BusinessTRACK Mission Chamber of Commerce connect • influence • prosper
It's back to school – invest in yourself and your business
A
re you interested in receiving up to $1500 for training to improve the efficiency or productivity of your business? Do you have less than five employees? Thinking your lack of formal education is a barrier? We have the program for you! The Micro Business Training (MBT) program, 100% funded by the government, offers courses such as bookkeeping, marketing and sales, management, computing, websites and social media all to help you grow your business. Training is available in a variety of formats, such as traditional classroom, seminar/webinar, online and even on-site. Providers include public post-secondary universities and colleges, PCTIA accredited organizations, and Private Trainers with membership in the Chamber Learning Network, a member benefit of the BC Chamber of Commerce. WHAT DOES THE FUNDING COVER? Eligible applicants can be funded for up to $1500 in training which includes course fees and required materials including textbooks and workbooks. ELIGIBILITY? Approval for this program is based on the individual applicant’s (the company owner’s) eligibility as well the company’s eligibility. Your business must have fewer than five employees As an owner you must: Have no provincially, nationally, or internationally recognized certifications Have no university or post-secondary degree or diploma Additional requirements: A resident of British Columbia; Legally entitled to work in Canada; 19 years of age or older; Not a full-time post-secondary student; Not a high-school student; Not participating in another LMA funded program. Have a valid municipal business license or an incorporation number, or a CRA tax number THERE IS MORE THAN ONE OWNER, ARE WE EACH ELIGIBLE? Yes! As long as the company meets all the require-
ments and each owner is eligible individually, you can apply for up to $1500 of training through the MBT Program for each owner. WHAT KINDS OF COURSES ARE AVAILABLE? The MBT program offers a wide variety of training options in a spectrum of training institutions and learning formats. As long as the training fills deficiencies and gaps identified in your training plan that you create with your regional training coordinator and counts as a general business skill, then there is a good chance it is offered by this program. Examples of courses include: Leadership/Management training Marketing and sales Social media Computer skills (e.g. Word, Excel, Simply Accounting, Photoshop etc.) Bookkeeping WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? The first step is to review the eligibility checklist. If it appears that you may be eligible, complete the online application form. If you are approved, (a five working day process maximum), a training coordinator will contact you and work with you to create a training plan with two or more viable training options. Once you have chosen your training, the training coordinator will also assist you in enrolling for your chosen course(s). HOW IS MY TRAINING PAID FOR? The BC Chamber of Commerce handles payment for all eligible training funded through the MBT program. Your training coordinator will assist you with enrolment, but you will not need to pay for the training and be reimbursed, receive a cheque from the government, or any other payment system. It is all dealt with by the BC Chamber of Commerce. So what’s stopping you? Take advantage of the support and get the education you need to grow your business. Get back to school by visiting www.BCMicroBusiness.com. Don’t forget to let them know the Mission Chamber sent you!
Swing Optical...3 Distinctive Businesses in One Great Location FASHION EYEWEAR Proudly serving Mission for over 25 years. • Fashion Eyewear • Contact Lenses • Sunglasses • Fully Licensed Opticians • Sight Testing
EYE EXAM Dr. Lyndon Balisky, Optometrist • Laser consultation • Contact lens fitting
Book Your Eye Health Examination Today 604-820-1112
HEARING AIDS Kristoffer Goos Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner.
On location Wednesdays
FREE Hearing Test.
604-557-9972 604.820.1112
www.mainlandhearing.com
Located inside Swing Optical
#2 - 33231 First Avenue • Downtown Mission • 604-820-1112 Monday - Friday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm • Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
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www.swingoptical.com
President's message Elyssa Lockhart
PAST PRESIDENT
Ann Harper
VICE PRESIDENT
Pam Alexis DIRECTOR
Cal Crawford DIRECTOR
Trevor Girard TREASURER
Satti Grewal DIRECTOR
Carol Hamilton DIRECTOR
Dave Sawatzky
Tricia Townsend
Corey Jong
Christopher Robertson
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
Mayor Ted Adlem DOM LIAISON
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
Allan Main
LIAISON, C.F.N.F.
The Chamber fosters member and business advocacy. We provide members with networking, group benefits and affordable marketing and advertising opportunities and most importantly a voice as a collective group. I invite you to join the 450-plus other businesses in the Mission region who recognize the value of membership in the chamber network. The benefits of membership can best be conveyed to you when you meet our new member services co-ordinator, Raj Saran. Raj joins the Chamber team with a varied educational background in business management, psychology and political science. This is complimented by experience in trade show and business marketing as well as event and project management. As you can see Raj has great credentials and experience. We are counting on Raj to be a strong contributor to the Chamber team as she shares the mission, vision and values of the Chamber. Raj looks forward to engaging with each of our members over time. Of course you can stop by the Chamber and say hello in the meantime. One of the tools available to members to help gain exposure that Raj would like to talk to you about is the Chamber Business Track newsletter section in the Mission Record. There is great value to you as a member in participating in the marketing opportunity as the Record reaches virtually everyone in Mission and immediate area in addition to exposure on the Chamber web site. Please join me in welcoming Raj to the Chamber team!
Sean Melia PRESIDENT
New Chamber Benefit – Merchant Services with First Data First Data makes payment transactions secure, fast and easy for merchants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive customer revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, check or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data has the payment acceptance solution for your business. The payment-processing industry, as a whole, is incredibly diverse, interesting and complicated all at the same time. The way the industry works (and the pricing and fee structure set by the credit card companies) is constantly changing. A little education on the business owner’s part will go a long way to help them plan and understand their payment acceptance costs. Our advice to someone starting a business is to first… join the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce! First
Data offer all members of the Chamber the very best, special, rates for electronic payment processing, with rates starting at 1.55% for Visa and 1.60% for MasterCard and Debit at $0.05/ transaction. Further, First Data offers all Chamber merchants a special Meet or Beat offer…First Data will give you a $100 prepaid Visa card if we are unable to meet or beat your current processor’s rates. Whatever payment acceptance needs your business requires: POS Terminal, Mobile Pay (Smartphone), or e-commerce, First Data has you covered! Contact First Data today for a free consultation and analysis. Mr. Jeff Chow, your local First Data representative, 778-232-4551 jeff.chow@ firstdata.com
Your Comfort is our Calling. TRUE NORTH MECHANICAL 35220 Riverside Road, Mission BC truenorthmech@gmail.com
Serving the Fraser Valley for over 13 years.
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• Commercial/Residential • Heating/Cooling • Air Conditioning • Furnaces • Heat Pumps • Commercial Refrigeration Phone:
604-854-0322 or Page:
604-854-7034
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HOUR
2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BusinessTRACK
SERVICE
BusinessTRACK
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER
Eva Poulson offers the key to a good home-buying experience
September 12 Annual Golf Tournament Place: Cedar Ridge Golf Course Time: Shotgun start at Noon Book your Foursome!
By Kathleen Rake For more than 25 years, Eva Poulson has been helping people find the right mortgage. And because Eva is a TD mobile mortgage specialist, she is available to help her clients in their homes or offices and outside normal banking hours – evenings and weekends included. Eva loves serving first-time home buyers. “There is so much for them to learn,” she said, “and I get to share in their excitement when everything comes together.”
September 19 Chamber Luncheon Speaker: Black Press Publisher, Andrew Franklin Place: Chapel Room, Rockwell’s Time: 11:30 -1 pm
September 27
Everyone deserves to have a good experience when buying a home...
Curling Night Mixer Learn to Curl & Network Place: Mission Curling Club Time: 5:30 - 8 pm
October 4 MLA Breakfast Come meet your MLAs Place: Chapel Room, Rockwell's Time: 7:30 - 9 am
EVA POULSON
She makes sure they understand all their options and guides them through their choices. “But it’s not just the young people or first-timers who need extra help,” explained Eva. “Sometimes people in their 70s (and up) need help securing or re-financing a mortgage. Often these people hesitate to ask for help because they’re embarrassed or they’ve been told they won’t be eligible, when indeed they are.” Eva is happy to help people whether they are buying a home or consolidating debt by refinancing their existing home. Every person Eva serves is a “high value client.” She says, “Everyone deserves to have a good experience when buying a home, they should surround themselves with people who understand their situation and can provide good advice.” Over the years, Eva has supported her communities by volunteering. She re-
Eva Poulson at grounds surrounding Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce.
CLICK MEDIA WORKS PHOTO
cently provided her time and expertise to support the Abbotsford Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. As a long-standing Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce member, Eva finds great benefit in the networking opportunities. “I enjoy meeting new
people and getting to know and like them. The Chamber makes it easy.” “For me, business is not about just the money,” said Eva. “It’s about doing the right things for people.” For more information about finding the right mortgage for you, contact Eva at 604-854-0337 or eva.poulson@ td.com.
Scan this QR code with your smart phone to see details on our website
CHAMBER COMING EVENTS
Chamber Snapshots: A close-up look at members that keep Mission humming
Looking? Listing? CALL TODAY! When you know the local real estate market like I do, sales happen faster.
Cal Crawford Over 30 years experience 604-854-0392
32386 Fletcher Avenue,Mission email: calinmission@hotmail.com
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member_services@MissionChamber .bc ca
execdir@MissionChamber .bc ca
Raj Saran
Manager
Member Services
Info@MissionChamber.bc.ca
Michelle Favero Admin@MissionChamber.bc.ca
2013 CHAMBER TEAM
BusinessTRACK
Allison Jack Administration
W •E •L •C •O •M •E New Members! “Membership has its benefits!” Also, your centre for Mission & BC Tourist Information
Clare Seeley Visitor Services
Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce w w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a 6 0 4 - 8 2 6 - 6 9 1 4 3 4 0 3 3 L o u g h e e d H w y, M i s s i o n B C V 2 V 5 X 8
Harder RenovationS For big jobs, small jobs and all the odd jobs in between, keep our number handy!
INTERIOR INTER RIOR DESIGN inside and out
• Commercial & Residential • Colour Co-ordinating • Design - Advice - Assistance • Renovations - Construction • Decorating - Furnishings • “Staging” to sell
•Home •Industrial •Commercial
Call us today
Serving the Lower Mainland since 1991
Fraser Valley 604.302.8336 Vancouver 604.757.3695
For a consultation call
Gail Hanslo registered interior designer “Creating Beautiful Spaces Since 1981”
harderreno@gmail.com
Loans for business start-ups or expansions 604-826-6252 info@northfraser.org www.northfraser.org
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amber.b
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604-826-0594 gailhanslo@shaw.ca
Uncommon Thredz 33245 1st Avenue Mission, BC V2V1G7 604-814-3403 Cherry Lane Scrapbook Shoppe Inc. 328-32555 London Avenue Mission, BC V2V 6M7 604-814-4500 Aman Azad 37376 Batt Road Abbotsford, BC V3G1L3 604-857-2430 Home Advantage Renovations 201-7261 River Place Mission, BC V4S0A2 604-751-0093 Northern Arrow Contracting Ltd 3461 Monashee Street Abbotsford, BC V2S7H2 604-851-5949 Ken Wiebe 35187 Pierce Terrace Abbotsford, BC V2S 7H3 778-808-9911 We Deliver Insurance Services.com Inc. 22303 Lougheed Hwy Maple Ridge, BC V2X 2T3 778-792-5555
Robson and Associates Consultants Inc. 25494 117th Avenue Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1B2 604-466-3333 BVK Films Inc. 46 - 35287 Old Yale Road Abbotsford, BC V3G 8H5 604-847-9080 Jennifer Anderson, Personal Real Estate Corporation 34551 Ferguson Avenue Mission, BC V2V 6P7 604-820-9768 Optimal Adjusters 33511 1st Avenue Mission, BC V2V 1H1 604-826-4026 Mission Adopt a Block 7229 Mershon Street Mission, BC V2V 4M5 604-826-9423 Insight Art 8140 Winston Street Burnaby, BC V5A 2H5 Primary Phone: 604-421-3987
DAVIES Sand & Gravel Ltd.
604.826.6736 All types of Sand, Gravel & Topsoil
•Excavators •Low-beds •Topsoil •Loading •Trucking •Cats 11496 DEWDNEY TRUNK RD., MISSION, BC • MAIL - BOX 3663 • V2V 4L2
I pledge to
shop local spend local eat local
“Promoting P ti B Business i and d Tourism Development in Mission” I N F O R M AT I O N AVA I L A B L E
• Mission Community Profile • Commercial and Industrial Property Inventory • Business Opportunities 34033 LOUGHEED HWY., MISSION, BC V2V 5X8 Tel: 604.820.3789 • Fax: 604.820.6738 • Toll Free: 1.866.814.1222
email: edc@mission.ca • www.mission.ca
AUTOSERVICE
2014 Mission Visitor Guide Reserve your ad space today. Contact Crystal 604-820-5453
DTC Automotive 7791 Dunsmuir Street Mission, BC V2V 4B7 604-265-1621 Gordon Yard, CA 200-33395 1st Avenue Mission, BC V2V 1G6 604-820-0988 Randy Hawes 159-33751 7th Ave Mission, BC V2V 7C2 604-826-5617 Sharen Parkinson 307B-33755 7th Ave Mission, BC V2V 0A4 Sasquatch Inn 46001 Lougheed Hwy Harrison Mills, British Columbia V0M 1A0 604-796-2730 DW Truck Repair 33733 King Road Unit #12B Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M9 604-853-9652 Debonair Kitchen Design 31482 Jean Court Abbotsford, BC V2T 5N9 604-864-2062 Aaron Exteriors Inc. 34271 Catchpole Avenue Mission, BC V2V 6P2 604-820-8353
ROAD READY OIL CHANGE PACKAGE ONLY
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OIL CHANGE* •Quaker State oil •Motomaster oil filter •Chasis lubrication •Top up selected fluid levels
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99†
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PLUS PIECE OF MIND •Road ready inspection •Rotate tires on vehicle •Battery test •Visual brake inspection
CALL YOUR LOCAL STORE FOR AN APPOINTMENT *Up to 5L Quaker State conventional oil (Assorted grades). Some vehicles may require more. Motomaster filter (up to $5 value) may not fit some vehicles. Additional fees and charges may apply for vehicles who require more oil or different filter. Eco fees where applicable are extra. †Most vehicles. Bonus pair of Xtravision headlights only apply to the purchase of a Road Ready oil change package at regular price. Installation included on most vehicles. Extra charges may apply on some vehicles. See service desk for details. COUPON EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30/13
BusinessTRACK
T
he original Mission Visitor Centre was built in St. Mary’s Park in 1973. Moving from its 10-year home in the Bellevue lobby, a locally built A-frame was constructed on the new site for summer use. By 1988 its location on the scenic Highway 7 made it so popular with visitors, it became a year-round facility, accommodating up to five staff during the busier months. Many Mission students learned to give directions at the VIC. With no heat, little space and a leaky roof, it was woefully inadequate as the Chamber of Commerce office and the initial focal point for visitors to Mission. In 1994, Chamber members began formulating a plan for a new venue. A building committee formed and by 2001 the dedication of the team finally paid off. Partnerships with the District of Mission, Chamber members and the community ensured
120 YEARS STRONG
Visitor Information Centre celebrates its 40th birthday! construction of a new building. Creating visual impact for tourists and a hub for local business, the cedar building reflects the forestry heritage of Mission. Built with local supplies, the ground-breaking ceremony was held at 34033 Lougheed Highway, on May 30, 2001. Officially opening its doors seven months later, the Visitor & Business Information Centre welcomes thousands of guests each year, with a wealth of information on local events, attractions, hiking trails and shopping. For those looking to travel beyond Mission’s reach, there are also guides for the rest of B.C. Local artisan and Mission-branded goods are also available, along with plenty of information on the business community. So next time you drive along the Lougheed Highway and admire the hand-carved house post, stop in and see all that Mission can offer you!
Taylor, Tait, Ruley & Company A Full Service Law Firm
Competitive prices. Top-notch service. Premium tires.
That’s Just How We Roll
B A R R I S T E R S & SOLICITOR S
Trust Commitment Integrity ...since 1978 33066 First Avenue MISSION 604-826-1266 Fax: 604-826-4288
Phone:
email: info@taylortait.com
Gordon D. Taylor • • • • • •
B.A., LL.B.
Serious Injury Claims ICBC Matters Civil Litigation Corporate • Estates Wills/Estate Planning Foreclosures
John G. Tait, Q.C
B.Comm., LL.B. • Collaborative Divorce • Mediation • Divorce/Family Law Litigation • Adoptions, Custody • Separation Agreements • Marriage Contracts • Wills/Estate Planning • Estate Litigation • Property Claims
Gordon W. Ruley • • • • •
Real Estate & Mortgages Commercial Development Business Acquisitions Corporate Wills/Estate Planning
Donna Maser • • • • •
Family Law General Litigation Real Estate Law Municipal Law First Nations Issues
B.A., LL.B.
B.Comm., LL.B.
Eleanor L. MacDonald • • • • • •
B.A., LL.B.
Real Estate & Mortgages Wills/Estate Planning Committeeships Separation Agreements Uncontested Divorces Marriage Contract • Estates
Chris Stenerson • • • • • • •
33245 GLASGOW AVENUE (LOCATED NEXT TO COMMUTER RAIL)
Troy A. Dickson
MISSION 604.826.9119 Locally owned and operated since 1973
• Articled Student
www.symons-exceltire.com
TIRES • SHOCKS • BRAKES • TUNE�UPS • ALIGNMENTS • CUSTOM EXHAUST • AIRCARE
B.A., LL.B Divorce/Family Law Litigation Separation Agreements Marriage Contracts Personal Injury (ICBC claims) Wills/Estate Planning General Litigation Collections • Foreclosures
www.taylortait.com
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B.Comm., J.D.