Profiles of Excellence

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE 2015 EDITION

FROM THE PUBLISHER W

elcome to our third edition of the New Westminster Profiles of Excellence, a very special annual publication of the New Westminster Record.

The men and women profiled in the following pages come from a wide variety of backgrounds, education, experience and expertise, but they all share something in common: a commitment to excellence that is second to none.

Their dedication and passion in both professional and personal endeavours have bred success on all levels, making them leaders not just in their respective fields but in the community as well. The awards and recognition these business and community leaders have earned are evidence of the truest hallmark of success: the loyalty and respect of customers, and a reputation here in New Westminster and beyond.

We have collected their stories here to share a taste of what they do and why they do it, and most of all, to recognize their commitment to excellence. We are excited to give our readers a glimpse into the lives of these entrepreneurs and professionals, and we look forward to many more years to come.

CONTRIBUTORS Publisher: Lara Graham Project Manager: Sonali Rayas Writer: Christina Myers Photography: Lisa King & Kevin Hill Design & Production: Gary Slavin

BUSINESS PROFILES

Queensborough Community Centre Dr. Steven Blyth, Polo Health + Longevity Centre Team Rethink Save On Foods Sapperton Queen’s Park Pet Hospital Prime Denture Clinic Queen’s Park Dental KIMG (Kobek International Management Group) Boucher Institute Canawrap Hyack Festival Association Music Box Fraser Works Co-op

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

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he City of New Westminster is often noted for the way it combines the best of the past while embracing the future – cherishing the history of the community while always striving for new ways to grow and flourish, all while keeping residents at the heart of those efforts.

The Queensborough Community Centre is a symbol of that balance: a facility that incorporates cutting-edge sustainability built around an original structure that provides local residents a place to gather, learn and play.

Renee Chadwick, Facility Manager of the Queensborough Community Centre, says the building’s unique design was born from a decision made by city council in 2009 to adopt their first green-building policy.

“That really positioned the city to demonstrate economic, social and environmental leadership through reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting environmental resources, providing healthy work environments for staff and visitors and creating costsavings for taxpayers through reduced operating costs,” she said.

When it came time to upgrade the community centre, that policy helped guide the plan, and led to the decision to pursue LEED Gold Certification – the first registered LEED project in the city.

The certification is one of Canada’s highest standards of building excellence, and ensures that the design and execution of a building project meets recognized targets for all aspects of building, such as sustainable site development, energy consumption, materials used and more.

In this case, that included finding a way to use the original structure, built in 1978, within the new facility – building “up instead of out” notes Chadwick, as a way of conserving energy and resources.

The effect has been a seamless integration, leaving a light-filled space that is warm and inviting.

“It worked so well. When you come in

QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY CENTRE CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER

here, you can’t tell where the original portion ends and the new begins,” she said. “It is such a beautiful space. To see how that came together, and know the kinds of sustainability efforts that are in use here, it feels like a true legacy for future generations.”

While some sustainability features are visible – like the easy access to recycling and exterior artwork that is built around a storm-water conservation feature – many are hidden to the casual visitor, but are nonetheless working quietly behind the scenes to make the building among the most efficient in the country.

These include simple things like maximizing natural light to reduce eletrical usage, but also more complex features such as building materials that are certified to be free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), heating systems that can be individually controlled from room to room so unused spaces aren’t being heated, and a white roof that reflects summer heat to reduce the need for interior cooling.

There are dozens of pieces of the sustainability puzzle such as these that have gone into the building, notes Chadwick.

While some residents notice the efforts and ask about the sustainability components in the building, others are simply pleased to have a welcoming and renewed place for the community.

With a fitness centre, drop in programs, child and youth services, and spaces that can be used by community groups and individuals for a variety of purposes, the facility is truly multi-purpose.

“Queensborough Community Centre is very much the heart of this area of our City and we want it to be a place for kids, families and people of all ages,” says Mayor Jonathan X. Cote. “We wanted the expansion project to create a welcoming place while addressing our sustainability objectives at the same time. It has really succeeded at meeting both of these goals.”

920 Ewen Avenue, New Westminster, BC 604.525.7388 I www.newwestpcr.ca

PHOTO: Left: Riley Salt and Renee Chadwick, Facility Manager of the Queensborough Community Centre

“It is such a beautiful space … it feels like a true legacy for future generations.”

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

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t’s a world away from the rush of a busy hospital, but for Dr. Steven Blyth some things don’t change – like providing top-notch patient care based on rigorous education and training with a focus on comfort and professionalism.

Blyth offers a variety of aesthetic procedures to clients as part of the team at Polo Health + Longevity Centre, an integrative medicine and wellness clinic in the heart of New Westminster.

The facility has a crew of health professionals that offer a wide spectrum of services, including a compounding pharmacy, holistic nutrition, pain management and much more, under the oversight of owner Dr. Allana Polo.

Blyth says he’s been thrilled to take up a role in the clinic offering a number of cosmetic medicine procedures for patients from New Westminster and around the region.

“We’re seeing more and more people interested in these services,” he said.

“For me it’s exciting to be able to work with a patient and see the outcome. I find that people will say that what they see in the mirror doesn’t always match how they feel inside. It’s not a vanity thing – it’s that matching of inside and out.”

They offer a number of aesthetic services such as botox and dermal fillers, and recently added laser rejuvenation. Blyth says it’s all about hearing what an individual wants and needs and focusing on that.

“I really work with what they want, the expectations, the results. I’m very client-centred, so that means being flexible, hearing what someone is looking for and letting them know what I can offer – and then, of course, making sure that they’re satisfied with the outcomes.”

DR. STEVEN BLYTH, POLO HEALTH + LONGEVITY CENTRE

So far, his approach is working.

“We’re getting busier all the time and certainly when people come and experience my approach, and see the work I do and how I do it, they want to come back. We’re starting to see a lot of return clients now.”

Considering Blyth’s professional history, it’s no wonder his reputation in this field of medicine is growing, too.

After finishing his medical degree at the University of Alberta, he practised for several years as a family physician, then returned to the University of Calgary to complete a residency in emergeny medicine. That led to a 14-year career as an ER doctor, much of that at Surrey Hospital - Canada’s busiest emergency ward.

“All of the things that come with that kind of work – the technical skills, putting in special IVs and sutures and doing everything under pressure, I think it brings a professionalism that I’ve carried with me. Clients see that difference. ” He says ongoing education and involvement is part of that - he’s currently completing a fellowship in anti-aging, regenerative and functional medicine, and has been a medical director with the B.C. Emergency Health Services the last four years.

He encourages people to consider coming in for a consultation to find out more about what’s available, and to check out the clinic itself.

“This is a very different kind of space and so far being here has been wonderful. The way the clinic is set up, it’s just a beautiful environment, there’s so many services here and it’s great to be part of that team. We are all very customer- and client-centred in terms of how we approach our different specialties, and there’s something here for everyone.”

711 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC 604.544.POLO (7656) I www.polohealth.com

PHOTO: Dr. Steven Blyth of Polo Health + Longevity Centre

“This is a very different kind of space and being here has been wonderful … it’s just a beautiful environment.”

RETHINK REAL ESTATE

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

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ome. It’s a word that means different things to different people, from the space we live in and the people we share it with, to the community and neighbours around us.

For Darcy Schlechtleitner and her team at ReThink Real Estate, “home” is the heart and soul of everything they do, and the guiding principle that shapes their unique approach to realty.

“That’s what it’s all about – we take the time to listen to people: what do they want, what are their goals, what does ‘home’ mean for them? We are not in the business of just selling buildings.

We sell lifestyles.”

Darcy’s innovative approach to real estate is aptly summed up in the company’s name, which was chosen to reflect a period of genuinely “rethinking” the real estate industry.

When the 2008 market slow-down led to a cool housing market for a period of time, she spent time re-evaluating the traditional industry approaches and considering ways to update and modernize her own methods.

The effort has paid off in spades, as her business and client base has grown year over year since.

“There’s no one else that does what we do, as well as we do it. We cover everything: we come in and we see what needs to be done to maximize the presentation. That might be gardening work, it might be painting, it might be decorating, and we bring in the people to do that.”

But it’s not just about making the sale; it’s about making the experience as stress-free as possible for the clients, and going the extra mile to help at every step.

“We’ve had older clients, for example, who maybe don’t have help with getting things packed up – we find a way to help with that,” she said. “It’s not just dollars and cents, it’s about

people. Every single day, it’s about people.”

That philosophy holds true in the way she approaches the leadership of her business, too.

“We work as a team here, we all work on the same files. I want everyone in the team to have that flexibility to have a day off with their families, to be able to deal with an emergency when it comes up and to know that each one of us knows as much about that property and those clients as they do and we can step in to help each other. We all have families, and we’re all a family here, too. That’s a priority.”

Being part of the bigger New Westminster community is another way in which “home” plays a part in her business – and it’s something that she never takes for granted.

“It is wonderful to be in this city. It’s a dream to be here, in this community.

I live here, and I love being able to focus on this city. It’s booming and new people are moving here and finding a community to settle in for the long-term,” she said. “We are grateful and give back constantly.”

That has included fundraising efforts such as a decision to donate $1,000 from every sale last spring to a local community organization, something they’ll be repeating in the spring of 2016.

“It makes you feel good, and more than that, it’s important.

This is our home, and home to

ReThink Real Estate - Keller Williams Elite Realty 604.783.1250 I www.teamrethink.com

PHOTO: Forward/Centre: Darcy Schlechtleitner and her team at ReThink Real Estate

“It’s not just dollars and cents, it’s about people.

Every single day, it’s about people.”

SAVE-ON-FOODS SAPPERTON

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

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he world has changed a lot since 1915.

But the cornerstones that Save-OnFoods was founded on – innovation, operational excellence, quality products, community involvement and incredible customer service – are as important today as they were 100 years ago, when the company first began.

For Michael Huhn, store manager at the company’s Sapperton location, that means keeping a strong focus on both the tried-and-true basics while also paving the way with cutting-edge technology, all aimed at providing the same high level of service and product that has made Save-On-Foods such a success story in B.C. “We pride ourselves on operational excellence, it’s one of our pillars. That’s from the supply chain to the store level: delivering the right product to the customer, on a consistent basis, with excellence in their service, selection, the store, everything across the board,” said Michael Huhn, store manager for the company’s Sapperton location in New Westminster.

Huhn says much of that comes down to the team members – a group he calls a dedicated family, many of whom have several decades of service with the company. But it’s also the company’s constant evolution to keep pace with the changing needs of customers, be it with new specialty offerings and departments, or – most recently – providing new and easier ways for people to shop.

“Our online shopping went live here at our Sapperton location in August – we service all of New Westminster and the south side of Burnaby,” said Huhn.

“This is really exciting for us – the level of customer service it brings to the community is wonderful. We love that we are innovative and pushing forward with new opportunities, not to mention the many jobs that have been created as a result.”

Huhn explains that customers simply sign up online at shopsaveonfoods.

com, and place their order for delivery (for as low as $4.95) or free for pickup. Personal shoppers are onsite at 4 a.m., collecting and bagging the orders, which are then sent out for delivery based on a time chosen by the customer, or set aside for pickup. At the Sapperton location, the pickup involves pulling into an underground parking lot and then calling into a special customer service line – a staff member then brings the groceries down and puts them in the customer’s trunk.

“It’s very convenient,” he said.

“There’s many advantages: it’s time saving for busy families, it’s easier for seniors that may not be as mobile, or for new mothers. They don’t have to make the trip into the store, it’s all done for them.”

Huhn says that Save-On-Foods is currently the most progressive company in Western Canada in the grocery ecommerce business.

As well, the company’s ongoing community involvement and fundraising is a point of pride for the Sapperton location and the company as a whole. The store has been the lead sponsors for the 2014 New Westminster Santa Claus Parade, the 12th Street Music Festival and the Chamber of Commerce Junior Youth Excellence Award, as well as a main sponsor for Sapperton Days, Hyack football team, the New Westminster Hyack Ambassadors program, and the Last Door Recovery Centre.

“The philosophy of what this company is all about is from top to bottom – it really is a family, and we all have such a sense of pride over what we do.

Our location here just exemplifies that for me.

We’re a friendly store, our staff live in this community, we work hard, we go the extra mile.

That’s what it’s all about.”

200-270 East Columbia St., New Westminster, BC 604.523.2581 I www.saveonfoods.com

PHOTO: Michael Huhn, Sapperton Save-On-Foods Store Manager

“This is really exciting for us … we love that we are innovative and pushing forward with new opportunities.”

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r. Manju Arora had a guiding philosophy when she opened Queen’s Park Pet Hospital: to create a full service veterinary hospital that was Fear Free for dogs, cats, and the families who love them. So far, she’s met that goal – many of the pets they’ve treated aren’t just unafraid, they’re downright excited to be visiting.

“We’ve had clients walking by, not even coming for an appointment, and their dogs are pulling at their leashes to get to the door,” she said with a laugh.

“That’s really wonderful for us, to see that, and to know we’re doing something different, something that makes it a better experience for the pets and their owners.”

Arora, who graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2000, says she gives credit to leading veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, who coined the phrase “Fear Free.”

“I’ve met him and heard him speak and it just clicked. It just made sense,” she said. “There are many veterinary hospitals that provide excellent care.

But there’s something different going on here, and I’m so proud of my team and the environment that we’re creating.

That “something different” includes small but important features that, put together, create a calming and welcoming environment. This includes things like non-slip flooring, music that was created specifically to lessen animal anxiety, canine and feline calming pheromones that are diffused throughout the clinic, gentle sedation, non-slip yoga mats for pets to stand on and more.

“Even our exam rooms have been built and designed specifically to create a Fear Free environment,” she says, noting that exam tables can be folded away and animals can be examined on the floor, if being lifted up on a high surface makes them anxious. They also encourage “fun

QUEEN’S PARK PET HOSPITAL only” social visits, so that pets don’t associate the clinic with examinations or medical procedures.

Pets can be brought by for a treat and to say hello at any time – and yes, that includes pets that aren’t even patients yet.

“We absolutely encourage people to stop by, anytime,” she said. The hospital is Gold-Certified as Cat Friendly by the AAFP and tries to make cat visits as stress-free as possible.

They have also hosted open houses, like a recent doggy party. A special dog cake was ordered from the dog bakery, animals played with puzzle toys and socialized with one another. It also gives the dogs a chance to “sniff around” in a non-stressful way.

“It’s much nicer for them, and it’s nicer for their owners and us, too,” she said.

“It’s a lovely environment.”

She credits her team with helping to create this “dream space,” noting that they’ve all been on board with the goals and are each compassionate and caring professionals who are committed to the patients in their care.

The team is made up of Dr. Arora and fellow veterinarian Dr. Sarah Holden, along with one Registered Veterinary Technician and a second staff member who is currently completing her training as a Registered Technician. Two certified Veterinary Assistants round out the team along with a Client Care Specialist.

“I believe very strongly that a practice should have a Registered Veterinary Technician on staff, and everyone here is encouraged to use and grow their skills.

Education is vital for us and we try to be leading edge by offering services such as vaccine titre testing for dogs.”

818 Colborne Street, New Westminster, BC 604.544.7387 I www.queensparkpethospital.ca

PHOTO: Dr. Manju Arora, owner of Queen’s Park Pet Hospital

“There’s something different going on here, and I’m so proud of what we’re creating.”

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

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xcellence isn’t just an idea for the duo who own and operate Prime Denture Clinic in uptown New Westminster.

It’s an approach and philosophy that guides them daily, because they know how much of an impact their products and services can have on each and every patient.

“Our priority is providing all our patients with a high-quality denture so that they can live a healthy quality lifestyle,” said Patrick Marcelo. “We take extreme care and precision in all of our dentures to make sure that our patients can eat well. A lot of denture wearers are ashamed to wear dentures, but we strive to make our dentures as comfortable as possible so that they can smile naturally as they would with their own teeth.”

Marcelo and Prime Denture Clinic co-owner Brian Ko bring a wealth of expertise to the table: Ko has been a registered dental technician for 10 years and has worked with a number of oral surgeons and dentists in Vancouver; Marcelo has been involved in the dental technology community since 2009 and is a current denturist instructor with the Denturist Program at CDI College.

“Our team has a combined 15 years of dental technology experience,” noted Ko. “We work in cooperation with many different dentists and oral surgeons and continue to make new relationships with the community.”

He adds that the clinic is very involved with implant-supported dentures, a growing trend in the field. They work hard to stay on top of current techniques and technologies so they can offer the best.

“We are very meticulous when it comes to our work. All of our patients notice that and we take pride in it because we never want to take any shortcuts,” Ko said. “With implant dentistry becoming the new trend

PRIME DENTURE CLINIC

these days, it’s important for us and our patients to keep up with this sophisticated technology. And because of our dental technician background, we’ve been involved in this technology for many years already. We’re able to apply our knowledge and skills as dental technicians to our work as denturists, which is uncommon in our line of work.”

Marcelo says they couldn’t be happier with being based in uptown New Westminster, thanks to its convenient central location in the region with easy access to transit but also the community spirit in the city.

“We love New Westminster,” he said.

“It’s a beautiful city with beautiful people. I love it so much that I have made it my home as well.”

The business opened its doors in 2014 (taking over from the long-established Maria Green Denture Clinic), and has been growing ever since thanks to a blooming reputation in the Royal City and beyond.

For Marcelo and Ko, that reputation is built on the fundamentals: caring about the health and satisfaction of every patient.

“To us, it’s not just about making dentures. It’s about promoting a healthy lifestyle and making our patients feel confident when smiling and eating with their new dentures,” said Marcelo. “We want our patients to feel comfortable and happy when they come and when they leave our clinic. We feel that patient education is also essential in our practise, so we try to inform our patients of everything they need to know about our services.”

The pair say they are excited about the future, and their business.

“We are denture geeks. We really love what we do,” said Ko. “It’s been our vision for years to help our community in any way that we can, and we feel that we can do just that with our work.”

203-624 Sixth Street, New Westminster 604.521.6424 I www.newwestdentureclinic.com

PHOTO: Left: Prime Denture Clinic co-owners Brian Ko and Patrick Marcelo

“We are very meticulous when it comes to our work. All of our patients notice that and we take pride in it because we never want to take any shortcuts.”

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or Dr. Darcy Murphy, excellence isn’t complicated: it all comes down to providing the best care to every single patient who comes in the door.

That simple philosophy shapes every aspect of the operation of Queen’s Park Dental, from the environment and atmosphere at the clinic, to the care and professionalism of the entire team.

“That’s really it, that’s what it comes down to – you treat every patient like a member of your family,” he said. “It might sound corny but that’s the truth of it, you treat everyone the way you want to be treated, the way you’d want your family cared for. And we all do that here, the whole team is wonderful.

Just a caring group in every way.”

Murphy and his associate, Dr. Karen Liang, head up a team of dental assistants, hygenists and office staff at the clinic’s uptown location near Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue. The clinic has been operating in New Westminster for more than 50 years, the last six of those under Murphy’s ownership.

“Dr. Liang and I both have the same approach – if there was something a bit complicated or that we want to check up on, we’ll call our patients at home later to see how things are,” he said. “That’s important, that personal touch – as a professional, it’s important to me to make sure they’re doing well and that their questions are answered.

That’s one of the things I really appreciate about Dr. Liang. She’s just so compassionate and considerate. Our whole team operates that way; it’s a friendly, comfortable environment for our patients.”

That focus on providing top-notch care at every step extends to education, too, and staying on top of new and

QUEEN’s PARK DENTAL progressive treatments.

“Besides regular family dentistry, we do implant surgery and something called PST – pinhole surgical technique, which is a no scalpel no suture alternative for gum grafts,” he said.

It’s an excellent alternative to traditional grafting techniques, but he’s one of very few dentists trained in the method in the region.

“We’ve been getting great responses from patients who have had it done,” he said. “As far as I know, I’m the only one in New West offering it, and possibly even the only one in the Lower Mainland.”

Having the best techniques and most up-to-date training is vital not just for him and Liang, but for all of the staff.

“We’re always going to courses and learning new things - that’s important to us,” he said. “We really want to be providing the best to every patient.”

That includes the environment as well, which is intentionally bright, airy and open.

“We’re on the second floor so all of our rooms have really big windows – it doesn’t sound like a big thing, but for someone who maybe feels a bit of claustrophobia in the dentist’s chair, that’s valuable. We do offer oral sedation for patients who are feeling very anxious but we often find that once they’ve been here, gone over things with us, and get a feel for our focus on patient comfort, they become very comfortable and are able to proceed without it,” he said.

Murphy says he plans to be in the Royal City for a long time to come.

“It’s a great community, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

215-624 Sixth St., New Westminster, BC 604.522.5242 I www.queensparkdental.ca

PHOTO: Dr. Karen Liang and Dr. Darcy Murphy of Queen’s Park Dental

“That’s what it comes down to – you treat every patient like a member of your family.”

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

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enata Kobek has a simple dream that’s been built on many years of long hours, hard work and determination: to help others achieve their dreams as well.

“Whether you want to come into the office or go for coffee, it really doesn’t matter: we just want to change your life,” said Kobek. “I live, dream and breathe what I do and the service you get is guaranteed to have heart and soul in it. If we don’t have what you need, you bet your heart we will try to connect you with someone that does.”

KIMG stands for Kobek International Management Group, and Kobek – the founder and owner – explains that she offers a full service consulting firm that specializes in assisting entrepreneurs, developing investment wealth, and providing immigration services.

The company got its start in 2009, largely focused at that time on immigration law, but she quickly found a niche offering services through a spectrum of avenues, which has allowed her to reach for her own goals at the same time. Kobek came to Canada 13 years ago from her homeland of Chile, and helped other new immigrants on a pro-bono basis for nearly a decade before starting her business.

“Being a new immigrant myself and a philanthropist at heart made me realize that I really wanted to help others.

I had to cease the small operation mentality and think big,” she said. “My objective was and still is to provide for my family while giving back to the beautiful country that took me in, namely Canada.”

She says that what started as a “one woman operation” has now become a collaborative network of licensed wealth management advisors, estate planning professionals, mortgage

KIMG (KOBEK INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT GROUP)

investment corporations, web designers, videographers, real estate agents, mortgage brokers, immigration consultants and more.

“Anything you need, we’ve got it, because growing local businesses while nurturing our own is what we strive for.”

She notes that she found a great “home” for the immigration portion of her business, working with Immigration Consultants Group Canada Inc. “They allowed me to pair my dream of doing business consulting while remaining an immigration consultant,” she said. “They embraced my entrepreneurial spirit and allowed me to further develop their business as well as mine.

The scope of Kobek’s work is wide, but it continues to motivate, excite and drive her passion to continue.

She routinely works until 1 or 2 a.m., then wakes before dawn to continue again, devoting herself to the goals and aspirations of her clients.

“I hope that my clients feel that they were lost and now they’re found. That working with us was motivational, inspiring, honest, caring, heartfelt. My approach is to listen to the client, listen to their dreams and see how I can make this happen for them. I always want them to feel welcomed and understood.

If I can’t help, I do my best to connect them with someone that can.”

Kobek says it’s a dream come true to see her own vision grow while helping others do the same.

“The best thing is the feeling of overcoming your struggles, seeing that light at the end of the tunnel and finding out that you can truly do it all, the overwhelming feeling of suddenly realizing: I did it, I made it.”

New Westminster, BC 778.870.3763 I www.kimg.com

PHOTO: Left: Donald Sohm with founder and owner Renata Kobek

“I live, dream and breathe what I do and the service you get is guaranteed to have heart and soul in it.”

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s one of the leading naturopathic schools in the country, the Boucher Institute’s graduates provide a valuable service helping patients not just in B.C., but around the world. Here in New Westminster, the institute’s clinic provides top-notch health care to patients in the city.

Boucher’s reputation for excellence in both naturopathic medical care and its education continues to grow and evolve as does the awareness of the benefits of adopting a holistic self-care program that naturopathic doctors are able to provide.

Michael Schanz, Boucher’s new President, explains what an exciting time it is to be joining the organization as they continue to build on the foundation laid in the school’s early years. “We’ve had educators and individuals here who have really served to anchor the Boucher Institute in the 16 years since it opened – pioneers not just in the naturopathic profession but pioneers in education and in building this school,” he says. “It’s a reputation that is well earned and I am convinced will continue to grow.”

Schanz says they see their role expanding far beyond walls of the school and its clinic.

“We also want to focus on advocacy, on getting the word out. What is Naturopathic Medicine? How does it fit into a complete health care program? How does it align with conventional medicine? What does holistic care mean? Why do we think it’s the future? To me holistic care means sustainable care. In a time when countries everywhere are facing health deficits, how can prevention oriented, Naturopathic Medicine play a role?”

The school is also increasingly involved in community outreach. For example, they have teamed up with the First Nations Health Authority to partner with a local First Nations group, where clinical staff and students travel

BOUCHER INSTITUTE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE to the patients to offer care that includes both traditional and conventional medical care.

“This is very important to us, and this type of work is integral to our mission,” he states. “That mission is a threelegged stool: the first leg is education and research; the second is patient care and community outreach, and the third is what we call public information, partners and advocacy.”

As Boucher’s reputation has grown, so too has the demand for its educational program.

While much of that lies in the excellence of the education itself, a major draw for many students is also the commitment to smaller class sizes.

Classes at Boucher are restricted to 36 students, much smaller than most other schools.

“We could go up to 50 or even 100, some schools do that, and there may be some benefits to doing that but for us it has been very important to keep to our roots. One of those roots is a commitment to delivering a naturopathic program in a naturopathic way. It is both personal and transformative in nature, which is simply too difficult to do in a large classroom setting.”

Schanz suggests that the education the students receive is among the finest in North America. This is evidenced by the strong performance by graduates on the Naturopathic Board Exams as compared to all other schools.

“Naturopathic doctors have incredibly intensive training. The four year program here is incredibly demanding but we work with our students to help them be successful, to take their education out into the world when they are done here,” he says. “Naturopathic doctors can and do serve as primary care physicians, and can carry out many of the same functions as Western-based doctors – diagnosis, physical exams, prescribing, lab work, and so on.

#330-435 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC 604.777.9981 I www.binm.org

PHOTO: Left: Mash Kashaverz, Dr. Karrin Fairman-Young ND, Brenda Fowler, Jackie Mattey of Boucher Institute

“We also want to focus on advocacy, on getting the word out: What is Naturopathic Medicine?

How does it fit into a health care program?”

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sk Jon Glen about his business and one thing is immediately clear: here is a man with a passion for what he does, a great appreciation for his success and an eye on the future.

If you haven’t heard of Canawrap yet, you will – and you’ve seen their products all over the streets of the Lower Mainland, and beyond, for years now.

Canawrap provides visual marketing products for small to medium-sized businesses: vehicle “wraps” for company cars, courier fleets, transport trucks and more, along with wall murals and window graphics.

It’s a brand that has established itself not just here in B.C. but across North America as a leader in the field, due to the reputation Glen and his team have built over the last five years.

“I think, and I hope, that we’ve done that because we provide solutions to people – we find out what they’re trying to achieve and we give them solutions,” he said. “And we do whatever it takes to make it a great experience and a great product. Excellence really comes down to feeling satisfied: it’s consistently satisfying everything around you – the customer is satisfied, the staff know they’ve done a great job.”

So far, it’s working. Canawrap has grown at a steady pace, something Glen hopes to see continue long into the future.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more than that: if in five years this brand is still consistently growing, I’ll be the happiest guy in the world,” he said.

“I’ve always thought of us as the most ambitious small business ever, I believe that with all my heart – we’re a small business that is ambitious and focused and working hard every single day.”

A savvy social media campaign, appearances at auto shows and involvement in special projects has helped raise the company’s public

CANAWRAP

profile. But at the end of the day, Glen says it all comes back to the customers and the most powerful force of all: a good recommendation.

“Word of mouth is huge. And it means a lot to me to know that a customer has been so satisfied with what we did that they tell someone else about it,” he said.

“Honestly, when someone is talking to their cousin and says ‘Hey, you have to go talk to Jon,’ that’s enormous. It means we’ve done something really right.” Glen says he’ll never forget the first time he heard someone ask for a “Canawrap” instead of a wrap.

“To know that your brand is becoming the ‘name’ for a product, that was so exciting,” he said. “It’s happening more and more, people will call up and say they need a Canawrap.

It’s great.”

Canawrap recently won the 2015 Platinum Award for Customer Service Excellence in Business. Glen says that’s a reflection of his team – a group of staff he described as “fabulous, dedicated people” – and the culture of the company in general.

“We always say that we want to save the day. I love it when people have a problem and we get to come up with the solution for them. There is nothing better in the world than being a solution provider for another business – to hear what they need, to give it to them, and to do it right. That’s our goal, every day.”

Thanks to partnerships with service facilities around Canada and the US, Canawrap is able to send their products across North America to be installed in a customer’s location, be it Kelowna or California.

Unit D-240 12th Street, New Westminster, BC 604.520.1164 I 1.888.972.7411 I www.canawrap.com

PHOTO: Jon Glen, owner of Canawrap

“We always say that we want to save the day.

I love it when people have a problem and we get to come up with the solution for them.”

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

T

he Hyack Festival Association draws inspiration from the past, present and future of the community.

Since being initiated by the City of New Westminster’s Mayor, Muni Evers in 1971, the association produces high quality community events with regional and international appeal.

Known for its love of history and traditions, the HFA is constantly evolving with newcomers, and striving to build a bright future that embraces the traditions of yesteryear while growing into the excitement of tomorrow.

It’s a careful balancing act but one that its volunteer base is excited to be involved in.

Alan Wardle, the association’s president elect for 2016, follows in the footsteps of 2015 president Don Swindells and all those in the past 44 years who have come before them in the effort to continue to build the Hyack legacy.

“We’re really looking forward to another year, some changes that will be coming along the way, and doing what we do so well,” said Wardle. “I think we’re iconic in New Westminster in a sense. Many people have grown up with our parade and it has become a real tradition, a kick-off to the spring and to the sunshine. It’s associated for many people with other city traditions such as the May Day event. There’s something about an event that returns every year and people enjoy so much.”

That’s why it’s a favourite tradition.

Another one of the community’s long-standing traditions, the Miss New Westminster Pageant, has, under the HFA sponsorship, now been modernized as a youth leadership program dedicated to building future civic leaders. The Hyack Ambassadors volunteer extensively here at home and represent the Royal City at a variety of

HYACK FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION

local and regional events.

The association’s primary event is the annual Hyack International Parade, which draws marching bands, floats, and other organizations from around B.C. and the Pacific Northwest.

For 2016, the parade will return to city streets on May 28, and Wardle says that both old favourites, like the antique fair, and some new innovations will be part of the celebrations that weekend. In this day and age, change is a constant for many organizations, but Wardle says that community favourites like the parade have an even more important role to play nowadays.

“In this social media age, we have a lot of communication, but we can sometimes lack that personal, eye-toeye, contact with other people in our community,” he said. “The parade is a real bridge for that: residents come out to watch, participate and connect with each other, volunteers work to bring it all together, and many many community organizations participate in the parade, so it’s really the full spectrum of community engagement.”

The term Hyack was born, according to legend, from a First Nations word that meant “swift, fast or hurry up” and has come to be associated with New Westminster over the years (sports teams at New Westminster Secondary School are also known as the Hyacks).

“It’s one of those unique identifiable things we have here in New Westminster,” said Wardle. “It’s part of our identity really.” That identity goes with the association when they travel to other parades throughout the region.

“We get out to at least 20 parades in the course of a year, and we’d love to expand that as well,” he said. “The float that we bring is really a community promotional platform. People recognize our Hyack brand and love to see what we’ve brought each year.”

204 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC 604.522.6894 I www.hyack.bc.ca

PHOTO: Left: Alan Wardle, president-elect 2016 with Don Swindells, 2015 president

“Many people have grown up with the parade and it has become a real tradition, a kick-off to the spring and to the sunshine.”

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

M

usic is a universal language that requires only an open door: the willingness to learn, appreciate, and share.

Vashti Fairbairn knows that she’s created that door in her music academy in New Westminster.

Music Box offers instruction in everything from piano, guitar, violin, flute, drums and bass (to name just a few), to musical theory and songwriting. For those interested in something a little louder, classes beginning in the new year will tackle rock and roll; on the calmer end of the spectrum, mom and baby classes help introduce infants and toddlers to the joys of music. “We have many excellent programs,” she said. “There’s private music lessons on all instruments, preschool music, musical theatre, rock band. It’s the full spectrum. We aim to be the music school of choice.”

So far, so good: the school has grown steadily in its three years in operation, drawing students from not just the Royal City but from Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, and beyond. They have also expanded, with two locations: main offices and studio spaces on Carnarvon Street, and a satellite location in the River Market.

“It’s really exciting, it’s a dream to be bringing music to New Westminster.

It’s such an ideal community,” said Fairbairn, who is herself a local resident along with her children and husband.

“We love it here, and to be able to offer our exciting programs in our own city is wonderful.”

Music Box is a longtime realization for Fairbairn, who grew up taking piano lessons from age four and later found her niche in her high school music program. From there, her love of music only grew, leading her on to Kwantlen University for classical studies in music, and later to Capilano College for that school’s well known jazz program.

For several years, she toured with a

630 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster, BC 604-553-1176 I www.musicboxnw.ca

PHOTO: Music Box owner Vashti Fairbairn

MUSIC BOX Dixieland jazz band, before progressing into the theatre world, which allowed her to explore her natural love for not just performing but leading as a musical director. Then under the guidance of a mentor at the Western Conservatory of Music, she completed her teacher training for piano.

“Working with people towards a common musical goal has always been my love,” she said. “Growing up with such diverse music experiences I longed to create an academy where children could find their musical voice with a supportive structure of teachers and programs.”

Unlike some music schools, Music Box has full time office staff, which allows students and their families a greater degree of flexibility with their schedule.

It also means that teachers and students are able to focus on the music and maintain good communication about the student’s progress. Most students are between the ages of four and 12, although there are a great many teens, adults and older seniors who come to Music Box to revive a love for music and learning.

“We enjoy teaching all levels and ages here – from the youngest children beginning their first preschool music class, then progressing to their first violin or piano lesson – to the older beginners and those that haven’t touched their instrument in years but were quite accomplished at a time - all the way to professionals wanting to try out a new skill,” she said. “We have such a diverse and talented staff of music teachers that there’s a great fit for everyone.”

In all, there are 15 teachers, though as lessons continue to become more popular that number will continue to go up.

“We’re happy to be growing, and are honoured to know that so many families are recommending us to others,” she said.

“We have such a diverse and talented staff of music teachers that there’s a great fit for everyone.”

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

I

t’s not every day you get to go to work and change someone’s life.

But that’s exactly what the team at Fraser Works Co-op do.

The co-op is a WorkBC Employment Services Centre that helps people find job training and employment, and serves as a liaison between potential job seekers and employers in the community.

“We have two streams of services – first, that anyone can come in and use the resource centre to conduct an independent job search with resource room workers that can help them navigate those resources,” said general manager Tracey Fraser.

“Then we have a great staff of case managers and facilitators who are very knowledgeable, and work oneon-one with a client. We can really help connect job searchers who are struggling to get the right education and training and then into a job.”

Fraser says the key to their success is the collaboration between clients, staff and the community.

“The community support is critical – it’s a really unique model that we use here and it works so well,” she said.

The proof is in the success they see with individual clients, who don’t just “find a job” but often change their lives in the process.

“It is incredibly rewarding,” said Neely Hazell, community relations coordinator. “I used to work in a front-line position as a case manager and it really validates the work that you’re doing when you see someone who comes in and may be hitting rock bottom and you go with them on this journey – whether that’s training or workshops – and tackling the barriers they have to employment and then into the labour market in a meaningful way.”

Hazell says some clients come back from time to time to update staff on

FRASER WORKS CO-OP their progress.

“It’s wonderful, to see where people go. Not having employment just affects so many parts of your life, so to see the positive changes once we’ve worked together is great. It can be literally life changing for a client,” said Hazell.

Fraser agrees, and notes the impact isn’t limited to the individual but echoes out through the community.

“We’re seeing the number of unemployed individuals decrease in the area, and when a community has more employed individuals it helps the local economy which also leads to more jobs, so it’s really a two way benefit,” she said. “And as we build our network of employers in New Westminster, the collaboration that happens there improves – when everyone works together, it helps build community.”

Made up of Fraser Side Community Services Society, Pacific Community Resources Society, AWARE Society, and Mosaic, the co-op has 24 staff on site working as resource assistants, case managers, job developers and facilitators.

“The staff here is phenomenal,” said Fraser. “It’s a team effort and the collaboration with the community and the local agencies brings it together.”

Both Fraser and Hazell say they hope more people learn about the services available through Fraser Works Co-op.

“We are here to help – whether that’s helping an employer find and maintain the right employee, or whether that’s helping someone who is unemployed and facing multiple barriers. We’re an employment services centre but we have resources to connect throughout the community if someone also has needs for food or shelter or clothing, or if they need to be connected to mental health services, or a simple thing like replacing a lost ID. It all comes back to employment but really we’re here to help people.”

“We are here to help – whether that’s helping an employer find and maintain the right employee, or helping someone who is unemployed and facing multiple barriers. It all comes back to employment but really we’re here to help people.”

2nd Floor, 519 Seventh Street, New Westminster, BC 604.522.9701 ext.123 I www.fraserworks.ca

PHOTO: Left: Michelle Danyluk, centre coordinator; Tracey Fraser, general manager; and Neely Hazell, community relations coordinator

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

CHRISTINA MYERS

GARY SLAVIN

Christina Myers worked as a community journalist in the metro Vancouver region for more than a decade, covering beats as diverse as federal politics to families.

Gary Slavin has worked as a graphic designer in the lower mainland for community newspapers for over two decades, majority of those years with the New Westminster Record and sister paper Burnaby NOW.

Writer

She continues to work as a freelancer and columnist. She is a past winner of provincial and national community journalism writing awards in history, business and column writing, and has won or been shortlisted for a number of literary awards in 2015 in both fiction and non-fiction writing.

She lives in Surrey with her family and is a volunteer, parent, and thrift store junkie.

Creative Designer

He continues to work as a freelance creative designer for various newspapers and local businesses. He has many design awards over the years presented by British Columbia Yukon Community Newspaper Association (BCYCNA), Canadian Community Newspaper Association (CCNA) and the Suburban Newspaper Association (SNA).

He grew up in North Burnaby, a father of two amazing sons, he now resides in White Rock.

Outside of designing he has a passion for the sport of ball hockey and has worked with the Junior Team Canada program since 2008.

LISA KING

KEVIN HILL

Lisa King has been a professional photographer for 10 years, working for a variety of newspapers and publications throughout B.C.

Kevin Hill has been working as a photographer since 2006; his work has appeared in a variety of publications, including magazines and newspapers in B.C. and beyond.

King and fellow photographer Kevin Hill work collaboratively, shooting editorial photography as well as commercial and product photography, events and weddings.

Hill and fellow photographer Lisa King work collaboratively, shooting a mix of editorial, commercial, product, event and wedding photography.

The duo met while studying photojournalism at Loyalist College but now live and work in the Lower Mainland.

The duo met while studying photojournalism at Loyalist College but now live and work in the Lower Mainland.

In her spare time, King enjoys playing team sports, scuba diving, and travelling, as well as volunteering her time with university students studying abroad.

Hill, originally from Saskatoon, enjoys a wide spectrum of outdoor recreation, including skiing, backpacking and target shooting, and heading out on motorcycle adventures.

Photographer

Photographer