BusinessTRACK Mission Chamber of Commerce connect • influence • prosper
Downtown plan implementation now underway
T
he downtown planning process is now complete and the implementation of the plan is well on its way. Two important components of the planning process were to consider implementation of the plan right from the beginning of the process; and to ensure meaningful public engagement throughout the process. As the process unfolded, the participation by the community built enthusiasm and a vision for downtown as the community gathering place that it was in the past. People would start with, “I remember coming downtown for …” and often veer into nostalgia or a fit of laugher as they recalled happy times in the area with family and friends. The plan has 10 Big Moves framed around five Fundamentals. Fundamentals are givens; things that are so important or expected that they are considered fundamental to the economic, social and environmental health of Mission. They include multimodal transportation, a mix of high-density land use at the core of the community where there are services and transportation connections, high-quality public realm, parks and open spaces for the community to enjoy and share with visitors, social needs and community issues emphasize the importance of a safe and vibrant downtown, and economic conditions for success of a thriving community with the downtown as a key indicator of a vibrant community economy. The planning process has brought attention to Mission from businesses and developers who may not have looked this far east in the past. The five fundamentals link downtown initiatives with other activities happening within
A reworked post office area on Welton Street is part of the suggestions in the downtown plan.
Mission such as tourism and the Municipal Forest project, the fact that existing buildings at the Silvercreek Industrial Park are at capacity, and increasing interest for developing the waterfront. By clearly articulating the direction for re-development of the core of the community, the downtown economy will improve along with the sense of pride for the community. As the plan is implemented, any business thinking of moving to Mission will get a positive feel for the community by visiting downtown.
The 10 Big Moves represent a series of actions intended to invest in public spaces and prepare the downtown for private investment. They include moving the regional traffic off First Avenue and lining the streets with trees, benches where shoppers can rest and plazas where pedestrians can enjoy community events. Organizing and promoting events within the downtown and other venues within Mission will give people more reasons to come downtown. Creating a sense of excitement will turn downtown
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into the urban village it wants to be; a place where residents can live, work, shop, learn and play. The plan emphasizes the importance of the downtown as a civic and educational centre that supports retail and service uses. Incentives for developing downtown are proposed for a short period of time to improve the viability for development. A new approach to improve safety and security is proposed. It combines an ambassador and clean streets program, both of which have proven successful in other com-
munities. While moving regional traffic off First Avenue will improve the experience for pedestrians, the enhanced streetscape, gateway features and public art will draw people to downtown’s plazas, parks and businesses. The public investment proposed for public spaces will invite people to come to downtown to celebrate Mission’s rich culture and authentic urban village setting, which other communities strive to create, but that Mission already has in its unique compact downtown.
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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.
“Shop Local, Spend Local, Eat Local, Enjoy Local.” This is the mantra of the Chamber for the start of summer; a follow up to the highly successful “Pay It Forward” program initiated in November last year. As a Chamber our focus continues to be on strengthening the local business community through advocacy and programs to increase awareness of and activity for local business. In order for a community to retain businesses and services they must be patronized. If no one goes swimming there won’t be a pool, likewise, if no one shops locally there will be no local shopping. Ask any community and/ or non-profit groups and they will tell you that when it comes time to look for non-government support for their cause or service, they look to local business first. Keep this in mind, because as you shop local you are also helping to support local community and non-profit organizations. While you may not be able to get everything you need at a local business or market, you can probably get more than you think. To piggyback on the local theme, there is considerable momentum for moving forward with the Downtown Action Plan, designed to create an enhanced and inclusive downtown area for all to enjoy. The initial report which compiled information gathered during the process that started in October 2012 was on display at the recent public open house. There was a good crowd of curious Mission residents and business owners in attendance to hear the presentation with a general positive reception to the “10 Big Moves.” The plan represents considerable potential to create a more successful Downtown Mission. If you haven’t seen the draft action plan it is on the district website. Have a look and feel the excitement it generates!
Sean Melia PRESIDENT
Renovated garden now open On July 2 the revitalized Oyama Friendship Garden was rededicated by Mayor Komiyama (Oyama, Japan) and Mayor Adlem. It marked the coming together of the sister cities as well as the work of many hands. The original garden, the work and vision of Bert Pulles (Mole Man) was built as recognition of the Sister City relationship on the original site of the Visitor Centre A-frame in St. Mary’s Park. In need of some tender loving care, the garden had long been an oasis for travelers and community members. With a design donated by Focal Point Landscape, the Gorilla Gardeners, Parks and Recreation and the Chamber worked to revitalize the garden. The new garden en-
trance gate sports red posts, topped by local cedar. The Orientalthemed garden also includes a bridge made from Mission trees and the original dedication obelisk. The Chamber would like to extend thanks to those that donated materials. Davies Sand & Gravel, S. Sharpe Timber, Fraser Valley Buildings Supplies, Holdsworth Lumber, K.Z. Auger Services, and Nutek Signs. And those many hands that volunteered their time. Interested in being a patron of the garden? Memorialize your support of the Sister City relationship or your family’s connection to Mission by dedicating a planting. Contact the Chamber for more information 604-826-6914.
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
24
HOUR
2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BusinessTRACK
SERVICE
BusinessTRACK August Speed Networking Place: Boston Pizza Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
September 12 Annual Golf Tournament Place: Cedar Ridge Golf Course Shotgun start at noon.
September 19 Chamber luncheon Place: Chapel Room, Rockwell's Bar and Grill Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
September 27 Curling Night Mixer Place: Mission Curling Club Time: TBA
Zak Motala, president of Puroxi Global Inc., offers USDA organic approved water purifier and solar bags. CLICK MEDIA WORKS PHOTO
Putting people first key to Puroxi's business success By Kathleen Rake “We are passionate about helping people all over the world achieve clean, safe, nutritious water,” said Zak Motala, president of Puroxi Pure Water Global Inc. “Water is life.” Headquartered in Deroche, just east of Mission, Puroxi’s established and well-trained international dealer network has been helping farmers, NGOs and individuals achieve clean water since 2008. “While we serve clients worldwide and definitely
have a big-business attitude,” said Zak, “we are proud of our small-business, hometown heart.” Puroxi uses hydrogen peroxide as the base for its purification systems. “I discovered hydrogen peroxide’s benefits when I was experiencing a personal health issue,” shared Zak. “And that’s how it all started, way back in 2003,” he added. Puroxi is USDA organic approved, plus, NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) product is available. But we’re more than fullservice water purification
systems for industry, agriculture and municipalities,” Zak explained. “We have products for personal use. Personal water safety is important — always. Take our SolarBag, for instance. It’s ideal for individuals who like to hike, boat and camp. And it’s perfect for the home emergency kit.” This award-winning technology uses the power of sunlight to provide three litres of pure drinking water in as few as three hours. No batteries, chemicals or filters are needed. Zak is proud to be a mem-
Come hang out with Stan at the Visitor Centre this summer E-mail Chani Webster at volunteer@ missionchamber.bc.ca
ber of the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber has helped us keep in touch with our community and made sure we are always aware of changing rules and legislation as they relate to business.” He credits his put-peoplefirst attitude with the growth of his business. “Always be ethical and sincere with everyone, regardless of their position,” he said. “Insist all your suppliers and associates do the same.” For more information, visit puroxi.com or call 604-8268368.
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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execdir@MissionChamber .bc ca
Shift 10% of where you spend your cash
Michelle Favero Info@MissionChamber.bc.ca
Manager
Admin@MissionChamber.bc.ca
2013 CHAMBER TEAM
BusinessTRACK
Allison Jack Administration
Clare Seeley Visitor Services
“Membership has its benefits!” Also, your centre for Mission & BC Tourist Information
Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce
W
hen dollars are spent locally, they can be re-spent locally, raising the overall level of economic activity, paying more salaries, and building the local tax base. This re-circulating of money leads to an increase of economic activity. The degree of expense is entirely dependent on the percentage of money spent locally. Recent provincial programs such as the 10% Shift argue that if everyone in BC shifted 10 per cent of their purchasing to local it would boost our community’s economies and create sustainable local employment. It is estimated that Mission has more than 80 per cent retail leakage. What does that really mean? On average more than $100 million is spent in retail stores in neighbouring communities. Imagine what shifting $10 million into the local economy would do. Local economic impact multipliers of that shift in spending bring that value
For more information on the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, go to www.missionchamber.bc.ca.
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
FUTURE RIGHT
INTERIOR INTER RIOR DESIGN inside and out
• Commercial & Residential • Colour Co-ordinating • Design - Advice - Assistance • Renovations - Construction • Decorating - Furnishings • “Staging” to sell
Protecting families and businesses through Life insurance, Health & Mortgage insurance Developing wealth and retirement strategies through smart investments with guarantees
For a consultation call
Gail Hanslo registered interior designer
Trevor Girard – A Valued Advisor Relationship focused, not transaction focused Call: 604-287-5586 for your free consultation and quotes! Email: trevor.girard@futureright.ca Website: www.futureright.ca
Loans for business start-ups or expansions 604-826-6252 info@northfraser.org www.northfraser.org
• Mission Community Profile • Commercial and Industrial Property Inventory • Business Opportunities
604-826-0594 gailhanslo@shaw.ca
email: edc@mission.ca • www.mission.ca
to
local
Harder RenovationS
Tel: 604.820.3789 • Fax: 604.820.6738 • Toll Free: 1.866.814.1222
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
Have your vehicle serviced today and...
For big jobs, small jobs and all the odd jobs in between, keep our number handy!
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On approved credit with Canadian Tire or Options Mastercard. Minimum purchase/service $200
Serving the Lower Mainland since 1991
harderreno@gmail.com
I N F O R M AT I O N AVA I L A B L E
34033 LOUGHEED HWY., MISSION, BC V2V 5X8
I pledge
shop
“Promoting P ti B Business i and d Tourism Development in Mission”
“Creating Beautiful Spaces Since 1981”
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Fraser Valley 604.302.8336 Vancouver 604.757.3695
to $43 million. That $10 million will circulate seven times in the local economy before leaving. It’s also important to remember that in addition to buying from a local business or service, shifting can still involve the purchase of products from national chains. For example, locally made products are sold in many of the larger retailers in Mission, bringing the ability to shift even easier. Make a pledge to shop local (www.shoplocalmission.com) and try to shift 10 per cent of your spending.
NEW SERVICE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7am-6pm; Sat & Sun. 9am - 6pm
Available only at the Mission Location STORE HOURS: MON - FRI 9AM -9PM; SAT & SUN 9AM - 6PM
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STORE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9am-9pm; Sat. 9am-6pm; Sun. 10am-6pm
MISSION JUNCTION SHOPPING CENTRE 32545 London Ave • 604-826-5840
BusinessTRACK
120 YEARS STRONG
120 years of talking shop local S
hop local feels like a new concept however the Chamber has been a promoter of shopping local since the beginning with the original land sale. More recently, in the mid-1990s “Mission bucks” were given out as no-interest loans, which could be spent in participating local businesses. This was tied in with radio and newspaper advertising. There was even a Mission shop local jingle! And a “shop local” float in the Candlelight Parade. By the start of the new millennia Santa’s Bus encouraged buying your Christmas shopping in Mission. It picked up local residents and took them to the Downtown, Mission Hills and the Junction. Last year saw the launch of the successful Pay it Forward campaign, giving the Mission community the opportunity to collect the receipts of local retailers from Nov. 16 to Dec. 15. For every receipt collected, the Chamber donated 10 cents to the Mission Christmas Bureau. Exceeding expectations, 48,623 receipts were collected, resulting in a donation of $4,862.30. Now we are asking you to pledge to shop local, if you haven’t taken it already, go to www.shoplocalmission.com. Did you know? When you shop local, of every $100 spent at a locally owned store, $73 stays in the community; when you shop in the large Numerous shop local campaigns have happened throughout Mission's history. chains $47 stays in Mission. This money continues to circulate up to seven times in Mission.
I pledge to
shop local spend local eat local enjoy local
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Taylor, Tait, Ruley & Company A Full Service Law Firm
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 • • • • • •
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 • • • • •
aNd support the local busiNesses that support me & my commuNity
B.A., LL.B.
Serious Injury Claims ICBC Matters Civil Litigation Corporate • Estates Wills/Estate Planning Foreclosures
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
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• • • • • • •
B.A., LL.B Divorce/Family Law Litigation Separation Agreements Marriage Contracts Personal Injury (ICBC claims) Wills/Estate Planning General Litigation Collections • Foreclosures
Troy A. Dickson • Articled Student
www.taylortait.com
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B.Comm., J.D.