Cherry-tree-in-a-bag, Kootenay invention

WRAPPED UP: Marilyn Roberts’ invention, a gauze-like cover which envelopes an entire cherry tree, protects the tree against bugs and eliminates the need to spray cherry trees with chemicals.
—photo courtesy Kootenay Covers

Necessity is truly the mother of invention when it comes to cherry grower Marilyn Roberts who lives in the beautiful Kootenay community of Kaslo. Marilyn was getting tired of losing her crop of cherry to bugs and worms so she invented a gauze-like cover which envelopes an entire cherry tree. She started a company called Kootenay Covers. The invention eliminates the need to spray cherry trees with chemicals.

After eight years of research and development Marilyn Roberts believes her invention is innovative enough to patent and she is set to take the organic cherry growing market by storm. (She is also working on a similar cover for other soft fruits like grapes.) The actual covers are made to Marilyn's exacting specifications by an overshore manufacturer.

Marilyn Roberts, who is an instructor at Selkirk College, is marketing the invention to commercial and backyard gardeners where ever cherries are grown. Her Kootenay Covers are ieven garnering international attention as the following quote for the Chicago Tribune shows, “There are many ways to deal with a cherry fruit fly infestation. Some people spray the tree with powerful chemicals at the first sign of the arrival of the flies. Some people put tarps on the ground to keep the locals from emerging. A woman in the wonderfully named British Columbian region of Kootenays has invented something called Kootenay Covers, with which one covers the entire tree so nothing can get to it. Dressed in its bag, she reports, the tree's cherries can be left in place until mid- to late summer.”

For more information visit her website at www.kootenaycovers.com or phone Marilyn Roberts at 250-353-2264.

'Time Has Come' Post-FAM an enormous success!

REPRESENTING THE KOOTENAYS: Kathy Cooper (left) and Heidi Korven attended the 32nd installment of Rendez-Vous Canada.

EXPLORING THE REGION: After RVC, Kootenay Rockies Tourism hosted a post FAM tour with 14 delegates; the group visited heritage attractions in Cranbrook and Kimberley and went on a sightseeing flight over Fisher Peak.

Rendez-Vous Canada (RVC), the Canadian Tourism Commission's (CTC) premier marketplace bringing tourism buyers and sellers together for five days of meetings was held in Vancouver in late May. Attending the 32nd installment of this trade show on behalf of all the Kootenay Rockies Partners were Chris Dadson, Kathy Cooper and Heidi Korven.

Kootenay Rockies Tourism had a full schedule during the three and a half days of appointments and met with tour operators from all over the world who were seeking more information on what they could find for their clients in our region of British Columbia.

Following RVC, the Kootenay Rockies Tourism hosted a post familiarization tour with 14 delegates participating. Flying into the region on Pacific Coastal Airlines, the group spent three days exploring and learning about Geotourism, some of the new golf products and the airport expansion. They also visited the heritage attractions of Fort Steele Heritage Town, Canadian Museum of Rail Travel and Kimberley's Underground Mining Railway. As well, they all went on a thrilling sightseeing flight over Fisher Peak by helicopter!

Day trips to Fernie and Invermere/Panorama were also part of the itinerary. Using St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino as the ‘home base’, the group were able to relax and enjoy the beautiful setting and amenities at St. Eugene in between the day trips.

It was the first time to the region for all of the delegates and they were extremely impressed with the portion of the region they saw and the tourism products they experienced. Many have already indicated they will be booking future business into the Kootenay Rockies region!

Source: Kootenay Rockies e-Newsletter

College of the Rockies Board announces resignations and appointments

The Board of Governors of the College of the Rockies wishes to make the following announcements.

In early June, Board Chair Troy Sebastian advised the College Board of his resignation from the Board effective July 31, 2008. Mr. Sebastian’s resignation from the Board preceded his June 21 announcement to seek the NDP provincial nomination in the East Kootenay. Mr. Sebastian was appointed to the College Board by the Province in July 2003 and was elected to the position of Chair in September 2007.

In July Board Vice Chair Sandra Roberts also advised the College Board of her resignation from the Board effective August 31, 2008. Ms. Roberts’ resignation follows her and her family’s decision to move to Penticton in the fall. Ms. Roberts will serve as Board Acting Chair August 1 through 30, 2008. Ms. Roberts was appointed to the College Board by the Province in July 2003 and was elected to the position of Vice Chair in September 2007.

A new Board Chair and Vice Chair will be elected at the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting on September 11, 2008.

Appointed to the College of the Rockies Board of Governors through Provincial Order in Council on June 26, 2008 are Richard Reinders of Cranbrook effective June 26, 2008 and Laurie Dalzell of Golden effective July 31, 2008. Both terms end July 31, 2009.

Shoemaker Drywall plans to build new Cranbrook outlet

Bigger and Better: Shoemaker Drywall Supplies is building a new facility on Theatre Road in Cranbrook.
—photo by Keith Powell

Calgary-based Shoemaker Drywall Supplies is in expansion mode in Cranbrook. The company plans to build a new 20,000-square-foot building across the Street from Home Depot on Theatre Road in Cranbrook which will serve the entire East and West Kootenay region.

The new building will replace their existing 8,000 square foot location at the west end of Cranbrook just off of Van Horn[Keith Powell] rev e Street.

Cranbrook branch manager Marcel Boudreau says they desperately need more space and anticipates the new building being ready in December 2008 as architectural plans are just being completed.

The new Shoemaker Drywall Supplies outlet will take up about two acres of the five-acre parcel. It is all part of a planned strip mall development to be built at the location.
Shoemaker Drywall completed their purchase of Lethbridge based Don’s Drywall some time ago and now has locations in eight western Canada cities including Edmonton, Kelowna, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Cranbrook, Red Deer, Grand Prairie and of course Calgary.

Southern B.C. colleges to collaborate on programs, services and planning

COLLEGE REPS: (Seated, left to right) Marilyn Luscombe, president and CEO Selkirk College, Jim Hamilton, president Okanagan College, Dr. Nick Rubidge, president and CEO College of the Rockies. (Standing, left to right) Stefan Lehmann, vice chair Selkirk College Board of Governors, Janet Shaw, chair Okanagan College Board of Governors, Troy Sebastian, chair College of the Rockies Board of Governors.

College of the Rockies, Selkirk College and Okanagan College are collaborating to provide a more integrated approach to offering educational programs and services to students in British Columbia's southern and southeastern interior regions.

Presidents of the three institutions recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides the framework for a new working relationship. The MOU will allow the colleges to work together on program development and delivery, improved transfer arrangements to benefit students, student recruitment and applied research. The MOU also covers areas such as offering programs from one institution at another and international education.

"This MOU is a mutually beneficial, collaborative approach to post-secondary education in the southern and southeastern interior regions of our province and will be a vehicle to enhance opportunities for our students and continue to meet the educational and training needs of our communities," said College of the Rockies President and CEO Dr. Nick Rubidge.

"Through this agreement, we are better able to co-ordinate what we offer, how we offer it, and to maximize the opportunities for students to access the education they need." said Marilyn Luscombe, President of Selkirk College." "It is a win for our learners and for our institutions."

"Each of our three institutions can already claim considerable success in meeting community needs," said Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton. "This agreement provides us the chance to share our unique programs and services and develop new opportunities for students and employers."

Any program or service agreements developed between the three institutions or among any of the signatories will be covered by separate agreements.

Together, the three colleges educated or trained a total of 11,269 full-time equivalent students in 2007-08. Their regions cover about 12 per cent of the overall area of the province and take in about 12.7 per cent of the province's population (550,890 of 4.31 million people).

Soy-based insulation offered in Nelson

Jesse Ewing is the owner of Ewing Insolutions Inc., a new Nelson-based company offering a line of soy-based spray foam insulation. The insulation is made of soy oil and recycled plastic which quickly solidifies into a “closed cell foam” that’ full of millions of air bubbles that gives the foam a R-7 per inch insulation value, Ewing told the Nelson Express newspaper.

The spray foam is good for older home and new builds as well. With three inches of foam in the walls and four inches in the ceiling, Ewign says a home will be totally sealed. Combined with the proper ventilation system, he says a homeowner can use far less energy to heat their home. For more more info, call (250) 551-3100.

Source: Nelson Express

Invermere to be home to Sushi Fubuki

Mouthwatering sushi fans are eagerly anticipating the opening of Invermere’s first sushi restaurant in late August. The new restaurant will be located in the Chisel Peak Medical Centre building near Sobey’s.

The restaurant, which will be named Sushi Fubuki (“fubuki” means “snowstorm” in Japanese), is the result of a partnership between Panorama residents Patrick and Cheri Hasburgh, and former Invermere resident Haru Watanabe.

Haru Watanabe is currently a sushi chef at a restaurant in Banff and will re-locate to the Windermere Valley when the restaurant opens. Construction work will proceed over the summer.

Source: Columbia Valley Pioneer

Mustard Seed becomes Spring Health Foods

Renamed: Mustard Seed Health Foods in Invermere is now called Spring Health Foods. —www.invermere.com photo

Spring Health Foods is the new name for long-time Invermere business Mustard Seed Health Foods. Although owner Spring Hawes has always taken pride in being environmentally and socially aware, she and her staff have recently undergone a business ‘re-vamp’ (hence the new name), and as a result, realized we need to let our customers know what we are doing to support our commitment to the environment.

Here is their "green statement..."

• We sell organic, natural and/or chemical free products.
• We carry natural and bio-degradable cleaning products, body and personal care products.We purchase inventory and business products and services as locally as possible.
• We never buy grocery bags – our customers bring us their used ones.
• We recycle everything possible.
• We compost ‘old’ produce, or pass it on to customers with farm animals.
• We use bio-degradable cleaning products.
• We turn off every appliance possible when not in use.
• We support the Columbia Valley Botanical Gardens & Center for Sustainable living by selling certified organic, BC grown garden seeds as a fundraiser for them.
• We encourage and support our customers in their environmental efforts.
• We have ordered ethically-sourced re-usable shopping bags. (Fairware.ca)
• We’ve made a commitment to purchase recycled paper products, and energy-saving light-bulbs. (see Frogfile.ca as a source for environmentally-friendly office supplies)
• We’ve asked our suppliers and business associates to use e-mail where-ever possible, rather than fax or paper mail.

Many of these ideas came from the employees, who are enthusiastic about the environment. They are the ones who have taken the initiative to compost waste, pass on ruined food to farmer customers, etc. By involving everyone, and being open and receptive to new suggestions, ideas, and products, we will continue to evolve in a sustainable, environmentally aware manner.

CBT announces support for 34 environmental projects

The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has awarded $349,984 in support of 34 new Basin-wide projects through its Environmental Initiatives Program (EIP).

The EIP provides support to community-initiated and supported environmental projects that aim to reduce the impacts humans have on local and regional ecosystems. The CBT increased funding to the Program by $54,424 this year.

"The boost in EIP funding means CBT is able to do more to support aquatic, terrestrial, and education projects that foster healthier, more environmentally-conscious communities in the Columbia Basin," said Wally Penner, CBT's VP of Community Partnerships. "An important element of the selection process was to identify projects that address clear community needs, or provide opportunities for community involvement - whether that's through a training workshop or helping with the restoration of a stream."

The EIP is carried out in partnership with The Columbia Kootenay Fisheries Renewal Partnership, The Land Conservancy of BC, and the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network.

See what Freddie sees . . . Whiskey Jack Resort update

Construction has been moving forward since April. Holes are taking shape and sales have just begun for Phase 1 at the Whiskey Jack Resort in Sparwood, B.C. Lots are starting in the low $130,000's; many of which back on to Fred Couple's Signature Golf Course. The course offers five tee-off boxes ranging from Freddi'e "Boom Boom" boxes down to the resort tees, all of which offer diverse challenges for players of all levels. Throughout the course, you are surrounded by the breathtaking scenes of the Rocky Mountains, the naturally treed environment and the numerous water features.

The lifestyle offered in this resort community will be one you can enjoy throughout the seasons. Ranging from golf, mountain biking, running and walking trails, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing—all just a step away from your home! The resort will offer four-star dining, a luxurious spa and pool with many other activities and attractions planned throughout the development.

For more information call us at 250-425-0054 or stop by our Discovery Centre located on Arbitus Road. We welcome you to drop in. North America toll free: (888) 435-4727. E-mail: info@whiskeyjackresort.com. Website: www.WhiskeyJackResort.com

Source: Fernie Chamber of Commerce newsletter

What the Huck—Huckleberry wheat bear now on tap

To celebrate the summer and Fernie's prized Huckleberry picking season, Fernie Brewing Company has come up with a delicious Huckleberry Wheat Beer called What the Huck. They've blended Wild Huckleberries with wheat to create a smooth and creamy beer, with a light touch of Huckleberries.

But get it quick, because just like Fernie's prized huckleberries, it's only available for a limited time. What the Huck? Give it a try. Available on tap at Fernie's many fine restaurants and bars.

Catch a Brewery Tour, Fridays at 3 p.m. Call 250-423-7797 to book.

Source: Fernie Chamber of Commerce newsletter

Rayco Steel expands in Sparwood

NEW AND IMPROVED: Rayco Steel's new facility is located in Sparwood's Industrial Park on Michel Creek Road.
—photo by Keith Powell

Rayco Steel in Sparwood recently completed a large-scale expansion of their industrial service operations. The company is owned and operated by president Robert Ray and operation manager Bret Ray. The new steel building features three large overhead doors and houses the company's expanding machining, fabricating and welding business. Rayco is a major supplier and contractor to the mining industry in the Elk Valley.

The new facility is located in Sparwood's Industrial Park on Michel Creek Road. According the BC Manufacturers Directory published by BC Stats Rayco Steel employs over 20 people.

New Fernie dental office construction well underway

BIGGER AND BETTER: The new Mountain View Dental Clinic will offer more room and the latest in dental technology.
—photo by Keith Powell

Fernie Dentist Dan Demmings is building a brand new office in the city. Dr. Demmings' practice is called Mountain View Dental Clinic. The new dental clinic is located right beside Fernie Sports just off of Fernie’s main thoroughfare on Hwy. #3. In fact, the new clinic is being built on what used to be Fernie Sports parking lot.

The expanded clinic will offer more room and the lastest in dental technology for clients. The construction of the eye-catching new building is slated to take place over the Spring and Summer with the goal of moving in by the Fall.

For more information contact Mountain View Dental at 250-423-7764.

New computer support business starts up

GreenFir Technologies is a new computer support business which is now servicing the Kootenay region. It is owned and operated by Chris Thomas and Wesley Render. GreenFir focuses on providing businesses with enterprise class technology support. Some of the services and products that GreenFir Technologies provides include: wireless networks, phone systems, computer networks and computer support. They also provide web hosting, graphic design and web development services.

GreenFir Technologies will be releasing free monthly articles about how to improve your business computer systems and network. If you have multiple offices in your company, these are a must read! Please visit www.greenfir.com/articles to view the articles.

Contact GreenFir Technologies at 250-423-3229 or toll free at 877-423-3225.

Latte anyone?

TAKE A COFEE BREAK: Assistant manager Brad Williams welcomes customers to Cranbrook’s new Starbucks.
—photo by Keith Powell

Cranbrook is enjoying the Kootenays first free-standing Starbucks Coffee, which opened in the city in late June. The new Starbucks Coffee Company store is operated by manager Lisa Gaudreault, assistant manager Brad Williams and a staff of some 20 employees.

Cranbrook's 1,600-square-foot Starbucks is located in a newly constructed building built by local Cranbrook contractor Steeples Construction. It is on Cranbrook’s busy strip (Cranbrook Street) and sits between McDonalds and Golf Etc. The attractive coffee outlet features a Kootenay-motif decor and an outdoor patio.

There are more than 7,000 corporate-owned Starbucks in the U.S. and more than 4,000 licensed operators. There are 1,796 company-operated stores in other countries, including Canada and 2,792 joint venture or licensed stores internationally.

Starbucks Coffee Company was founded in 1971, opening its first store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Starbucks, named after the first mate in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, is the world’s leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee with millions of customer visits per week at stores in North America, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and the Pacific Rim.

Copper Point Resort to use geothermal heating

In what may be a first in the Kootenays, Copper Point Resort is tapping into geothermal energy. One of the unique environmental features of the Copper Point Resort will be its' use of geothermal energy in their indoor and outdoor pools, spas, restaurant and commercial areas.

The ultimate source of geothermal energy is from the radioactive decay that occurs deep within the Earth's crust. The Columbia Valley, home to both the world famous Radium and Fairmont Hot Springs, provides an ideal geographical location to exploit the use of these relatively shallow geothermal resources.

When these geothermal resources are available, it is then possible to distribute hot water or steam to multiple buildings. This technique is known as geothermal district heating.

"We are very fortunate that the Copper Point Resort is located in such a great geothermal area of the country," said Dean Forbes, one of the resort's founding directors and active managing partner. "By using geothermal technology, both our environmental footprint and our associated energy costs will be significantly lower. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved. Because of this great feature, we will be able to offer a 12-month season for our outdoor pool. It's going to be a real positive feature to relax in the resort's outdoor pool in the winter months, with the snow falling down, after a great day of skiing."

Earth Source, an Edmonton based company, is in charge of the Copper Point Resort geothermal installation. The budget for the project is estimated at $1.6M dollars.

Although expensive to install initially, geo-exchange systems save money in the long run because they require much less maintenance. In addition to being highly reliable, they are built to last for decades and can add considerably to the resale value of a structure. Geothermal energy is one of the few renewable energy technologies that-like fossil fuels-can supply continuous, base load power.

COTR and Havaday Developments enter a partnership for contract training

OWNERS: Signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the College of the Rockies and Havaday Developments are: (back row, L to R) John Sheehan, Vice-President Project Development; Dan Gulin, Performance and Development Advisor; Susan Gulin, Human Resources Manager; Jay Savage, Chief Operations Officer. (Front row, L to R) Tracey Whiting, College of the Rockies Contract Training Manager; Dr. Nick Rubidge, COTR President and CEO; Joel Savage, President Havaday Developments; and Shayne Dysart, Vice-President Resort Operations.

College of the Rockies and Havaday Developments Inc. recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enter into a partnership for specific contract training.

Havaday is currently building a major resort development near Cranbrook called Wildstone. The master plan includes some three thousand residential single family homes and condos as well as a village centre and hotel. A spa, fitness centre, pool, boutique shopping and community recreation centre are also planned for both permanent and seasonal residents. An 18-hole Gary Player-designed golf course is already under construction.

“Wildstone will employ approximately 350 people in various capacities when the development is complete,” noted Tracey Whiting, manager of contract training and business development for College of the Rockies. “The College currently offers many courses and training in the hospitality and tourism industry which could benefit the employees of Wildstone. This MOU simply formalizes the mutually beneficial education, knowledge and skills the College can provide to Wildstone. ”

Vice-president of resort operations for Wildstone Shayne Dysart agreed.

“The College has offered to tailor their contract training to our specific needs,” said Dysart. “Together we will develop and schedule specific program and course offerings, as well as develop a collaborative process to respond to the need for curriculum development, training and expertise.”

Mountain Modern swings open doors in Nelson

OWNERS: Dallas Wolbaum (L), the owner of Mountain Modern Interior, also owns the Mountain Hound Inn in Nelson.

Wow, is all you can say when you first step inside Nelson’s newest furniture store—Mountain Modern Interior. The flashy new furniture store is located on Baker Street in Nelson’s bustling downtown core, in the Mountain Hound Inn building.

The owner and manager Dallas Wolbaum also owns the Mountain Hound Inn.

Summing up the type of furniture the store sells, sales manager Ian Ellis told the Nelson Express we are “offering a Kootenay esthetic, often using raw, natural materials.”

“If it looks like wood it is wood and if it looks like leather it is leather, Dallas Wolbaum explained to the Express.

Wolbaum and father Leroy purchased the building that houses the Mountain Hound Inn and now Mountain Modern Interior back in 2005. They have completely renovated the building—making it one of Nelson’s most eye-catching establishments.

Source: Nelson Express