled from 4,660 sq/ft to 8,600 sq/ft, with significant equipment upgrades to the facility. ” Going forward, the A&T approach sets the company on a path to pursue new opportunities and address noteworthy challenges in the development industry. “As we continue to look to the future in land, commercial and residential development projects, our goal is to inspire each other, our peers and our industry through our unconventional approach to development,” Reed concludes. “We shall continue to reinforce the values of putting quality craftsmanship and client care first that have guided our success up to this point.” A&T Project Developments Inc. is located at Unit #102, 1339 McGill Rd. in Kamloops Visit www.aandt.ca

A Well Deserved Recognition.

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FEBRUARY 2015

TOMTAR ROOFING & SHEET METAL TOWERS ABOVE THE REST SPOTLIGHT

Company is third generation family owned

ELOWNA - TomTar Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. has been the largest local roofing company in the Okanagan for decades. But TomTar is not limited to the roofing business – it has also branched out to become a building envelope company. In addition to roofing, TomTar builds wall systems and cladding systems including vapor barriers, waterproof membranes, z-girt systems, insulation and architectural feature cladding. To m T a r w a s f o u n d e d b y the Greenough family, which spawned out of Barr & Anderson (A corporation specializing in plumbing, heating and roofing). Harold Greenough was a superintendent for Barr & Anderson in Vancouver and moved to Kelowna to manage the new office in 1945. He later bought the franchise. Tom Greenough took over from his father and after several years, created TomTar out of the old company. Tom’s son, Robert Greenough, joined the company in 2001 and is the current general manager. The majority of the company’s clients are commercial, industrial

“Quality, service and experience is what truly sets TomTar apart from the competition.” ROBERT GREENOUGH GENERAL MANAGER, TOMTAR ROOFING & SHEET METAL LTD.

and architectural firms, although it also takes on large and unique residential projects. TomTar has worked on shopping malls, hospitals, pulp mills and every WalMart store in the area. “I’ve been doing this my entire life,” he said. “I came in to work for the summer in the sheet metal shop when I was 10 years old.” He added that he never doubted his future was with the company, despite briefly flirting with the idea of a career in sports, having played at the junior level in hockey and having attained national juvenile discus champion. Today, TomTar’s crews work across the region and as far East as Saskatchewan. Employing 50 people, the company is a force to be reckoned with. “We’re still small enough to care,” Greenough said. “But we’re big enough and have enough experience to know what we’re

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Tom and Robert Greenough operate the largest local roofing company in the Okanagan doing. We’ve been doing it for so long.” About 70 per cent of the work the company does is through tender while the other 30 per cent is negotiated. “There are contractors who know that we are the ones that will absolutely pull through,” Greenough said. “They don’t have to worry about us doing it wrong or not showing it up or causing problems on the job site. We have an excellent reputation.” He added that those who know the industry, consistently say that TomTar is the best in the business. “We’ve had that feedback,” Greenough said, adding that along with doing exemplary work, the company also cares about the relationships it has forged. “We will still work on a handshake. If you have a project, you come to us and if you already have what you want, we’ll take a look at it and make sure that it’s a system that will work, because we won’t put our name on it if we don’t believe that it’s a proper system or that it will work.” Roofing isn’t just about putting on a roof, he said, noting that there is far more to take into consideration like vapor barriers and different

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TomTar does exceptional work with copper roofing types of insulation. He said that one of the reasons roofing once had a less than stellar reputation was because it wasn’t nearly as sophisticated an industry as it is now. TomTar gets involved in the process right at the beginning and begins work depending on how much of the work it has been contracted to do – sometimes when the roof deck is already up and sometimes when

the steel beams for walls are in place, and it takes the job from there. On a recent project, the Westb a n k S u p e r s to re , To m Ta r completed the entire building envelope. “They gave us a steel structure and we did the entire wall,” Greenough said. “That included liner panels, insulation, z-girts, vapor ba rrier – every th i ng.

FEBRUARY 2015

Known for its prestigious appearance, copper has earned a respected place in the related fields of architecture and building construction

TomTar Roofing has completed an impressive number of commercial and industrial projects

Sometimes people forget how important your roof and wall system is. Keeping water out is what is protecting your entire asset. Buildings are extremely expensive but sometimes they don’t want to spend the money to put the higher quality systems on. It’s not seen, but it’s literally one of the most important parts. And if you think about the energy efficiency, a roofer who knows what he’s doing can design a roof that has the correct amount of layering and insulation to keep the heat in – it’s really important.” The more decorative aspects of the building envelope are also a TomTar specialty. The cladding could be metal, fiber cement or

Greenough said that the copper roof on Mission Hill Winery cemented its place as the “Jewel of the Okanagan.” TomTar also recently entered the ACM panel field and is the only manufacturer between Vancouver and Calgary of ACM panels, sometimes known by their material brand names: Alucobond, Rynobond and Alpolic. Its state-of-the-art CNC table router is capable of 5’ wide by 16’ long panels. ACM panels consist of aluminum sheets sandwiching a composite thermoplastic core. ACM panels provide a lightweight and colour consistent alternative to metal plate panels. These panels provide superior “flatness”

high-density phenolic panels. TomTar has installed its proprietary copper shingles at the Mission Hill Winery as well on an impressive local residence. Known for its prestigious appearance, copper has earned a respected place in the related fields of architecture and building construction. Copper is used for a variety of architectural elements, including roofs, flashings, gutters, downspouts, domes, spires and wall cladding. Copper is durable, resistant to corrosion and can be formed to complex shapes. Copper’s most famous trait is its display from a bright metallic colour to iridescent brown to near black.

to other products and come in a rainbow of colours including custom colours and exotic metals. TomTar’s sheet metal shop has the capability to produce panels in house at a fraction of the regular lead-time. The company is just getting started on another prestigious job in Edmonton, an Overwaitea food distribution centre with 550,000 square feet or 12.7 acres of roofing plus Aluminum composite panels. Asked what sets TomTar apart from other companies, Greenough said, “We are a family owned, third generation roofing and sheet metal company serving the Okanagan valley and Western Canada since 1945. We have one

of the most advanced architectural sheet metal shops in Western Canada. We are RCABC (Roofing Contractors Association of BC) certified and are held to a higher standard than non certified companies.” The company is a member of the Architectural Metal Cladding Association of BC (AMCABC). It is WCB (Workers Compensation Board) registered and BCCSA (BC Construction Safety Alliance) COR certified; it is also bonded and insured to cover large-scale commercial and industrial projects. Greenough noted that it stands behind its warranties. “Quality, service and experience is what truly sets TomTar apart from the competition.” Greenough noted that the company has a very low turnover of employees because it treats them well. In fact, some employees at the company are second generation. “You’re only as good as your worst employee,” he said. “I would put our people up against any other company’s anywhere.” He added that he expects the company to continue to grow in the future. But while it may range far afield, working on large projects in Alberta, Kelowna will always be its base. “T h is w i l l a lways be ou r home base,” he said. “This is our stronghold. We love this community.” TomTar Roofing & Sheet Metal is at 199 Pinto Road in Kelowna. Visit them online at: www.tomtar.ca.

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FEBRUARY 2015

GEMM DIESEL MARKS 30 YEARS OF KEEPING TRUCKS ON THE ROAD SPOTLIGHT

Harry Leyenhorst started the operation, now with locations in Salmon Arm and Kelowna, in 1985

A LMON A R M – Harry L eyenhorst h a s a lot of drive, which one would expect from someone who decides to start their own business. A shop mechanic, Leyenhorst decided back in 1985 to go out on his own, starting Gemm Diesel Ltd., wh ich he h a s stead i ly steered for three decades. With two locations, in Salmon Arm and Kelowna, Gemm Diesel offers parts and service for Volvo, Mack, Cummins and Hino diesel vehicles. Grow i ng up on d a i r y fa r m gave Leyenhorst an interest in machines and what made them work which formed his chosen career path. “At age 19 I entered the heavy duty mechanics apprenticeship program in Kelowna. Aided by my practical experience I finished at the top of my class and then went to work at Gibraltar Mines,” Leyenhorst recalls. “After one year the mine was shut down over a labor dispute and I got a job at a Western Star Dealer in Salmon Arm. I finished my apprenticeship there and stayed until they closed the dealership in 1981.” Not one to sit idle, Leyenhorst worked out of the back of his pickup until he found another job at a truck shop in Sicamous. “While working there I realized I was not cut out to be an employee, and my mechanic co-worker had the same mindset. He had some shop tools and I had $2,000 in cash,” says Leyenhorst. We rented a shop for $500 a month and founded Gemm Diesel as a company on October 1, 1985.” His connections within the industry went a long way towards spurring the growth of the new venture.

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“Look around and pretty much everything you see came on a truck! They need to be ‘on the road’ and that has been our commitment for 30 years. We provide the best possible service at a fair price. For our customers, time is money.” HARRY LEYENHORST OWNER/FOUNDER, GEMM DIESEL LTD.

“I knew most of the trucking people in Salmon Arm and it wasn’t long before we had to move to a bigger shop (in 1987). Workloads rose and we hired our first employee,” says Leyenhorst. “Business continued to increase, and by 1989 we hired another mechanic and then a full time partsman. At this time we also became a subdealer for Volvo which allowed us to do Volvo warranty work.” As the mechanical side of operations grew, Volvo saw value in giving the company a full line dealership. In 1993, Gemm took on truck sales, but change soon followed.

Owner Harry Leyenhorst founded Gemm Diesel in 1985, and now works alongside son Brett Leyenhorst (left) & son-in-law Chris Kraft (right) “In the mid 90’s my partner decided the business was more than he wanted and I bought him out. Business continued to grow up until the tough times we faced in 2002 and 2008,” says Leyenhorst. “In 2008 truck sales were at a low and no longer profitable in our marketplace. Volvo wanted a service outlet in Kelowna so we agreed to drop truck sales and open a service store in Kelowna in exchange. Volvo took back our truck inventory and gave us the Mack Parts service and warranty dealership in both locations. Our strong working relationship with Volvo and their fair treatment of us went a long way to get us through.” Gemm became a Hino parts and service provider in Kelowna in 2009, expanding into Hino warranty work. “We are now the official parts, service and warranty provider for Volvo and Mack in the Shuswap and Okanagan Valley, and the Hino parts, service, and warranty provider in the Central Okanagan,” says Leyenhorst. “We also work on all other makes of trucks and engines.” Recognition of company effort has included three prestigious business awards.

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“We received Volvo’s ‘Most i m p ro v e d d e a l e r ’ a w a rd i n the late 90’s with an all-expenses pa id trip to Sweden. We then won a Volvo ‘Finance Sa les Volu me’ awa rd w ith a trip to Monte Carlo in France in the early 2000’s,” recalls Leyenhorst. “ T he Cit y of Sa l mon A r m gave us their ‘Most improved small business’ award in the late 90’s.” Gemm Diesel primarily serves local businesses, although they also have large customers from outside the region who stop by during regular freight runs. The balance of business comes from trucks experiencing mechanical challenges between the Shuswap/Oka naga n a nd A lber ta border.

“Look around and pretty much everything you see came on a truck,” he notes. “They need to be ‘on the road’ and that has been our commitment for 30 years. We provide the best possible service at a fair price. For our customers, time is money.” The quality of the staff employed at Gemm Diesel and the company’s focus on technical advancement are factors which have contributed to the operation’s success. “We strive to h ire the best people we can get and then continually invest in training them to meet ever-changing technology demands. That is essential in a competitive market,” he explains. “Of our 30 employees, we have 13 certified journeyman mechanics and 7 fully qualified parts sales people. We actively participate in the apprenticeship program, currently employing 3 commercial transport mechanic apprentices.” Leyenhorst has plans to turn the business over to son Brett and son-in-law Chris in the next few years. “They are presently very active in the business, Brett being in multiple roles and Chris as service manager in Salmon Arm,” says Leyenhorst. “I would like to thank the people that have worked for Gemm and the customers who have supported us. I have confidence that it will continue for years to come.” Gemm Diesel outlets are at #8 – 5270 Auto Road SE in Salmon Arm and 359 Edwards Road in Kelowna. www.gemmdiesel.com

Happy Birthday Gemm Diesel

Congratulations to Gemm Diesel on 30 years in business! Brooke Downs Vennard LLP PO Box 67, 51 – 3rd Street, N.E. Salmon Arm, BC Phone: (250) 832-9311 Email: reception@bdvlaw.ca • Website: www.bdvlaw.ca

FEBRUARY 2015

FRAME CUSTOM HOMES CONTINUES TO WIN AWARDS SPOTLIGHT

Home builder view for gold locally and provincially

ELOWNA – Frame Custom Homes Ltd. never compromises on quality. The multi award winning company has an enviable reputation for building the highest quality custom homes in the Okanagan – and it has been recognized for that achievement with almost 50 awards. This year, Frame Custom Homes is once again in the running for an impressive number of awards: having received seven Silver Tommies, it is now a finalist for Gold in all seven categories. It is also a finalist for three provincial Georgie awards. For the Tommies: • The Ponds: excellence in si ngle fa m i ly detached home under $350,000 • The Guarducci Residence: excellence in single family detached home $1 – 1.5 million • The Huber Residence: excellence in s single family d e t a c he d hom e $2 – 3 million • Little Rock: excellence in si ngle fa m i ly detached home $3 – 5 million • Huber Residence: excellence in kitchen design – $65 – 150,000 • Little Rock: excellence i n k itchen desig n over $150,000 • Little Rock: excellence in master suite design “It’s always humbling to be nominated and to win,” said company president Bill Frame. “There’s a great bunch of builders in the Okanagan. It’s a privilege to be among them.” At The Ponds, a 450-acre master planned community in the Upper Mission Area of Kelowna, Frame Custom Homes has built five of six planned spec homes – all of which have sold. The Frame homes are contemporary in style and stand out from the crowd. “I put a lot into the homes as

Little Rock is a finalist for a Tommie and a Georgie award

“My philosophy is to build a quality, award worthy home at every price point. Every price point merits the same quality of materials and craftsmanship. BILL FRAME PRESIDENT, FRAME CUSTOM HOMES LTD.

Little Rock is a finalist for a Tommie for kitchen design far as design and functionality,” Frame said. “It means a lot to be in this category because there’s a lot of competition at this price.” At 3,000 square feet on three levels, The Ponds homes boast five good-sized bedrooms on the upper and lower levels and a large great room plus office and powder room on the main level. The exteriors are cedar or hardi-plank board and batten siding; yards are fully fenced with detached garages that actually allow for more yard space. The interiors feature hardwood, tiles and carpets, modern fixtures and cabinets, and sleek appliances. “We want to make sure we get the quality into every house no

matter what price point it is,” Frame said. “People have reacted very positively to them. This opens a new area for us. When you have the high-end custom builder label, a lot of people may think they want a Frame Custom home but it’s out of their league. So it was important to us to offer that product.” The Ponds is also entered in the Georgie awards. Frame noted that he is building more new contemporary homes in the same area. “I think the public is really supportive of what we are doing. It’s not your typical home style and that’s what we’re all about – being different and offering something unique to the marketplace.”

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been built. The owners of the lot opted for a modern home instead of the more traditional style. Despite that, the design blended in beautifully with the neighbouring homes. The owners, who were from Germany, only visited the building site once before leaving the project in Frame’s hands. “It was an interesting process to build from that distance,” Frame said. “They had tears of joy when they saw the finished house. That’s better than any award can ever be.” He said there is much to admire about the home: floor to celling windows capture the lake view while the European style design keeps the home warm and

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The Guarducci Residence is also unique. The homeowners presented him with a modern design calling for concrete floors and timberframe construction. “I was excited about that because it gave me the opportunity to build something different,” Frame said. “And I think it turned out really well. It was a great design and it’s always fun to work with people who have a unique vision.” The house was built on the site of an orchard and blends in beautifully with the old trees and vineyards. The Huber Residence is situated on Tuscany Lane, a gated street with seven lots and six Tuscan style homes that had already

The Guarducci residence boasts a modern design with big timberframe elements

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The Ponds features high quality at an affordable price

The Huber residence features panoramic lake views comfortable. Stone and wood elements were used throughout. The Huber Residence is also a finalist for a Georgie award. The Little Rock residence is exceptional. It took four finishing carpenters six months to complete the project, which boasts 20,000 linear feet of baseboards plus miles of other custom trim. The entire home is built of stone – and not just as veneer. “ W hen you’re g iven c a r te blanche from the owner to create a home, that makes it really exciting,” Frame said, noting that its inspiration was French country manor. Along with the full bed stone exterior, it also boasts a gleaming copper roof. The home is also surrounded by a stone fence with a double sliding gate. The front door opens to a two-storey foyer that leads through to the great room where 20-foot windows capture the lake view and the view of the infinity pool. The kitchen features three 11-foot islands. “T he house is tr u ly for

entertaining,” Frame said. “That’s really what it was designed for.” He added that everything in the house is top-quality including the hardwood and travertine floors. The office walls are covered in cherrywood and fully one-quarter of the home is the upstairs master suite with its walk-in closet, laundry room, immense bathroom with a tub overlooking the lake and its own private balcony. Little Rock is also a finalist for a Georgie award. Bill Frame founded his company in 2005. Prior to that he and his family owned a general contracting and marine transportation business in Fort McMurray. They hauled freight down the Athabasca River to the communities on the shores of Lake Athabasca. In the 1990s they transported new homes to various communities around the lake and also did new construction. In 2002 they sold their business and Frame moved to Kelowna where he believed there was a niche in the market for quality home construction.

The Guarducci residence is set in an old orchard “Every home we build is award worthy,” he said. “My philosophy is to build a quality, award worthy home at every price point. Every price point merits the same quality of materials and craftsmanship. It doesn’t matter what price range you’re in, you’re going to get the same product.” Frame Custom Homes is now a preferred builder at Crawford Point in Kelowna as well as at The Ponds where it is working on new designs. “We’re going to keep building our custom homes and expanding further on the new element of our company – the lower price point,” Frame said. “But no matter what we build, we will maintain the quality. That’s important.” Frame Custom Homes Ltd. is in Kelowna www.framecustomhomes.com

The Huber residence is a finalist for a gold Tommie award

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FEBRUARY 2015

HOW TOP MANAGERS HIRE THE BEST PEOPLE

inding and hiring great people can be an agonizing experience for even the most seasoned hiring manager. Business managers and owners consistently tell me their hiring process is far less than what they’d like it to be, and in the end, they never know if the candidate they hire will actually do what they say they can do. The reality is that over 40% of new hires fail within 18 months, and a whopping 60% of new hires feel they were misled during the interview process. These are sobering statistics, but they don’t have to be your

If you've got someone whose overqualified chomping at the bit to join your team, it's time to dig a little deeper into their motive and goals

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reality. Here are some great tips that my clients have adopted to reduce their staggering bad hire costs: Stick to the essential skills Regardless of whether you’re hiring for rank and file or senior management vacancies, first identify the key competencies that keep your team performing at its best. Define and track the essentials – the core skills that are necessary for success on your team. The more senior the role the more these competencies need to be centered around leadership – coaching and mentoring through strategic planning, team building, goal setting and decision making, vs other more tactical or physically oriented. Give performers a fighting chance If you’re looking for perfection to walk in the door, stop. Giving high potentials

the time to develop and prove themselves builds a degree of loyalty and goodwill that nothing can replace. And without that, well, we all know how that story rolls out. Clarify expectations up front Remember what we said earlier about new hires feeling they were misled during the interview process? Try walking candidates through an actual day or work week during your interview process, asking them about their recent experience with the hands-on behaviours and tasks that they’ll need to be doing in your organization. Sales Directors won’t do cold calls any more than a CFO will do routine bookkeeping or data entry. If you’ve got someone whose overqualified chomping at the bit to join your team, it’s time to dig a little deeper into their motive and goals. Stop ticking boxes.

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Leroux expects a strong contingent from throughout the Valley, the Lower Mainland a nd p erh aps t he Yu kon as wel l. “ We i nv ite t hem to come for the complete experience and stay right at the Four Points Sheraton.” The 2015 theme is BIG steps, BIG vision. “Completing a brand strategy that incorporates the steps women are taking in their business lives was important, and the variety of the workforce” said Julie Melanson, Co-creator of BCWL. “We were tired of the regular ol’ stock photography. We wanted to step out of the box and away from the ordinary, and show the business women as they are each and every day.” T hey worked w it h photog rapher A sh ley of Keylight Photography to create the ‘white-shirt series’ of photos, of t he women i n their work shirts, and boots or shoes. “We had fa rmers showing up in their t-shirts and gumboots, and executive in their collars and high heeled shoes. We even had the ski industry represented. It was a lot of fun,” said Melanson. Registration is live on the B C Women L e ad website www.bcwomenlead.ca.

as well as access to a global network of accounting firms and affiliations through Praxity—an international alliance of independent accounting firms. Joining MNP was the right time, right place and right fit.” “British Columbia is a strategically important market for our firm” says Daryl Ritchie, CEO of MNP. “We entered B.C. in 2002 and since that time have opened 15 locations from Vancouver Island, to the Cariboo, the North East, the Okanagan and the Greater Vancouver Area. “We have established a large foot print in B.C. and we will continue to enhance our offerings for all the economic sectors of the Province. We are excited to have the people of KNV join us, as a shared vision and culture – and a passion for British Columbia is very evident in our two firms.” Mitchell said both firms have strong cultures and values that are founded on an unwavering commitment to people. “MNP and KNV are fun and rewarding places to work and do business, where authentic relationships, an entrepreneurial spirit and a healthy balance between home and

Instead of ticking off boxes, look at your candidates’ potential to do the work you need to get done. By evaluating what someone has recently achieved (vs what they’re ‘qualified for)- regardless of whether or not it’s what you had in mind - I promise you will uncover some very promising new hires. Give top performers the tools they need. Get to know each team member and then assign them the work that they’re best at and will be challenged by. For your brightest modify the job. Offer ‘special assignments’ or try them out in temporary leadership roles. You will keep them challenged and engaged. Talk about retention and loyalty! Motivate Nothing builds loyalty like showing you care. Spend time understanding your team member’s needs, then support and develop them. In other words, demonstrate a genuine appreciation for each person’s differences and find ways to turn this into a synergistic working relationship. Be consistent in performance management Provide regular feedback in a manner that is viewed by all as fair and demonstrates the values of your organization. Ask for a leadership evaluation from your team. This can be done easily and anonymously with tools like Survey Monkey, and goes a very long way to demonstrate accountability for yourself and confidence in your team. Barbara Ashton and her team at Ashton & Associates provide executive search human resource consulting services to leading BC Interior Okanagan employers. For links to free hiring tools and how-to’s visit ashtonassociates.com

Tim Dekker, regional managing partner for MNP, Okanagan.

Established in 1973, KNV has provided accounting, auditing, tax planning and business advisory services to corporate, public sector, notfor-profit and personal clients for over 40 year

work life are at the core of how business is run. Our teams are looking forward to growing together.” Team members in KNV’s and

MNP’s offices in Kelowna will remain in their current locations until the firms can move into their new offices. MNP is at 600-1628 Dickson Avenue.

FEBRUARY 2015

INTEGRITY, QUALITY AND EXPERTISE ARE FOCAL POINTS FOR ASHTON’S FLOOR COVERING CENTRE SPOTLIGHT

Salmon Arm company now has a branch office in Chase

ALMON ARM – If there is one word to describe the philosophy behind Ashton’s Floor Covering Centre Ltd. in Salmon Arm, it’s “integrity.” Owners Cory and Lorelei Ashton believe in giving exceptional service to customers and in selling and installing a high quality product that works for their budgets. That same attitude is key to the success of Ashton’s second store that opened in May 2014 in Chase where the Ashton’s are partners with Dwayne Gamble. Ashton’s Floor Covering is a retail store that sells and installs every kind of flooring from vinyl tile to linoleum, carpeting, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile and more. It also carries area rugs. Beyond that, Ashton’s is also a dealer for the high quality General Paints and it sells and installs custom window coverings, focused on the well-known Hunter Douglas brand.

“We’ve established a very good name for our business. We get a lot of repeat customers and we also get a lot of referrals. CORY ASHTON OWNER, ASHTON’S FLOOR COVERING LTD.

the recent lean years. We’ve managed to establish ourselves very well in the community,” Ashton said. “We’ve established a very good name for our business. We get a lot of repeat customers and we also get a lot of referrals. Our business is really known for service and quality.” He added that it is also known for contributing to the community. The Ashton’s support local businesses and they are also strong supporters of local causes and charities. Ashton said that he and his wife are proud of their “ma and pa” store status. “You get one on one personal dealings with the owners,” he said. “We deal directly with our

Exerienced staff offer expert advice on choosing floor coverings, window coverings and paint colours customers – we don’t sit back in an office. We take the time in the showroom with our customers, making suggestions, giving people the pros and cons of different types of products available. We will set up free consultations, whether it’s for measurements or for advice.” He pointed out that

Cory Ashton, Lorelei Ashton and Dwayne Gamble give impeccable service at both store locations “We also offer help with interior design such as picking colours,” Cory Ashton said, noting that his wife is particularly adept at the design aspect of the business. “We’re really a one-stop shop when it comes to interior design,” he said. Ashton entered the business at age 18, following in the footsteps of his father, who owned a United Carpet store in Alberta. Ashton started as an installer and now has his oldest son, Byron, working as an installer in his own store. After 15 years of installing, Ashton shifted to sales for two years before opening his store in 2004. Ashton’s Floor Coverings enjoyed tremendous success quickly and continued to do well even during

Thank you to all of our clients, customers and friends for your support.

250.832.0500 Salmon Arm, BC

Lorelei is happy to visit a customer to help them pick paints, floorings and blinds. “We’re a large store but we’re a personal store that is focused on the customer being happy in the end,” Ashton said. “It’s about selling the customer the right product to suit their budget. We’re banking

on them telling their neighbours and friends about us.” He added that there is no obligation attached to a consultation – it’s all about giving the customer what they need. The second Ashton store in Chase operates the same way. Gamble also began as an installer; his father before him owned a flooring store in Courtenay on Vancouver Island. Gamble has the experience and expertise as well as the dedication to customer service that Ashton’s Floor Coverings is known for. “The Chase store is doing well,” Ashton said. “We already have very good rapport I the community. We’re hearing very good feedback about the business there.” Ashton said that he, Lorelei and Gamble intend to keep building the business and to keep making customers happy. “We don’t necessarily want to become the biggest floor covering store, we just want to be the best. And we want to build the business so that maybe down the road our kids will have an option to continue with it in the future.” Ashton’s Floor Covering Centre Ltd. is at 1371C 10th Avenue SW in Salmon Arm.

Ashton’s Floor Covering Centre offers every kind of flooring product

PROUD TO BE PARTNERS WITH ASHTON'S FLOORCOVERING CENTRE LTD

WWW.JACOBSONFORD.COM

VERNON

FEBRUARY 2015

VERNON CHAMBER GEARING UP FOR EXCELLENCE AWARDS By the time nominations had closed in early January, there were a record number of nominations in the eleven

VERNON

different categories.

DAN ROGERS

he flip of the calendar saw quite the start to 2015 for the Okanagan as the region got hammered with a huge amount of snow that hasn’t been seen in decades but despite the snowstorm, there was no slow dow n at the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce (GVCC). January meant it was time to crank up the throttle in coordinating the Annual Business Excellence Awards presented this year by Valley First and Kelowna International Airport (YLW). By the time nominations had closed in early January, there were a record number of nominations in the eleven different categories. The judges will have their work cut out for them as many of the nominees excelled locally and globally in 2014. “This is an exciting time of year

as we get to see great examples of businesses that are succeeding in our community,” said Jaron Chasca, president of the Chamber. “We are pleased to have had a record number of nominations this year.”

On the road, the smartest phone is

The three finalists in each category will be announced at the nominees’ luncheon on February 12th and the Awards Gala, which is always a near sell-out every year, will be held on Saturday March 7th. Tickets are available through the Chamber office and online through GVCC’s website. This year’s event will also salute the long running television series MADMEN which is in its final season. “We are trying to create a fun evening by adding a theme that we know fans of the show will get into,” says Dan Proulx, GVCC’s membership and events coordinator. “We will have a few surprises that align with the MADMEN theme that will make it fun for fans of the show and also entertaining for those who may not be familiar with it.” Preparing for the Annual Business Awards is occupying a great deal of time at the Chamber but it isn’t the only initiative on the go. GVCC’s recently adopted three-year strategic plan notes the need to be more active in reaching out to other organizations in the region to build a stronger and more resilient economy. As an example, the Chamber has a number of reps assisting the City of Vernon in reviewing their branding strategy. It is more of a tune up rather than a total re-brand. As part of the initiative the working group

is reaching out to non-residents to get their impressions of the region. A survey is being managed through Tourism Vernon’s website and it is anticipated that feedback, combined with the input of residents will help define the City’s next tag line and associated brand material. The North Okanagan has plenty to offer but must make sure its future marketing efforts resonate well with the target market both for tourists and with those who see the potential for development and investment. Speaking of collaborative efforts, GVCC has joined Community Futures North Okanagan which is coordinating the 2015 E nter pr i ze Ch a l lenge. T h i s entrepreneur competition is designed to give youth and new start-up business owners the chance to ‘pitch’ their business idea to a panel of judges (yes, sounds familiar). The Chamber is pleased to have Board members Ingrid Dilschneider of Predator Ridge and Adrienne Harris of Portico Property Services volunteering as mentors to help the participants refine their business plan and pitch. Participants are assigned a mentor to help them prepare a presentation as they compete in the initial pitch phase. The top five people will advance and deliver a final presentation to a panel of local business experts.

The grand prize winners are eligible to win nearly $25,000 in cash and prizes! Entries close February 13 th and the winners will be announced in early April. The challenge is meant to fuel the next generation of entrepreneurs in the North Okanagan. Welcome to our newest members: Social Lead Marketing, Okanagan Office Systems, Complete Marine Detailing, MTS Maintenance Training Systems Inc., MHC Mortgage House, Vernon Inn & Suites, Robin Hood Security, and Sun Valley Construction. We reminded our new members that while being a part of the Chamber helps improve the local business environment they are also part of a provincial (BC Chamber) and national network (Canadian Chamber). With this being a federal election year the work of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has never been more important. The Canadian Chamber recently released their Annual Report that details their successes in 2014 and where challenges remain and we continue to encourage our members to read this report so they can understand what their investment is helping make possible. Dan Rogers is the General Manager at the Vernon Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at manager@ vernonchamber.ca

Distracted driving is dangerous. When your employees are driving for work, their safety is your responsibility. Make sure their phones are off. Road safety is smart business. Be part of Road Safety At Work Week, March 2-6

RoadSafetyAtWork.ca

FEBRUARY 2015

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

around 40,000 apprentices have claimed the credits, which are administered through the Industry Training Authority. Eligible participants are may qualify for to $6,500 in credits over a four-year program, while employers could qualify for up to $13,500 as the apprentice progresses through their program.

KAMLOOPS Emil Anderson Construction Inc. has been awarded a $23.4 million contract by the BC Ministry of Transportation for the final phase the Pritchard to Hoffman Bluff project. The total cost of the project will be $61.6 million, and it’s expected to be completed in the fall of 2016.

KELOWNA

The honor of Salesman of the Year 2014 at Kamloops Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram has been awarded to Grant Dolson. Jodi L’Heureux has been appointed as President of the Board of Directors at People in Motion, a non-profit for people with disabilities. Moxie’s will be opening a Kamloops location in the near future. Dentists Dr. Randy Patch and Dr. Maureen Murray are celebrating their second year in business together. Rivershore Chrysler has added Keith Elvers to their sales team, and Steve Chapmen as their new sales manager. Gaetano Briglio was the 2014 Salesperson of the Year at Zimmer Wheaton GM. Drake Medox Physiotherapy has added Tyler Evans to their team. Zimmer Autosport Mercedes-Benz would like to announce that Norm Langlois is their 2014 Salesperson of the Year. Cale Rockey has decided to rejoin Kamloops Mazda.

SALMON ARM The City of Salmon Arm awarded 3-year janitorial services contracts to 6-4 Maintenance Ltd. for city hall, courthouse and RCMP detachment. TBCP Holdings as Bliss Commercial Cleaning won the public works building contract; Salmon Arm Janitorial received the contract for the fire halls. The contracts each have 2-year extension options included. Taxpayers will save a total of $35,000 over the course of the contracts. The development and planning services committee has been asked to consider amending the C-7 shopping center zone to allow financial institutions. The Standard Life Assurance Company of Canada, owner of the Mall at Piccadilly, has made the request. The Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union received approval for the naming rights to the sports fields and field house at Little Mountain for the next five years, following a vote from city council. The deal is worth $12,000 and will expire on December 31, 2019. City council voted unanimously in favor of approving a development permit variance application made by the school district. The variances enable the district to more easily sub-divide a lot on the Shuswap Middle School property.

Greater Vernon Recreation as part of the RBC Foundation’s Learn to Play Project.

Tandori on 29th street has just celebrated its grand re-opening.

Silver Star Mountain Resort has agreed to a three-year partnership with Heineken Canada, meaning that products from Heineken, Strongbow, Newcastle Brown Ale, Coors and Granville Island Brewing will be served year round. The resort has also joined the Powder Alliance program, providing free passes to pass holders at other resorts in the program.

Michael Lizee of Vernon Hyundai was named both the Salesman of the Month for December 2014, and the Salesman of the Year 2014.

Watkin Motors Ford has announced that Lorne Pearson was their Salesperson of the Year for 2014, Tim Hooper was their Salesperson of the Month for December 2014, and that Doug Robinson has joined their sales team. Robert McLaren has been named the Salesperson of the Month for December 2014 at Bannister GM. Hogarth’s Clinic Pharmacy donated $1,000 to the Vernon Salvation Army. Gedd Cantwell of National Bank Financial Wealth Management has named John Edwards the new manager of the Vernon branch. KNV Chartered Accountants and MNP have merged to form the province’s third largest accounting firm. The BX-Swan Lake fire hall on Silver Star Road has been granted approval for an expansion by the Regional District of North Okanagan. The approval included an adoption of a bylaw allowing the fire hall to borrow up to $1.5 million go increase the size of their current location. North Okanagan real estate improved dramatically in 2014, compared to 2013. Overall sales improved by 28.1 per cent, from 1,555 to 1,992 units. Single-family home sales increased by 30.3 percent, from 782 to 1,019 units. Townhome sales gained 15.8 per cent, from 221 to 256 units, while apartments rose 31.9 per cent, from 97 to 128 units. Bannister Honda has announced that Udai Sangha and Gene Kushniruk have tied for salesperson of the month for December 2014. Tyler O’Dwyer and Jesse Nicholson have both received Gold awards for sales efforts during 2014 at Vernon Kia, with Dayton Inglis receiving Platinum. Erin Traxel has joined Square One Apparel Salon as a stylist, with more than 10 years of experience.

VERNON

Dr. Brooke Parker has opened an optometry practice on 32nd avenue, in association with Peter Martens, owner of Lensmakers Optical.

Baron Insurance has recently celebrated the renovation of their offices on 30 th Avenue.

Vernon Dodge Jeep has added Warren Woodward to their sales roster.

Pinnacle Renewable Energy has received approval from Coldstream council, the Agricultural Land Commission and the Ministry of Environment for a pellet plant on School Road.

The Okanagan College Kelowna campus recently received a donation from Art Salt, owner of Coldstream Auto Wreckers, in the form of a $60,000 Caterpillar ITI8F frontend loader.

RBC Green Village has donated $10,000 to

The New Delhi Indian Restaurant Curry &

Barb Chapman will serve as the new manager of car detailing service 29th Street Autoplex, part of Watkin Motors Ford. Lawrie Jenner, President of the Village Green Hotel, has retired. Paul Saunders has rejoined Concept Physiotherapy after a year of travelling. Nixon Wenger LLP has added Kylie Walman to their team as an associate, specializing in family law. Therapeutic massage and other spa treatments are now available at the new Rain Wellness, owned by Angeline Chillihitzia. Speedy Glass Vernon has been servings its community for more than 25 years now. The provincial government will be extending the BC Training Tax Credit for 3 additional years until the end of 2017. Since the initiative’s inception in 2007,

Lake Country council has decided to evoke an alternative approval process to ask taxpayers to borrow up to $2.6 million to support the purchase of the discontinued CN rail line within their District’s boundaries. The money will cover 50 per cent of the purchase price, with the City of Kelowna picking up the remaining 50 per cent. Voters against the purchase must submit an established elector response form by February 23rd. If approved, property tax would increase about $27 per year for the next 20 years, on a house valued at $475,000. Over time Lake Country will purchase the Kelowna’s share of the rail line. The District of West Kelowna will be using the alternative approval process as it attempts to proceed with the process of becoming a city. The provincial government has indicated it will consider reclassifying the District, which currently has a population of more than 30,000. Porrelli Law has added Wes Forgione to their roster as an associate, specializing in business law, real estate and wills and estates. Choices Markets is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. SEE MOVERS AND SHAKERS | PAGE 25

Client: HRMA / Size: Full Page 9.8” X 13.4” / CMYK / Business Examiner

“

Empowering operational leaders is key to our success.

Marlene Higgins, MBA, CHRP Global Head and Director of HR Kal Tire

”

Meet an HR professional who is driving global growth. Marlene Higgins oversees HR operations of more than 5,400 Kal Tire employees in over 250 Canadian stores, as well as those who are part of Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group, in 17 countries. A privately-owned company, Kal Tire is a BC success story. Its global expansion strategy is based on careful acquisitions, which includes Marlene’s assessment of executive and operational team capital. She views her role of integrating existing companies with different languages, cultures and business practices as a unique combination of business anthropologist and HR architect. “Leadership capital isn’t reflected on a balance sheet, yet it’s essential to quantifying the opportunity in new markets,” says Marlene. “When an acquisition becomes part of the Kal Tire family, we provide HR infrastructure so each local company is empowered to grow in their markets, their way.”

Learn more about leading human resource professionals at weareHR.ca

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

FEBRUARY 2015

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Mission Group Homes is the developer behind a new 66-unit condominium project adjacent to UBC Okanagan, called U-One. The project is currently 60 per cent sold, with prices beginning at $189,000. Chef Jonas Stadtlander has joined Sunset Organic Bistro, the restaurant portion of Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Stadtlander is formerly of the Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos. Sunset will be reopening following renovations in mid-March. The Naramata Centre will be permanently closing its doors, due to financial challenges. Wine Enthusiast has named the Okanagan to their top 10 best wine destinations in the world, ranking them 7th. The Okanagan Business Professionals Network will now be offering an additional Tuesday morning meeting, starting at 7AM at Molley’s Garden Café. The PIHL Law Corporation now employs Courtenay MacRae, her area of focus will be corporate, real estate and wills and estates law. Pushor Mitchell LLP welcomes Melodie Lind, Vanessa DeDominicis and Greg Pratch as partners. MNP Kelowna congratulates Ryan Dolan, Jessica Grantham, Ryan

McWhirter and Brett Matushewski on successfully completing the 2014 Canadian Uniform Evaluation. Meagan Hughes, owner of Cottage Quilting, and entrepreneur Matt Dober have been named to the Kelowna Top Forty Under 40 Program. The Learning Academy has named Ecole KLO Middle School principal Raquel Steen as one of their 40 outstanding principals in Canada. As a result she will be inducted into the National Academy of Principals. The Baldy Capital Corporation is in the process of finalizing its purchase of the Mount Baldy Ski Area, which has recently reopened on a limited basis, following a year of closures to fiscal difficulties. Okanagan Countertop Systems has recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Traditional Mexican cuisine serving Los Jarros Restaurant is now open on Main Street in Westbank. The South Okanagan’s largest independent accounting firm, White Kennedy, has announced that Aaron Dodsworth and Jodi Hansen, both based out of the West Kelowna office, have been appointed as Partners. The Lake Country Food Bank has received the $100,000 grand prize from the Aviva Community Fund, by way of an online contest. The money will go towards a new

building project beginning this spring.

Actors Studio and Katie Balkwill, Big White Ski Resort.

Judith Charbonneau Kaplan has joined KPMG’s Kelowna office as an associate, specializing in domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions.

Just Be Friends, a local tech firm, has partnered with the Calgary Flames and Chicago Blackhawks to create a sports-focused app called Just Be Friends. The app connects teams to families, and families to other families in their communities with athletics-based interests.

Tourism Kelowna has selected its new chairman, Stan Martindale, manager of the Ramada Hotel in Kelowna. The priority project during his tenure will be a new tourist center near the waterfront at the base of Queensway Avenue. The project is expected to begin construction this year, with completion coming sometime in 2016. He’s also joined by Vice-chairman, Daniel Bibby, Delta Grand hotel, Dan Matheson, Okanagan Golf Club,Tanya Stroinig, Prestige Hotel, Tony Stewart, Quails’ Gate Winery, Heather Schaub, Casa Loma Resort, David McFadden, Okanagan Lavender Farm, Sam Samaddar, Kelowna Airport, Penny Gambell, District of Lake Country, Heather Schroeter, Manteo Resort, Rosemary Paterson, Best Western Hotel, Donna Markin, Orchard Park Shopping Centre, Thom Killingsworth, Four Points by Sheraton, Nathan Flavel, Kelowna

Fashion designer Genessa Jackson has opened a new women’s focused retail outlet, Le Reve Boutique is now open on Bernard Avenue. A new partnership between the UBC Okanagan and the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society will be providing opportunities for adult aboriginal students interested in pursuing post-secondary education. The partnership, called the Downtown Education Project, will offer an introductory writing course at the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Centre on Leon Avenue. Beginning February 16th an independent film called Unseen will be filmed throughout West Kelowna and North Okanagan. Film will be using local actors and crew.

25 The District of West Kelowna council has given three readings to a bylaw that would reduce Development Cost Charges (DCCs) specifically for Westbank Centre, in an effort to incentivize investment in the area. The reductions would be in place for 3 years, and the lost revenue from DCC’s will be recouped through taxes generated through the incentive. Council has also decided to extend a development application for an additional year to the West Bay Beach Resort, currently in front of the Agricultural Land Commission. The project has been planned since 2009, but has been postponed due to market uncertainty.

PENTICTON Interior Health has announced that Ellis Don Infrastructure, Plenary Health and Tandem Health Partners have been invited to move to the RFP stage for the new patient care tower at Penticton Regional Hospital. Construction is expected to begin in 2016, and be completed in 2019, creating more than 1,900 direct and indirect jobs along the way. The project will cost $325 million, and funded through a combination of the provincial government, with the OkanaganSimilkameen Medical Regional Hospital District contributing $122 million, and the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation providing $20 million.

OPINION

FEBRUARY 2015 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Thompson Okanagan Office #210-347 Leon Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8C7 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

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

BC GOVERNMENT WORKERS LIVE ON EASY STREET

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

ith declining energy prices and a vulnera b l e e c o n o m y, t h e provincial and various municipal governments in British Columbia are facing importa nt f i s c a l c h a l len ge s. T h i s wa r ra nt s a sob er rev iew of government spending and an important place to start is the compensation of government employe e s, a key s p end i n g item for all governments. And in light of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with public sector unions, now is an opportune time to ensure that the wages and benefits of government employees are in line with comparable private

sector positions. This is about more than just economics; it’s also about simple fairness. It seems entirely u n fa i r to h ave gover n ment workers re ceive a prem iu m that is paid for by private sector workers who receive less overall compensation for similar positions. The traditional trade-off was t h at t he gover n ment sector received lower wages than the private sector in exchange for more generous benefits. But a s a recent Fra ser I n st itute st udy revea l s, t h at ba rga i n h a s b een u ndone. T he government sector now enjoys a wage premium, and more than likely, more generous benefits as well. Using Statistics Canada data from 2013 (the latest available), we found that the average wage i n the govern ment sector i n B.C. (including federal, provincial, and local governments) is 34.2 per cent higher than the private sector. However, this doesn’t account for differences like education, the nature of the position, the experience of the workers, etc. Once we control for these factors, the

average wage premium enjoyed by the govern ment sector is 6.7 per cent compared to the private sector. But total compensation includes much more tha n just wages; it also includes benefits such as health, dental, pensions, job secu rity, etc. Unfortunately, Statistics Canada does not collect comprehensive data on non-wage benefits so it’s d i fficu lt to ma ke a definitive statement about whether government workers enjoy more generou s b enefits than their private sector counterparts. The best and most comparable available data nonetheless point to a rather generous benefits package for the government sector compared to the private sector. For ex a mple, pen sion s a re one of the costl iest benefits prov ided to workers i n both sectors. In 2013, 86.9 per cent of govern ment sector workers in B.C. were covered by a registered pension compared to 19.2 per cent of private sector workers. A l so tel l i n g, a mon g t hose covered by a registered

pension, 95.7 per cent of government workers enjoyed the gold sta nda rd of pensions – a d ef i ne d-b enef it p en sion , wh ich g u a ra ntees a cer ta i n level of benefits in retirement – compared to 46.9 per cent of private-sector workers. More ev idence from the ava i l able d ata: gover n ment sector workers in B.C. retire almost three years earlier, on average, than private sector workers. W hen it comes to job loss, a prox y for job secu rity a nd another way to measure nonwa ge b enef its, gover n ment workers have a d ist i nct advantage. In 2013, 3.3 per cent of private sector employment in B.C. experienced job loss – more than four times higher than the 0.8 per cent of government sector employment. A final indicator of the dramatic difference in compensation between the government and private sectors: the rate of absenteeism, wh ich is the nu mber of d ays lost per worker due to personal reasons throughout the year. In 2013, full-time employees in B.C.’s private sector were absent for

a n average of 9.3 days wh i le the average government worker was absent 12.7 days. Of course, governments need to provide competitive comp en sat ion to at t ract q u a l ified employees, but the fact is government sector workers in B.C. enjoy higher wages and, more than likely, more generous benefits than comparable workers in the private sector. A s gover n ments i n B.C. struggle in the face of fiscal a nd e conom ic u ncer ta i nt y, p ol i c y-m a k e rs c a n c o n t rol s p end i n g by en s u r i n g government sector compensation broadly ref lects private sector compensation for similar positions. Charles Lammam and Jason Clemens are co-authors of the Fraser Institute study Comparing Government and Private Sector Compensation in British Columbia, available at http:// www.fraserinstitute.org

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

MARK MACDONALD

“I

got back doing what I do best.” T hat statement beca me a sage piece of adv ice that can help every business person, and it came from one of my “business heroes”, Alex Dugan. He’s the owner of Central Island Distributors, a very successful Vancouver Island trucking company with depots in Nanaimo and Sidney that he started in 1992. A year earlier, Alex was happily managing Pacific Brewers Distributors when he was s u m m on e d to a m e e t i n g i n Va n c o u v e r a f te r re t u r n i n g from vacation in Las Vegas. They let him go, after almost

20 years of service. He didn’t see it coming. A severance package helped cushion the blow somewhat, and he used some of the f u nd s for a va r ie t y of ventures. Selling office supplies. Juice machines. Vending machines. Ties. Jewelry. Flavored popcorn. Jo-Ann remembers it well. “A lex was devastated,” she recalls. Although it didn’t look like it at the time, it really was a blessing in disg uise. A fter a

year in which he tried a number of different ventures, he re-focused and made a strateg ic deci sion. He got back “doing what he was good at”, and got back into the trucking business by starting Central Island Distributors. “I tried everything,” he says. “I made about $2,000 the entire whole next year. I never felt so low i n my whole l i fe. My accou nta nt, Doug Johnston, said to me: ‘I don’t know what you’re trying to do’. I was crushed. “But I finally came back to what I knew best – trucking.” T h e r e s t , a s t h e y s a y, i s history. Today, Centra l Isla nd Dist r ibutors h a s 50 t r ucks a nd 90 trailers in its fleet, and 73 employees. Alex and Jo-Ann’s son, Dave Dugan, who was a major part of getting Central Island on its feet, is now the G enera l M a n a ger a nd h a nd les most of the day-to-day operations. To me, Alex’ journey is one of the most inspiring business stories I’ve ever heard. It was

Alex’ focused commitment to build a company based upon what he knew inside and out a nd was a n ex per t at – plus a to r re nt of h a rd wo rk a n d elbow grease – that propelled D u ga n’s fa m i ly bu si ness to where it is today. H is words resonate often in my mind, and have helped keep our business on track: Do what you do best. Severa l ye a rs a go, we h ad a tempti ng offer la id before us that could have taken our company in another direction. A l t h o u g h t h e re w e re s o m e commonalities with what we did, there were enough nuances that could have gotten us off track, within a very short period of time. You k now how it goes: It’s new, it’s interesting, intriguing, and before one knows it, we’re meandering down rabbit trails, chasing information that may or may not be worth the time spent investigating it. I was reminded of Alex’ advice again – and heeded it. A similar theme can be found in the excellent book, ‘StrengthsFinder 2.0’ by Tom

Rath. It is accompanied by a 30-minute on-line quiz component that spits out an amazingly accurate analysis of who we are and what we’re best at. Rath’s basic premise in the book is this: We spend a lot of time trying to improve on our weaknesses. Why not focus on ou r streng ths, a nd let other people do the things that we’re not good at? A f ter a l l, isn’t that how successful companies and organizations are built? E x p er ts i n t hei r res p e ct ive fields working beside a team of others doing the same. . .how can that combination be beat? Have there been bumps in the road? W hat successful business hasn’t had a few, especially if they’ve been around for any length of time? It goes with the territory. However, by concentrating on the straightforward strateg y of doi ng “wh at t hey do best”, the Dugans have avoided fragmenting their efforts towards unfruitful and distracting pursuits; they’ve helped ma ke thei r fa m i ly’s d rea ms come true.

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

2014

SALES/GREEN SHEET

FEBRUARY 2015

FATAL ERRORS AND RESULTS ETTING THE COURSE Managing everyone the

When personal visions

same way will result in

and goals are in alignment

frustration, lack of clarity,

with team visions and and missed opportunities the ability goalsfor as growth well asincompany

SALES

to sell visions and goals, a

JOHN GLENNON

rathersynergy than the objective. powerful is Know your target market and limit

ALES

your presentations to qualified created uccessful sales managers prospects. Learn as much as are leaders. Knowing how you can about the prospects in to inspire, ou m ay not re a lmotivate, i z e it coach your target market. salesleader, people account#8 Being a buddy rather than but, and as ahold sa les able for their behaviors is the a coach. Your sales force wants you must often serve as foundation for improving sales. to get better. If they don’t, see vigator. You set for thesuccess courseas a sales #11. Sales people need a mentor, Skill sets your sales team or manager arefor notyour the same as a coach, to spur them to leave skill sets fora successful artment. You set course sales their comfort zone to find new In some cases it’s not success. ourself.people. You help your staff surprising that unskilled sales #9 Don’t set standards and mbers set their courses inmanagers with no training can never rank your sales people dually and within the team commit many fatal errors with- by any thing other than revtex t. You re constawhy ntlysales fail enue. Without clear expectaout arecognizing increase. Here are thirteen tions, without the awareness gating. to You map out territhat there are varieties of ways your to consideration. es, chartfor steps take, test #1 Refuse to accept personal to succeed, a nd w ithout the conditions, correct others accountability for the behaviors knowledge of where they stand, have strayed off courseofand and production your sales sales people flounder into isolao reach the destinations de-blaming tion and alienation. force. Spending time #10 Never traattainment i n you r sa les sales people, mined forthe you, in large, bythe themarket, of the vision and the people. T h i n k i ng you k now the economy, the product or the pany. of the goals. company will never increase everything the sales team needs e course the company takes Establish a plan of action to sales. Accepting these excuses to know about sales limits them rgely determined by its viachieve It isWithout posyourvision. experience. from sales people does them a to the , just as the course we take in sible toconti move “what is” closer nua l refi nement i n to the disservice, as well. changing #2 Neg lect to develop“what t he rapidly as individuals is determined could be” – butmarketplace, not alone you can find yourself sales people you manage.and The not ur personal vision. When without a plan. Theunprelast p a r e d to m e e t u n e x p e c tae d top job of the sales manager is onal visions and goals are in step in visioning is to establish not to sell. It isn’t even to “get challenges. nment with team Develop the goals #11 Condone incompetence. sales up.”visions It is to and developplan the of action. s as wellsales as company visions that give life and action to the bepeople on the team. The Sales people can actually lack of competent with promotingvision. the lieve goals, aproblem powerful synergy Heretheir is where leader and r fo rjoined m a n c eini stheir a c c ecomp t a bl e best producing person to p eare eated throughout thesales comfollower when are no consequences salesyou management y. Part ofthe what have theposition mitment tothere the vision. is that he may think sales would for poor performance. W hat er to dogo asupa if manager to the way Thinkare about how your personalan you doing to implement everyoneis sold k to shape your vision, and goals fit process? with the vihe did when he was the the top vision pro- accountability ducer. It is rarely Recognize the top goals of your only company. on of those on your staffso. and sion and#12 ng on in thea resu revenue a ndThe then Islts it a good fit orproducers a forced fit? vision of #3 theFocusi company rather than the behavior, atonly once a year at bonus time. that gives meaning to the best fit is when your vision cotitudes and beliefs. Results are Failure to see the team as the withfor the company’s vi-to s you work set. cleato r to ever yone. K nowalesces i ng reason sales success leads sion. When you achieving your ow yourwhat company’s vision. behaviors, attitudes and isolation, lack of camaraderie. beliefs enable is helps Recognition of everyone’s efgoals the company achieve sion is different fromsellers goalsto sell forts strengthens the team and first step. The second its step goals, synergy is created. Immission.the It expresses a view leads to greater initiative. is tobe. know how to changeagine the what would happen if the what could The vision, #13 A lways see cond itions things that get in the way. vision of each team member co- a sharing in the vision, can #4 Don’t use all the data you instead of obstacles. Seeing alesced with your vision for ivate andcainspire us to reach that n get. Eva luate you r sa les down market (or anythingthe team? What if their goals led toas goals. Determine com- ma in the way of business) people. Ityour just doesn’t ke gets a n u nch nge able cond it ion stay in thevidark when attainment of ayour goals? y’s visionsense andto share that leads to excuse-making. Achighly accurate, dependable with your staff. This creates If you were to set out to make assessment tools will tell you cepting excuses de-motivates ntext in which how company some of force. your visions betheall sales precisely a nd why you r or s make sales personal to come a reality, C o p y r iwhat g h t 2goals 0 1 4 Swould andler people sense sell or don’t. toi get loyees, which turn n i n gthere, a nd I ninsithe g ht real Sa le s # 5 M a nin a ge a l l is y oau r syou a l e s setT ra people the same way. Managing world? C■o n s u l t i n g I n c . A l l r i g h t s erful motivating dynamic. everyone themight same way volve everyone who be will re- reserved. sult in frustration, lack of clarcted. A leader a vision ity, andwith missed opportunities is theisowner of of ds to share that vision for growth in the with ability toJohn sell. Glennon John Glennon the owner Insight Sales Consulting Inc.,Inc, yone who be the affected #6will Forget importance of Insight Sales Consulting profit. Sales volume is notthe theauthorized the authorized Sandler Training Sandler Training . The navigator informs the indicator of success. Dropping Licensee for the Interior of w. The crew knows the des- licensee for the Interior of B.C. the price may get the sale, but British Columbia. He can be tion. Members the crew at toll-free 1-866-645it leads toof leaner margins,Reach lack him reached at jglennon@sandler. then empowered with jglennon@sandler.com. of confidence and athe poorly2047 per- orcom, toll free at 1-866-645acity to share insales the pursuit Visit www.glennon.sandler.com. forming force. 2047 or visit www.glennon. # 7 Fo c u s on t he problem s sandler.com

N GLENNON

SIMONE SUNDERLAND

GREEN SHEET BUILDING BRIEFS

SALMON ARM KAMLOOPS

LOCATION LOCATION 621, 641 and 681 Harbourfront

175 Kokanee Way -to Ramada Hotel Dr NE – Addition Lakeside Manor Assisted PROJECT TYPE Living Facility PROJECT TYPE commercial new

27 KELOWNA LOCATION 3657 Hwy 97N – Commercial Building PROJECT TYPE commercial new

SIMONE SUNDERLAND PROJECT New commercial building – 2 storey’s – 4 units each with PROJECT loading bay – acrylic stucco, windows, phenolic panel New water treatment facility tinted - the dissiding, black aluminum storetrict is currently testing several methfront, system ods including membrane technology

NORTH CENTRAL OKANAGAN OKANAGAN REGIONAL PROJECT STATUS PROJECT STATUS DevelopmentREGIONAL permit appliDISTRICT Design underway - Tender call for submitted – negocation General Contractor anticipated

DISTRICT

tiation with the Ministry of LOCATION July/14 - construction completion

institutional add/alter

Transportation ongoing – construction start anticipated late LOCATION spring/15

PROJECT

4803 Pleasant Valley Vernon anticipated lateRd, 2015 Boys Food Market PROJECT New Ramada Hotel in the Campbell – Butcher CONSULTANT Addition to Lakeside 2241 Springfield Rd - Missio Creek industrial park - 4Manor storeys - Addition assisted living facility – 4 Opus Dayton Knight 255 1715 APPLICANT Crossing Westside 3,780 sm - 80 rooms - restaurant - pool PROJECT TYPE storey’s – 58 assisted living Novation Design StudioTYPE – 101 Dickson Ave, V1Y 9G6 250-868-4925 commercial add/alter with waterslide elevators concrete PROJECT units – dining and common 1865 Dilworth Dr, Kelowna V1Y OWNER construction - roof articulation with PROJECT commercial new rooms – high pitched roofline, 9T1 250-718-1302 porte cochere - asphaltextended shingles - 98 Addition District of Sicamous - 1214 to Butcher Boys Food cupolas, balconies, PROJECT surface parking Sicamous V0EKELOWNA 2V0 MarketRiverside – approx Ave, 11,810 sf – dormers, stonestalls cladding, wood New commercial urban lifest stucco250-836-2477 siding, fir fascia boards, composite vinyl siding, white PROJECT STATUS LOCATION centre - 6 buildings - 2 to 7 s horizontal fibER cement and vinyl windows PROJECT MANAGER Construction start anticipated late 975 Academy- Way retail– commercial at ground laminated asphalt shingles PROJECT STATUS 2014 – Uoffice One units above - und MHPM - 550 555 W 12th Ave,Condominiums with Construction start anticipated PROJECT STATUS V5Z 3X7 604-714-0988 PROJECT TYPE Vancouver parkade - 80 above ground s ARCHITECT Excavation underway as of spring/15 – construction commulti-family new term parking stalls pletion anticipated early/16 January/15 – further construction DF Architecture Inc - 1205 4871 Shell PROJECT PROJECT STATUS anticipated spring/15 Rd, Richmond V6X 3Z6 604-284-5194 ARCHITECT New condominiums – 3.5 stoDevelopment permit applica Bernd Hermanski Arch – Box ARCHITECT rey’s – 66 units – 2 storey DEVELOPER submitted TRTA Architecture Ltd – 3500 1438 40 Alexander St NE, lobby with study lounge – 66 LOCATION Prism Ventures Inc4P6 - 3571 Barmond 30th St, Vernon V1T 5E8 250Salmon Arm V1E 250-832underground ARCHITECT parking stalls – 27 Ave, Richmond V7E 1A4 604-338-4656 To Be Determined - Ice Facility 545-0784 7400 above groundEkistics parkingTown stallsPlanning - 192 OWNER PROJECTMANAGER TYPE St, Vancouver V5T 3C1 604-7 DEVELOPER CONSTRUCTION PROJECT STATUS Prism Hotels and Developments Resorts - 800 Lakeside Manor PJ Devries Construction – 2401 institutional add/alter Construction DEVELOPER approximately 50 14800 Landmark Blvd, Dallas Ltd – 621 Harbourfront Dr NE,Texas43 St, PROJECT Vernon V1T 6K8 250-542percent complete construc- Ltd - 4870 R366–Enterprises 75254 214-987-9300 Salmon Arm V1E 3L7 250-8326545 tion completion anticipated New ice facility for the Greater Kelowna V1W 4M3 250-7640653 August/15 DEVELOPER Vernon area to replace the aging GENERAL CONTRACTOR Butcher BoysArena Food -Market GENERAL CONTRACTOR ARCHITECT Civic 4,000–seats - may be Lambert and Kasper Development Corp – 4803 Pleasant Valley Rd, Vernon Meiklejohn Architects Inc –Paul 233Constructi an addition to Kal Tire Place or the 8030 Enterprise Dr, Chilliwack V1B 3L7 250-542-2968 300 2000 Spall Rd, Kelowna Bernard Ave, Kelowna V1Y 6N2 Priest Valley Arena or construction of V2R 5N8 604-391-1320 250-860-2331 LOCATION 250-762-3004 a new ice facility 451 Shuswap St - SD 83 North OkanaDEVELOPER PROJECT STATUS gan Shuswap Administration Building Mission Group Homes – 10th Feasibility study and cost analysis floor 1631 Dickson Ave, Kelowna PROJECT TYPE study anticipated shortly - the LOCATION V1Y 0B5 250-448-8810 institutional Greater Vernon LOCATIONnew 1745 Chapman Place – Advisory Central Committee Green will Friendship decideHousing in June whether orGENERAL not to CONTRACTOR PROJECT PROJECT ADDRESS MGC Construction Ltd – 1631 hold a referendum in November/14 5764 Silver Star Rdbuilding – New administration on the PROJECT TYPE Dickson Ave, Kelowna V1Y 0B5 to fundnew a new ice facility - location, Expansion and Renovation of smmulti-family old JL Jackson school site - 2,640 250-448-0020 preliminary design and estimated BX Swan Lake Fire Hall 2the storeys - 75 parking stalls Novation Design Studio – 101 PROJECT cost to be determined 1865 Dilworth Dr, Kelowna V1Y

VERNON

SALMON ARM

KELOWNA

VERNON

OKANAGAN SIMILKAME REGIONAL DISTRICT

PROJECT STATUS TYPE PROJECT

New affordable rental housing LOCATION OWNER 9T1 250-718-1302 – 1 building – 4 storey’s – 86 Vintage Boulevard, Okanaga units –City wood of frame Vernonconstruction - 1900 48th Ave, PROJECT ARCHITECT Vintage Views – fiberVernon cementV1T board, cultured 5E6 250-545-1361 Expansion and Renovation of stone, laminated fiberglass shinMQN Architects 100 3313 32 Ave, PROJECT TYPE the BX Swam Lake Fire Hall – gles – dark sky model exterior Vernon V1T equipment 2E1 250-542-1199 expanded storage, subdivisions lighting LOCATION OWNER administration and meeting PROJECT 5930 Columbia Ave – space District 83 - North OkanaganPROJECT STATUS School Townhouses New subdivision - 30 SFD lot Development permit application Shuswap 220 Shuswap St NE, PROJECT-STATUS PROJECT TYPE PROJECT STATUS Salmon Arm V1E 4N2under250-832-2157submitted – construction start Working drawings multi-family new anticipated mid 2015 Construction start anticipate way – tender call for General PROJECT MANAGER PROJECT Contractor anticipated ARCHITECT June/14 Stantec - 400 1620 Dickson Ave, PatrickLOCATION New multi family strata develMcCuster Architecture March/15 – construction start OWNER Kelowna V1Y 9Y2 250-860-3225 Inc – 3034 opment – 21 buildings – 97 anticipated April/15 2425Benvoulin Orlin Rd -Rd, Addition to the Vintage View Developments units Kelowna V1W 4M5 778-484Village at Smith Creek ARCHITECT Robert Milanovic 250-492-5 0223 PROJECT STATUS BlueGreen Architecture Inc PROJECT TYPE Planning and new design of – 202-110 Highway 33, W DEVELOPER seniors housing project underway – rezoning Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society – Kelowna V1X 1X7 778-753PROJECT and development permit to be LOCATION 442 Leon Ave, Kelowna V1Y 6J3 2650 resubmitted 250-763-4905 Addition to the Village at Smith Creek early 2015 524 Dabell St Mara Lake Water OWNER GENERAL CONTRACTOR seniors housing facility1,810 sm -4 Treatment Facility of North Regional District ARCHITECT VanMar Constructors – 101B storeys 23 units 8 additional u/g New Town Planning Services Inc OkanaganTYPE – 9848 Aberdeen PROJECT 30701parking Simpsonstalls Rd, Abbotsford - fibre cement board – 1464 St Paul St, Kelowna V1Y Rd, Coldstream V1B 2K9 250V2T 6Y7 604-882-0700 industrial exterior - 4th floor stepped back 2E6 as 250-860-8185 550-3700new institutional add/alter Site work underway

PEACHLAND

DISTRICT OF WEST KELOWNA

SICAMOUS

Jeff Bosch

1-800-667-19

gables

7YL IPK

PROJECT STATUS Construction underway - foundations

250-545-534

SUBDIVISION DEVELOP

THE LOCATION SPECIALIST Office Space • Retail Space Industrial / Warehouse • Business Parks New Design Build Projects

250.763.6789 ARGUSPROPERTIES.CA