The Mission Record Thursday, April 11, 2013 17
BusinessTRACK Mission Chamber of Commerce connect • influence • prosper
New additions boost Mission tourism T
ourism is evolving in Mission, building opportunities for business and the community to get involved. In the last year, programs, trails and branding have been developed to drive home the message that Mission offers outdoor adventure for everyone. Inviting visitors and community members alike to explore Mission are two different programs that will attract very different market sectors. Legend Tracker The legendary Sasquatch has been spotted in Mission. We need your help finding him! Using a smartphone to start this augmented reality geocaching adventure, the goal is to explore Mission and collect treasures, such as Legend Tracking tools that will help you in your quest to find the elusive Sasquatch. Special locations and businesses around Mission have been designated as “Treasure Marks.” By using the tools available in the app, users can determine their distance from a Treasure Mark, figure out which direction the Sasquatch is from them, activate sonar and radar to visualize and hear the Sasquatch, and possibly even spot the Sasquatch! But watch
duction. Built in 1912, the Stave Falls Powerhouse offers a glimpse into one of the key economic drivers that helped build’s Mission forest industry and power Vancouver’s growth. Hours are limited, so check the website.
The Legend Tracker smartphone app will help geocaching fans track down Sasquatch (left), while Stan the Sturgeon will highlight all that Mission has to offer.
out for those Eagles! Download the Legend Tracker app from iTunes or Google Play to begin tracking the elusive Missionite. Stan the Sturgeon Developed to encourage kids and families to get out explore all that Mission has to offer, Stan the Sturgeon has joined the team at the Mission Visitor Centre as an ambassador. Using social media, Stan will remind the local community and visitors of the many attractions, trails and events that are available in Mission, the Fraser Valley and B.C.
Currently touring the local elementary schools and is booked to attend many local events, Stan already has a packed social calendar. The Visitor Centre staff believes that he will soon join Carly Rae Jepsen on the celebrity A-list and as a top Mission socialite. Follow Stan and his adventures on Facebook’s Mission BC Visitor Centre page or Twitter @ Stansturgeon1. Become one of Stan’s Fan’s for Fun, Adventure and New experiences. Trails New and improved trail marking and parking
is underway just north of town. The two areas, Bear Mountain (east of Dewdney Trunk) and Red Mountain (west of Dewdney Trunk) are accessible from Mill Pond as you make your way north to the Stave Falls Powerhouse. The District of Mission Forestry Department has been working hard with the local Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association chapter to create trails for bikers and hikers. Using volunteer time for mapping, maintaining and coordinating the sign installation, the trails are ready to go. There is new and improved parking
on Saunders Street, and coming soon will be two large signage kiosks that include a QR code with links to maps and information that help users explore the trails. The areas are suitable mainly for hiking and mountain biking only. Equestrians should keep to the gated logging roads in the area to avoid conflict. The Powerhouse Is Back Open BC Hydro has opened the Stave Falls Powerhouse for the spring and summer giving opportunity for students and visitors to explore the power of hydro-electrical pro-
Shooting to the Stars Plans are afoot to build an astronomical observatory at Fraser River Heritage Park. The observatory will boast three “observing elements.” Visual images will come through a large (17” or 20”) prime telescope. Other supporting telescopes, a solar telescope, and astronomical binoculars will also allow a number of participants to view the sights above. A small airpressurized planetarium will allow groups as large as 40 to view the story of our solar system, our Milky Way galaxy, and the universe. This will be the only public-access observatory between Vancouver and the Interior, and planners expect visitors from across the Valley will flock to view the night sky from the park’s south slope. Stay tuned for more info on its expected completion. For more tourism news and to learn more about Legend Tracker and Stan the Sturgeon attend the Chamber luncheon on April 18. Go to MissionChamber.bc.ca to register.
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18 The Mission Record Thursday, April 11, 2013
President's message Elyssa Lockhart
PAST PRESIDENT
Ann Harper
VICE PRESIDENT
Pam Alexis DIRECTOR
Trevor Girard TREASURER
Satti Grewal DIRECTOR
T
he pace of change tends to catch me by surprise at times, like now for example. Your Chamber has had another year go by, but with a flurry of activity occurring. I am excited and honoured to take over as President following an excellent year under the leadership of Elyssa Lockhart and look forward to carrying on the good work that has been started. The ongoing roles of the Chamber are to be an advocate for all business in Mission; to maintain and enhance our relevance in the community; and to provide value to the membership and the community at large. To guide the Chamber to continue to meet our goals are several newly elected board members and one or two returning members whom I would like to welcome and acknowledge: Carol Hamilton of Envision Financial, Tricia Townsend of University of the Fraser Valley, Cal Crawford of Landmark Realty (re-elected), Christopher Roberts of Edward Jones (a former director in 2008) Corey Jong, Fraser Valley Office Supplies, and Dave Sawatzky of Nutek Sign Creations. The Board of the Mission Regional Chamber is well represented by the business community. Our first task will be to develop a progressive and focused strategy for the next three years and put some thought into how the Chamber can facilitate and encourage greater opportunities for business to unite and have input into an entrepreneurial approach to economic development in the Mission region. This is an exciting area and one that I personally feel will enhance the value the Chamber currently provides. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months. I look forward to a fantastic year at your Chamber of Commerce. Sean Melia PRESIDENT
Cal Crawford DIRECTOR
Carol Hamilton DIRECTOR
Leverage Chamber membership to get more employee benefits By Dan Roberge
Dave Sawatzky
Tricia Townsend
Corey Jong
Christopher Robertson
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
Mayor Ted Adlem DOM LIAISON
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
Allan Main
I
f you are looking for more from your employee benefit plan, you want the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan. It delivers all the traditional coverages — life, health, dental, disability, critical illness — and much more. The Chambers Plan is the largest of its kind, providing custom coverage to more than 25,000 firms. I can help you design a program that’s right for you and your employees. You’ll choose the types and levels of benefits you want from a wide range of choices, allowing you to control your costs. I’ll also introduce you to the Chambers Plans’ guarantees. They’re key to keeping your plan in place for years to come. Three or more employees? I’ll show
you options that guarantee benefits to everyone. Pay your premiums on time, and your coverage is guaranteed renewable. I’ll even explain how your firm will never be singled out for an increase – guaranteed! As for additional benefits, you truly get more with the Chambers Plan. Every plan includes Best Doctors, helping employees and their families make informed
decisions about their health care when it matters most. Long-term disability coverage includes coaching services for employers facing difficult personnel issues. Employers can even refer employees for counselling. Health options give your employees Preferred Vision and Hearing Services discounts on eyewear purchases, laser eye surgery and hearing devices, plus a Health Access phone line for answers to health, nutrition and regional resource questions. And, if you want, your firm can use my-benefits software to administer your group plan anywhere, any time. So get more from your employee benefit dollar. Request a quote at buychambers.ca or contact Dan Roberge, IGL Financial Solutions Inc. at 604-855-1990, or iglfin@shawcable.com.
LIAISON, C.F.N.F.
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:
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24
HOUR
2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BusinessTRACK
SERVICE
The Mission Record Thursday, April 11, 2013 19
BusinessTRACK Chamber luncheon Topic: Tourism in Mission Place: Chapel Room, Rockwell's Bar and Grill, 32281 Lougheed Hwy. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
April 23 Speed Networking Breakfast Place: Blackberry Kitchen Time: 7:30 to 9 a.m.
April 30 Nomination deadline for the Business Excellence Awards. Submit them online.
June 20 Chili Cook Off Register your team with the Chamber.
Chef Jurgen Spang and wife Simone Spang of Dewdney Schnitzelhaus show off hand-made Vienna strudel.
CLICK MEDIA WORKS
Dewdney Schnitzelhaus showcasing flavours of Europe and North America By Kathleen Rake
G
ood food, familyfriendly, value: Just three ways to describe Dewdney Schnitzelhaus. Add great flavours from Europe and North America, breakfast-lunch-dinner hours and take-out service and, well, you get the picture — a little bit of something for almost everybody. Proprietor and Red Seal chef Jurgen Spang has grown his culinary way through at least three continents and in the kitchens of hotels, restaurants, educational facilities and government institutions
from Fiesta World Café in Dubai to Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, to Whistler and Harrison Hot Springs, finally settling in Mission. “We chose to come to Canada,” said Jurgen. “In particular, we chose Mission because we did our research and found it offered the best opportunities for starting and running business as well as bringing up our young family.” “We wanted a business where we could include our kids and a community in which they could thrive. I think we’ve found that,” added “Boss Lady” Simone
Spang, restaurant operations manager. When asked about their success so far, Jurgen believes it’s because he listens to both his customers and employees. “I think that’s how business becomes and stays successful.” On the supper menu you find authentic European fare such as schnitzel, pan-fried potatoes, braised red cabbage, sauerkraut, spätzle, frankfurters and oven-baked pretzels. Standard North American menu items include steak, grilled chicken breast and cedar-plank salmon. Of course,
Interested in volunteering at the Visitor Centre this summer? E-mail Chani Webster at volunteer@ missionchamber.bc.ca
there is children-friendly food, too. And the desserts. Housemade chocolate mousse and Vienna strudel finish any meal perfectly. “I suspect beer and food, rather than wine and food, will be the next big thing,” said Jurgen as he explained his full-service liquor licence. “That’s why I have made sure to have some unique, interesting and very tasty beer for my customers.” Find Dewdney Schnitzelhaus at 37165 Lougheed Hwy. Call 604-814-4844 or visit www.DewdneySchitzelhaus. com for more information.
Scan this QR code with your smart phone to see details on our website
CHAMBER COMING EVENTS
April 18
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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20 The Mission Record Thursday, April 11, 2013
Admin@MissionChamber.bc.ca
execdir@MissionChamber .bc ca
Michelle Favero
Allison Jack
Manager
Administration
Clare Seeley Visitor Services
Member_Services@MissionChamber.bc.ca
Info@MissionChamber.bc.ca
2013 CHAMBER TEAM
BusinessTRACK
Athena Green Member Services
“Membership has its benefits!” Also, your centre for Mission & BC Tourist Information
Japanese garden next to Visitor Centre to get a revitalization Calling all garden and Oyama supporters. We are freshening things up! The Oyama Friendship Garden, located in St. Mary’s Park west of the Visitor Information Centre, was originally built in 2006 and is in need of a facelift. It has long been a focal point for residents and visitors, and is featured on the hellobc.com website as a place to enjoy a picnic or take a break for reflection. In partnership with the District of Mission Parks and Recreation department, the Chamber has a plan to revitalize the Japanese oasis prior to the Oyama Sister City delegation visit this summer. Using a landscape design donated by Focal Point Landscape Design, the new garden will feature
Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce
For more information on the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, go to www.missionchamber.bc.ca.
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organized plantings, a bridge and seating area. The goal is to build a sustainable legacy for future visitors and residents to enjoy. The Chamber is offering the unique opportunity to become a “Pillar of the Garden,” by sponsoring a grouping of plants of your choice. To recognize donor’s generosity, a sign will be placed in the planting acknowledging the plant’s Latin name and your support. The plan is to refurbish the Oyama garden in the second week of May. If you are interested in becoming a “Pillar of the Garden,” or would like to get your hands dirty during the work bee to re-plant, contact Clare at info@MissionChamber.bc.ca or 604-826-6914.
INTERIOR INTER RIOR DESIGN inside and out
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34033 LOUGHEED HWY., MISSION, BC V2V 5X8
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Tel: 604.820.3789 • Fax: 604.820.6738 • Toll Free: 1.866.814.1222
DAVIES Loans for business start-ups or expansions 604-826-6252 info@northfraser.org www.northfraser.org
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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
The Mission Record Thursday, April 11, 2013 21
BusinessTRACK
J
une 26, 1946 was declared a holiday for the people of Mission. All so everyone could be part of the Mission Board of Trade’s (now the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce) Strawberry Festival. Its main objective was to promote Mission as the Strawberry Capital of Canada all while raising the much needed funds for the Mission Hospital. The Strawberry Parade marched along Main Street, following a similar route to today’s Candlelight Parade and was such a success it became an annual event for years. It incorporated the crowning of the Strawberry King and Queen, the Soapbox Derby, dancing and baseball. Special trains ran to bring festival goers from Vancouver and points west of Mission. In 1949, strawberries were even flown to England
120 YEARS STRONG
First Mission Strawberry Festival held June 1946 PHOTOS MISSION COMMUNITY ARCHIVES
The Soapbox Derby was held in conjunction with the Strawberry Parade.
to be presented to George VI as a gift from Mission residents. After the success of the “Wild Cat” Soapbox Derby held that first year; the derby became a franchise of the American Soapbox Association and soon drew bigger crowds than the Strawberry Festival, peaking at 20,000 in the mid 1950s. By 1956, the Soapbox Derby stood alone as the main attraction, drawing in province-wide competitors,
with over 200 entries. It ran successfully until 1974 where it took a break until 1999 and once again became an annual event in Mission’s event calendar. Now run by the Mission and District Soapbox Derby Association, race day this year is Saturday, Aug. 24. Pioneers then…Pioneers now. The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce continues to this day to connect, influence and build prosperity in Mission.
An initiative of
An initiative of
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