APRIL 30

CBT provides funds to rebuild KFSS website

The Columbia Basin Trust is providing $2,700 to assist the Kootenay Food Strategy Society (KFSS) with updating their website (www.kootenayfood.ca). The new website will be an inclusive and interactive way to provide information on local farms and where to obtain local food, as well as a tool for connecting like-minded groups and individuals.

APRIL 29

College receives $80,000 boost for tourism project

College of the Rockies Tourism Cluster Project is receiving $80,000 from the Columbia Basin Trust to help fund a knowledge transfer initiative.

The Knowledge Transfer Project is a two-year pilot that will offer 50 test individuals from the tourism industry the opportunity to review materials and information collected by the Tourism Cluster Initiative's information system and apply it in their day-to-day decision making. In return, the Cluster will ensure the data has relevance and value to the volunteer's operations and get feedback on readability, accessibility and impacts on their day-to-day operations.

Working with East Kootenay tourism operators, the project will allow the industry to access and use new information received from our information system in their day-to-day business decision making. We'll be asking the operators what they need to be successful and research what they want us to research and then share the results.

The type of information/data that may be collected includes: opportunities for networking and developing regional solutions to these; health care and human resource policy development and opportunities for small mom and pop shops; employee retention strategies and what has worked for their peers; and common issues or concerns on community development functions/ government policies.

APRIL 28

Creston’s largest new subdivision rapidly filling up

Hawk View Estates in Creston has sold out their first phase of 40 lots and construction is progressing rapidly on a number of homes in the new development.

Phase II of 30 lots are now pre-selling and over a quarter of those lots have been pre-sold. Hawk View Estates is located in the heart of the Kootenays overlooking the beautiful Creston Valley.

So if you are thinking of building your dream home today or do you just want to invest for the future, then Hawk View Estates in Creston is an attractive choice. There are a total of 104 fully serviced view lots available to choose from.

For more info visit www.hawkview.ca.

APRIL 25

New dental digs

Fernie Dentist Dan Demmings is in the process of constructing a new office in the City. Mountain View Dental Clinic is the name of the Demmings' practice. The new dental clinic will be located right beside Fernie Sports just off of busy Highway #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 is slated to take place over the spring and summer with the goal of moving by the Fall.

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

APRIL 24

Invermere's Purcell Point continues to build

One of Calgary's biggest developers is busy working on the new phases of Purcell Point in Invermere. Purcell Point is a 70-unit townhouse complex offering recreational quality living while being close to the centre of Invermere.

The development is being marketed throughout the valley and, of course, into the red-hot Calgary market. The total development is valued at over $25 million.

Purcell Point is located across from the Invermere hospital on 10th Ave. The units are typically selling in the $200,000+ range. Cardell Homes has also built a similiar project at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden in the past.

For more information visit www.cardelhomes.com.

APRIL 23

Under highway tunnel to connect Copper Point golf courses

If you have travelled Highway 93/95 north recently you can’t help but notice one of the course features of the new Copper Point and Copper Point Ridge golf courses—namely, the tunnel under the highway. The tunnel will obviously connect the two golf courses.

The Nohels Group of Companies—Invermere division headed up the installation of the under highway tunnel.

The Ridge, Copper Point’s new 18-hole course, opens this spring and takes full advantage of the majestic views and character-filled terrain it’s situated on. The innovative design of this Masters-style course reflects the future of golf, offering full length Par 3 and 4 holes that will provide all levels of golfers with an exceptional golf experience that is truly unique to the area.

The Ridge is located directly east of Copper Point, with the above mentioned tunnel under Highway 93/95 connecting the two courses. Check-in for the Ridge Course will be at the Copper Point Clubhouse.

APRIL 22

Crown of the Continent MapGuide project

Thursday, May 1st at 1 p.m.
~ St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino ~

You are cordially invited to attend the official BC Launch of the National Geographic Crown of the Continent MapGuide project on Thursday, May 1st at 1 p.m. at the St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino.

The Crown of the Continent Geotourism MapGuide Project is a cross-border regional partnership, which focuses on promoting sustainable tourism and enlightened destination stewardship in the ‘Crown of the Continent’ area (SE British Columbia, SW Alberta and NW Montana).

This is the National Geographic Society’s fourth MapGuide project in North America and the first to include Canadian content. Adopted by National Geographic, ‘Geotourism’ is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place: its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.

The MapGuide highlights destination attractions while spreading the spotlight to other unique activities, events and stewardship opportunities in the Crown of the Continent area.

APRIL 21

College announces new Dean

Dr. Laura Cooper has accepted a position at College of the Rockies as Dean of Instruction as of May 1. She comes to the College following the retirement of Dr. Ardy Smith Miller in March.

Dr. Cooper will supervise the University Studies, Aboriginal Education services and programs, Tourism, Recreation, and Human Kinetics programs and liaise with the University of Victoria regarding the on-site Teacher Education program.

"I'm thrilled to be relocating to the East Kootenay region," Dr. Cooper said. "I'll be closer to family and, through my employment at COTR, have an opportunity to work for an institution that was instrumental in shaping my professional life."

APRIL 18

Crazy Soles steps into Columbia Valley

There's brand retail sports shoe store in Invermere called Crazy Soles. In addition, to a full lineup of running shoes and accessories, the running boutique offers yoga wear, clothing, nutritional products, pedometers and GPS units.

Crazy Soles is owned by the husband and wife team of Jordie and Beva Kirk, both avid runners themselves. The couple is from the Vancouver and moved to the Columbia Valley just two years ago.

Crazy Soles in open Tuesday to Saturday and is located on Athalmer Road, beside Bavin Glassworks. For more info call Crazy Soles at 342 2074

Source: Columbia Valley Pioneer

APRIL 17

New owners at Creston water company

After 25 years in business as owners of 3L's Water Systems in the Creston Valley, Lorne and Lylia Fuller have sold their water treatment company to John and DeAnna
Ward.

The company's slogan "confidence in our water" sums up their commitment to serving the water requirement of the Creston Valley and area. 3L's Water Systems prides themselves in expert trouble shooting and professional service.

The new owners, John and DeAnna Ward, of 3L's Water Systems can be contacted at (250) 428-9998.

APRIL 16

Nelson’s Pacific Insight CEO Brad Smithson resigns

Pacific Insight Electronics Corp. (PIH.TO), based in Nelson, has announced the resignation of Bradley Smithson as chief executive officer, president, effective immediately. Stuart Ross, the chief financial officer and director of Pacific Insight, has been appointed as interim president and chief executive officer. Stuart Ross is a co-founder of Pacific Insight and has been a director and chief financial officer of the company since 1989.

Pacific Insight Electronics in one of the West Kootenays largest employers with a workforce of more than 320 people. The company’s TSX listed stock has been in decline over the last year, from a high of 4.850 to a low of $1.620 per share. Pacific Insight Electronics is listed as #20 on the Kootenay Business Top 50 Kootenay Company list with annual revenue of $32 million.

Source: CNX

APRIL 15

Businesses invited to pledge support

The FLY YXC (Cranbrook) Alliance is the society established by the business community in the East Kootenay to spearhead the campaign to bring a major air carrier into the newly expanded Canadian Rockies International Airport.

The Alliance has secured a contract offer from Delta Air Lines for schedule non-stop service between Cranbrook and Delta hub in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Since the air service is new, Delta requires a revenue guarantee of $784,000. The society is asking for support from the business communities throughout the East Kootenay.

Some of the biggest names in business have already sign up to support the initiative including Kootenay Rockies, Community Futures, Fairmont Hot Springs, RCR, Kicking Horse Resort, Panorama, Copper Point, St. Eugene, and Wildstone. Koocanusa Publications has signed up as a supporter of the initiative as well.

Interested businesses are asked to visit www.flyyxc.com for more information. Businesses, individuals and organizations can a pledge to support the effort to attract Delta airlines to the Canadian Rockies International Airport.

APRIL 14

Names in the biz news

Jason Spyksma has joined the Dodge Boys at Cranbrook Dodge, he had been with Kootenay Import Auto Group.

Ryan Casey and Ernie Kurze both have come on board at Hillcrest Hyundai which is part of the Kootenay Import Auto Group.

Bailey Spencer and Lorne Freeman have joined the real estate team at Cranbrook's Royal LePage East Kootenay Realty office.

Harry Grombach, a longtime radio personality, has entered the real estate business and is now an agent with Blue Sky Realty in Cranbrook.

APRIL 11

City of Cranbrook hires new EDO

The City of Cranbrook has filled its vacant economic development officer post with the hiring of well-known Kevin Weaver.

The position was vacant for almost a years after the city decided take the ED role in-house. It was filled for short three-month stint by Norma Stromberg—from October to the end of December last year.

Kevin Weaver has held a number of provincial government jobs including most recently the position of regional economic development manager for the BC Ministry of Regional Economic Development.

He assumed the position as Cranbrook's new EDO on April 1st. Kevin Weaver can be reached by calling City Hall at 426-4211.

APRIL 10

The Pointe project rises

One of the biggest construction projects in the Kootenays these days has to be the massive The Pointe on Lake Windermere development. There is a huge crew of carpenters and tradespeople swarming around the site and the third building is well underway on this high profile project.

It is located at the entrance to Invermere, overlooking the shores of Windermere Lake. When completed this new resort residential development will consist of three four storey buildings with 220 suites, featuring one- and two-bedroom plans.

In addition to the presentation centre near the construction site, The Pointe on Lake Windermere has an office in Radium Hot Springs and a sales office in Calgary, Alberta.

Phase 1 is listed as sold out and Phases 2 and 3 are currently being marketed for sale.

For more info about the development visit their website at www.lakewindermerepointe.com.

APRIL 9

Resort at Copper Point Construction forging ahead

With just six months to go before the scheduled grand opening of the new luxurious "Resort at Copper Point" in Invermere, B.C., both the final construction and real estate aspects of the project are progressing very nicely as the four-storey, 107-condo project nears completion.

On the construction side, the majority of roofs have now been shingled, exterior doors and windows are being hung, the internal framing is almost complete, and even a few bathtubs are starting to appear in their respective bathrooms.

"It´s been an exciting couple of months and we are starting to make some excellent progress as we move towards final completion," said Dean Forbes, one of the resort´s founding directors and active managing partner. "The weather has been very co-operative for us and we currently have about 125 tradesmen on site, so the building is starting to take shape very quickly."

The next phase of the construction process will be directed towards the middle section of the Resort, which features most of the amenities.

Within the next 12 weeks, we should see continued emphasis on finishing the interiors," said Forbes. "Once that phase of the construction is complete, we´ll turn our attention to the pools and landscaping."

The Resort at Copper Point is expected to officially open in August 2008.

APRIL 8

Another Columbia Valley golf resort pending

Genesis Land Development Corporation has applied to the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) for permission to develop a residential and golf resort at Spur Valley north of Radium Hot Springs.

The application has received 1st and 2nd reading by the RDEK and is set to go to public hearings in the near future.

The development would see 23 hectares being made into single and multi-family residences; while another 57 hectares would be developed into a resort-style golf course.

The development requires an approval of the official community plan for the area.

Genesis Land Development Corporation is a Calgary-based developer which is listed on the TSX and is headed up by CEO and president Gobi Singh. The company has seen its stock prices slip from just over $8.00 per share a year ago to around $4.00 per share currently.

www.genesisland.com

APRIL 7

Prime restaurants hungry to open in Cranbrook

East Side Mario’s is looking to open in Cranbrook, another indication that Cranbrook is experiencing an unprecedented growth spurt.

Prime Restaurants of Canada, owners of the popular eatery East Side Mario’s, has its eye set on the Cranbrook/East Kootenay market.

Prime Restaurants has posted a sign on Cranbrook’s busy "Strip" advertising that East Side Mario’s is coming to town and for franchise information interested parties can contact Rick Villapando at (604) 683-4044. Mr. Villalpando joined Prime in November 2006 as vice president of Western Development.

Prime has achieved significant growth in the past ten years, expanding the number of restaurants operated from 88 in 1997 to about 160 in 2007. The founders of Prime, pioneers since 1979 in the Canadian casual dining industry, opened the first Casey's restaurant in 1980 in Sudbury, Ontario.

APRIL 4

CBT launches new climate change initiative

The City of Kimberley and the District of Elkford will partner with the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) in a year-long initiative to learn how to adapt to local climate change impacts.

Communities Adapting to Climate Change is a new planning and action initiative for local governments in the Basin. The initiative is being spearheaded by CBT with input from an advisory committee consisting of a number of provincial, federal, and academic organizations as well as First Nations and local governments.

The community adaptation initiative is the latest in a series of climate change efforts being led by the Columbia Basin Trust. For more information about climate change work in the Columbia Basin visit www.cbt.org/climatechange.

APRIL 3

Rossland Chamber of Commerce unveils new logo

The Rossland Chamber of Commerce is pleased to unveil its new logo and tagline—Working for the Business Community. The new logo incorporates some of the facades of local businesses and architectural landmarks in Rossland while the overall brand was designed to represent the organization that was established to work for the business community.

The change to the logo comes after the City of Rossland recently adopted the city crest as their logo as well. To prevent any further confusion, the chamber decided to redesign the logo. Chamber director, Rob Fershau took on the task of designing a logo that reflects our proud heritage and business community.

APRIL 2

Silver lining - 2008 Hot Competition

Sara Vickery and Katie Foster won silver medals at this year's B.C. Chef's Association Hot Competition in Vancouver. The contest draws talented cooks-in-training from most of the province's culinary programs. Seikirk College Professional Cooking instructor Randy Davis, however, competed in the professional category and also earned a silver medal, coming in second, ironically, to one of his former students. For more information about the Professional Cook Training program at Selkirk College, visit selkirk.ca.

APRIL 1

Don't miss the 2nd annual Business Expo and Career Fair

Last year, Kootenay Business teamed up with the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce and College of the Rockies (COTR) to give employers and potential employees a chance to network at the first-ever Business Expo & Career Fair.

“With a shrinking workforce population, it’s hugely important for companies to network,” said COTR career and placement officer Charlotte Heppner. “We always tell our students that they need to network to get jobs, but now it’s the businesses that need to network to get employees.”

Over 50 employers will participate in Business Expo & Career Fair, including major businesses and community services such as Interior Health, Elk Valley Coal and RCMP. The event will bring companies into contact with COTR students as well as area high school students, offering businesses a chance to get young people interested in their industry. Students can enter to win many door prizes including a $500 tuition from the College of the Rockies and an Ipod from Kootenay Business.

“I think it’s a real benefit for businesses, not only to meet the students that are being trained at COTR, but to get some of the high school kids who attend interested in their fields,” said Heppner. From the perspective of COTR students and other potential employees, Business Expo & Career Fair offers a chance to explore the many career possibilities of the Kootenay labour market.

The Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce will host a business luncheon at the College of the Rockies, with doors opening at 11:30 until 1 p.m. Guest speakers will be Cranbrook realtor Jason Wheeldon’s Annual Real Estate Report and a John Sheehan of the Airport Marketing Committee. Pacific Coastal Airlines is a sponsor of the luncheon and will be providing a pair of round trip tickets to Vancouver as a door prize.

Business Expo and Career Fair 2008
• When: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 11:30 am - 1 p.m. – Business Luncheon and Networking; The Career Fair from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Where: College of the Rockies in Cranbrook
• Contact: Charlotte Heppner, career and placement officer at College of the Rockies, heppner@cotr.bc.ca • Keith Powell, publisher of Kootenay Business, keith@kpimedia.com,

MARCH 31

Where have all the Ice fans gone?

Hockey writer Jeff Bromley in his weekly hockey blog is lamenting the declining attendance of Cranbrook’s WHL Kootenay Ice games in recent seasons. With the season wrapping up on Saturday, March 15th, Bromley noted, “For those who track the attendance of Junior Hockey…the season average (attendance) is 2,964 per game. That number is down 30 from last year’s numbers."

- 2008 Average = 2,964
- 2006-'07 including playoffs = 3,064
- '06-'60 including playoffs = 3,294
- '04-'05 including playoffs = 3,499

He continues, "You can see a dropping trend over the past four seasons in Cranbrook. Tough to see the numbers drop…with no losing seasons among their 10 in Cranbrook. It makes you wonder how major junior hockey can survive in Cranbrook.”

For more in depth Kootenay Ice commentary follow Jeff Bromley’s Ice Chips reports at www.jeffbromley.blogspot.com.

MARCH 28

BC Mining Association appoints new communications director

Diana Scott, news director at Cranbrook's Jim Pattison Broadcast Group radio stations, The Drive and B-104, is leaving the local broadcaster to take on a new challenge. Scott has been appointed the new communications director for the BC Mining Association based out of Vancouver.

Her new responsibilities will include raising the profile of the benefits of mining and exploration in the region and in B.C. She assumes the new position as the association’s new communications director on April 7th.

The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) speaks on behalf of mineral and coal producers and advanced development companies involved in the exploration, development and smelting of minerals in British Columbia, Canada. In doing so, it has come to be regarded as the predominant voice of mining in British Columbia.

www.mining.bc.ca

MARCH 27

Cranbrook Wal-Mart welcomes new manager

Wal-Mart is the world’s largest retailer and Wal-Mart in Cranbrook is one of the Kootenay region’s busiest stores. This week saw the arrival of Jeffrey Dyck as new store manager at the Cranbrook store. He was previously manager of Wal-Mart in Penticton and has over 20 years of retail and consumer packaged goods experience.

Wal-Mart (Cranbrook) recently appeared on Kootenay Business magazine’s list of Top 100 employers in the Kootenays at number 30 with 207 employees.

MARCH 26

Trail's AM Ford continues to expand

AM Ford in Trail has been on a hiring spree lately, as this dynamic West Kootenay
dealership continues to grow and expand. In addition to their location in Glenmerry, AM Ford recently opened AM Ford Plus near the Waneta Shopping Centre. Former Creston resident, Darcy Howard and Trail-born Wayne Bortolussi have joined the AM Ford sales and leasing team. AM Ford celebrated their 25th Anniversary in business last year.

For more about AM Ford visit www.amford.com.

MARCH 25

College of the Rockies receives support for trades programs

College of the Rockies Cranbrook campus will receive $156,721 for new equipment that will update and enhance trades training programs, announced East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett.

"The trades industry is one of the fastest growing job sectors in Cranbrook and the province," said Bennett. "Our government is once again demonstrating its commitment to supporting education and preparing our students for the workforce."

College of the Rockies will receive new equipment for heavy duty mechanics, carpentry, welding and automotive service technician programs in Cranbrook. Another $5 million for new equipment was provided in 2006 to the Trades Training Consortium of B.C., which is made up of the public post-secondary institutions that deliver trades training.

Visit Bill's website at www.billbennettmla.bc.ca.

MARCH 24

Global mining giant heading to the Elk Valley

Global mining giant Rio Tinto Group (fresh off the purchase Alcan) has its eyes set on coal development in the southeast corner of B.C.

“Canada and British Columbia feature strongly in Rio Tinto’s growth plans,” CEO Tom Albanese recently told the Vancouver Board of Trade and reported in Business in Vancouver.

It’s Rio Tinto’s goal to develop a major new greenfield coal project on their Crowsnest property which consists of some 109 square kilometers of coal licenses issued in January and another 82 square kilometres still under application.

Albanese said the property contains an estimated three to four billion tonnes of in-situ coal mineralization as well as large volumes of coking coal.

Rio Tinto believes its coal discovery will be close to existing rail infrastructure. This would increase prospects for development of a high-tonnage, long-life coking coal operation. (www.riotinto.com)

Source: Vancouver Board of Trade and BIV

MARCH 20

Tembec announces new head of Cranbrook operations

Tembec has appointed Jean-Luc Carriere, as the new vice president, of their Forest Products Group—Western Canada. Mr. Carriere will be the senior Tembec manager overseeing forest operations and solid wood mills in Western Canada based in Cranbrook.

He comes from a business/marketing background and mostly recently was vice president of sales and marketing for the company. He joined Tembec in 1995 and has held a variety of positions in North American and Europe. Mr. Carriere and his family will reside in Cranbrook.

MARCH 19

2008 East Kootenay Regional Housing Forum

CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING CORPORATION is presenting an upcoming
progam called Building Partnerships for affordable housing.

The program includes best practices in affordable housing partnerships; acclaimed keynote speakers tools and processes to build affordable housing projects; an ask the experts interactive panel of networking opportunities with partners from government, affordable housing development professionals community organizations and the private sector

This 2008 EAST KOOTENAY REGIONAL HOUSING FORUM will take place on
April 22, 2008 Registration fee $35 (lunch included), at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort in Cranbrook, B.C.

Limited space, register early at http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/Conference/ekhousingforum.
For more information, call (250) 489-4356 ext. 102.

MARCH 18

Names in the auto biz

Travis Bolton has joined the Kootenay Import Auto Group as a sales representative at Hillcrest Hyundai in Cranbrook.

Kootenay Import Auto Group has also hired Michelle Bryant as the finance manager at the busy Arrow Motors Volkswagen dealership.

Mark Potvin, formerly with Kootenay Import Auto Group, has gone across the street to Cranbrook Dodge as their new sales/lease assistant manager.

MARCH 17

Selkirk College again takes top honours at B.C. tourism conference

For the second year in a row, a team from Selkirk College won top spot and $1,000 in prize money at the B.C. Student Case Study Competition, which was held last month in Vancouver.

Each year, students from B.C.’s colleges and universities are invited to make presentations at an annual conference sponsored by the B.C. Centre for Tourism Leadership and Innovations (BCTLI). Over 700 delegates attended this year.

Selkirk’s team—Kellan McKeen, from North Vancouver, Mallory Attorp, Grand Forks, and Frank Shin, Nelson, all students in the Resort and Hotel Management Program—researched province-wide yield management, the impact of the rising Canadian dollar and capacity utilization.

“It was really interesting to see how everything we learned in our classes, and everything we researched for our presentation, involves really current and relevant issues in the tourism industry,” McKeen said. “I think our success was largely due to our ability to touch on these hot topics.”

MARCH 14

CBT takes action on climate change

The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is taking action on climate change. From coordinating research documents on regional climate change impacts to working with communities on adapting to anticipated changes, the CBT is helping Basin residents understand climate change impacts and helping communities move to action.

The CBTs current climate change projects include:

- Working with communities to help them plan how they will adapt to anticipated climate change impacts;

- Helping local governments understand ways to document community carbon footprints and reduce emissions;

- Hosting a climate change webpage that will respond to the information needs of residents; and

- Producing science-based, technical research documents to help residents understand what climate change will mean for the Columbia Basin and translating them into plain language.

Climate change already is and will continue to influence residents of the Columbia Basin, says Neil Muth, CBT Chief Executive Officer. We are proactively working with residents to help them understand the potential impacts of climate change and develop adaptation tools and techniques."

We are committed to working with a range of partners and experts so Basin residents have access to the best information possible, says Kindy Gosal, CBT Manager of Water Initiatives. Well continue to add content to the webpage and expand our resources for Basin residents. We hope the webpage will become a dynamic forum where people can exchange ideas and learn from one another so we are all prepared for the future.

To learn more visit www.cbt.org/climatechange.

MARCH 13

Evening of Excellence awards

Thank you to the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce and the Cranbrook Banking Association for naming me 2008 Business Person of the Year, at their recent Evening of Excellence Gala held at the Rocky Mountain Prestige Inn on Saturday, March 08, 2008. I am honoured to be recognized with this award and consider it as much a company award as a personal award.

This award is certainly a highlight in my career as the publisher of our locally-owned publishing company in Cranbrook. I thank the management and staff of Koocanusa Publications for their dedicated and hard work.

Winners at the Evening of Excellence Awards included:
Retail Business of the Year—Jewels on Ninth
Customer Service Award—Nutter’s Bulk and Natural Foods
Company of the Year (over 16 employees)—Golden Life Management
Company of the Year (under 16 employees)—Hot Shots
Newsmaker of Year—Mrs. Palmers Pantry
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award—Elizabeth Lake Lodge
Tourism Excellence Award—Friends of Fort Steele
Most Improved Business Image Award—Cranbrook Mall
Food and Beverage Industry Award—Allegra Restaurant
Business Person of the Year—Keith Powell, Koocanusa Publications

MARCH 12

Could tenure swap mean green light for Jumbo?

The Globe and Mail’s Mark Hume is reporting that Columbia Valley based rk helisking is in negotiations with the B.C. government to give up its existing tenure in Jumbo Valley, in return for rights to fly into the Toby Creek drainage, which is linked to the nearby Purcell Wilderness Conservancy.

Hume goes on to report that “rumours that rk heliski is moving—clearing the way for a development at Jumbo—have been circulating for weeks in the Kootenay region, where local environmentalists have been fighting the $900-million project since it was first proposed.

There has even been speculation that the government was engaged in backroom negotiations to relocate the heli-ski operation as a final step before granting approval to the Jumbo Glacier Resort project.”

"Jumbo Glacier Resorts basically takes us out of business," Tom Brinkeroff owner of rk helisking told the newspaper. "I went to the government and said this will wipe us out. ... Is it possible to make application to go into Toby Creek drainage?"

He said rk heliski first raised the question a few years ago, and he recently began pressing the government on the issue again, because of concerns Jumbo Glacier Resort might get approval this year.

But Mr. Brinkerhoff told the Globe and Mail his inquiries with the province have been informal, he has not made an application to relocate, and is not in negotiations with the government.

Complete Globe and Mail story.

MARCH 11

Kootenay CBC station update

According to Ted Kennedy, chief of staff of CBC Radio, for the first time the Heritage Standing Committee has recommended a specific increase in funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, from $33 per capita to $40 per capita, and that the corporation's funding be tied to the cost of living.

The Plan recommends the creation of 15 new local stations (including one based in Cranbrook) and production centres to improve local radio service to eight million Canadians. Four new stations were proposed for both BC and southern Ontario, three each for Alberta and Quebec and one for Saskatchewan.

The committee also recommended that "radio is the best way to ensure affordable local coverage" and said that it supports CBC/Radio-Canada's Radio Plan.

The government has 150 days to respond to the committee's report.

MARCH 10

The incredible shrinking newspaper

Glacier Ventures, the Vancouver-based company, which owns the daily newspapers in Cranbrook, Nelson and Trail, (and a weekly in Fernie, Creston, Castlegar and Grand Forks) has completed its re-sizing of the papers from their longstanding broadsheet format to a more compact tabloid size.

The Cranbrook Daily Townsman and Kimberley Daily Bulletin were the first dailies to convert to the tab format about a year ago. That trend is now being followed by their West Kootenay siblings, the Trail Daily Times and Nelson Daily News.

The Nelson Daily has a press run of 4,000 copies every day and the Trail Daily prints 5,200 daily. Both papers are now printed out of Cranbrook, at the Daily Townsman’s centralize printing plant, allowing for more colour and crisper reproduction.

www.glacierventures.com

MARCH 7

Island Lake Lodge announces receipt of environmental award

Fernie's Island Lake Lodge is the winner of the 2007 Hall of Fame Award of Excellence in the Energy and Environment category from the Hotel Association of Canada. This award recognizes Island Lake Lodge's commitment to preserving the environment and efforts to minimize energy use in its daily operations. Key among these initiatives is the installation and operation of two micro-hydro stations to generate 100 per cent of the lodge's electrical needs.

"We are very proud of our efforts in creating a sustainable and eco-friendly operation. The recognition of being a leader in the hospitality industry is appreciated and we will continue to do our utmost to improve our environmental programs and initiatives," said Kyle Hamilton, building services manager, who was integral in reviewing the company's environmental practices.

Island Lake Resort Group (ILRG) operates Mica Heli Skiing near Revelstoke, B.C., and Powder Cowboy Cat skiing and Island Lake Lodge near Fernie B.C. Island Lake Lodge sits above a stunning mountain lake on 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness. In the winter, it operates as a cat skiing operation, servicing 36 guests in three snow cats.

In the summer it is as a luxurious backcountry lodge, offering hiking, spa and fine dining. Located 20 minutes from Fernie B.C. it is an easy two-and-a-half hour drive from the airport in Kalispell, Montana, or a three-hour drive from Calgary International Airport in Alberta.

www.islandlakeresorts.com

MARCH 6

Cline Mining to push ahead in Flathead

The Cline Mining metallurgical coal mine project proposed for the upper reaches of the Flathead River in southeastern B.C. is going full speed ahead despite widespread opposition across the border in Montana.

"We are actively working to get that done as quickly as we can," said Ken Bates, chief executive officer of Cline Mining Corp. "We are hell-bent to get it done and are pushing the government to get it done. I'm sorry they are taking so long."

Cline's determination to push forward comes as another company, BP Canada Energy Co., has deferred indefinitely the portion of its $3-billion coal bed methane project that lies in the Flathead River drainage. While the Flathead drainage has been taken off the table for the BP Canada coal bed methane project, no such decision has been made about the Cline coal mine proposal.

"It [the mine proposal] is in a preapplication stage for the B.C. environmental process," said Graham Currie, media spokesman with the B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

Bates said the Coal Association of Canada is trying to organize a meeting within the next few weeks with B.C. officials to try and kick-start the permitting process.

Source: Globe and Mail

MARCH 5

Kootenay Savings shares a record $5.5 million in profit

Kootenay Savings Board of Directors has announced that it is distributing 4.5 million dollars in profits back to its members. Forrest Drinnan, chair of the board, also announced the payment of a five per cent dividend on membership and patronage shares.

"We've had an extremely successful year and in addition to the record $4.5 million in profit sharing dividends, we are particularly pleased to have contributed another $1,000,000 to the Kootenay Savings Community Foundation,” said Drinnan.

This marks the seventh consecutive year Kootenay Savings has paid a 10 per cent patronage shares dividend based on interest earned on deposits and interest paid on loans.

"Our vision for Kootenay Savings is 'to be the best provider of financial services and the best place to work in the communities we serve'," said president and chief executive officer Brent Tremblay. "Our commitment to the health of our communities, our member-owners, and our employees is well recognized. And best of all, our profits stay here in the Kootenays, building stronger communities. Local ownership, local decision-making, and local knowledge—it's a winning combination."

Since its introduction in 1992, Kootenay Savings has distributed over 48.5 million dollars back to its members. Kootenay Savings Credit Union, with corporate offices in Trail, is a member-owned financial institution with thirteen branches throughout the Kootenays, $680 million in assets, 40,000 members and over 250 employees.

MARCH 4

Cranbrook-based company expert in disaster restoration

The Canadian Disaster Restorations Group (CDRG) announced the acceptance of a western member, Home-Aid Restorations in Cranbrook, B.C. Home-Aid Restorations Ltd. is a family-run, full-service restoration business. Located in the heart of the East Kootenays, Home-Aid Restorations services the Cranbrook, Kimberly, Elk Valley and Creston areas. Home-Aid Restorations Ltd., is currently the only IICRC certified firm in the area, and is run by Nathan and Jennifer Siebert. Together they hold ten IICRC certifications and specialize in mould remediation and asbestos abatement.

Home-Aid Restorations has become a leader in the interior of B.C. in restoration and remediation. Their complete line of services includes the following: 24-hour emergency response, dry-ice blasting, water, fire and smoke restoration, asbestos abatemen, mould remediation and thermography.

Home Aid Restorations have a reputation for being honest, ethical, reliable, and creative. Since no two jobs are alike, they are always creative in their approach to each project.

For more information contact them at (250) 417-3753.

MARCH 3

Nelson builder expands and to hire up to 10 more people

Nelson-based Mandala Custom Homes, now in its eight year, has decided that the best way to meet the growing demand for energy-efficient buildings is to offer round and square buildings. They’ve just completed construction of a new production facility on Highway 3A south of Nelson to increase production capability.

“This is a huge step for the company,” said owner Lars Chose. “We’ve been building green for years, but with the growing public awareness of climate change and rising fuel costs, interest in energy-efficient buildings has really taken off in the last year and a half. We’ve re-tooled our business model somewhat because lots of people want healthy, energy-efficient homes but not necessarily round ones.”

With the new production facility, Mandala is able to pre-fabricate any size and shape of structure, either one of their own pre-designs or a custom design they do or ones brought to them by a client, contractor or developer.

“Round homes, square homes, garages, cottages, or even whole developments—you name it, we can build it,” said Chose.

To maximize the new factory’s capacity, Chose anticipates hiring between eight to 10 more shop crew and designers in the coming months.

Check out www.mandalahomes.com.