The Mission Record Thursday, March 14, 2013 29
BusinessTRACK Mission Chamber of Commerce connect • influence • prosper
Annual event revamped for 2013 A
fter hosting six years of successful Business Awards, the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce is using its 120th anniversary year as a reason to drastically change it up. “The awards highlight the business leaders and trailblazers in Mission,” notes Chamber President Elyssa Lockhart. “The business community is evolving so the awards are evolving with it.” The awards have been pared down from eight categories to six and give every business and organization in Mission an opportunity to prove their excellence. The six new relevant awards are: Intrapreneurial Excellence An established business that continues to have a strong presence by developing or creating new business programs, platforms and opportunities while continuing to be a contributor to the local community. Power of Small An emerging or existing innovative small business that has been operating for a minimum of two years and exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and vision with new products, services or process. Local Focus A business with significant local focus in their
enterprise; be it through manufacturing product locally, or retailing/utilizing products and/or services produced locally and community involvement. Customer First A business that demonstrates special consideration for its customers, ongoing employee training and a high level of understanding and commitment to service excellence. The hallmark of this award is being friendly, honest, innovative, approachable customer service on a consistent basis.
Community Builder A non-profit, club or organization that is active in the local community by making a positive difference, involving active collaboration and engagement with others beyond who they serve. President’s Award Nominated by the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, this award will be given to a business or leader who exemplifies excellence and leadership in the business community that may go unnoticed. The President’s Award will not be accepting
any nominations from the public and Chamber board directors will not be eligible. “There are many unsung leaders in our community, we are hoping to address their recognition through this award,” states Lockhart. Not just new awards, the whole process of how nominations are accepted and judged is being modified. “We want everyone to participate so we encourage the community to get involved,” said Lockhart. Anyone can nominate any business or organization that meets one of the five open award cri-
teria. If a business feels that they meet them, they can even nominate themselves. However, the proof will be in the pudding as the community will be able to vote on who they believe best meets the award criteria. Points collected from the voting plus a task force of past award winners that will review nominees’ information will narrow the nominee pool to a top three. These three finalists will then be visited by a panel of judges who will score the finalist on more refined award criteria. Each judge’s scores will be tabulated independently
so no one can steer the final selection. “There was a lot of fear in our judging process, where all nominees needed to do a presentation before a judging panel,” discloses Lockhart. “Now we are hoping to ease nominee’s fears by allowing them to provide information through the process and meeting them on their own terms in their place of business.” Taking it right out of the box, the Chamber is even moving the date and venue of the gala. This year’s event will be held Saturday, June 8. This is to allow everyone a chance to prepare for the formal event without the rush of leaving their workday. “For now we are keeping the venue a secret,” said Lockhart. “All I can hint at is that it reflects how we were pioneers in 1893 and pioneers now.” Look for more hints on the venue, entertainment and how the awards are being turned upside down in the coming months. Nominations are open and the Chamber encourages everyone to nominate their favourite store, restaurant, business, club or organization in one of the five categories. To nominate go to www.MissionChamber.bc.ca and click on the Nominate a Star Performer.
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30 The Mission Record Thursday, March 14, 2013
2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BusinessTRACK
President's message Cal Crawford
PAST PRESIDENT
Sean Melia
VICE PRESIDENT
Trevor Girard
DIRECTOR 2012
Ann Harper TREASURER
Vicki Gould
DIRECTOR 2012
A
year already, where has it gone? On March 21, I will hand over the reins of our Chamber to a new president and at the same time, round out the final year of our highly successful three-year strategic plan. It has been quite a ride and I am proud of all that we have achieved together. Ours is a dynamic Chamber. Just this month alone, I have chaired a task force to revamp the Business Excellence Awards to ensure they remain relevant to the Mission business community; welcomed new organizational policy that will bring value and give direction to our committees and task forces; and presented a provincial government lobby kit on tax initiative implementation practices to other Fraser Valley Chambers of Commerce. I thank the Board of Directors for working diligently to be innovative and collaborative, in order to best serve our members and the local business community at large. With programs like Pay It Forward… Shop Local and our recent focus on connecting members at speed networking events, I am sure the MRCC will continue to grow and flourish. I look forward to the ongoing collaboration between the MRCC and Mission Public Schools, building job skills and opportunities for our youth. Additionally, I am excited to learn what comes next, as the board develops a new multi-year strategic plan with member input. So again, thank you for allowing me to be at the helm of such a successful organization! Elyssa Lockhart PRESIDENT
Attila Davalovsky
Pam Alexis
DIRECTOR 2011
DIRECTOR 2012
Satti Grewal
Allan Main
DIRECTOR 2012
LIAISON, C.F.N.F.
Mayor Ted Adlem DOM LIAISON
Membership offers marketing opportunities for businesses M arketing is an essential part of your business plan. Leverage your membership with the Chamber of Commerce as a successful tool that will help you reach your marketing goals. Whether you are looking to promote your brand, position your business as a community leader or reflect your community values, there is an affordable marketing package for you that will strengthen your position. Take advantage of the various levels of marketing packages we offer and maximize your Membership. Use our 120 years of strong leadership and community presence to your benefit.
Mission Community Services Society identifies and responds to the needs of individuals, families and the community through the delivery of programs in the following service areas:
• Member 2 Member Facebook Group • Advertising in the Visitor Information Centre • Mission Handbook • Access to all events • Luncheon introduction
Membership has its privileges The marketing packages are offered in addition to the many promotional benefits your membership already offers such as: • Social media sharing
There are four marketing packages available to meet your budget: Brand Me, Market Me, Community Partner and President’s Club. Each has a distinct mix of opportunities that will meet your needs affordably, while promoting your business. Offered only to members on a first come, first serve basis, this limited number of packages will be offered annually. Members that take advantage
· Early Years Services · Youth Services · Family Services · Senior’s Services · Housing · Multicultural Services · Emergency Services/Food Centre For information regarding MCSS programs and services, please contact our main office at 604.826.3634 or email: info@missioncommunityservices.com.
Helping People
Changing Lives
of these programs will be offered first right of refusal at renewal, so take advantage today. Learn about this and many of our new innovative programs that will assist your organization to Connect, Influence & Prosper at the upcoming annual general meeting on March 21. During the networking luncheon, members will elect six new board members and new executive, be informed on the health of the Chamber and be able to give input on the next strategic plan that the new board will be developing. Make sure to reserve your seat at www.MissionChamber. bc.ca.
33179 2nd Avenue Mission, BC V2V 1J9 604.826.3634 info@missioncommunityservices.com
MCSS Food Centre 32646 Logan Ave. 604.814.3333
Building Community
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The Mission Record Thursday, March 14, 2013 31
BusinessTRACK Chamber AGM and Networking luncheon Place: Rockwell's Mountain Room Rockwell's Bar and Grill, 32281 Lougheed Hwy. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
April 10 Fraser Valley Trade Show Place: Abbotsford Tradex Time: 2-7 p.m.
April 18 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
Left to right: Richard Unrau, Sean McStay and Jo Priestley show off Mission Toastmasters’ hardware
CLICK MEDIA WORKS
Mission Toastmasters: Good for business, education and fun By Kathleen Rake
For 26 years, Mission Toastmasters has been making its mark helping members grow both personally and professionally. It is one of the most established International Toastmasters clubs in the Fraser Valley and is proud to have a founding member who still attends meetings regularly. “Really, at the risk of sounding cliché, there is something for everyone here,” said 30-year-old Sean McStay, president of Mission Toastmasters.
Every Toastmaster gets what he or she needs from the club. Some members come to improve their public speaking by overcoming stage fright, erasing the ums, ahs and likes, increasing voice projection, sharpening listening skills, and developing the ability to speak spontaneously. Other members come to compete as well as sharpen skills. Jo Priestley, artist and past president of the Mission club, recently won the District 21 (comprised of at least 285 clubs throughout B.C.) Table Topics competition. “Then there are those who
come to Toastmasters to take full advantage of the educational opportunities,” added McStay. “But at the end, we all come for the fun. It’s not always about standing up in front of a crowd and giving a speech. Some members use the speaking skills they learn to give persuasive presentations at work.” Laura Midan, an eight-year veteran of Toastmasters, credits the organization and the public speaking and leadership skills she learned there with her successful bid to secure her current position as an education coordinator
with the Abbotsford/Mission Recycling Program. “This position involves conducting workshops, providing presentations and liaising with community representatives,” she said. “I highly recommend Toastmasters for individuals wanting to advance in their careers and further their educational goals.” The club meets Tuesdays, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Cedarbrooke Chateau on Seventh Avenue. Guests are welcome. For more information, call 604-217-1173 or visit them on Facebook or at MissionToastmasters.com.
Speed Networking Breakfast Place: Blackberry Kitchen Time: 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Interested in volunteering at the Visitor Centre this summer? E-mail Chani Webster at volunteer@ missionchamber.bc.ca
Scan this QR code with your smart phone to see details on our website
Randy HAWES, MLA Abbotsford - Mission Marc DALTON, MLA Maple Ridge - Mission
Our constituency office is here to assist you with: •GOVERNMENT RELATED ISSUES •INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS •CERTIFYING YOUR COPIES •ARRANGING CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES PHONE:
Randy Hawes MLA
Abbotsford - Mission
Marc Dalton MLA
Maple Ridge - Mission
EMAIL:
33058 First Avenue Mission, B.C. V2V 1G3 604-820-6203 TOLL FREE:1-866-370-6203 FAX: 604-820-6211
randy.hawes.mla@leg.bc.ca
EMAIL:
www.randyhawesmla.bc.ca
marc.dalton.mla@leg.bc.ca www.marcdaltonmla.bc.ca
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CHAMBER COMING EVENTS
March 21
Chamber Snapshots: A close-up look at members that keep Mission humming
32 The Mission Record Thursday, March 14, 2013
Allison Jack
Manager
Clare Seeley Visitor Services
Welcome, new members!
Admin@MissionChamber.bc.ca
execdir@MissionChamber .bc ca
Michelle Favero
Administration
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
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
FUTURE RIGHT 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
Teamwork Property Management Ltd. #105-34143 Marshall Rd. Abbotsford, BC V2S 1L8 (604) 854-1734
Addiyr Repair 31668 Israel Ave. Mission, BC V2S 1E4 (604) 854-0057
Dewdney Schnitzelhaus 37165 Lougheed Hwy. Dewdney, BC V0M 1H0 (604) 814-4844
Berg Safety 3015-22191 First Ave. Mission, BC V2V 4L1 (604) 814-0377
Mady Graphic Design PO Box 3232 Mission, BC V2V 4J4 (604) 615-0365 Pro Oil Change 105 32471 Lougheed Hwy. Mission, BC V2V 6M7 (604) 287-5501
Western Technigraphics Ltd Suite A - 7311 James St. Mission, BC V2V 3V5 (604) 984-7364 Karla’s Specialteas 33789 Third Ave. Mission, BC V2V 1R3 (604) 615-9319
Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association PO Box 603 Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z8 (604) 516-8272
Northwestern Air Lease Ltd. Hanger 2 Fort Smith Airport Fort Smith, NT X0E0P0 (867) 872-2216
Mission Valley Renovations Ltd. 7524 Wren St. Mission, BC V2V 3B9 (604) 854-9288
Casa Vita Outdoor Living 7791 Dunsmuir St. Mission, BC V2V 4B7 (778) 996-1901
Dynamic Office Management #205 - 33123 First Ave. Mission, BC V2V 1G5 (604) 820-9791
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
Converge Construction Ltd. 108- 31413 Gill Ave. Mission, BC V4S 0A1 604 814 3401 ex 104
For a consultation call
Gail Hanslo registered interior designer
“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
“Creating Beautiful Spaces Since 1981”
34033 LOUGHEED HWY., MISSION, BC V2V 5X8
604-826-0594 gailhanslo@shaw.ca
email: edc@mission.ca • www.mission.ca
Loans for business start-ups or expansions 604-826-6252 info@northfraser.org www.northfraser.org
Tel: 604.820.3789 • Fax: 604.820.6738 • Toll Free: 1.866.814.1222
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The Mission Record Thursday, March 14, 2013 33
BusinessTRACK
120 YEARS STRONG
Mission continued to grow during Depression
I
n 1909 Mission Railway Station was built, sitting at an important junction that not only saw passengers and freight moving across Canada, but also the most western point to and from the USA. Rail brought the first department store to the city. DesBrisay’s was established and served the local community and visitors for 55 years; setting the standard for local business. This attracted more business like jewelers, a shoemaker, bank, pharmacy, and movie theatre. With the Mission Fraser Valley Record (now Mission City Record) close by, the downtown of Mission began to take shape. Thriving during the early 1920s in part to the many berry farms in the area, Mission soon became known as “The Strawberry Capital.” This drew up to 3,000 pickers to the area at the height of production and saw the introduction of canning and preserves plants. The Board of Trade recognized the opportunity and the Strawberry Festival was born. Advocating for an automobile route, the Board of Trade successfully got the Mission Bridge open to automobiles in 1927. Further links continued to be established with Southern Fraser communities and the USA as Mission became the shopping hub in the Valley. Though the Great Depression hit hard between 1929 and 1939, Mission continued to grow, with its forest resources. Started in 1929, BC Electric’s Ruskin Dam offered additional economic relief.
Ruskin Dam construction, CA 1930, BC Hydro library.
Taking four years to complete, men came on the trains to find work. Pioneers then…Pioneers now. The Mission Re-
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gional Chamber of Commerce continues to this day to connect, influence and build prosperity in Mission.
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An initiative of
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