As Kootenay Business magazine celebrates 25 years of publishing, we take a moment to reflect on some of the noteworthy business highlights we have documented over the last quarter decade including milestones in our own history.

January 2000:

Turn of a new millennium. Y2K fears never materialize and at 90 pages, Kootenay Business publishes its largest issue to date. Chief Sophie Pierre is on the cover as she heads up mission possible.

January/February 2004:

Kootenay Business joins the digital age and touts its new website and e-newsletter for www.kootenaybiz.com. This issue features a comprehensive Kootenay Rockies Convention and Meeting Planner.

January/February 2006:

Kootenay Business publishes its first ever list of the Top 100 Employers in the Kootenays. Interior Health leads the way with 5,000 employees. The late Gordon Bell of Three Valley Gap reminisces over 50 years in business.

As Kootenay Business magazine celebrates 25 years of publishing, we take a moment to reflect on some of the noteworthy business highlights we have documented over the last quarter decade including milestones in our own history.

January 1994:

Kootenay Business introduced its first full colour, full gloss edition. This upbeat edition celebrates the fact that the Kootenays are booming. BC Tel announces that long distance calls within BC will require area code “604.”

Summer 1998:

Kootenay Business introduces its popular Best of Business Readers’ Choice Awards. Cranbrook celebrates the arrival of the WHL franchise Kootenay Ice. Kootenay Business publishes its first email address koocanusa@cyberlink.bc.ca in the next issue.

September 1999:

Kootenay Business publishes its first ever list of the Top 50 Kootenay Companies—ranked by revenue. Cominco Trail is #1, followed by Fording Inc., Crestbrook Forest Industries, Celgar and Luscar Coal.

As Kootenay Business magazine celebrates 25 years of publishing, we take a moment to reflect on some of the noteworthy business highlights we have documented over the last quarter decade including milestones in our own history.

February 1989:

Kootenay Business profiles “Kootenay Gold” Creston’s most famous product from the vats of Columbia Brewery. Over 12 million gallons of beer are produced annually. Businesses are encouraged to list their fax numbers in the Kootenay Business Fax Directory.

January 1990:

Kootenay Business debuts first glossy cover, but its still newsprint inside. The Outlook 2000 edition documented the uncertainties about the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the NAFTA free trade agreement.

As Kootenay Business magazine celebrates 25 years of publishing, we take a moment to reflect on some of the noteworthy business highlights we have documented over the last quarter decade, including milestones in our own history.

Issue #1 – October 1985

Kootenay Business is launched in conjuction with the Federal Development Bank’s Small Business Week. The East Kootenay Community College celebrates its 10th anniversary. Taurus Computers of Cranbrook runs a full page introducing the new Macintosh Computer from Apple.

August 1988

Kootenay Business runs its first full colour front cover. Dewdney Trail Stages of Trail announces “fast dependable express and passenger service.” Cranbrook’s Mayor Rick Jensen secures Expo 86 legacy funding for a new auditorium, one councilor moves it should be attached to Mt. Baker School.

A familiar name and face to many in the Cranbrook area, has popped up in the real estate industry—namely Rob Stang. Stang has recently received his real estate license and is now an agent at East Kootenay Realty in Cranbrook.

Rob Stang is well known as the previous owner of the Burger King franchise in Cranbrook, as a substitute teacher and for his community work include the Sam Steele Days ball tournament and the newly created road hockey event coming to Cranbrook this fall.

Rob's speciality will be commercial real estate, helping business owners who are interested in selling their enterprises or helping buyers find commercial investment opportunities in the Cranbrook area.

Rob is also a director on the board of the Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance (KRREA). We wish Rob much success in his new career. He can be contacted through the offices of Royal LePage East Kootenay Realty 250-426-8211.