Kootenay BizBlog :: Keith Powell

Trends in 2009 at Angela's B&B and Guest House

PLEASE NOTE: Kootenay Biz Blog will take a break between Dec 24 - Jan 1st. It will return Jan 4, 2010.

I received a nice e-newsletter from Angela’s Bed and Breakfast in Rossland. Here are some highlights and trends from 2009.

• Local weddings filled the B&B and Guest House suites this summer.
• I’m redesigning the yard for wedding ceremonies
• The international fat tire bike crowd continues to grow, despite frequent owies.
• Bands, I love you. Hearing acapella through the heat vents was a highlight.
• Longer stays… this fall, big white pickups pulled in, and contract workers made themselves at home for longer stays. BBQs, beers and bucks… we were all happy! Thanks to BC Hydro’s $amp; and suggestions, the Guest House now has a big TV, very deluxe new bed, etc.

Early conditions looking good in Rossland Watch for the signs… lots of mountain ash berries may mean lots of snow. Powder pigs who snowshoed up Red, way back in Nov, reported great turns. See for yourself

New historical novel is a “Kootenay bestseller”

With over 700 copies sold, the new historical novel Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak, written by Kootenay author Keith G. Powell, is one of several “Kootenay bestsellers” on the shelves at bookstores throughout the Kootenays.

“I recently heard that if a book sells 5,000 copies in Canada or 1,000 in British Columbia it is considered a bestseller,” said author Keith Powell. “So I guess that must, at least, make my new book a “Kootenay” bestseller, with over 700 copies sold in its first two months. The reaction to my new historical novel about the Wild Horse Creek gold rush has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The new historical novel explores the Kootenay gold rush of 1864 which opened the Kootenays to modern day development. This spurred the extension of the Dewdney Trail beyond Hope through the West Kootenay to Wild Horse Creek near Fort Steele. Jack Fisher was one of the Kootenay’s most colourful (and long forgotten) characters. His story of his adventurous life is captured and brought alive in this historical novel. The book is 176 pages and contains over twenty historical photos.

Through his own publishing company called Wild Horse Creek Press this new Kootenay historical novel is now available in at Black Bear Books and Kingfisher Books in Creston for $21.95. Other Kootenay bestsellers at local bookstores this year include Janice Strong’s Mountain Footsteps; Angie Abdou’s The Bone Cage; Keith Liggett’s Island Lake Lodge: The Cookbook; Dave Cassidy’s My Hope Butch and of course Nelson’s Shelley Adam’s Whitewater Cooks at Home, which is the #3 on B.C. best sellers list.

The author would like to thank the hundreds of readers who have purchased a copy of Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak, I hope you enjoyed reading it. Thank you again!

For details on Keith powell’'s book visit www.wildhorsecreekpress.com

Welcome to the Richmond Olympic O-Zone

Photo Credit: UBCM/CBT

As a result of the hard work, ideas and energy of our volunteers and the support of municipal and local governments, the Kootenay Country display was selected as one of 13 exhibits to participate in the BC Street venue at the Richmond O Zone during the Olympics.

It is expected that the O Zone will attract up to 15,000 visitors each day during the games. This is an unprecedented opportunity to showcase our region to the world and one which we are very excited to take part in.

To prepare for an event of this scope, Kootenay Rockies Tourism has agreed to lead the organization of the booth for February with Chris Dadson, President, heading a new committee that will assist him in the planning. At this time the group includes:

• Chris Dadson Kootenay Rockies Tourism; Audrey Repin Columbia Power Corporation;
• Ann Henderson Regional District of Central Kootenay; Al Graham Regional District of Kootenay Boundary;
• Rob Gay Regional District of East Kootenay; Garry Slonowski Ktunaxa Nation Council;
• Kerry Rakuson BC Chamber of Commerce (West Kootenay); Cher Wyers Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce; and Jeanette Sissons Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce

On behalf of the original promotional team members, the current committee wishes to acknowledge and thank the many “Kootenay Country” exhibit volunteers who made this Olympic opportunity a reality through their efforts and enthusiasm at the UBCM Trade Fair.

Exhibit Format: Five modules with themed displays for Winter Tourism (birthplace of BC skiing), Summer Tourism, Ktunaxa First Nation, Kootenay Business and Performance/Interactive Area.

Exhibit Dates: February 12 to 28, 2010

BC Street Hours: Daily 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Project Coordination: Kootenay Rockies Tourism; Courtney Magro, Coordinator, Special Projects and Chris Dadson, President

Mining News: Bucyrus Buys Terex

Photo Credit: BC Minerals website

Bucyrus International, Inc. Agrees to Acquire Mining Division of Terex Corporation Bucyrus International, Inc. has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the mining equipment business of Terex Corporation for US$1.3 billion in cash. The transaction will create the premier supplier of mining equipment. Bucyrus will offer a comprehensive product portfolio comprised of walking draglines, electric rope shovels, hydraulic excavators, off-the-highway haul trucks, highwall miners, underground longwall, room and pillar and transport machinery and a full line of drills and belt systems for all mining applications. Bucyrus' unmatched suite of surface and underground mining equipment will be paired with its superior parts, consumable products and after-market support throughout the world.

“We are extremely excited about acquiring Terex Mining and we believe that this is a unique opportunity to build an even stronger company for our customers, employees and shareholders,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of Bucyrus. “Customers will reap benefits from this transaction as Bucyrus will be able to offer a broad, complementary product line that is driven by technology, quality, and first class service. Through our extended product offering, we will continue to design and produce world-class machines and provide the best after-market support throughout the life of the equipment. We will expand our geographic footprint and diversify our portfolio of products across a broader range of commodities,” Sullivan said. “Like Bucyrus, the Terex mining assets have a proud history powered by hard-working, loyal employees who are passionate about mining.”

Bucyrus’ has a Kootenay presence with an outlet in Sparwood - (250)-425-9993

MAX Resources of Vancouver announces significant high grade gold in the Flathead

Photo Credit: Max Resources Website

Mr. Clancy Wendt, VP Exploration for MAX Resources states “We are extremely pleased with our initial exploration results at Crowsnest. Not only have we intercepted high grade gold at Crowsnest but we have also extended the known area of high grade mineralization and determined that it is trending to the north, northwest and possibly to the east and is still open. In addition other mineralized areas of the property were identified and sampled during drilling. An area located due south of the Discovery Trench, along the access road, was sampled as the exposure in the side of the hill above the road (limestones overlying carbon rich zones and gossan) looked very similar to the Discovery Trench and Trench 3. Based on these exposures, there appears to be a relationship between the zone of limestone directly above a carbonaceous clay zone and then followed by limonitic/hematite gossan. This makes the zone along the access road extension one of the first exploration priorities for 2010. There are many other areas at Crowsnest where significant gold values were reported by prior operators that have never been followed up; these will be examined during the 2010 exploration program. We have not yet determined the full extent of the gold mineralization at Crowsnest.”

The Crowsnest gold project consists of 15 claims totaling 3,142 hectares located in Southeast B.C., one and one half hours by gravel road south of the town of Fernie. Crowsnest is one of two gold exploration properties in B.C. optioned from Eastfield Resources, as announced in our news release of July 27, 2009. MAX Resource Corp. is a Canadian based exploration company with a diversified portfolio of mineral exploration projects in Canada and the Western United States. Our properties include Gold in Alaska, Nevada and British Columbia, Uranium projects in the south western U.S. and northern Canada, and Molybdenum in Alaska and Nevada. For more information, please visit our web site at www.maxresource.com.

Honorary Life Membership Award

Christian Schadendorf is shown receiving an Honorary Life Membership Award for the Selkirk College Board of Governors. Photo Credit: Sarah Fulcher

Christian Schadendorf is shown receiving an Honorary Life Membership Award for the Selkirk College Board of Governors. Christian supported the college with exemplary devotion, spending six years as a Board member, and three as the Board Chair. In order to be eligible for this prestigious award, one must have served the board for six or more continuous years and must have consistently gone above and beyond the required participation of a Board member. Current Board Chair, Stefan Lehmann, commended Christian for going beyond the call of duty as a board member and indicated he was proud to present him with this well-deserved award.

Mining Company Exploring Historic Silver King Mine area near Nelson

Historic Photo of the Silver King Mine near Nelson, B.C., site of new exploration interest by Valterra Resources. Photo Source. Virtual Museum

Valterra Resource Corporation (CNSX: VTA)(FRANKFURT: 3VA) reported today that it proposes a private placement led by MineralFields Group whereby the company will issue a total of 13,750,000 million common shares in two non-brokered private placements for total gross proceeds of C$1,100,000.

The proceeds from the private placement will be used to fund planned drill programs on the company’s mineral exploration projects in south-eastern BC, and for working capital.

“We are very pleased to to be working with MineralFields Group,” said Valterra President, Lawrence Page. “This is an important milestone in the growth of Valterra and we look forward to working with MineralFields as we develop our holdings in south-eastern British Columbia.”

Valterra is a Manex Resource Group Company with a primary focus on exploration of mineral properties in the Kootenay Region of British Columbia where it controls approximately 9,005 hectares. The Star gold-silver-copper claims, located southwest of Nelson BC and the recently acquired Toughnut gold-silver-copper-lead-zinc claim block adjoins the company's Star claims (“Star Project”). This project area now encompasses over 1,900 ha and the claims contain five structurally aligned gold zones within the regionally prominent and historically prolific Silver King Shear Zone.

One of the Star Property mines - the Eureka (ca. 1897) - reportedly produced minor amounts of ore averaging 2.13 g/t Au, 125.0 g/t Ag and 1.77% Cu(1). This mineralized belt continues southeast-ward toward the past-producing ca. 1888 Silver King Mine and the Kena Gold property. The Silver King was BC’s first lode mine that produced a reported 4.4 million ounces of silver, while the Kena contains a 43-101 compliant measured and indicated resource of approximately 1.0 million ounces of gold(2). The region is also home to numerous historic mining camps hosting million ounce gold deposits within the Rossland camp, and the Ymir/Sheep Creek area that is currently being explored by Duncastle Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: DUN).

Valterra also has an interest in the Swift Katie copper-gold

porphyry/shear-hosted project near Salmo BC. For more info www.mineralfields.com

CBT CONTRIBUTES TO YOUTH-LED WATER PROJECTS

Youth Water Forum results in three funded projects in the Basin

Currents - Participants gets hands-on during an outdoor session at CURRENTS.

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has awarded $1,800 to three youth-led, community-based projects as an outcome of its first annual CURRENTS Youth Water Forum which took place in Golden, September 25-27.

“CBT recognizes the importance of actively engaging youth in water issues and one way we are doing this is through water forums such as CURRENTS, which also inspires youth to take what they have learned and apply it to a community project,” said Heather Mitchell, CBT, Manager, Water Initiatives. “The selected projects will provide a great experience for the youth, as well as have a positive impact on their community.”

The CURRENTS Youth Water Forum identified water issues and topics that were of interest to youth, and raised awareness about the importance of water amongst youth through hands-on, outdoor activities. Now, several youth are turning their new-found understanding and experience into action by initiating water-focused projects in their communities. The following three projects were selected for funding:

1. Inventory and GIS Mapping Project, $600 - Castlegar. The project aims to identify aquatic invasive plant populations in the Meldiana wetland and riparian area, create an invasive plant map and determine appropriate control methods.
2. Native Plant Species Restoration, $550 - Creston. The project aims to involve local groups and high schools in helping to plant appropriate native species along the Goat River to reduce erosion and encourage a healthy riparian area.
3. Invasive Plant Awareness and Plant Pull Campaign, $650 - Revelstoke. The project aims to increase the community's understanding of invasive species, and illustrate how the continued spread of these species along waterways and riparian ecosystems can be detrimental to the native plant species, the birds, bugs and animals.

For more information on CBT’s WaterInitiatives, visit www.cbt.org/water.

B.C. MINISTER OF TOURISM'S COUNCIL APPOINTED

Andy Cohen (pictured far right) at recent FLY YXC announcement at the Canadian Rockies International Airport. Photo credit: CBT

Thirteen representatives--one from the Kootenays and one with connections to the Kootenays--from the tourism industry will provide advice to the Province on how to market and expand B.C.’s growing tourism industry as members of the new Minister’s Council on Tourism, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Kevin Krueger has announced.

“The new council represents a broad cross-section of the tourism industry and reflects the diversity of B.C.’s distinct regions. Nearly half of the council’s members have previously served on the board of directors of Tourism BC, providing continuity and working with the balance of the council to continue building B.C.’s successful tourism sector,” said Krueger. “The council’s expertise and advice will directly impact how B.C. is marketed to the world as a top-notch tourism destination.”

The Minister’s Council on Tourism will inform the minister on a wide variety of tourism matters including: product development, competitiveness, infrastructure, labour force, visitor services, and marketing and research. The council’s advice will help guide development of marketing plans and other strategies to reach the Province’s goal of doubling tourism industry revenues by 2015.

The two with Kootenay connections are…Andrew Cohen is the senior executive of Fernie and Kimberly Resorts and the owner of three development companies building resort homes in Fernie and Kimberley. Cohen has extensive resort management experience in the Kootenays as well as Whistler and Colorado and is currently on the College of the Rockies Board of Governors. He has also served on the boards of various community organizations including the Fernie and Kimberly Chambers of Commerce, Whistler Planning Commission, Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance and Canada West Ski Areas Association.

Stuart McLaughlin is the president of Grouse Mountain Resorts and a director of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. He has 20 years experience in tourism and hospitality through businesses across the province. McLaughlin is a past chair of Tourism Vancouver, a former director of Tourism BC and has chaired the BC Chamber of Commerce tourism advisory committee. He has also served on the board of the Canada West Ski Areas Association and is a past chair of Outward Bound Western Canada.

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

High Performance Internet Connectivity on the way for Golden

Source: KRIC Website

The Community Broadband Network continues to move forward in implementing true, high-performance internet connectivity for Golden and Rural Golden. According to Golden Area Initiatives (GAI) Manager, Rob Miller, “This project, initiated by GAI, is unique in western Canada. It reflects the success of a public / private partnership where the core intent is to create a publicly owned, self-sustaining asset.”

The Town of Golden and Rural Golden (CSRD Area A) are working closely with two private Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The recent progress towards building the Town’s fibre network, includes a completed Engineering Study (for fibre routing), the Town applying for and receiving “Non-Dominant Carrier” status from the CRTC, the issuing of work permits, and construction which has begun and is expected to be complete early in 2010.

Read more of the article at bclocalnews.com

Thirteen Authors to Participate in Kootenay Authors Book Fair on Saturday

Three more Kootenay authors - Keya White of Fernie, illustrator/author of the story of the Fernie Griz; Catherine Nelson of Cranbrook, author of a series on Pioneering Women of the Queen Charlotte Islands; and Skip Fennessy, publisher of the Key City Chronicles will join the original 10 Kootenay authors for this Saturday’s Kootenay Authors Book Fair. This brings the total to thirteen local Kootenay authors have joined together to hold the biggest book event ever in the Kootenays. The first ever KOOTENAY AUTHORS BOOK FAIR & SALE is taking place Saturday, December 12th, 2009 in the Manual Training School building at the Cranbrook Public Library from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m.

The Kootenay authors lineup includes…

• Angie Abdou: Awarding winning novelist from Fernie. Her latest book The Bone Cage was the recent winner of the prestigious One Book – One Kootenay award, which saw her book about Olympic hopefuls featured at libraries throughout the Kootenays.
• Keith Liggett: Fernie author of Island Lake Lodge—The Cookbook, Keith Liggett’s new oversize cookbook is packed with delicious recipes from the chefs at Island Lake Lodge. This beautiful book is also graced with dozens of high quality pictures by photographer Henry Georgi.
• Keya White: Fernie author and illustrator of a popular children’s book about the legend of Fernie’s Griz. Keya also does face painting for kids.
• Janice Strong: The third edition of Cranbrook’s own Janice Strong’s best seller Mountain Footsteps is hot off the press. This book is much more than a trail guide. Its packed with lots of full colour photos and great maps.
• Keith G. Powell: Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak is Keith Powell’s new historical novel that tells the story of Jack Fisher, the discoverer of gold on Wild Horse Creek and namesake of Mount Fisher.
• Brendan Gillen: Cranbrook author of several adventure stories in the grand tradition of Jack London—man vrs the elements. Brendan’s books, including his newest one Maguire’s Last Stand, captures the imagination of readers all over the world.
• Catherine Nelson: Cranbrook-based writer of a series of books on Pioneering Women of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Catherine Nelson recently retired in Cranbrook after many years as teacher in Queen Charlottes.
• Marc Archambault: Marc&$8217;s new book Hal, The Unwashed Dragon, is his second children’s book. Illustrated with colourful artwork that really brings the characters to life. This kids book is destined to be sure hit with the younger set. Marc Archambault is from Creston.
• Colin Cartwright: Canal Flat resident Colin Cartwright knows of what he writes, being a trucker for many years on the sometimes dangerous and always exciting White Swan Road. He shares his colourful “truckers tales” in his book Empty on the Swan.
• Joel Robison: Based in Cranbrook, young writer Joel Robison has been busy writing and publishing several books designed for children. His books feature great illustrations and a captivating story line.
• Don Davies: Kimberley author, Don Davies, is well-known to many Kootenays residents. His life-changing and inspiring story of his battle against cancer is documented in his new book entitled The Challenge of Change: Find Meaning and Purpose in Your Life.

It is an event that is sure to appeal to an audience of both casual and avid readers, both young and old. Admission is free-everyone is welcome. Remember to bring the kids for KIDS HOUR at 2:00 pm and Keya White will be doing free face-painting for the kids.

So why not check out what’s new in literary circles in the Kootenay this Saturday December 12th, by making your way to the Cranbrook Public Library’s Manual Training School Conference Room. Take in the first ever Kootenay Authors Book Fair and Sale. Visit with local authors, as welll as with friends and neighbours, enjoy author readings and presentations and pick up a few home-grown Kootenay books.

The participating authors would like to thank the sponsors of this event including the Cranbrook Public Library, The Friends of the Library, The BetterBook PhoneBook, the Cranbrook Daily Townsman and Kimberley Bulletin and Rocky Mountain Printers.

Teck Announces Coal Production Expansion for 2010

Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TCK.A and TCK.B, NYSE: TCK) has announced new coal production guidance for 2010. Teck now expects coal production in 2010 to be 23.5 to 25 million tonnes and is actively planning for further production increases in 2011 and 2012. Teck President and CEO Don Lindsay said: “Our coal team is focused on near term expansion opportunities in light of the tight market that we expect for high quality hard coking coal. We are fortunate to be able to add production with relatively small incremental capital.” While capital budgets are still under review, Teck expects its overall capital spending for all businesses in 2010 to be in line with total capital spending in 2009.

Teck is currently forecasting coal production of 20 million tonnes and sales of 19.5 to 20 million tonnes for 2009, at the lower end of Teck’s current guidance as a result of shipping delays caused by high winds at the port in Vancouver. Weather permitting, missed shipments are expected to be made up in the first quarter of 2010.

Teck Resources is the Kootenays largest employers with five coal mines in production in the Elk Valley and a lead zinc smelter in Trail.

CBT SUPPORTS FLY YXC EFFORTS TO BOOST REGIONAL ECONOMY

Delta Airlines continues service into and out of Cranbrook; benefits for residents and business

Supporters of the FLY YXC Alliance Society gathered for CBT’s funding announcement at the Canadian Rockies International Airport on December 2, 2009. CBT is providing the FLY YXC Alliance Society with up to $300,000 over the next two years to secure Delta Airlines for service into and out of Cranbrook. (Left to Right) Garry Merkel, Chair, Columbia Basin Trust; Cindy Popescul, Board Member, Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust; Bill Bennett, Minister of Community and Rural Development; Scott Manjak, Mayor, City of Cranbrook; Andy Cohen, Chair, FLY YXC Alliance Society.

(Cranbrook) - Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is providing the FLY YXC Alliance Society with up to $300,000 over the next two years to secure Delta Airlines for service into and out of Cranbrook.

“We are pleased to support the FLY YXC Alliance Society in continuing the Delta Airlines service as it will have a positive impact in the community and the region, providing long-term economic benefits to residents and business,” said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO. “The Society presented CBT with an innovative plan which brings in air service that creates an opportunity for economic development for this region, and CBT is committed to assisting Basin communities with planning for future prosperity.”

This service has been made possible through the work of the FLY YXC Alliance Society, which was created to better market the Canadian Rockies International Airport as an attractive new air servicing region. The Society has more than 50 members and is comprised of various resorts throughout the East Kootenays, developers, recreation and tourism attractions and businesses.

“This is the second year of the highly successful service that saw the spectacular Kootenay Rockies Region of British Columbia and its entire world class ski and outdoor adventure offerings made easily accessible to virtually every major city in the United States,” said Andy Cohen, Chair, FLY YXC Alliance Society. “We are very happy to have support from CBT for this initiative.”

American travelers can leave their homes in the morning and have lunch on the slopes of the incredible Canadian Rockies later that day. For Canadians traveling south, Salt Lake City flights are less than two hours, where more connections to any of Delta's 500 destinations are convenient and economical.

“This is an opportunity for winter sports enthusiasts from all over the United States to enjoy an experience of a lifetime,” said Chris Dadson, President of the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association. “The region boasts eight alpine ski resorts, 30 heli-ski and snowcat lodges, four National Parks and the best scenery in Canada.”

Delta Airlines will be flying into the Canadian Rockies International Airport three times a week starting December 19, with the service running through March 28, 2010. Delta is taking reservations now, and tickets can be booked through any travel agent or online at www.delta.com.

CBT SUPPORTS NELSON MUNICIPAL LIBRARY WITH $50,000

Library’s Expansion Project will benefit the community for years to come

Wayne Lundeberg, CBT Community Liaison met with June Stockdale, Chief Librarian, Nelson Municipal Library to present a cheque for $50,000 to assist the library with its Expansion Project.

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Community Liaison Wayne Lundeberg met with June Stockdale, Chief Librarian, Nelson Municipal Library on Tuesday, November 24 to present Stockdale with a cheque for $50,000 to assist the library in its Expansion Project.

“CBT has been a longstanding supporter of the library and recognizes that the community values this project,” said Lundeberg. “Over the past two years CBT has provided $203,000 toward the Library's revitalization. We believe the library will benefit the community and surrounding area for years to come.”

The Library Expansion Project will see the development of the lower level of the building that currently houses the library. This will include the installation of a connecting stairwell between the two floors, refurnishing and reconfiguring the lower level to house archival items, a dedicated space for youth reading collections, a study area and dedicated space for activities put on by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy.

“CBT’s funding for the Nelson Municipal Library Expansion Project is important as the library strives to meet the increasingly complex needs of users in Nelson and the RDCK,” said June Stockdale, Chief Librarian, Nelson Municipal Library. “Though circulation of materials at the Library is at an all time high, libraries of today are not only about lending books and other materials, but also about social gathering spaces, places to meet, to sit quietly and read, to play chess, or to read to your child. The expanded facility provides accommodation for meeting the diverse needs of library users in the 21st Century.”

Federal Money for Celgar’s Green Energy Project

Mercer International Inc. Announces Completion of Cdn$40.0 Million Contribution Agreement With the Government of Canada. KPI File Photo

Mercer International Inc. today announced that its Castlegar Celgar mill has entered into a Cdn.$40.0 million contribution agreement (“Contribution Agreement”) with the Canadian federal government for funding of the Celgar mill's green energy project (the “Celgar Energy Project”). With the use of funding from the Contribution Agreement, Mercer expects construction of the Celgar Energy Project to resume shortly and to commence electricity generation by the third quarter of 2010.

This non-repayable capital contribution to the Celgar Energy Project will improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of the mill.

Mr. Jimmy S.H. Lee, President and Chairman, commented that: “We thank the Government of Canada for developing and executing a very well designed program that will create considerable benefits for our company, the environment and the British Columbia communities that rely on the Celgar mill’s operation.”

Mercer has signed a ten year electricity purchase contract with BC Hydro, British Columbia's primary public utility provider, for the sale of power generated by the Celgar Energy Project.

Approximately Cdn.$17.7 million of further funding may be available for use by the Celgar mill on other eligible projects until March 31, 2012 and a number of high return projects are currently under consideration to utilize such funding.

Mercer International Inc. is a global pulp manufacturing company. To obtain further information on the company, please visit its web site at www.mercerint.com.

New CD Celebrates 20 Years of Music at Selkirk College

This music album celebrates 20 years of music instruction at Selkirk College.

The faculty of the Selkirk College Contemporary Music and Technology program has released its first album in its 20 year history - Souvenir.

Produced by Don Macdonald and recorded by Steven Parish, the album celebrates 20 years of music instruction at Selkirk College. Performers include: Cheryl Hodge, Darren Mahe, Kiyo Elkuf, Mark Spielman, Glenn Mitchell, Paul Landsberg, Laura Landsberg, Gilles Parenteau, Don Macdonald and Steven Parish. Proceeds from the sale of the album will go towards a music scholarship that will be available to students enrolled in the program.

By combining a classic rhythm section of bass, drums, guitar and keys with vocals and horns, Souvenir covers classics such as the Beatles’ “Come Together”, Jeff Beck’s “You Know What I Mean” and Chick Corea’s “Sea Journey”. Original compositions showcase the stylistic range of this multi-talented troupe in genres including up-tempo modal jazz, rock and roll, funk and soulful blues.

“We love to play and we hope it shows,” says Composition Instructor, Don Macdonald. “We wanted a way to showcase the talents of our faculty, assist our students, and mark the 20th anniversary of the Contemporary Music and Technology program at the college. This seemed like a natural way to cover all of our bases.”

The Selkirk music faculty CD, Souvenir, is now available for digital download and CD ordering from CD Baby or selkirkmedia.com. It is also available at the book shops on the Tenth Street and Castlegar campuses, Pack Rat Annie’s, Otter Books and Coles in Nelson.

Calling all Kootenay Entrepreneurs

Kootenay Business received this invitation from Kootenay entrepreneur Dan Salekin…

I would like to share a new group with you called “Kootenay Entrepreneurs”.

I started a home based business, TNI Broadband, in Castlegar two years ago. As a new company, I have had little time to get out and network with business people in the area but the odd time I do get out I usually meet some very interesting people. Given the interesting people I have talked with in my limited social activity, I have been wondering who else is in the Kootenays and what interesting business activities do they have to share. I started Kootenay Entrepreneurs as a group where members can interact online with one another and I plan to follow up with meetings where we will provide a venue for business networking where we will showcase the people and businesses of the Kootenays.

The description of the group on LinkedIn.com is as follows;

Summary: Community for entrepreneurs and small business owners located in the Kootenays or from the Kootenays and surrounding area. The purpose of the group is promoting and fostering entrepreneurship by means of business networking.

Description: Connect with other entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Kootenays. Join in discussion on topics to help support fellow entrepreneurs as well as promote small business in the area. Gain a better appreciation for services the Kootenays has to offer and help to continue the economic diversification in the area. And last but not least, have fun meeting some very interesting people.

The group is free to join and there is no membership obligation. The group is managed via www.LinkedIn.com Once logged into LinkedIn.com look for the group called “Kootenay Entrepreneurs”.

Impressive New Decor at Canadian Rockies International Airport

The stone and metal sculpture of a bear and her clubs by local artist Reg Parsons welcomes airport visitors. Photo by Keith Powell

If you haven’t been out to Cranbrook’s Canadian Rockies International Airport lately, you just might not recognize it. The interior renovations and new decor is very impressive and inviting for visitors coming through the airport. Especially impressive is the stone and metal sculpture of a bear and her clubs by local artist Reg Parsons. Good news as far as traffic goes as well. Cranbroook Mayor Scott Manjak is reporting that Canadian Rockies International Airport is now the 10th busiest in British Columbia. Watch for the first Delta Airlines flight from Salt Lake City to start in for the season in December.

New Airboat Manufacturer Setting Up Shop in Cranbrook

Owner Pat O’Connell stands in front the new facility for his Alaska Airboats Canada based in Cranbrook’s Industrial Park. Photo credit:Alaska Airboats Canada website

Alaska Airboats Canada is building a new manufacturing facility in Cranbrook's Industrial Park and is slated to up and operating by March 01, 2010.

Alaska Airboats are designed to provide superior control and performance when operated in all river systems. The hull designs have evolved in Alaska for over 30 years where many different extremes and conditions take place giving them superior forgiveness and seaworthiness over other styles and brands of air boats. Alaska Airboats are engineered to provide the strength and durability to withstand metal fatigue for over 1000 hours of rough water conditions.

If you have any questions or wish to contact the owner please call Pat O'Connell Phone: 250-417-6912