Kootenay BizBlog :: Keith Powell

Two new faces at CBT

Heather Mitchell, Program Intern for Water Initiatives & Linda McInnes, Nakusp's new Administrative Assistant. Photo courtesy: www.cbt.org

Linda McInnes has joined the office in Nakusp, filling in for the big shoes Merrilla Thorp left empty at the end of last year.

As the new Administrative Assistant in Nakusp, Linda said she’s looking forward to getting a more rounded familiarity about the opportunities CBT can create for Basin residents.

“I have lived in Nakusp for 27 years. I am familiar with the Community Initiatives funding, but now I’m really excited to get more in-depth knowledge about the opportunities CBT has for Basin residents and educating them about CBT.”

Linda has worked with Arrow Lakes News and Nakusp Outreach Employment Services. These two work experiences provided her with a good bridge in making her move to CBT. Working in the newspaper industry gave her knowledge about CBT current events, and the latter made her more aware of the needs of communities and the issues residents are facing.

When she isn’t working, Linda is a proud hockey mom of two. Heather Mitchell has joined the Golden office as a Program Intern for Water Initiatives. Heather joins the team with a strong background in environmental education, and holds a science degree from the University of Victoria. Heather said she is looking forward working with the many groups involved in water conservation in the Basin, and she hopes to be able to assist groups, residents and municipalities in working together.

“I was very excited when this opportunity came along,” said Heather.“I have been looking for a job in the environmental field for a while and there were many opportunities outside the Basin, but I really wanted to stay here. The natural surroundings here are unique; it is the best place in the world.”

Prior to joining CBT, Heather worked with the New Zealand Department of Conservation.

Heather is originally from Cranbrook and has aspirations of adding a dog to her family soon. Columbia Basin Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.

Selkirk Cooking Students Turn on the Heat at Hot Competition

Students from the Professional Cook Training Program at Selkirk College pulled off their best results ever at the 13th Annual Jr Hot Competition in Vancouver, BC bringing home 6 gold, 6 silver and 2 bronze medals. From left to right, Chef-Instructor Randy Davis, Katie Foster, Kelli Bialkoski, Kiersten Jansen, Steve Brown, Caitlin Laurie, Cora Grosch, Kelly Mitchell and Team Manager David Abrosimoff. Missing are Ryan Lane, Rachel Markin and Chef-Instructor Simon Parr. Photo courtesy: Selkirk College

Students from the Professional Cook Training Program at Selkirk College pulled off their best results ever at the 13th Annual Jr Hot Competition in Vancouver, BC bringing home 6 gold, 6 silver and 2 bronze medals.

Kelli Bialkoski won two gold medals for her self-invented dishes, Buckwheat Chapiti and Mushroom Sauté with Sea Asparagus and Thai Mango Salsa with Miniature Mixed Vegetables along with a silver medal for the Team Competition which involved cooking student Katie Foster and Chef-Instructor Randy Davis.

The BC Chefs’ Association puts on the Annual Hot Competition at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium as part of the BC Foodservice Expo. This year’s competition took place on January 25 & 26. Individuals from several cooking levels competed in categories such as Professional, Team, Apprentice, College and High School during the two-day event.

Other medal winners from Selkirk College included Steve Brown, Kelli Mitchell (gold College category), Katie Foster (double gold College category), Cora Grosch, Caitlin Laurie, Rachel Markin (silver College category), Chef-Instructor Simon Parr (silver Professional category) and Kiersten Jansen and Ryan Lane of Nelson’s LV Rogers (bronze High School category).

Practice time for the competition was 100% outside of the regular cooking program curriculum and students required marks of a B+ average or higher to enter. “The preparation for this competition took a lot of hard work, passion and extra effort,” says Chef Instructor Randy Davis. “I’m really proud of my group. The industry is fortunate to have these talented individuals. I’m sure they will be successful in all that they choose to do once they move on from our program.”

New Investment In Colleges Announced

Colleges in the Kootenays like Selkirk in Castlegar and College of the Rockies in Cranbrook will benefit from new funding. Photo courtesy: College of the Rockies

Post-secondary institutions received an investment of $228M over three years in new operating funding in the provincial budget; of this amount colleges estimate that $71M of new funding will be available in 2009/2010.

“Colleges across the province appreciate this new investment from government,” said Jim Reed, President of BC Colleges. “Government has recognized the importance of investing in post-secondary education and the role colleges play in the economic recovery of this province.

“This new investment by government will provide education and training for communities and particularly for people in real need in every region of B.C.,” Reed added.

Investing in and expanding college capacity will create thousands of jobs today and support training for jobs tomorrow. And it will support the economic recovery by building a more abundant talent pool for employers.

The boost in funding will go toward the necessary program and service costs in each institution. With new investments, the colleges will make program and service adjustments that will effectively respond to the province's economic and labour market needs.

The provincial government has taken a step toward a proper investment in higher education. And in turn, the colleges will ensure there is a highly skilled, job-ready workforce available for the recovery and future development of BC’s economy.

RBC Chief Economist coming to Cranbrook

RBC Chief Economist will be in Cranbrook on April 9th, 2009. Photo courtesy: RBC Financial

It’s not too often that a very high profile economist from one of Canada's major banks comes to the Kootenays. Hosted by the RBC Financial Group, Craig Wright, the bank’s Chief Economist, will be in Cranbrook to make a presentation entitled Spring 2009 Economic Briefing.

The event will take place at the Prestige Inn in Cranbook on Thursday, April 9th, 2009 from 9:30 to 11:00 am. The business community is welcome to attend though they are requested to RSVP the RBC branch in Cranbrook by contacting Debbie.Chudleigh@rbc.com (250-426-0307) by March 15th.

If you are looking for some insight into the economic future then you are invited to attend this informative presentation. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers. So make a note on your calendar to catch the Spring 2009 Economic Briefing by Craig Wright.

Selkirk College’s Annual Career and Job Fair Goes Tomorrow

The Selkirk College Career and Job Fair goes Tuesday, February 24th and will be the largest career and job fair to date in the West Kootenay. Photo by: L. Powell

Selkirk College and Kootenay Business magazine are teaming up once again to host the 3rd Annual Career and Job Fair. The 2009 Career and Job Fair—to be held Tuesday, February 24 at Selkirk’s Castlegar campus from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — will be bigger and better than ever.

“It’s definitely growing,” said Amy Kinakin, the Educational Recruitment Co-ordinator at Selkirk College. “Given that it was a huge success over the last two years, we have to be able to build on that success with more businesses participating and more students and people attending.”

At the 2008 Career & Job Fair, close to 400 attendees visited the main campus of Selkirk College to learn about the various careers offered by businesses and organizations representing a diverse assortment of industries, from the service sector to health care.

“We have invited students from local high schools and are making sure the students across all of our campuses are aware of the event,” said Kinakin. “In addition, we are hoping to host some interactive workshops on work-related topics throughout the day.”

New this year will be a series of career and job related seminars held in the adjacent K10 classroom:

Presentation schedule

• 12:00 noon Beth Hargreaves — Kootenay Career Development Society “Get that Interview” Adjacent Classroom—K10
• 1:00 pm Beth Hargreaves — Kootenay Career Development Society “Wage Subsidy Opportunities” Adjacent Classroom—K10
• 1:45 pm — Sandy Mason —Resorts of the Canadian Rockies —Get a career in tourism “Opportunities at Resorts of Canadian Rockies” Adjacent Classroom—K10
• 2:15 pm — Kerry Dyck—Investors Group “Opportunities in the Investment World” Adjacent Classroom—K10

Premier Campbell gives first speech on new budget in Cranbrook

Premier Gordon Campbell addresses a breakfast crowd at the Prestige Inn in Cranbrook BC. Photo by: Tanya Laing

British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell spoke to a sold out room at the Prestige Inn in Cranbrook, Friday morning. It was his first speech given in support of the Provincial Government's newly issued budget unveiled earlier this week.

Despite the prediction that B.C. will run a $495 million deficit in 2009, the Premier was optimistic about the future of the Province and especially the upcoming potential of the 2010 Olympics. As Canada’s only Pacific province, Premier Campbell touted the Olympics as a huge opportunity to introduce B.C., not only to the rest of the world but to the rest of Canada as well. The Olympics will create 250,000 direct jobs and bring 350,000 visitors to B.C.; and best of all 3 billion eyes will be focused on British Columbia.

Commenting on the global financial meltdown, Premier Campbell said he has never seen the world change so much, so rapidly and so comprehensively — in such a short period of time. He called the situation a wholesale change in the landscape, “a seismic shift.”

He did emphasize the importance of partnerships and open free trade within Canada as a way to combat the current financial challenges; he also spoke of the Government’s efforts to expand domestic and Asian markets for B.C.’s beleaguered forest products sector. He also indicated that the B.C. Government would soon be introducing a “wood first” building policy for government projects.

Premier Campbell concluded by saying, “Responsible fiscal management and careful stewardship of the provincial economy have provided the flexibility needed to support and enhance vital services for British Columbians in difficult economic times.”

Selkirk College Playhouse Goes up For Auction on eBay

Selkirk College Carpentry Students recently built a 12’ x 8’ playhouse now for sale on eBay. Proceeds from the sale will go towards the Carpentry Program at the college.
Photo courtesy: Selkirk College

Go inside the playhouse that the Carpentry Students from Selkirk College recently built, and you will feel like you are entering a scene from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” With a secret door, child-size furniture, 4’ high ceilings, a complete wrap-around deck with copper balusters, a pomeranian roof, and wasp-proof windows, the two-storey, 12’ x 8’ half-scale house hosts a play area where the imagination can run absolutely wild.

The “Selkirk Cottage” playhouse was used as a project to help first-year students develop their carpentry skills. In the beginning of the school year, students were challenged to come up with a conceptual drawing of a two-storey playhouse. Of the drawings submitted, Dale Cedar won the design portion of the friendly competition, while Justin Penner was delegated to lead his classmates in terms of building the house.

“I wanted to come up with a concept that was absolutely kid-friendly, fun and functional and I think we’ve achieved that,” says Dale. “Everything is up to code and it has been a really great learning experience. If I was 4 years old, I’d certainly want to live in it!”

Guidelines for the projects that the Carpentry Program undertakes are strict. They cannot compete with internal unions or local contractors and the projects they accept must be charitable.

The playhouse is currently for sale on eBay until Feb 23rd (search under Selkirk College Playhouse). The starting bid, which covers the cost of materials to build the playhouse, is $3,000. Proceeds made above and beyond $3,000 will go towards new equipment and student awards for the Carpentry Program. Selkirk College will provide the shipping of the playhouse within a 40 km radius of Nelson. For additional information contact the Development Office at 1.866.953.1133 0065 ext 324.

CBT Doubles Number Of Youth Scholarships

Applications now being accepted

CBT Board Director Bill Trewhella presents Leah Hilts of Rossland with the 2008 CBT Youth Community Service Award.

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is increasing the number of youth scholarships from 20 to 45 awards this year.

“We have been looking at various ways to increase our support to students pursuing post-secondary education or training,” said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO. “Increasing the number of awards means CBT can help more students achieve their dreams.”

Each CBT Youth Community Service Award is valued at $2,000 and is based on volunteer community service rather than academic standing. Students can use the award for post-secondary education or training.

“We are particularly proud to be able to present these awards to youth who have shown a commitment to volunteering in their communities,” continued Muth.

Awards totalling $90,000 will be distributed to communities in the Columbia Basin based on the number of graduating students. Communities with a graduating class less than 25 will continue to receive one award; those with up to 75 students will receive two awards; and those with more than 75 graduating students will receive three awards.

All Basin students are eligible for the award. The deadline to submit an application is April 10, 2009. For more information on the award or application process, contact a CBT Community Liaison at 1.800.505.8998.

Delta “Big Jet” Carries Ski Teams to YXC And Big Implications for the Future

It was an exciting afternoon at YXC on Saturday with a larger-than-usual Delta jet arriving to transport athletes from recent international paralympic tournament at Kimberley Alpine Resort.

Athletes from the IPC Alpine Skiing NorAm Cup board the flight for SLC 76 passenger RJ900 jet, which replaced the standard 50 passenger jet to accommodate the large group. Photo courtesy: Kootenay Rockies Tourism

Cranbrook, BC: Visitors to the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC, Cranbrook) on Saturday had a Bombardier-sized treat. Delta carrier SkyWest’s regular 50 passenger jet was replaced for this flight only by their larger RJ900, which carries 76 passengers. Why? Athletes from the International Paralympic Committee’s NorAm Cup were going home.

The 2009 IPC Alpine Skiing NorAm Cup hosted by Kimberley Disabled Skiers Association wrapped up on Friday at the Kimberley Alpine Resort. 52 athletes competed representing 9 countries. Competitors came from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Serbia, Slovakia and the USA. Those returning on Delta through Salt Lake City were joined for the outbound flight by several “general” passengers, rendering the 76 passenger jet near-full.

“The new Delta air service is an important link here,” says Laurie Reed, Coordinator of Air Partner Programs for Kootenay Rockies Tourism. “For Delta and SkyWest to be able to switch to larger jets to accommodate large groups and team needs is phenomenal, and the implications for tourism, business and economic development are huge.”

Cranbrook Mayor Scott Manjak agrees. “We see Sport Tourism as a real growth opportunity,” says Manjak. “Having air service that can be this responsive to our travel needs is a great step in the right direction.”

It’s not just about tourism. All of the industries and communities of the region can benefit. With this kind of service, the Canadian Rockies International Airport can be a gateway for large gatherings of all kinds…literally bringing in visitors and delegates from all over the globe.

Recyclers Donated to Selkirk College

From left to right; Sandrelle Fraser, Nova Pearson, Terry Turner and Allan Kyzuk of KSCL, Mike Dion, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Carol Retzlaff, Instructor and Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Committee at Selkirk College and Dan Wack, Chair of the Heritage Credit Union Board of Directors. Photo courtesy: Selkirk College

The Heritage Credit Union recently donated two “Recycled Recyclers” to the Castlegar Campus of Selkirk College. The Recyclers, made of recycled plastic, will help create more awareness of the environmental sustainability initiatives being undertaken by the college and will ultimately encourage staff, students and the community to recycle their cans, glass, plastics and mixed paper.

The Kootenay Society for Community Living (KSCL) has had the contract to manage the recycling at the college for the past twelve years and is responsible for managing the units.

Selkirk College Presents The West Kootenay’s Biggest Career Fair

The Selkirk College Career and Job Fair goes Tuesday, February 24th and will be the largest career and job fair to date in the West Kootenay. Photo by: L. Powell

Selkirk College and Kootenay Business magazine are teaming up once again to host the 3rd Annual Career and Job Fair. The 2009 Career and Job Fair — to be held Tuesday, February 24 at Selkirk’s Castlegar campus 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — will be bigger and better than ever.

rd Annual Career and Job Fair. The 2009 Career and Job Fair — to be held Tuesday, February 24 at Selkirk’s Castlegar campus 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — will be bigger and better than ever.

“It’s definitely growing,” said Amy Kinakin, the Educational Recruitment Co-ordinator at Selkirk College. “Given that it was a huge success over the last two years, we have be able to build on that success with more businesses participating and more students and people attending.”

At the 2008 Career & Job Fair, close to 400 attendees visited the main campus of Selkirk College to learn about the various careers offered by businesses and organizations representing a diverse assortment of industries, from the service sector to health care.

"We have invited students from local high schools and are making sure the students across all of our campuses are aware of the event,” said Kinakin. “In addition, we are hoping to host some interactive workshops on work-related topics throughout the day”

Some of the organizations setting up displays at this year’s expo are Interior Health Kootenay Boundary.

Selkirk College has proven to be an ideal location to hold the expo, as it gives companies the opportunity to draw from the skilled student pool graduating out of the college. Additionally, with the diversity of courses offered by the college, Kinakin said that it’s hard to think of a company that wouldn’t find employees suited for their particular field.

“We have a pretty wide selection,” she said. “Selkirk College offers an array of programs: everything from tourism and hospitality, renewable resources, business and aviation to industry trades and training, and fine arts through (Kootenay School of the Arts) KSA.”

An additional benefit to the expo is that it brings companies into the Kootenay job market, as opposed to trying to attract workers from other areas of the province or Canada.

“They are targeting students that know the Kootenay area and who want to live here,” said Kinakin. “That will benefit employers in terms of retention because they won’t have to bring in someone from outside just to find that they are not going to want to live here.”

Regardless of a student’s training and education, Kinakin said that, overall, the students who make the decision to attend Selkirk College are ambitious people looking to make the most of a potential career.

“Employers can generally expect a highly skilled, well-trained, intelligent and eager individual to fill the positions that they may have,” she said.

On the other side of things, Selkirk students who attended previous career fairs saw the event as a chance to realize their own career goals.

“The students were generally eager to work,” said Kinakin. “They all want to gain experience in their field. Our students have the specific educational background that employers are looking for.”

There will be record number of the employers represented at the Selkirk College Career and Job Fair 2009, so students and jobseekers throughout the West Kootenay are invited and encouraged to attend.

Business Expo 2009

• When: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Where: Selkirk College main campus Castlegar, B.C.
• Contact: Amy Kinakin, Educational Recruitment Co-ordinator at Selkirk College, 250-505-1398

1. AC Dyck Financial Services
2. Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences
3. Arrow Forest District
4. BC Human Resources
5. BC Public Service Agency
6. Canadian Cancer Society
7. Canadian Forces
8. CGA’s
9. CMA’s
10. Community Futures
11. Fortis BC
12. Greater Trail Skills Center
13. Interior Health
14. International Union of Operating Engineers
15. Investors
16. KAST
17. KPI Media
18. Kootenay Career Development Society
19. Mountain FM
20. Nelson Court Services
21. Parks Canada
22. RCMP
23. Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
24. Tse Tse Travel
25. Canada Border Services
26. BC Ambulance Service
27. West Kootenay Forest Education
28. Sunlife of Canada
29. Kokanee Spring Golf Course

Rocky Mountaineer on track with new strategy

Source: Marketing Magazine - Eve Lazarus

Skreen shot of a video on tourism Canada. Click here to view this video. Photo courtesy: www.marketingmag.ca

Rocky Mountaineer may be teaching us all a marketing lesson we can’t ignore. It is that tourism destination businesses ignore local marketing at their peril. The Rocky Mountaineer of course passes through the northern part of the Kootenay Rockies, through Revelstoke, the Rogers Pass, Golden, Kicking Horse Canyon and on to Banff. Here’s their new campaign designed to reach the “local” market.

With the economic doldrums threatening to derail international tourism to Canada, Rocky Mountaineer has launched a North American-wide television campaign this week targeting the short-haul market.

The campaign, by Calgary’s Venture Communications, is part of a complete brand overhaul and a shift in marketing strategy that previously targeted tour operators and travel agents rather than the end user, says Hubert Wat, vice-president marketing and communications at Rocky Mountaineer.

The direct response advertisement is also chasing a 40+ demographic, slightly younger than its typical 55 and over traveller, through buys on cable television and specialty channels such as Discovery, the History Channel and CNN.

“We are trying to be a little more targeted towards… people who see an ad, go online and might call for information and hopefully cause a reaction to take action and book,” said Wat.

The ad starts off with a black screen and a small light that gradually gets bigger and finally bursts open to show the train in spectacular landscape scenes, food and people shots. The ad ends with an offer: “Book now and receive up to $2,400 in added experiences.”

Offering value add ons such as meals, accommodation, airfare or sightseeing tours, said Wat, was a way to stay competitive without devaluing the brand with “buy one and get one free” offers.

“We are a premium luxury train travel brand, we are not about discounting,” he said.

Wat declined to give a budget, but said the ad with different offers and audio tracks will run until the middle of June.

KIMBERLEY CURLING RINK COMPLETES BARRIER - FREE RENOVATIONS

From left to right: CBT Board Chair Garry Merkel, Kimberley Mayor Jim Ogilvie and Kimberley Curling Club President Gord Jenkins throw a rock to celebrate the completion of renovations at the Kimberley Curling Rink which provides barrier-free access for disabled athletes and spectators, and is wheelchair accessible. Photo courtesy: Columbia Basin Trust

CBT supports Kimberley in becoming a Paralympics training and competition centre

Kimberley is one step closer to becoming a North American leader in providing quality Paralympic training facilities.

On Thursday, Feb. 5, the Kimberley Curling Club hosted a reception and tour to celebrate the completion of renovations to the Kimberley Curling Rink, a project that is part of the City’s vision to transform its sporting venues into world class training and competitive venues for disabled athletes and spectators.

“We are pleased to see the completion of this project, and look forward to seeing Kimberley continue to diversify its economy through the development of Paralympics training venues,” said Garry Merkel, CBT’s Board Chair. “While CBT contributed to this particular facility, it is the overall goal of inclusiveness, equality and the City's aspiration to take advantage of a potential economic opportunity that we are supporting.”

“The Curling Club has been modified to provide barrier-free access for disabled athletes and spectators, and is wheelchair accessible. The facility will be used by Paralympics athletes in conjunction with the Paralympics Training Centre when it has been completed,” said Jim Ogilvie, Mayor of Kimberley. “The City of Kimberley would like to take this opportunity to thank Columbia Basin Trust for their assistance in the completion of the Paralympics upgrades at the Kimberley Curling Club.”

CBT provided $57,000 to the $223,000-renovation of the curling club facility. The City of Kimberley provided $162,400, as well as many in-kind donations including staff-time and project management.

Gord Jenkins from the Kimberley Curling Club is already seeing the benefits the upgrades to this facility are having in the community.

“What is exciting is that with the help from the City and CBT we have brought this old building to a new status,” said Jenkins. “We now have an easy-access facility where anyone can be included and take part, those with disabilities, the able-bodied and those who have injuries. This has allowed us to host the regional playdowns, and now we have been selected to host the mixed-provincials in March where we will see teams from all over the province come to compete in Kimberley.”

The curling rink is one of six sports venues to which barrier-free updates are being made in order to create North America’s only one-stop training destination for athletes of four Paralympics sporting events — wheelchair curling, sledge hockey, Nordic skiing and Alpine skiing.

CBT delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

International Best-Selling Author to speak at Rocky Mountain Lifestyle & Wellness Expo

Brad King will be the keynote speaker at the Rocky Mountain Lifestyle & Wellness Expo — his presentation is at 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A new year brings renewed promises to take better care of one’s physical health as well as improve and hopefully increase one’s overall wellness. Without proper guidance even those with the best of intentions can easily fall back into old habits.

The 2nd Annual Rocky Mountain Lifestyle & Wellness Expo offers attendees a valuable opportunity to meet face-to-face with experts ready to assist people in reaching their health and wellness goals.

The Rocky Mountain Lifestyle & Wellness Expo will be held Saturday, February 7th, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Res& Convention Centre in Cranbrook. And best of all admission is free (by donation to Abreast in the Rockies.) There are some great door prizes including round trip tickets to Vancouver compliments of Pacific Coast Airlines.

International best-selling author Brad King will be the keynote speaker at the Rocky Mountain Lifestyle & Wellness Expo—his presentation is at 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Brad King holds a master’s decree in nutritional science and is the author of a number of international best-selling health-related books. He will be in attendance all day to answer your health-related questions.

“My new subject is not that you age, it is how you choose to age,&8221; says King.“We all have the ability to produce youthful forms of energy. I want people to understand that it is not going to be a dry lecture. We are going to laugh a lot. I want people to come out and have a really good time.”

Other guest speakers include Dr. Carl Weber of Honu Family Chiropractic; Muriel Stickney, Life Coach; and Eilene McBain, of Wellness by Design.

Make sure to start 2009 out right by talking with and learning from these wellness experts who will be on hand to answer your questions and provide you with a plan to ensure that your personal well being and physical health goals are a success.

Rocky Mountain Lifestyle & Wellness Expo speakers schedule:

• 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. - Dr. Carl Weber, Honu Family Chiropractic “Principles of Life and the Keys to Longevity”
• 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. - Medichair Representative,“Improving your Quality of Life”
• 11:30 to 12 noon - Michelle Godec “What is Restorative Justice?”
• 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - Brad King, Keynote speaker “Increase your energy, Reduce your stress”
• 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Leighanne Lebein “Hearing 101.”
• 2:30 to 3:00 pm – Eileen McBain,“The Principles of Wellness by Design.”
• 3:00 to 3:30 pm – Muriel Stickney,“Success in Business and In Health.”

The following companies will be represented at the Lifestyle & Wellness Expo:

• The NewPro Fitness Gym
• Millennium Health and Wealthness Centre
• Exhale Yoga
• Rocky Mountain Wellness
• Dynamic Hearing Solutions
• Wellness by Design
• City of Cranbrook -- Leisure Services
• Canadian Mental Health
• Medichair
• Nutters
• Key Note Speaker: Brad King
• Restorative Justice
• USANA
• The Hearing Loss Clinic
• Life Success Coach – Muriel Stickney
• KPI Media
• Honu Chiropractic
• A.C. Dyck Financial Services
• A Breast in the Rockies
• Nikken Independent Wellness Consultant
• College of the Rockies Nursing Program Students
• Youth Juice
• New Energy Wellness

Heidi Korven Steps Up at Kootenay Rockies

Heidi Korven will be assuming the position of Coordinator, Media Relations for Kootenay Rockies Tourism, effective February 16.
Photo courtesy: Kootenay Rockies

Chris Dadson, executive director, of Kootenay Rockies Tourism announced last week that Heidi Korven will be assuming the position of Coordinator, Media Relations for Kootenay Rockies Tourism, effective February 16. Heidi’s career in tourism has spanned a period of 15 years, four of those with the organization.

“She has an extensive knowledge of our region’s tourism partners and products as well as significant experience in itinerary planning and b-roll and image bank management. Heidi will join the provincial media relations team led by the Media Department of Tourism BC and report to Kathy Cooper, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Manager of Travel Trade and Media Relations,” said Chris Dadson.

Heidi’s previous duties in the Partner and Community Department will be shared by Chris Andrews, Shannon Harrison and Kristin Eitzenberger on an interim basis. Kootenay Rockies Tourism is one of six regional tourism organization in British Columbia, with an their office based in Kimberley.

For more info visit www.kootenayrockies.com

Wellness Expo Adds Two More Dynamic Speakers

Left to right: chiropractor Dr. Carl Weber & Sparwood-based life coach Muriel Stickney will be attending the 2nd annual Rocky Mountain Lifestyle & Wellness Expo.

If life is a journey, then Sparwood-based life coach Muriel Stickney is a true road warrior who has successfully traveled that road despite obstacles and challenges along the way. Muriel Stickney shares her insight into re-thinking and handling chronic diseases and even so-called terminal illnesses.

And on the journey of life, Cranbrook-based chiropractor Dr. Carl Weber will share his positive energy on the secrets of longevity, good health and life principles. His treating the “whole body” message is sure to resonate in these stressful times.

Both Dr. Carl Weber and Muriel Stickney will be special guest speakers at the 2nd annual Rocky Mountain Lifestyle & Wellness Expo to be held Saturday, February 7th, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Prestige Inn in Cranbrook.

As well, international best-selling author and health expert Brad King will be the keynote speaker at the Rocky Mountain Lifestyle & Wellness Expo. You will not want to miss his fun and informative presentation at 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Brad will be in attendance all day to answer any health-related questions. He holds a master’s decree in nutritional science and has penned a growing number of best-selling health-related books.

“We are going to laugh a lot. I want people to come out and have a really good time. I want people to understand that it is not going to be a dry lecture,” says Brad King. “My new subject is not that you age, it is how you choose to age. We all have the ability to produce youthful forms of energy.”

The Rocky Mountain Lifestyle & Wellness Expo will offer attendees a valuable opportunity to meet with experts ready to assist people in reaching their physical and personal wellness goals. Admission is by donation to the Abreast in the Rockies Dragon Boat campaign. There are some great door prizes to be won including round trip tickets to Vancouver compliments of Pacific Coastal Airlines.

Make sure to start 2009 out right by talking with and learning from these wellness experts and over 25 exhibitors who will be on hand to answer your questions and provide you with a plan to ensure your journey through life is a healthy one. Rocky Mountain Lifestyle & Wellness Expo speakers schedule:

• 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. - Dr. Carl Weber, Honu Family Chiropractic “Principles of Life and the Keys to Longevity.”


• 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. - Medichair Representative, “Improving your Quality of Life”


• 11:30 to 12 noon - Michelle Godec “What is Restorative Justice?”


• 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - Keynote speaker Brad King, “Increase your energy, Reduce your stress”


• 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Leighanne Lebein - “Hearing 101”


• 2:30 to 3:00 pm - Eileen McBain, “The Principles of Wellness by Design”


• 3:00 to 3:30 pm - Muriel Stickney, “Success in Business and In Health.”
  

New (Old) Ownership Takes Over Fernie’s Powder Mountain Lodge

Source: Fernie Chamber newsletter

Powder Mountain Lodge renovates as former owner Frank Wood takes over again. Photo courtesy: Fernie Chamber newsletter

The Powder Mountain Lodge in Fernie has evolved through several incarnations, most recently the Samesun. Prior to the Samesun the property was called the Hi-3 Lodge owned by Frank Wood. Frank has taken ownership once again and is now focusing on families, seasonal travelers and contract workers.

Frank Wood has added 2 new permanent members to his staff Marc Irving as General Manager and Kerri Wall on Front Desk. Powder Mountain Lodge is fully renovated and makes a great base camp for daytime and night time Fernie. Powder Mountain Lodge is a family friendly lodge located in the center of Fernie on Hwy. 3.

The property has 38 rooms many with separate living rooms and full kitchens. The lodge has a hot tub, outdoor pool, BBQ area, pool table and communal kitchen and living area. The facilities make it a great place to stay for the overnight traveler as well as those who wish to stay for an extended period.

Cranbrook - based publisher donates $1500 to STARS

RV West publisher Keith Powell (left) along with Duane and Lynda Pilson (right) presents STARS’ Sarah Hughes with a cheque for $1500 in front of a STARS rescue helicopter. Photo by Keith Powell

Last week Cranbrook-based Koocanusa Publications publisher Keith Powell made a presentation of $1500 to the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service Foundation (STARS) on behalf of RV West magazine.

The donation was a result of contributions by RV’ers to a silent auction held at the RV West’s annual RV Rally last fall. All the attendees were invited to contribute an item to the auction with all the proceeds being donated to STARS air ambulance.

“The bidding was fast and furious and at the end of the night the RV West rally silent auction had raised $1500 for STARS, almost three times as much as the previous end. A big thanks goes out to the generosity of all those who contributed to the silent auction,” said Keith Powell.

The presentation was made at STARS head office in Calgary to fundraising events manager Sarah Hughes. Also at the presentation was the RV Rally hosts Duane and Lynda Pilson.