Kootenay BizBlog :: Keith Powell

“No” to Nelson Hydro selling power

Nelson Hydro’s Bonnington Dam generated almost $200,000 in revenue for the City of Nelson in 2008 but BC Utility Commission has nixed the idea. Photo courtesy: Virtual Museum

According to a report in the Nelson Express newspaper, the BC Utility Commission has nixed the sales of power from Nelson Hydro’s Bonnington Dam to power re-seller Northpoint, a Saskatchewan-based company.

The Commission stated in part…“The Commission Panel is persuaded that a rate allowing for the sale of power by self-generators, not in excess of their historical loads, is unjust and unreasonable and therefore contrary to the public interest.”

The City of Nelson, on the other hand, made the allegation that certain acts by BC Hydro constituted anti-competitive acts and if the Commission granted the relief sought by BC Hydro, it would be endorsing such anti-competitive behaviour. In any event, the City of Nelson argued that evidence of such anti-competitive acts should weigh in the decision-making by the Commission Panel in this proceeding.

The agreement with NorthPoint Energy had already generated some $176,000 for the City of Nelson and was projected to be worth $560,000 in 2009.

Sales team is stronger at Certified Coating Specialists Inc.

Janet Nacario A Welcome Addition

Click here to learn more about Certified Coating Specialists Inc.

In order to “get the message out about what CCS can do for industry” and enhance response time to customer needs, CCS Coatings of Castlegar has added an assistant sales manager to the management team. Janet Nacario is a welcomed addition who shall assume responsibility for marketing and direct sales development.

Her Langara College education in business administration and communications and work experience is well-matched for her focus at CCS. Janet has been a team member in expanding the business of a manufacturer of custom teak products into the North American market, expanding an American software company into Canada, the coordination of a million dollar heavy equipment retro-fit project, with her last position as a coordinator of a national sales force for a contractor supply company.

Janet’s strengths lie in the administrative and web-based aspects of marketing and sales. With a mandate to develop effective marketing programs for CCS services and coordinating direct sales efforts for the management team, Janet is expected to make a significant contribution to the realization of corporate positioning and revenue goals.

On asked what she thought about her decision to come over to CCS, “I am thrilled at the opportunity of joining such a dynamic group … at CCS”.

C.C.S. excels in lead abatement, industrial and marine coating. The company is SSPC QP1 and QP2, and COR certified, the first BC company to achieve this status, a direct result of a commitment to exceed customer expectations.

For additional information please visit the corporate web site at www.ccscoatings.ca

Highway visibility a key to new Creston Valley Visitors Info Centre

The attractive new home of the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Keith Powell

With the grand opening of the new Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Centre during Creston’s annual Blossom Festival, complete with Mayor Ron Toyota cutting the official ribbon, the City of Creston marks a new era of growth and expansion.

Chamber president Murray Oswald, of Labatt’s Brewery and home of Kokanee Beer, says that with the opening of the new building the Creston Valley Chamber has changed and they are looking forward to sharing their success story with the Kootenays.

The new Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Centre is located at the foot of Canyon in a newly renovated building that formerly housed Home Hardware. In addition to being more spacious and highly visible to visitors, the new Centre has generous amounts of room for staff and parking as well.

New Lordco building coming to Castlegar

The new Lordco building is shaping up nicely in Castlegar. Photo by Keith Powell

Castlegar is abuzz these days with a number of new building projects on the go. One of the most visible projects is the new Lordco Auto Parts building taking shape on Columbia Avenue right next to the Sandman Hotel.

The building is at lockup stage with interior finishing and exterior paving still to be completed. From all appearances the new store should be completed by early or mid-summer. Lordco in Castlegar is currently located further south on Columbia Avenue in the 2300 block.

Lordco Auto Parts is a BC-based auto parts retailer, actually BC's largest retailer of auto parts and accessories, with over 90 locations throughout British Columbia.

New Creston winery set to come on stream

The distinctive new building of Creston’s new Picker’s Ridge Winery. Photo by Keith Powell

Right next door to the existing Skimmerhorn Winery and Bistro in Creston, a new winery called Picker’s Ridge is getting ready to open.

The new vineyards have been planted and a limited harvest is expected this year. A spacious, newly constructed, building will house an on-site winemaker and also has suites for staff and the necessary wine making vats and cellars.

Picker’s Ridge will undoubtedly add to a growing interest in Creston Valley wine producing. The owners of the new winery currently live in Calgary.

The two winery are important aspect of Agri-tourism that the Creston Valley is developing and promoting.

New Kimberley Village Market to Launch

Kimberley Village Market is set to run in the Platzl Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Photo by Jeffrey Cooper

The Kimberley Chamber of Commerce is moving forward to initiate an exciting new event, the Kimberley Village Market. The Market is set to run in the Platzl Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm from June 21 to September 6.

To date over 30 vendors from the region have expressed interest in participating. Artisan and farmers markets all over the province have been very successful in attracting visitors and locals into the community.

“Increased consumer traffic will benefit all and the Village Market will add to the wonderful Kimberley lifestyle that we enjoy. Vendors will be pre-approved to ensure quality and variety. Food-stuffs will be limited to produce and “epicurian” products such as home-made jams & jellies, hot sauces, etc that will not directly compete with our wonderful cafes and restaurants. Artisans will be featuring their one of a kind creations,” the Chamber stated.

All downtown businesses are invited to take part with sidewalk tables/sales, open patios and warm smiles!

For further information please contact the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce manager@kimberleychamber.com

Saluting 25 years in business

Darrell Kemle holds a recently received 25th Anniversary plaque from the Ford Motor Company of Canada. Photo courtesy: Keith Powell

Darrell Kemle and his staff at Kokanee Ford in Creston are celebrating 25 years in business in 2009. This makes Kokanee Ford one of the longest running Ford dealership in the region.

Located on Creston busy Northwest Boulevard Kokanee Ford shares its space with agriculture equipment dealership and sister company, Kemlee Equipment, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Kokanee Ford is a full line Ford dealership offering sales, service and parts to customers throughout the Kootenays.

Delta To Fly Weekly Summer Service To YXC

Jet air summer service will begin June 20 with once a week Saturday flights servicing YXC (Canadian Rockies International) until September 5 (Labour Day weekend.) Photo courtesy: Keith Powell

Delta Air Lines will fly to Canadian Rockies International Airport for the summer season in 2009.

The announcement of continued jet air service between Cranbrook and Delta’s western hub at Salt Lake City was made recently, just as the winter service came to an end with the last flight on March 29.

The summer service will begin June 20 with once a week Saturday flights servicing YXC (Canadian Rockies International) until September 5 (Labour Day weekend.)

“Delta has been evaluating all routes within their network since the merger with Northwest Airlines and particularly in light of the economic uncertainty in the U.S,” comments YXC Managing Director, Phillip Elchitz.

“We are delighted that we will be enjoying continued service to YXC for the summer season based on strong results shown during our first winter season, which is now complete. Despite many challenges associated with starting up a new route such as ours, February and March showed strong bookings and solid support from the community.”

Chris Dadson, President of Kootenay Rockies Tourism, is also very pleased with the continuation of service and with the results of the first season.

“Our ski season started slowly in the Kootenay Rockies region and that was reflected in our December and January inbound numbers. But, as the season picked up and word continued to spread of our region’s new accessibility through Delta service, our load factors grew quickly and demonstrated a solid trend line right to the end of the season.”

Kootenay Rockies Tourism staff and their winter resort partners are attending a number of trade marketplaces this spring to talk with tour operators about the second season of winter service.

The Delta flights from Cranbrook to Salt Lake City connect to hundreds of other cities worldwide. Bookings can now be made online at www.Delta.com or through your local travel agent.

Columbia Valley Business excellence awards

The winners lineup for a photo with their awards hoisted high. Congratulations to all the winners! Photo compliments The Columbia Valley Pioneer.

The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce recently held their annual Business Excellence Awards in which they recognized the achievements of the businesses throughout the Windermere Valley. The gala evening event was held at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and the winners were…

• Professional Services — Macdonald Thomas Law Office
• Tourism/Hospitality — Copper Point Golf Club
• Food and Beverage — Hoodoo Lounge and Grill
• Business Excellence — North Area — Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
• Retailer of the Year — AG Valley Foods
• Entrepreneur of the Year — Summit Footwear and Apparel
• Employee of the Year — Ben Gagne - Lucky Strike Gas
• Business Excellence — Central Area — Valley Hawk Security
• Contractor/Trade/Builder — Invermere Electric Ltd.
• Business Excellence — South Area — Valley Alley Bowling Centre
• Business of the Year 1 - 15 Employees — BMO - Bank of Montreal
• Business of the Year - 16 or More Employees — Sobeys
• Newsmaker of the Year — Gerry Taft

Selkirk College and WPSE Sponsor Women in Leadership

From left to right, Certified Life Coach Pauline Daniel,Welding Artist Kate Tupper and Kootenay West MLA Katrine Conroy recently spoke at the Women in Leadership Luncheon Series held in Kaslo and Nakusp.

Selkirk College’s Continuing Education department, in partnership with the Women in Post-Secondary Education Association (WPSE), recently sponsored two inspiring and exhilarating events for women of all agesand stages of their lives.

The Women in Leadership Luncheon Series, held in Kaslo and Nakusp earlier this spring, played host to over 50 women from the West Kootenay region who brought not only their unique backgrounds to the forefront, but also their talents, experiences and reflections on their personal and professional development.

“My mission is to inspire people to step fully into their lives,” explained Pauline Daniel, a certified life coach. “This series encouraged women to lead with their hearts and create a future filled with personal success and achievement. It was very beneficial for everyone involved.”

The Women in Leadership Luncheon Series were made possible through the sponsorship of Selkirk College and the award of the Margaret Fulton Grant provided through WPSE.

An additional conference for women entitled “Creating Harmony in Times of Change: Global and Personal Perspectives”, will be taking place at Halcyon Hot Springs in Nakusp from June 5 - 7. The conference will feature Selkirk College instructor, Rosalyn Grady, who will be speaking on the topic of “Women’s Wisdom and Guidance from the Grandmothers.” Rosalyn teaches at the college and the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. Her doctorate studies focused on earth based spirituality and conscious relationship.

For more information or to register for this conference, contact Anni Holtby at 1.866.301.6601 ext 227, email conference@selkirk.ca or visit www.selkirk.ca.

Canfor announces appointment of new chairman

Photo of Ron Cliff. Photo courtesy: www.canfor.com

Mr. Ron Cliff has been appointed the Chairman of the Board of Canfor. Mr. Cliff has been a director of the Company since 1983 and was formerly Chairman of the Board of BC Gas Inc., now Terasen Inc.

Canfor operates one sawmill in the Kootenays at Radium Hot Springs. Canfor Corporation (TSX:CFP) also announced that after serving as Canfor’s chairman since 1982, Peter Bentley has decided to step down as Chairman of the Board effective today.

Mr. Bentley will remain as director of the Company and has been appointed Chairman Emeritus. Jim Shepard, President and CEO of Canfor said, “The tenacity shown by the spirit of our employees and the loyalty of our highly-valued customers are vital reasons for Canfor’s ability to successfully endure the current market meltdown. These Canfor strengths are a fine legacy of Peter Bentley’s leadership of the Company. We are pleased that he will be remaining as a director and continuing to provide management with his guidance and support.”

Fernie’s Eco Dogs gives your dog a “green” trim

Source: Fernie Chamber Newsletter

Eco Dogs offers a variety of services, including brush-outs, bathing, trimming, specific clips, mat removal and nail clipping. Photo courtesy: Fernie Chamber

We pamper ourselves with visits to the spa, a pedicure, getting our hair done& well what about our pets?

Eco Dogs Pet Grooming, a recent startup service in Fernie, offers just that for those furry friends that make our lives so much fun. Having your dog groomed is also a fantastic way to get seasonal shedding under control and keep your home clean! A tidy up and trim can significantly reduce the amount of mud and burrs your dog picks up on the trail, and allow them to dry faster after a quick dip in the river.

Owner/operator Tessa Knoop started the business in October 2008 in response tomany, many requests for another dog groomer in town, specifically, at BarksidePets. She has many years of experience in caring for and grooming large dogs and completed an accredited dog-grooming course through ICS.

Eco Dogs offers a variety of services, including brush-outs, bathing, trimming,specific clips, mat removal and nail clipping.Our facilities are located at Barkside Pets on 6th Ave in Fernie, BC.We use ecologically friendly, biodegradable products only.Eco Dogs 250-531-0633 for your dog’s next spa experience!

CBT DOUBLES COMMITMENT TO LITERACY

Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy receives $1.2 million

Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO, visited an ESL family programin Trail on April 17 to present a cheque for $1.2 million toward CBALprograms over the next three years. Pictured are program participants aswell as program facilitator Jamie Santano, CBAL Community LiteracyCoordinator Desneiges Profili, CBAL Executive Director Ali Wassing, NeilMuth and CBAL ESL facilitator Karen Siemens.

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is doubling its supportfor Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) programming to $1.2million over the next three years.

“CBT is proud to be able to increase its support and provide certaintyand stability to CBAL, allowing them to build effective and qualityprograms and networks,” said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO. “Literacyskills are vital to the health and well-being of our communities andCBAL creates a range of opportunities for residents to embrace languageand learning through literature, socialization and education. We hopethis renewed partnership will support CBAL’s continued efforts inachieving greater literacy in this region.”

CBT has been partnering with CBAL since its inception in 2000. Starting with five literacy programs, CBAL now operates 115 successful literacy programs in 16 Basin communities providing residents with access to programs in reading, writing, early language learning, English as a second language support and computer literacy. Through partnerships and collaboration with community groups, including schools, colleges, and libraries, CBAL offers programs designed to best meet the specific needs of individual communities.

“CBAL is very fortunate to have had the support of CBT in order to build a strong and sustainable literacy framework for communities in the Columbia Basin,” said Ali Wassing, Executive Director CBAL. “Our coordinators have established strong networks and partnerships to provide the programs and events that educate people about the importance of literacy and support community actions related to literacy. Working together we have been able to help people of all ages realize the impact that even a small increase in literacy can have in their lives.”

This commitment translates into $400,000 each year in support of CBAL’s activities throughout the Columbia Basin region, including Castlegar, Cranbrook, Creston, Elk Valley, Golden, Grand Forks, Kaslo, Kimberley, Nakusp, Nelson, Revelstoke, Salmo, Slocan Valley, Trail, Valemount and Windermere Valley. To learn more about CBAL and their programs, visit www.cbal.org.

Selkirk Presents Honorary Diplomas and Distinguished Educator Award

Selkirk College recently presented Honorary Diplomas and the Distinguished Educator Award to supporters of the college. From left to right, Honorary Diploma recipient Dr. Jack Colbert of Trail (Liberal Arts and Sciences), Francyne Laliberte on behalf of Honorary Diploma recipient Michael Chapman (Nursing) and Dr. Peter Wood, recipient of the Distinguished Educator Award. Photo credit: Carrie Voysey

Over the years, individuals have contributed to Selkirk College's success in numerous ways. To recognize these people, the college proudly presents Honorary Diplomas and a Distinguished Educator Award on an annual basis.

This year, Honorary Diplomas were presented to Dr. Jack Colbert of Trail and Michael Chapman of Nelson. The Distinguished Educator Award was presented to Dr. Peter Wood of South Slocan. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to the college over the years.

The diplomas and award are granted by Selkirk's Board of Governors to recognize persons who have distinguished themselves by their significant contributions to the college and/or by professional accomplishments in their field, and whose excellence has reflected positively upon the college.

Selkirk staff, faculty and management are proud to acknowledge these strong supporters of post-secondary learning and are grateful for their dedication and ongoing contributions to the college.

Iron Range Project near Creston holds promise

Eagle Plains Resources. Photo credit: www.eagleplains.com

Cranbrook-based Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (EPL:TSX-V) has received final results from a 20-hole 1,670m (5,500’) drill program completed during 2008 on the Iron Range project, located in the Goat River area 15km NE of Creston, B.C.. The property consists of 9,400 ha owned 100% by Eagle Plains and has no underlying royalties or encumbrances. The claims are well situated with respect to infrastructure; with a high pressure gas pipeline, high-voltage hydroelectric line, railway and major highway located within property boundaries. 2008 drilling was completed by Apex Drilling of Smithers, B.C., with the program carried out under the overall supervision of C.C. Downie, P.Geo.

Tim Termuende, P.Geo., President and CEO of Eagle Plains commented recently “We are excited and encouraged by the discovery of high-grade gold mineralization at Iron Range. The confirmed presence of precious metals in a new district within a prominent regional structure of this size and continuity creates a very attractive exploration target. With its easy access and excellent location relative to major infrastructure, the property will see considerable attention by Eagle Plains in the coming field season” Eagle Plains intends to aggressively follow-up the discovery during 2009, with advanced fieldwork and drilling currently being planned.

Fruitvale's Mountain Side Village Residents Move In

Mountain Side Village. Photo credit: www.cbt.org

Recently, Columbia Basin Trust and Golden Life Management opened the doors of its eighth partnered senior housing facility in the Village of Fruitvale.

Mountain Side Village is a 53-suite independent living facility that offers a caring, safe and welcoming atmosphere for seniors and their families.

“With the amount of interest in Mountain Side Village it is obvious that there is a need for it in this area and we’re proud to be able to offer our services to local seniors,” said Celeste Mullin from Golden Life Management.

While residents started moving in on a scheduled calendar since January, an open house for the general public was held on February 14. This opportunity was welcomed by many of the families and friends of the new residents to Mountain Side Village, as well as by future hopeful residents said Mullin.

“After more than a year of planning, design and construction we were thrilled to open the doors to the community,” Mullin said. “We welcomed between three and four hundred people, whose positive comments and notable excitement turned the day into a fantastic event. There is amazing community spirit here and we are happy to be a part of it.”

Similar to sister projects, Mountain Side Village offers terrific amenities and services to its residents such as a chef-prepared meals, social activities and entertainment, 24 hour emergency monitoring, housekeeping, transportation, fitness classes, library, games room, hair salon and computer lab.

“We were very pleased to hear about the way this facility is being received by the community and residents,” said Johnny Strilaeff, CBT Vice President of Investments. “We invest in these properties not only because they provide positive, long-term value to CBT’s investment portfolio, but we also realize that excellent senior’s care and housing is a growing concern for Basin communities and we believe this is a way CBT can make a tangible impact for many families.”

CBT also has ownership interest in seven other seniors’ care facilities in the region, offering a total of 685 living suites with a range of services depending on the needs of residents. Last fall, construction began on Lake View Village in Nelson which upon completion will add an additional 85 units.

For more information on Golden Life Management and any of the facilities they manage visit www.goldenlifemanagement.ca or for more information on how CBT invests in these facilities visit www.cbt.org/Investments.

Donna Markin on the board of Venture Kamloops

Donna Markin, former manager of Tamarack Centre in Cranbrook has joined the Board of Directors of Venture Kamloops. Photo credit: Kamloops Chamber of Commerce.

Donna Markin, along with Ken Lepin, have joined the Board of Directors of Venture Kamloops Business Development Society – the economic development arm of the City of Kamloops.

Donna Markin, who is the General Manager of Aberdeen Mall, has 20 years of experience in the shopping centre industry. Hired with Cadillac Fairview as a Marketing Manager in 1989 she quickly moved to the Operations side of the business where she was able to develop her skills in people management, strategic planning and business development.

She has been a resident of Kamloops since 1999, she is a passionate advocate for business and retail. Donna is optimistic that Kamloops is the best place to be doing business today, and looks forward to contributing to the ongoing success of the community.

Donna’s Kootenay connection is that she was the General Manager of Cranbrook's Tamarack Centre for many years when the shopping centre was owned by Cadillac Fairview back in the 1990’s.

New CEO at Grand Forks Credit Union

Kelly Thomas takes over as new CEO May 1, 2009 of the Grand Fork Credit Union. Photo Credit: Grand Forks Credit Union.

The Grand Forks Credit Union (GFCU) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Thomas as the Credit Union’s Chief Executive Officer effective May 1, 2009. Kelly Thomas joined the Credit Union in 1993 as Manager of Retail Credit. By 1999, he took on the role of Operations Manager.

“We are very pleased Kelly has accepted this position,” said Michael Strukoff, Chair of the GFCU Board. “Kelly has the experience and expertise we require to lead our Credit Union through these economically challenging times.” The Board underwent a Canada-wide search for a new CEO and engaged the services of Central 1 Human Resources to assist with the task. More than thirty candidates from across the country applied for the position.

Thomas said, “I am pleased to accept the position of CEO. Our 60 years of success are attributed to the strength and talent of our entire team combined with the confidence our members have in Grand Forks Credit Union to provide them with creative, competitive, trusted financial solutions. I look forward to building on our tradition of local people helping local people.”

Kelly was primarily raised in the Lower Mainland. He joined the Credit Union in 1993 as Manager of Retail Credit. By 1999, he took on the role of Operations Manager. His experience in the banking industry has spanned more than 26 years. Before joining GFCU, Kelly progressed through a variety of management positions with Canada Trust. Kelly's specific area of expertise is retail and commercial credit/lending. Kelly was educated in finance at Vancouver College and in 2000 completed the Credit Union Management Studies program at Dalhousie University being awarded the designation Associate of the Credit Union Institute of Canada. Kelly has been married to Judi Thomas for almost 25 years. Judi is a part-time instructor at Selkirk College and volunteers with a number of community groups and events. They have two sons — Sean, 17, who is graduating this year and Ryan, 15, who is into basketball.

Grand Forks Credit Union has approximately 10,000 members, nearly $200,000,000 in assets, and has served Boundary area citizens since 1949 with more than 50 employees who live and work in the area. GFCU offers investment, borrowing, retirement planning, and banking services through various means including the internet, ATM, telephone, and in person in the branch.

Selkirk College Graduates

Selkirk College Graduates. Photo credit: Peter Moll

Nearly 300 students graduated from a variety of programs at Selkirk College’s Convocation Ceremony on Friday, April 24th at the Castlegar Campus. Friends, family, Selkirk staff and faculty were present to show their support for students' achievements. The valedictory address was undertaken by Hailey Rilkoff and the Student Professional Award Pin was presented to Katrina Ady. Honorary Diplomas were presented to Dr. Jack Colbert (Liberal Arts and Sciences) and Michael Chapman (Nursing) while the Distinguished Educator Award was presented to Dr. Peter Wood.