Kootenay BizBlog :: Keith Powell

Steele O’Neil Receives Prestigious Award

Steele O’Neil staff includes (pictured left to right.

• Melanie Krasniuk – Invermere
• Cheryl Ristmaki – Kimberley
• Jacquline Russell, Yvonne Gunn, Susan Steele, Bridgit Kuit, Barbara ’Neil and Marilyn Ormandy - Cranbrook

The Career Management Association of BC (CMA) recently presented their annual Career Award of Excellence for British Columbia to Cranbrook-based Steele O’Neil and Associates. The firm was recognized for its inspirational leadership and excellence in career development. Co-founder and owner Barbara O’Neil says the staff of 30 look after programs here in the Kootenays as well as on Vancouver Island.

The CMA award is a great acknowledgement of the fact that Steele O’Neil has been successful in a variety of services concerning employment. It is thanks to the expertise of their staff and high standards that Steele O’Neil also sees the out come in renewed contracts with government and other organizations. This means, the company will continue to grow, explains O’Neil.

“One of the first things we did, was the Cranbrook Revitalization Plan,” says Barb O’Neil This document became part of Cranbrook’s Official Community Plan. It included many things that have become a reality today, such as the hanging basket program the city runs in conjunction with Communities in Bloom.

She and her firm are also especially pleased with the youth programs they put together in the past. Young people worked in legacy projects such as the Trans Canada Trail or upgrades to Idlewild Park. They spent one summer rebuilding the amphitheatre and fixing up the washrooms, in hopes that the facility would be used more by the community. With events such as the Idlewild Music Fest, their dream has become reality.

New Board Elected for Fernie Chamber

Source: Fernie Chamber newsletter

New directors of Fernie Chamber of Commerce lineup for a photo at their recently AGM. Photo Courtesy: The Chamber Newsletter and The Free Press.

The Fernie Chamber of Commerce recently held their Annual General Meeting. National Team skier Emily Brydon was the guest speaker at the event, with her “Winning Attitude” presentation. As well the Chamber elected a new board of directors for 2009/10.

The new board consists of… Back row: Darlene Mosiondz (Falkins Insurance), Mike McPhee (Island Lake Lodge), Darren Milne Parastone Developments), Scott Gilmet (IGS Group), Ryan Doehle (Isosceles Business Systems) row: Paula Ehmann (Nohels Group), Evelyn Cutts (Koocanusa Marina and Campground), Krista Turcasso (Claris Media), Tim Greiner (Best Western Fernie), Carrie Meyer (Teck) Missing from photo: Angela Etheridge (Majic and Purdy), Christine Grimble (Fernie Alpine Resort)

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

CBT Accepting Applications for College Community Service Awards

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is now accepting applications for its College Community Service Awards program.

CBT presents these awards in partnership with four Basin-based Colleges and includes 22 awards of $2,000 each divided amongst students attending Selkirk College (10), College of the Rockies (10), Valemount Campus of College of New Caledonia (1) and the Revelstoke Centre of Okanagan College (1).

These awards are available for those students who have taken a hiatus of at least one year after completing high school and are actively volunteering in their community.

“It’s not uncommon for students to put their post-secondary education on hold after high school - for travel, work, family or any number of reasons,” said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO. “When they do decide to return to school, students find a shortage of scholarship options and that's where CBT’s award program comes in. Based on volunteer community service rather than academic standing, these awards provide an opportunity for those residents who are already proving to be valuable assets in their communities to further their education.”

Volunteer service refers to a significant contribution of time, energy and/or talent that fosters social, environmental or economic well-being without resulting in a financial benefit to the applicant. The adjudication process will give added weight to volunteer activities which are focused on providing benefit to Basin communities, but other volunteer activities will be considered.

Academic achievement will be considered only in the context that a solid academic performance ensures the applicant’s ability to successfully complete his or her chosen post-secondary program, not as a key determining factor.

“I was delighted to receive the Columbia Basin Trust College Community Service Award last year. As a mature student enrolling in Selkirk College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, my financial needs were significant, and while I qualified for a substantial student loan, the amount did not meet the projected nine-month, full-time budget. Besides the financial reward of the scholarship, I felt honoured to have my volunteer work acknowledged. Our community is full of dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers, and I loved being a part of such a positive micro-community. Thank you, CBT, for providing financial and moral support to me on my journey,” stated Kathryn Livingston, 2007 CBT Community Service Award recipient (on left in photo).

Detailed award eligibility criteria are available with the application forms. The deadline to submit an application for the College Community Service Award is June 30, 2009 and applications are available at www.cbt.org/Programs Applications are also available at all of the participating colleges' websites or at any of the four CBT offices.

New Fernie Bio-Diesel Cardlock Selling “2010” Diesel

Source: Fernie Chamber newsletter

parwood-based Agri-Green Bio Diesel has recently opened a new cardlock in Fernie. Photo courtesy: www.agri-greenbiodiesel.com

There is a new commercial fuel outlet in Fernie. The Fernie Cardlock will service all diesel customers from the large semi users to the Jetta TDI. The Cardlock is located at 1592 9th Ave across the street from MacDonalds, behind Fernie Real Estate. They currently have what we call “2010 Diesel Fuel”. It is the diesel that will be mandated throughout the province as of January 1 2010, just a few months away. 2010 Fuel contains B5, or 5% biodiesel and 95% petrol diesel. This will result in approximately 350,000 tonne reduction in CO². B5 is accepted by all engine manufacturers and will not affect warranties. B5 Biodiesel blended fuel requires no engine modification, a true plug and play fuel, without any filter or gelling problems that can occur with pure biodiesel.

Biodiesel is a clean burning, non-toxic biodegradable alternative fuel that can be combined at any level with petroleum diesel to fuel diesel engines. It is produced from renewable sources such as canola, soy and animal fats. Biodiesel has high lubricity and higher Cetane.

Just 2% biodiesel will overcome the loss of lubricity from Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel. The Fernie CardLock plans to expand its offering of fuels to include dyed diesel, high blend biodiesel, and dyed gasoline. The timing of the expansion will depend on the number and frequency of customers. For more information or to contact Agri-Green Biodiesel Inc visit:

www.agri-greenbiodiesel.com

Revenues at Teck up 11% in first quarter

Source: BIV

A Teck coal hauler rolls past Coal Mountain near Sparwood. Photo courtesy: Teck

Teck Cominco Limited (TSX: TCK.A and TCK.B, NYSE: TCK) announced that net earnings were $241 million, or $0.50 per share, in the first quarter. Earnings before non-recurring items and positive pricing adjustments were $227 million and our operating profit, before depreciation and pricing adjustments, was $765 million. At March 31, 2009, our cash balance was $1.6 billion.

“General economic conditions have improved somewhat in the first quarter of the year, but we are still operating in challenging times,” said Don Lindsay, President and CEO. “Our operations performed well, with all of our major sites generating positive cash flow from operations in the quarter. We are also making progress with our debt reduction plan and our non-core asset sales.”

Highlights and Significant Items

• Revenues in the first quarter were $1,708 million, up 11% from $1,542 million in 2008. Operating profit before depreciation and pricing adjustments was $765 million, up 29% from $594 million in 2008.
• It is difficult to forecast coal sales volumes at this stage in the economic cycle and their effect on results for the coming year is uncertain at this time. Currently we expect our 2009 coal sales to be between 18 and 20 million tonnes, 90% of which is expected to be hard coking coal. Actual volumes will depend on developments in global steel markets. To date we have concluded price negotiations for approximately 11 million tonnes of coal for the 2009 coal year, with our highest quality coal products being priced at US$128 per tonne. Negotiations with the rest of our customers are ongoing. In addition, we have several customer commitments to accept delivery of 1.6 million tonnes of carryover tonnage at 2008 coal year prices. Negotiations on the remaining carryover tonnage are also ongoing.
• To date we have received approximately $980 million of our expected tax refunds of $1.1 billion arising from our acquisition of the coal assets from Fording.
• We are also in advanced negotiations with our lenders to amend the terms of the bridge and term loans related to the Fording acquisition.
• In the first quarter of 2009, Moody’s Investor Services and Standard & Poor’s lowered our credit ratings to Ba3 and BB+ respectively, both with a negative outlook.

Gaglardi buys majority of Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Source: BIV

Photo of Tom Gaglardi courtesy: www.dinagoldstein.com

According to an article authored by Peter Mitham appearing Business in Vancouver (BIV), Tom Gaglardi of family-owned Northland Properties Corp., recently finalized the acquisition of a majority interest in Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

The resort reportedly sold $140 million in real estate last season and its toughing out the current season, but Gaglardi remains positive. “People are waiting to find out where values are. I think it’s a big mystery for everybody,” he told BIV.

More than $100 million has been spent on the resort in its first two years, with additions including two new ski lifts. The resort’s first hotel, Nelsen Lodge, is scheduled to open this spring. The 220-suite hotel will be managed by Northland’s Sandman Signature Hotels and Resorts division.

The ski resort is marketing 2010 ski season passes already at discounts up to 50% off.

For more info www.revelstokemountainresort.com

Tourism Minister Bill Bennett Visits LinkBC Partners for Ideas Exchange and Website Launch

Minister Bill Bennett (back row, centre) , Bob Falle, School Chair Hospitality and Tourism Selkirk College (far left), Grant Unger, Coordinator Tourism Recreation COTR (far right), Chris Dadson, Kootenay Rockies (front left), and Terry Hood, LinkBC (front right) with students from the College of the Rockies and Selkirk College. Photo courtesy: LinkBC program

British Columbia Tourism Minister Bill Bennett visited College of the Rockies' Cranbrook Campus on April 7 to connect with LinkBC: the tourism and hospitality education network, and students and faculty from two of LinkBC’s 20 education partner institutions, College of the Rockies (COTR) and Selkirk College.

Bennett, also MLA for Kootenay East, took the opportunity to interact with students from COTR and Selkirk tourism and culinary programs. The event also featured the unveiling of a new website designed to attract more students to study tourism and hospitality in B.C.

The website, at www.studytourisminbc.ca, highlights LinkBC’s education partners and provides prospective students with information on adventure tourism, culinary, hospitality management, and tourism management programs offered across the province.

Students from Selkirk were warmly welcomed by their colleagues at College of the Rockies, where they shared highlights of their academic experiences and future plans for working in the industry. Selkirk students Lee Richmond (Ski Resort Operations) and Bobbi Haggard (Resort and Hotel Management) shared their positive impressions of the session: “It was an awesome afternoon,” said Bobbi. “The future of the industry is youth, and the future of the province is tourism; this was a great opportunity,” added Lee.

The group of students also enjoyed the unique opportunity to chat with Bennett about careers in tourism and hospitality in the province and the future of the industry. “British Columbia’s tourism industry is one of the strongest in the world," Bennett said, "and we will remain competitive thanks, in great part, to the efforts of colleges and universities across the province in educating and training the workforce of the future.”

In addition to students from the network’s Kootenay Rockies-based institutions, the group welcomed Chris Dadson, President of the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, and a key partner in the Study Tourism and Hospitality in BC initiative. The association recently supported this long-term strategy with a pilot placement of an advertorial piece about COTR and Selkirk with the www.studytourisminbc.ca web address in a guide sent out to 200,000 potential visitors to the region.

“When industry links with education,” said Dadson, “British Columbia emerges as an even more powerful tourism destination.” LinkBC general manager Terry Hood, also a presenter at the session, added that “our network exists to make these connections between industry and education and we look forward to enjoying the success of our campaign to attract even higher numbers of top-notch students to all corners of the province.”

$15.3-MILLION RENOVATION FOR KOOTENAY LAKE HOSPITAL

Site preparation for the Kootenay Lake Hospital emergency department and CT scanner suite redevelopment is expected to begin in July 2009. Photo courtesy: Interior Health

A $15.3-million redevelopment plan for the first floor of Kootenay Lake Hospital to triple the size of the existing emergency department and establish a new CT scanner suite, creating almost 100 construction jobs, was announced today by East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett.

“The expansion of the emergency department and establishing a new CT scanner at Kootenay Lake Hospital will improve access to health services and help modernize a hospital that was built in the 1950s,” said Bennett on behalf of Health Services Minister George Abbott. “Throughout the province, we are investing in infrastructure to support health care – creating jobs that keep families working and living in their communities – ensuring British Columbia stays strong for the future.”

Site preparation for the Kootenay Lake Hospital emergency department and CT scanner suite redevelopment is expected to begin in July 2009. The renovations will be designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification as part of the province’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future

Renovations for the redevelopment of Kootenay Lake Hospital’s first floor include an upgraded and expanded emergency department, which will significantly reduce congestion and improve patient care. The upgrades also include renovation to accommodate the addition of a CT scanner, which will improve access to diagnostic care for Kootenay residents and improve wait times for medical imaging across Interior Health.

“The upgraded emergency department and CT scanner at Kootenay Lake Hospital will greatly enhance the delivery of health care, not only for Nelson and area, but across the Kootenay Boundary,” said Dr. Andrew Murray, KLH chief of staff. “Local residents will now have access to a broader range of services closer to home.”

The emergency department at Kootenay Lake Hospital will triple in size from 291 square metres (3,132 square feet) to 924 square metres (9,946 square feet) to ensure that the projected increase in demand is met. The workload for the emergency department is projected to go from more than 13,000 patient visits to almost 19,000 patient visits by 2028.

COLUMBIA BASIN TRUST STRENGTHENS SMALL BUSINESS

Basin Business Advocates Program Provides Guidance for Entrepreneurs

Mountain Waters Spa provides a unique treatment called warm water watsu aquatic therapy. Co-owners Yogita Bouchard and Claudia Kavcic have used the Basin Business Advocates program to help manage and grow their business. Photo courtesy: Mountain Waters Spa

For entrepreneurs, running a small business often feels like a 24 hour a day, seven day a week job. From managing employees to finding and retaining customers, from developing marketing strategies and working with either an increased or a decreased demand on their product or service - entrepreneurs are always thinking about the next move towards business security.

Yogita Bouchard and Claudia Kavcic are co-owners of Mountain Water Spa in Nelson, a full service wellness spa. Bouchard has been a client with CBT’s Basin Business Advocates (BBA) on-and-off for four years, participating in the program for various aspects of her business. Bouchard says BBA has been a guiding hand to her and has influenced the increased success of her business.

“I found BBA through word of mouth when I first started my business,” she says. “I didn't really have business experience. I was a therapist, so I was looking for ways to educate myself on things like marketing, cash flow and the law surrounding contract employees. In a small town you don't always have the ability to take business courses that you might have in a larger city, so it was a big bonus to have BBA right here in my own community.”

Since 2000 Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has been strengthening small businesses in the Columbia Basin through the BBA program. With many communities facing economic challenges today, CBT hopes entrepreneurs will access the program to assist with their stability and growth.

“Our Basin Business Advocates Program is a way for entrepreneurs to add to their suite of business skills or expand their knowledge on their business operations,” says Aimee Ambrosone, CBT Manager of Planning and Development. “We hope that business owners will use this program and realize the potential this unique program offers to Basin companies.”

BBA provides free one-to-one business counselling on a range of business issues including marketing, sales, financial management, human resource management, succession planning, business expansion, inventory control and exporting. The business involvement in the program ranges from one or two meetings with the Business Advocate to an in-depth analysis of the business. The program also provides a contribution to the cost of specialized consulting services, should that be needed to move the business forward.

This year, CBT has allocated $240,000 towards this program and has provided more than $2.6 million since the program began in 2000. To date, the program has helped 827 businesses.

To participate in the program, businesses can contact Steele O’Neil and Associates at 1.877.894.5939 or visit http://steeleoneil.com.The Business Advocate for the East Kootenay is Will Nixon, and he can be reached at 1.250.427.2783. The Business Advocate for the West Kootenay is Deanne Monroe and she can be reached at 1.250.825.4171.

More information is also available by calling CBT at 1.800.505-8998 or visiting www.cbt.org/Programs. CBT delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin.

A brand new brand

By; Tanya Laing

Cranbrook’s new logo helps to define it on the world stage.

Cranbrook’s new brand—including a distinctive new logo, tagline and marketing plan—was unveiled to an appreciative audience at the most recent Cranbrook & District Chamber of Commerce luncheon, held in conjunction with the Business & Career Expo at the College of the Rockies.

The new brand was presented by Colin Jones; Jones is a partner with Sarras Group, the company that designed the logo. During the presentation, Jones explained the process behind the brand, which involved input from city stakeholders, community members and business associations. Sarras was tasked with creating a brand that would distinguish Cranbrook from other communities in the region as well as conveys its place as the economic hub of the Kootenay Rockies. The result is a clean, powerful image with a silhouette of a hawk flying above a simple phrase: Mountains of opportunity—Cranbrook. The mountains—the standard icon of the region—aren’t depicted so much as suggested in the logo.

“Cranbrook is very much my home,” said Jones, who moved to Cranbrook from the U.K. with his family three years ago. “It was very important to me that I got this right.”

The City is pleased with the new brand and will begin implementing the suggestions for incorporating it into all of their marketing.

“We are offering a product to the world and stating very clearly that we offer a quality of life that is second to none,” said Cranbrook’s mayor, Scott Manjak. “It is truly an exciting time to be a part of Cranbrook.”

Fernie’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for sale

Source: Fernie Chamber newsletter

Photo of downtown Fernie’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Would you like to own your own old-fashioned ice cream and chocolate factory? Located in Fernie’s Historical Downtown, this Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise store was established in 2003 and continues to operate as a growing business. Sales have been steady and have enjoyed recent record breaking days.

The current owners feel there is still room for expansion in the wholesale market and expect sales to show growth with the rise in the number of visitors to our region. A great long-term lease is in place. The present owners will assist purchasers during the transition along with a dedicated manager and staff.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory was financed by Community Futures East Kootenay, a non-profit organization that provides loans to small businesses, including existing business purchase loans. This is truly a turnkey operation. No experience necessary, just the desire and passion to own and operate your own business. Stop working for someone else and start taking control of your own destiny. Call today for more info.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory 581 2nd Avenue Fernie, B.C.

Marilyn Brock 250-423-8650 or Martin Brock 250-423-8651

Open for lunch

By SANDRA ALBERS

Jacquie Wright offers fresh loose-leaf teas at Fort Steele's Johnny-on-the-Spot lunch counter. Photo courtesy: Fort Steele Heritage Town

The Ice Cream Corner situated at the entrance to Fort Steele Heritage Town has long been a popular place for people to stop for a tasty treat. Over the winter, the facility was expanded to accommodate a new lunch counter, Johnny-on-the-Spot. The ice cream treats are still available, but now visitors can also enjoy light lunch items such as soup and chili, along with coffee and tea, said Fort Steele's marketing co-ordinator Brandy Dunnebacke. The eatery is located in the visitor reception centre, and lunch counter guests do not need to pay the park admission fee. Johnny-on-the-Spot is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

So where did the lunch counter's name come from? Well, "johnny-on-the-spot" was a common phrase in the late 1880s, with Johnny referring to any helpful young man. Because Fort Steele portrays the time period in which the phrase would have been popular—and because johnnycake will also be on the menu—the name seemed a good fit.

Take a trip on the soft side

By SANDRA ALBERS

Leah Brown. Photo courtesy: Leah Brown

This spring will see the birth of a new Crescent Valley-based business called Footsteps Eco-Adventures. The brainchild of Leah Brown, with a little help from Community Futures, the business will focus on “the education and interpretation of the wild places we play in,” said Brown. “Treading lightly and leaving no trace, guests will return from adventures feeling refreshed and alive,” she said. Brown said trips will be geared towards providing “soft” adventures—for example, combining alpine hiking and cross-country cycling with history and wildlife viewing. Relaxation—perhaps floating down the Slocan River or soaking in a wild hot spring—could be part of the package. Family trips will be offered, Brown said, as well as custom tours such as mother-and-daughter bonding camping trips and all-women empowering cross-country cycles. Within five years, Brown said she hopes to have a base camp with cabins. “I am in the Community Futures Start Smart program,” said Brown. “This program is EI-funded and helps small businesses get off the ground in their first year.”

For more information about Footsteps Eco-Adventures,

call 250-359-7642.

New moms start a new business

By SANDRA ALBERS

Rhiannon Chippett and Cori Flint. Photo courtesy: Tanya Laing

Cori Flint and Rhiannon Chippett are such close friends that they have no trouble finishing each other’s sentences. Now the friends and new moms are also partners in a new business called Ellemenopeas Baby Boutique. Although the word unique can be overused, it definitely applies to the creative gift items that Flint and Chippett produce—baby gift items packaged as a sushi platter, for example. “We have tons of ideas,” said Chippett.

Their business is in the early stages; so far, they’ve sold items through word of mouth and the baby shower circuit. They are also planning to sell their wares at craft fairs and farmer’s markets in the coming months. “We hope in five years to have a little shop,” said Flint.

Chippett said the idea for the business was born when Flint, who has a diploma in fashion design, created a personalized potato-print "“onesie” (a one-piece item of baby clothing) for Chippett’s newborn. Chippett, who is a graduate of a computer technician program, has two girls, and Flint has a son and daughter. All the kids are three and under. “They’re our main source of inspiration,” the women said in unison. To learn more about their creations and to see photos, go to http://ellemenopeas.blogspot.com.

Non-Profit Sector Benefits from Management Course

Over 25 individuals from the non-profit sector graduated from Selkirk College's Non-Profit Management Course.

Over 25 individuals from the non-profit sector recently graduated from Selkirk College’s Introduction to Non-Profit Management Course at the Trail Campus. Being the first of its kind offered in the region, the course was made available through the Department of Continuing Education at Selkirk and received registrants from across the West Kootenay and Boundary.

Instructor and owner of Kolbuc & Associates, Phil Kolbuc, was impressed with the caliber of students. “With over 25 people in the room from various non-profit organizations, we had access to literally hundreds of years of experience. All of the participants were fully engaged and interested in what others had to say.”

The credited course consisted of 10 modules including: leading and managing, financial management, marketing and public relations, board governance, strategic planning, evaluation and resource development. It took place on the Trail Campus in a series of 6 classes which started in January, 2009.

Fatima Faria, Executive Director of the Sunshine Valley Childcare Society in Grand Forks, said the course was extremely valuable. “It made me realize how much we rely on non-profit organizations as a society. Their scope and variety truly make up the fabric of our daily lives,” she explained. “The opportunity to network with other non-profits and learn from what they are doing was helpful beyond measure.”

Funded by the BC Centre of Non-Profit Development and co-sponsored by the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Children and Family Development Community Services, the University of the Fraser Valley and Selkirk College, the Non-Profit Management Course will be offered again this fall from Oct 23 - Nov 21 in Nelson at the Silver King Campus. For more information, visit www.bccnpd.ca for course details, email conference@selkirk.ca or call the college toll free at 1.866.301.6601 ext 227.

3rd Annual Business, Education and Career Expo ready to roll

Don’t miss the upcoming Business, Education and Career Expo at the College of the Rockies.

Over the last two years, Kootenay Business has teamed up with the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce and College of the Rockies (COTR) to give employers and potential employees an opportunity to network at the popular Business, Education and Career Expo. The 2009 Business, Education and Career Expo is one of the easiest ways businesses can connect with a wide range of potential employees.

Nearly 50 employers will participate in the 2009 Business, Education and Career Expo, including major businesses and community services such as Interior Health, CGA’s, RCMP and many more. The event will bring companies into contact with COTR students as well as area high school students, offering businesses a chance to get young people interested in their industry.

The Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce will host a business luncheon at the College of the Rockies from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Guest speakers will be from the Cranbrook Economic Development office as they present the new brand image being developed for the City.

Business, Education and Career Expo

• When: Wednesday, April 8, 2009 Business Luncheon and Networking from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the Career Fair from 1 to 5 p.m.
• Where: College of the Rockies - Cranbrook
• Info: Keith Powell, publisher of Kootenay Business, keith@kpimedia.com

Also: Career Connections—Invermere—Monday, April 6th, 2009; Career Connections—Fernie – Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

2009 Kimberley Business Excellence Awards Winners

Nicole Leclair-Dodd of Sprout Grocery in Kimberley was one of the many Kimberley Business Excellence Award winners.

The Kimberley Chamber of Commerce recently held their business excellence awards and here are the winners…

Retail Business of the Year

Sponsored by Kootenay Savings Credit Union

Rocky’s Ride and Glide

Tourism Excellence Award

Sponsored by Tourism Kimberley

Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championships

Food and Beverage Industry Award

Sponsored by Edward Jones

Jason & Heather Andrews, The Old Bauernhaus

Tradesperson-Contractor of the Year Award

Sponsored by Mountain Spirit Resort & Spa

New Dawn Developments—Chad Jensen

Community Booster Award

Sponsored by the City of Kimberley

Bob McWhinnie

Employee of the Year Award

Sponsored by St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino

Sharon Ablett—Kootenay Savings Credit Union

Environmental Stewardship Award

Sponsored by Wildsight

Sprout Grocery

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Sponsored by Community Futures East Kootenay

Buddha Belly Deli

Business of the Year Service Excellence Award

Sponsored by Kimberley Daily Bulletin

Bavarian Sports—Home Hardware

Youth-Friendly Business Award

Sponsored by SPARK—Youth for Kimberley Society

Black Bear Books & Video

Kootenay Rockies goes from independent to integrated website

A new look. Photo courtesy: www.kootenayrockies.com

On April 1, 2009 the official regional website, KootenayRockies.com, began to display content exclusively within the structure of the official British Columbia tourism website, HelloBC.com.

“We are moving from a bungalow to our own floor of a brand new high rise apartment, complete with all the modern amenities. And happily we have our own dedicated elevator with which we can be visited directly by all our existing friends. Of course, we also look forward to many new friends coming to see us through the grand lobby,” said Chris Dadson, President of Kootenay Rockies Tourism.

Here are a few benefits of the consolidation of the website according to Chris Dadson.

• General Kootenay Rockies tourism information and product information will now be available to a much wider audience. HelloBC.com attracts 5.5 million visitors annually and is forecast to reach over 8 million visitors by 2010. This is almost 70 times the viewership our existing website KootenayRockies.com attracts as an independent!
• The HelloBC.com team has developed a highly successful Search Engine Optimization Strategy which has dramatically increased the number of consumers finding HelloBC.com through search engines; 80% of visitors now originate from a search engine.
• The tourism products of the Kootenay Rockies region, although presented as stand-alone in their own module of HelloBC.com, now will be more closely and consistently associated with the products of the other regions of BC.
• Although one could make the case that the products of the Kootenay Rockies region as presented on HelloBC.com will now “compete” with the wider range of British Columbia products, all regional marketing initiatives conducted by Kootenay Rockies Tourism will continue to advertise the address KootenayRockies.com, which will open directly in our regional module (HelloBC.com/kr)
• The Kootenay Rockies region now enjoys a much higher profile in the international HelloBC sites. We are now featured predominantly to the 1.58 million annual consumers and tour operators who visit the UK, Australia, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China and Mexico versions of HelloBC.com.
• The tourism industry and communities of the Kootenay Rockies region are now full-fledged partners in the numerous, innovative social networking activities of Tourism British Columbia. From video blogs to cutting edge Facebook applications, from sophisticated contesting and database development to the downloadable blog widget, we are now a part of a world-class Internet marketing structure.

The New Sawai Thai Offers Authentic Food Experience in Fernie

Try Thai in downtown Fernie tonight. Photo courtesy: Fernie Chamber of Commerce

The newly opened Sawai Thai Restaurant is renewing its place as a favorite eatery among locals and visitors with its recent debut in the heart of historic Fernie.

Chef Rob Hayes, member of the operating group who secured the creative branding and the culinary entitlements of the highly successful restaurant, looks forward to showcasing some traditional twists to notable Sawai dishes, and adding his own version of more future favorites.

As part of the re-opening, “we made efforts to locate in Fernie’s downtown core. I was thrilled to obtain the space at the Royal Hotel. The appeal of operating in a century old hotel really contributes to the ambience of our dinner experience,” said Rob Hayes.

Sawai Thai Restaurant is located in Fernie at 501 1st Avenue (in the Royal Hotel) and is open 7 days a week beginning at 5:00 pm. Both dine-in and take out services are available.

Rising Talent at CA Firm

Michael Murphy becomes Chartered Accountant at BDO Dunwoody in Cranbrook. Photo courtesy: BDO Dunwoody.

The partners and staff of BDO Dunwoody are pleased to congratulate Michael Murphy on his recent success in passing the Uniform Evaluation (UFE) of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. This commendable achievement grants him entrance into the CA profession in Canada.

Michael graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2006. Since joining BDO in April that year, his knowledge and expertise has been invaluable to a wide variety of our clients, including small businesses, municipalities and non-profit organizations. Michael specializes in taxation issues.

Michael works out of the BDO Dunwoody office in Cranbrook and can be contacted at 250 426 4285.