Kootenay BizBlog :: Keith Powell

PLEASE NOTE: Kootenay Biz Blog will take a break between Dec 23 - Jan 3rd. It will return Jan 5, 2009

First Alpine Guide Service Debuts in Revelstoke, British Columbia

Revelstoke Alpine Adventures offers personalized mountain experiences for everyone from seasoned backcountry enthusiasts to families; first courses and guiding underway now. Photo courtesy: Revelstoke Alpine Adventures

Revelstoke Alpine Adventures (RAA), the first alpine guide service in Revelstoke, British Columbia, opens the door to Canada’s world-renowned backcountry for seasoned enthusiasts, first-time adventurers and families who want an extraordinarily unique, personalized outdoor vacation experience.

Making its world debut Dec. 8, RAA offers an entirely new and premiere option to explore and enjoy the best of Canada’s backcountry. RAA is offering guided services for skiing, hiking, waterfall ice climbing, rock climbing, and mountaineering adventures, as well as avalanche skills training courses.

Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Revelstoke is a world-class destination for year-round backcountry experiences. Having guided in the Revelstoke area for a combined 40 years, RAA owners Norm Winter and David Scott are seasoned veterans and experts in planning guest-appropriate routes and experiences. Both Winter and Scott are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and members of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association. Additionally, all RAA guides will be professional and certified by the ACMG, which takes a minimum of 5 years of training and testing.

“Our experiences range from several hours to several days,” says co-owner Norm Winter. “We provide experienced professionally certified guides who personally coach guests throughout the journey. Guests can count on our team to help them push personal limits while balancing adventure and safety. We’ve had many guests tell us at the end of a trip that they cannot believe what they were able to accomplish. Our guests have told us that many of these experiences change their lives and expand their personal boundaries.”

Moreover, RAA offers stellar personalized and detailed service for each guest. Guests’ interests, experience and goals are discussed in detail with RAA staff in advance of booking the trip so RAA can recommend the best – and perhaps a variety of – options. And the personal touches don’t stop there as the RAA team can help guests plan things like transportation, lodging, childcare, dining reservations, etc. Guests particularly like the photos that are taken throughout the journey to commemorate memorable situations, accomplishments and companions.

For more information on Revelstoke Alpine Adventures, call 877-837-7141, or visit www.revelstokealpineadventures.com.

Wetland News from the Creston Valley

MEET THE WETLAND CREW: (left to right): Angela Hoover – Office Administrator, Marc-Andre Beaucher – Area Manager and Chief Biologist, Richard L. Dalon - Chief Executive Officer, Gillian Cooper – Director of Education and Interpretation Centre, Ann deJagger – Director of Development and Executive Assistant to CEO, and Carla Haegele – Stewardship, Communications Special Projects Manager. Photo courtesy: Wetlander

The Creston Valley Wildlife Interpretation Centre’s, CEO, Richard Dalon, is reporting a busy 2008 with over 7,000 visitors this season from May to October. Their hour-long guided canoe tours were very popular with 1,659 people paddling their way through the wetland.

Their elementary school programs, which includes the Bug Show, Classroom with Outdoors and Nocturnal Adventures Sleepovers, and high school stewardship program saw 1,734 students involved in hands-on environmental education.

Over 700 people were involved in the Centre’s science and nature programs such as the Jr. Naturalists, Mallard Mornings, Father’s Day Sleepover and Herb Walks, to name a few.

The Creston Valley Wildlife Interpretation Centre is located just west of Creston off of Highway #3.

FLY YXC Alliance Receives $186,000

Andy Cohen (right) of RCR accepts a cheque from Sparwood mayor David Wilks, a director of SIDIT. Photo by: Keith Powell

At the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at the newly expanded Canadian Rockies International Airport on Wednesday, December 17, 2008, just before the arrival of the Delta Airlines flight #4543, the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust presented a cheque for $186,000 to the Fly YXC Alliance Society.

Andy Cohen, general manager of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) and a committee member of the Fly YXC Alliance, was on hand to accept the cheque from Sparwood mayor David Wilks, who is a director of the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust.

The cheque is to support the continued development of the new Delta Airlines connection between Salt Lake City, Cranbrook and region.

The mission of the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust is to support regionally strategic investments in economic development projects that will have long-lasting and measurable regional benefits for the Southern Interior. For more information about the Trust visit their website at www.sidit-bc.ca

Historic Delta Flight Lands in Cranbrook

Delta flight #4543 arrives at the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook to a cheering crowd of enthusiastic welcomers. Photo by: Keith Powell

What is being described as a historic moment for the City of Cranbrook and the entire Kootenay region took place at the newly expanded Canadian Rockies International Airport December 17, 2008.

The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce hosted a sold-out luncheon to welcome the new Delta flight to town. At exactly 1:08 pm, Delta flight #4543 touched down on the runway and taxied up to a cheering crowd, who braved the cold and snow to welcome the inaugural flight direct from Salt Lake City, Utah.

This initial flight was the culmination of many years of diligent effort and thousands of hours of time spent on behalf of the Fly YXC Alliance led by chairman John Sheehan.

The inaugural flight had a wide variety of local civic and tourism officials aboard. They included John Sheehan; Chris Dadson, executive director, Kootenay Rockies Tourism; Mike Smith, chair of the board of Kootenay Rockies Tourism; Ken Fisher, secretary-treasurer of Kootenay Rockies Tourism; Kathy Cooper, Kootenay Rockies Tourism; Don Foxgord, VP of Tourism B.C.; Cranbrook mayor, Scott Manjak; City of Cranbrook CFO, Wayne Staudt; Wendy Van Puymbroeck, of St Eugene Golf Resort; Fred Mehl and Gary Barrett, of Shadow Mountain Golf Course; and Steve Russell of the local radio station.

The three-times-a-week flight from Salt Lake City links the Kootenays with the biggest airline network in the world—with the recent merger of Delta and NWA.

As one observer stated, “If you could bottle the enthusiasm in this airport terminal today, I think we could solve the worldwide recession.”

Local tourism operators anticipate the new air link will provide a gateway for American travellers—skiers, golfers, adventure-seekers—to easily access the resorts of the region.

For more info visit www.flyyxc.com

Cranbrook McDonald’s Employee Honoured with Prestigious McDonald’s Canada Award

From Left to Right: John Betts, President, McDonald’s Canada; David Kaiser and his wife Roxanne; Roger Rusnell; Bob Carpenter, Director of Franchising and Field Service and Audrey Sabiston, Field Service Manager —Photo Courtesy: McDonald’s Canada

Cranbrook McDonald’s employee Roger Rusnell has been presented with a 2008 Ray Kroc Award from McDonald␁s Canada. This award honours the top 1% of all McDonald’s restaurant managers across Canada who have achieved excellent results in overall restaurant operations.

“Roger has certainly earned this acknowledgement,” said Rob Chiasson, regional vice-president, McDonald’s Canada. “At McDonald’s, we’re committed to celebrating the growth and success of our people, and we’re thrilled to honour him with this award.”

Roger, who manages the McDonald’s at 1405 Cranbrook Street North, recently returned from a special Ray Kroc Award banquet in Toronto where he met with McDonald’s Canada President John Betts and other members of McDonald’s Canada’s senior leadership team.

“I would like to congratulate Roger on receiving the Ray Kroc Award,” said Dave Kaiser, Cranbrook McDonald’s Franchisee. “It’s very exciting to see a local employee receiving this prestigious honor and it’s a well-deserved acknowledgement of Roger’s passion and dedication to his staff and to providing customers with a great experience when they visit McDonald’s.”

Roger began his career with Cranbrook McDonald’s ten years ago starting as an Assistant Manager. In 2006, he was acknowledged with a McDonald’s Canada Manager of the Year Award. Some of his career highlights include attending McDonald’s conferences in Australia, Montreal, Whistler and Las Vegas. In his spare time, Roger is involved in the Home Run Society, an organization that is looking to build a new ballpark that will help bring competitive baseball to Cranbrook.

McDonald’s is the leading foodservice company in the world. McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited and its Canadian franchisees own and operate more than 1,400 restaurants and employ more than 77,000 Canadians coast to coast. Approximately 70 per cent of McDonald’s Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs. For more information about McDonald’s Canada, visit the company’s Web site at www.mcdonalds.ca.

Tourism Fernie hires executive director for new Destination Marketing Organization

Tourism Fernie DMO has named Alison Harwood their first ever executive director. —Photo Courtesy: www.tourismfernie.com

The recently formed Tourism Fernie announces the hiring of their first executive director, Harwood. Alison Harwood will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive marketing plan promoting Fernie, B.C. and the surrounding area as a premier resort and recreational destination. Hardwood comes with an extensive background in tourism, having just completed five years as the marketing & sales manager for 7 Canyons Adventures in Golden, B.C. Tourism Fernie was formed in November 2007. Funding for the organization comes from a combination of membership fees and additional hotel room tax collections.

Chair of Tourism Fernie Shelley L’Estrange explains how the board feels about this newly appointed position. “As an organization, we are extremely grateful to have filled this position with such an experienced and energetic individual.” says L’Estrange. “We are looking forward to working with Alison and continuing with our marketing efforts to promote Fernie to the world”

Fernie is a quaint town located in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, Canada, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies with the beautiful Elk River running through it. Renowned for its legendary powder skiing at both Fernie Alpine Resort and Island Lake Lodge, Fernie has become a mecca for skiers and snowboarders. In the summer, Fernie becomes a recreational destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds from hiking, fly fishing and golf to mountain biking and water sports, Fernie offers an abundance of activities for everyone!

First Scheduled Delta flight arrives this week!

Laurie Reed, co-ordinator, of the air partners program for Kootenay Rockies Tourism, is reporting that bookings for the new Delta flights between Cranbrook and Salt Lake City, Utah are continuing at a high rate.

“Overall, we are sitting at a 19% load rate. December is 25% full right now, with January and February close behind at 22%. These numbers are growing weekly. We’ve had some great coverage in the U.S. markets, and the advertising campaigns continue. Local travel agents are having great luck selling tickets on the current (fabulous) seat sale. We’ve come a long way…but there is still a long way to go,” Reed says.

“I’m happy to provide more insights into our marketing campaign down south – partners who have been on the ski show circuit carrying the word across the continent (and even to London, England!) this winter,” Reed continued. “ An Eastern Canadian-based ski wholesaler has created a 6-page colour brochure dedicated to packaging Delta with Kimberley, Fernie and Panorama to their US clients,” she added. “Both Tourism BC and the Canadian Tourism Commission have hopped on board and are working hard on our behalf. Delta recently sent out an unprecedented second travel e-mail to their 1.3-million person data base, and has given us a month of homepage advertising on delta.com, and our U.S. PR firm is spreading the word (see this link to a recent story in the Atlanta area’s #1 paper.) These synergies (and more) are starting to convert to sales…The last three weeks bookings have significantly increased.”

There are over 50 local financial partners involved from throughout the Kootenay Rockies Tourism region, and a huge number of additional stakeholders from all sectors. Also see www.KootenayRockies.com/deltadeals - a chance for local businesses to profile their support to inbound and outbound Delta travellers.

Expanded Sandman now biggest Revelstoke accommodator

Sandman Inn Revelstoke staff and management stand in front of newly expanded hotel. Left to right: Esther Carey, Joan Maskell, Anna Fitzgerald, Trish Kliensmith, Julie Davis, Teresa Thompson, Cameron Sutton, Lani Ewafiuk. —Photo Courtesy: Sandman Inn Calendar of Festivals & Events

The Sandman Inn Revelstoke has been undergoing some major changes recently. Since purchasing the Best Western Wayside Inn, the company has amalgamated its operations to offer employees and guests the smoothest possible transition between ownership.

The Sandman Inn Revelstoke now operates 171 rooms in the largest hotel in Revelstoke. It has been a very busy time for the management and staff of the Revelstoke Sandman as they welcome the Best Western employees to the company.

Kootenays leads the province in self-employment

BC Stats reports that small business drives BC’s economy and the Kootenays lead: The province in self-employment.

British Columbia recorded at a total of 386,600 businesses in 2007, of which 98% (379,700) were small businesses.

British Columbia was a national leader in small business growth over the past five years from 2002 to 2007. The number of small businesses in the province soared by 8.8%, surpassing the Canadian growth average of 4.8% and second only to Quebec at 9.5%. Ontario with 4.9% growth was the only other province to exceed the national average while six provinces showed declines.

The average annual growth rate for the Northeast was 7.3% between 2002 and 2007 translating to an average increase of 400 businesses per year. At 4.7% growth the Kootenay region was second in terms of average annual growth, adding an impressive average of 600 net new small businesses per year.

Six of British Columbia’s regions recorded substantial growth in self-employment between 2002 and 2007. The Kootenay region led the province recording a robust 27.3% increase over the five-year period. This was just 2.4 percentage points higher than the next fastest growing region, Thompson-Okanagan, at 24.9%.

Clearly, small business plays a crucial role in the economy of British Columbia, not only in terms of its contribution to economic output, but also by providing an abundance of jobs for British Columbians.

For more information about small business in British Columbia visit www.smallbusinessbc.ca

Rossignol— Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Alliance

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. —Photo Courtesy: www.kickinghorseresort.com

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is excited to announce an official alliance with Rossignol equipment and clothing. The new partnership is built to highlight the synergies between KHMR’s big mountain terrain and Rossignol’s position as a Pure Mountain Company. The unique alliance will premiere Rossignol as a presenting partner of the Big Mountain Centre programs.

“The synergies between the two brands are a perfect match,” says Steve Paccagnan, president and general manager at Kicking Horse. “We are excited about this new relationship and looking forward to working together. The new developments with Rossignol technical apparel and freeride skis complement the Big Mountain Centre programs and provide a perfect opportunity for guests to experience what big mountain skiing is all about.”

Rossignol will hold the title as “The official ski of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort” and will be the main supplier of Rossignol rental equipment for Canyon Creek Outfitters. In addition to high-performance rentals, Rossignol skis will also be available for anyone who partakes in a BMC program.

Additionally Rossignol will help Kicking Horse launch some great new winter events including the Wrangle the Chute freeride/bronco ride showdown, Snow Demo Extravaganza demo weekend, the Girls Day Out ladies camp, Dogtooth Dash ski touring race and Sun Splash Funk Festival.

“Rossignol is proud to partner with Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. The Big Mountain terrain really gives us a chance to test the limits of our clothing and equipment,” states Devon Cruickshank VP Sales and Marketing — Soft Goods. “The partnership provides great opportunities to showcase cutting-edge products and test Big Mountain innovations like our harness pant that the Big Mountain Centre guides will be wearing this season.”

Ask for Rossignol equipment at the Big Mountain Centre and Canyon Creek Outfitters rental shop to learn first hand about this exciting relationship.

B.C. Government greenlights Mist Mountain Project

BP Canada is preparing for coal bed methane drilling in the Elk Valley

The Province of B.C. has moved forward and taken steps towards realizing the benefits of the BC Energy Plan, by awarding tenure to BP Canada for their Mist Mountain Project in the Kootenay’s Elk Valley, according Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld.

The awarding of this tenure follows a comprehensive referral process that included local First Nations, communities and government agencies requesting they provide comments on the tenure and process. Three of the four local governments either supported approval of the tenure, or were neutral, provided best practices in the BC Energy Plan are adopted and followed for the Mist Mountain Project.

“British Columbia has put in place some of the toughest regulations for unconventional gas development in North America, and BP Canada will be bound by those,” said Neufeld. “BP has been engaging communities and other stakeholders in the region to share information and their environmental processes and seek input on their proposed project.”

In recognition of the Flathead Valley’s environmentally sensitive status, the provincial government has not included any land area within the Flathead River Basin.

“The BC Energy Plan states that government would not allow companies to surface discharge produced water from any CBG projects,” said Neufeld. “We’re keeping that commitment.”

BC Stats: BC Tourism sector updates for September

Tourism visits to Canada increase in September. —Photo Courtesy: Seattle Times

Visitor entry to Canada via BC increased for the first time in seven months, rising 11.5% (seasonally adjusted) in September. There were 17.3% more American travelers, with the number of both overnight (+21.5%) and same day (9.7%) visits up sharply. The number of overseas travelers fell 2.7% as a result of fewer entries from European (-2.5%), Asian (-2.0%) and other (-4.2%) countries.

Sales at BC’s food service and drinking establishments were up 0.6% (seasonally adjusted) in September. While total receipts at the province’s drinking places were virtually unchanged form the previous month, revenues at restaurants and other food service businesses increased 1.5% Nationally total food service and drinking place receipts were up 0.8%

Meet CBT’s Leadership BC Sponsored Candidate

Kootenay Business magazine’s own Maureen Gordon is being sponsored by CBT. —Photo Courtesy: www.cbt.org

Leadership BC is a program dedicated to the development and support of future community leaders and their ability to have a positive impact in the community where they live. The program fosters the participants leadership skills and serves also as a networking opportunity with current community leaders who volunteer their time in facilitating various topics and learning days.

This year CBT is proud to be a supporter of this program, hosted by the Cranbrook & District Chamber of Commerce for a third year. CBT’s support of $2,600 to Leadership BC will be used to sponsor one participant in the program for a year, and used towards the sustainability of the program. This past October CBT learned that Maureen Gordon has been chosen as CBT’s sponsored participant, and we are happy to take this opportunity to introduce her to all of our readers.

Maureen is a long-time Cranbrook resident. She works as an advertising consultant for Kootenay Business Magazine and volunteers for Restorative Justice as a facilitator and mentor. Getting involved in Leadership BC seemed like a terrific idea to Maureen, who has always had a desire to understand and impact the life of her community.

“The benefits I will receive from the experience are numerous,” says Maureen. “Beginning with insight into the workings of the community I live in, and using that to complete a project that will enhance the lives of every member of the community, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

This year’s program started in October and will continue to May 2009. In that time Maureen and her fellow participants will get up close and personal with the inner workings of City planning and programming, as well as be given opportunities to discuss alternate solutions to pending community issues.

“I am so excited,” says Maureen. “Because of the generosity of the Columbia Basin Trust and the faith of Cranbrook & District Chamber of Commerce, I have been accepted into a very prestigious program. I am a very eager participant and I will treasure all the experiences, one at a time.”

For more information on the Leadership BC program, contact the Cranbrook & District Chamber of Commerce at 1.800.222.6174.

CBT Funds Carshare Co-op Expansion Project

Columbia Basin Trust contributes to the expansion of the Kootenay Carshare Co-op. —Photo Courtesy: www.cbt.org

John Alton, West Kootenay Eco Society and Meg Langley, Golden resident accept a $5,000 cheque from Katherine Hamilton, CBT Community Liaison (centre) for the Carshare Co-op Expansion project.

The Carshare Co-op Expansion project will establish three new Carshare branches in Golden, Fernie and Rossland to promote sustainable modes of transportation for Basin residents.

A breath of fresh air on Fernie’s 2nd Avenue!

This year, the Zen selection is bigger than ever —Photo Courtesy: Fernie Chamber of Commerce newsletter

Story from: Fernie Chamber of Commerce newsletter

After offering spa and massage services at the ski hill for the last two and a half years, Zen To Go massage therapist Valerie Lessard. is finally where the local’s heartbeat is: downtown Fernie. This year, the Zen selection is bigger than ever — traditional and hot stone massage, reflexology, aromatherapy and the new additions — Indian head massage, thumper treatments and couples massage.

Zen To Go is also very excited to work along with Paula Kent, an experienced registered massage therapist from Ontario. Kent. Paula has been helping hundreds of people with her touch for over nine years now. She specializes in myofacial release and reiki. At a biking or walking distance, enjoy the same care and attention in a new environment.

For more information call 250-423-0478.

Nelson Gives Business Exit Snapshot

City of Nelson conducts a business succession survey.

There is a lot of talk about the “golden handshake” and business succession. A recent business survey in Nelson shows how succession-related issues are often put on the backburner.

The Nelson Economic Development Partnership (NEDP) sent out a survey to every business with a City of Nelson business license. Over 20% of the businesses responded detailing their plans for exiting their businesses, search for a successor, and other succession-related issues. Among the study’s findings are:

• 55% of businesses will be exiting their business in the next 10 years, while almost a third of businesses will be exiting within five years.
• Most business owners plan to retire after exiting.
• “Out of the Family”— when asked how they will exit, 50% planned to sell or transfer to non-family, while 15% planned to sell or transfer to a family member, a 3.5 to 1 ratio.
• Four out of five businesses had not identified a successor, while 85% of businesses had not begun a search for a successor.
• Fewer than five per cent of businesses have a formal written transition or a succession plan.

The NEDP is a partnership between Community Futures Central Kootenay, the City of Nelson and the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce. Complete details of the findings can be found at www.futures.bc.ca.

Teck gives Trail operations and coal update

MEETING MARKET NEEDS: Teck’s Trail smelter is the largest employer in the West Kootenay. —Photo Courtesy: www.teck.com

Teck Cominco Limited, the largest employer in the Kootenays, has announced a number of steps in implementing its comprehensive plan to reduce debt.

Trail zinc operations: The Trail metallurgical complex is reducing its refined zinc production by approximately 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes per month effective immediately in response to changing market conditions. This 20% reduction in production will still leave us with sufficient metal to meet customer needs. The duration of this curtailment depends on market conditions, but will likely continue for at least six months. This production curtailment will also reduce the operation’s need for zinc concentrates.

Lead production at Trail’s smelter will not be affected. Power sales are anticipated to increase by about 15 GWh per month during this period and this will improve Trail’s profitability.

Coal update

Global steel production is falling and, as a consequence, Teck expects that coal sales volumes for the balance of 2008 and in 2009 will be affected. As expected with these market conditions, Teck has now received notification from a small number of customers indicating their desire to defer some of their contracted volumes for the 2008 coal year. Teck will be discussing the implications of these requests with customers, relative to their legal obligations under the contracts in place, in order to optimize its ability to balance production with demand. Accordingly, Teck now expects that coal sales for 2008 will be near the lower end of the range of its guidance of 23 to 25 million tonnes.

Operating costs

Teck is also targeting significant reductions in its general and administrative, exploration and research and development expenses. All operations will be pursuing opportunities to reduce costs and improve margins.

About Teck

Teck is a diversified resource company committed to responsible mining and mineral development with major business units focused on copper, metallurgical coal, zinc, gold and energy. Headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TCK.A and TCK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TCK. Further information about Teck can be found at www.teck.com.

November 28, 2008

Proud paper

Kaslo newspaper has won big in an international competition. —Photo Courtesy: Pennywise newspaper

A small-town Kaslo newspaper has won big in an international competition. Pennywise won the Vic Jose General Excellence Award first-place trophy from the International Free Papers of America Association (IFPA). Publisher Patty Axenroth and the entire Pennywise staff travelled to the IFPA’s fall conference in Seattle, Washington, to accept the award, which praised the paper’s overall design and layout, print quality and reader-friendly format.

November 27, 2008

Pictures worth a thousand words

A business designed to showcase the Nelson region’s mountain culture. Left to right: Vince Hempsall and Melissa Welsh. —Photo Courtesy: Elephant Mountain Gallery

When Elephant Mountain Gallery opened its doors in late June at 527 Josephine Street in downtown Nelson, it became the first and only mountain lifestyle photo gallery in south-central British Columbia. Named for the land mass across the lake, the gallery represents six published Kootenay photographers—Steve Ogle, Peter Moynes, Brian Ralph, Dave Heath, Jakob Dulisse and Melissa Welsh. Welsh is co-owner, with Vince Hempsall, of the new venture. Hempsall said he saw a need for the business when he realized he knew half a dozen area photographers who have been featured in international publications, but there was nowhere local to purchase their work. “I wish we had more wall space; there is so much talent here,“ Hempsall said. Welsh is excited to be part of a business designed to showcase the region’s mountain culture. “This is a unique area of the world and the gallery will represent that with stunning images of local athletes, landscapes and wildlife,” she said. The gallery’s interior was designed by local timber-frame carpenters, Welsh said.

Now that’s home cooking

HOME-COOKED FOOD: Audra Wallace welcomes the public to her restaurant, Rocky Mountain Redneck Company Cafe. —Photo by Tanya Laing

When a restaurant owner promises home-cooked food just like Mom would make, it doesn’t usually mean that Mom is actually in the café kitchen cooking—unless you’re talking about the Rocky Mountain Redneck Company Cafe in downtown Cranbrook. Kevin and Audra Wallace are the owners of the restaurant at 1115 Baker Street, and Audra said that her mother, Marilyn McClinchey, along with employee Barbara Billingsley, bake the homemade desserts that the café offers.

Specialties include soups, pies and jams—all homemade—plus burgers, wraps and sandwiches. Audra said she refuses to have a deep fryer on the premises (Mom would approve of that decision).

The Wallaces moved to Cranbrook from the hustle and bustle of Calgary a year ago. Audra is originally a Sparwood girl, so she was happy to return to her East Kootenay roots.

Although the word “redneck” can be a derogatory term, Audra said they are just having fun with the concept—she describes the café decor as “classy-trashy.” “People have been very open,” Audra said of her first six months in business.

2nd Annual Career Connections Successful

Hundreds of students attended the 2nd Annual Career Connections at the high schools in Cranbrook and Kimberley. —Photo by Keith Powell

The 2nd annual Career Connections, an event organized by Kootenay Business magazine, was held Tuesday, November 18, at Mt Baker School in Cranbrook and on Wednesday, November 19, at Selkirk High School in Kimberley.

The event proved to be an effective way to interact with Grade 10, 11 and 12 students, as potential employers set up information display booths and spoke directly with hundreds of high school students.

“I think this was great way to interact with students and educate them about employment opportunities,” said Eileen Dean, employment counselor at the Alpine Employment Resource Centre in Kimberley. “By having the College of the Rockies and the business community represented I think it helped students make the connection between the importance of a good education and job opportunities.”

Businesses and employers who participated included: BC Ambulance Service, College of the Rockies, Interior Health—East Kootenay, Alpine Employment Resource Centre, BDO Dunwoody, Kootenay Business/Koocanusa Publications, A & W, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, Eagle Vision Geomatics, Teck Coal, Armstrong Engineering. The Association of Professional Engineers of B.C. and Focus Corporation and Interior Reforestation.

“We would like to thank all the businesses who supported Career Connections, as well as the high schools and the students for participating in Career Connections 2009,” said Keith Powell publisher of Kootenay Business magazine. “The two hour event allowed students to talk directly with potential employers and businesses in the community. Not to mention an opportunity to win an Apple iPod which Kootenay Business gave away at each high school.”

Plans are underway to make for next year’s event, with a view to expanding the business participation level. For more information about Career Connections call Kootenay Business magazine at 1-800-663-8555.

Teck looks to trim expenses

Teck recently purchased the assets of Fording Coal and now owns 100% of the coal mines in the Elk Valley —Photo courtesy: www.teck.com

Teck Cominco Limited, the largest employer in the Kootenays, has announced a number of steps in implementing its comprehensive plan to reduce debt.

“Current global economic and financial market conditions dictate that we take all prudent steps available to us to significantly reduce spending,” said Don Lindsay, President and CEO. “The measures announced today, combined with previously announced tax savings, amount to $2.4 billion and should significantly enhance our ability to address our near-term debt obligations and better position Teck to refinance the bridge loan when conditions improve.”

One of the steps includes tax recoveries from the recently completed Fording transaction.

Tax Recoveries

As a result of the Fording transaction, Teck expects to recover approximately $1.1 billion of cash taxes previously paid. Of this total, $165 million has been recovered to date and the balance is expected by the end of the second quarter of 2009. In addition, the tax deductions arising as a result of Teck’s acquisition of Fording’s assets are expected to exceed the company’s Canadian sourced taxable income for several years and, accordingly, Teck will not be required to make Canadian income tax instalments during that period.

About Teck

Teck is a diversified resource company committed to responsible mining and mineral development with major business units focused on copper, metallurgical coal, zinc, gold and energy. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TCK.A and TCK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TCK. Further information about Teck can be found at www.teck.com.

Bucking the current real estate trend

Kootenay Lake Village offers a laid-back outdoor lifestyle on the shores of the biggest lake in the Kootenays. —Photo courtesy: Kootenay Lake Village

In a year when real estate sales in Western Canada have definitely shown signs of a slowdown, one development near Nelson, B.C., has had its strongest performance ever. For the second year in a row, Kootenay Lake Village (KLV) has sold out almost all of its entire offering of waterview lots. These lots were released for sale August 25 and 12 of the 15 lots were sold immediately. The lots ranged in price from $135,000-$315,000. Most of the purchasers are planning to relocate permanently or are already living in the area.

So far, eight of the 12 waterfront lots released at KLV this year have also sold. Kootenay Lake waterfront is becoming known as great value, as it still sells for a small fraction of the cost of Okanagan Lake, the Shuswap, Windermere Lake or Sylvan Lake. Because of its distance from major urban centers, however, the appeal still lies mainly with those looking to relocate rather than purchase second homes or purely recreational property.

Sales director Eroca Ryon said, “Many of our purchasers have explored a number of properties in B.C. and Alberta and the general consensus is that for those looking for an outdoor lifestyle oriented development, Kootenay Lake Village is the best product and best value available. We are finding a lot of people who want to move from major urban centres to a more laid-back lifestyle with lots of outdoor activity options. The West Kootenays is a haven for ski, golf, water sports, hiking, biking and other outdoor pursuits. But people still want some connection to urban amenities, and Nelson is the perfect balance, with its thriving culture, arts scene and restaurants. The Kootenays are really starting to come on, as people are also discovering the four distinct seasons and mild winters are very appealing.”

Developer Oliver Berkeley said that “the appeal for KLV starts with the piece of property itself. It has been described by Cushman Wakefield and Lepage as one of the last waterfront gems in B.C. We’re directly adjacent to 50 Kilometres of pristine shoreline and the largest nature conservancy park in B.C. Until 2004, the property had been slated for forestry purposes only. A small portion of the property was selectively logged over 20 years ago, so for the most part, the forest is intact and beautiful. One of our main goals is to provide easy access to this wilderness and to conserve the natural beauty of this property.”

For more information, visit the website at www.kootenaylakevillage.com

Kaslo Bay site of Kootenay Lake’s newest development

Kaslo Bay Estates will utilize the built-green philosophy in new ground breaking development. —Photo courtesy: www.kaslobayestates.ca

If you have ever attended the Kaslo Jazz Festival then you are familiar with the spectacular setting of Kaslo Bay, adjacent to the community of Kaslo. This site will be home of a new “green” lakefront development called Kaslo Bay Estates.

“We are really excited about this new project which started construction in late September,” say Bernie Penner, owner of Pennco Homes and Pennco Engineering, one of the proponents of this project. “Our first triplex in this large multi-family residential project is well underway and progressing very nicely. We are especially thrilled to be building such an energy efficient and environmentally friendly project.”

Upon completion Kaslo Bay Estates will consist of 20 triplex living units (60 dwellings), a spacious clubhouse, an amenities area and lots of walking trails. All these features promise to fit in nicely with the relaxed and causal lifestyle of the Kaslo area, thus the development slogan is, appropriately, “a spectacular setting where lifestyle counts.”

Of special note, Kaslo Bay Estates will utilize the Built Green philosophy. Built Green is an industry-driven voluntary program that promotes “green” building practices to reduce the impact that building has on the environment.

It benefits the homebuyer, the community and the environment and is an opportunity for everyone to choose a “green” future.

For more information visit www.kaslobayestates.ca

Mountain Shore Offers Panorama Lake View

Mountain Shores Land Ventures markets new lake living development on Kootenay Lake —Photo courtesy: www.mountainshores.ca

It could be called lakeview living at its best. Mountain Shores Land Ventures Ltd. is now marketing the second phase of their property development on beautiful Kootenay Lake.

“There are less than 20 lots left in phase two and we believe they will sell out quickly,” says marketing representative Don MacMillan. “These view lots offer a stunning 180-degree panorama of Kootenay Lake and are only 45 minutes north of Creston.”

The spacious lots will have water, sewer and power provided to the property line and the subdivision road will be completely paved.

These lots are generously sized at between approximately 0.6 to 2.5 acres, with the average lot being about one acre. The prices range from an attractive and appealing $249,900-$499,900. There is no time frame to build on the acreage side. The first 14 lot sales on the acreage side have the option of a leased boat slip.

In addition the development owns the marina but leases the water. The boat slip is tied to the lot, but it is called “leased option” as you cannot own water in B.C. Extensive upgrades have been made to make this one of the best marinas on Kootenay Lake.

For more information visit www.mountainshores.ca

New “book benches” unveiled at Library

THE TEAM: Paul Reimer (L), owner of The Old Blacksmith Shop in Cranbrook with his crew of metal workers who helped create the new Cranbrook Library book benches and sign. —Photo by Ursula Brigl

The Cranbrook Public Library recently unveiled its new book benches and sign. This marks the completion of the first phase of the Library’s landscape project.

“We believe the new book benches will add to the overall library experience by enhancing the library’s visibility, enhancing its street appeal and by simply making it that much more of welcoming place to visit,” said Keith Powell, chair of Cranbrook Library Board. “Besides being functional, these sculpted book benches are real works of art handcrafted by Paul Reimer and his blacksmith artisans.”

The Cranbrook Public Library would like to thank the Columbia Basin Trust, City of Cranbrook, Regional District of East Kootenay, Friends of the Cranbrook Public Library, Communities in Bloom, Cranbrook Garden Club, Cranbrook and District Community Foundation, Paul Reimer from the The Old Blacksmith Shop, Kootenay Landscaping, Top Crop, staff member Gloria Margison and all the Library staff who helped out.

Plus a thank you to all the individuals, groups, organizations and businesses in the community who donated time, work, materials or funds to make phase one of the landscaping plan a reality.

Community Futures holds enterpreneurial awards

THE WINNERS: Left to right, Matt Thompson, Driven Media Inc.; Libby Olson, SmartScape Landscaping; Julia Corbett on behalf of Chatter Creek Mountain Lodge; Suzanne Thompson, Kootenay Therapy Centre; Simon Howse, Eeto & Unta Holdings Ltd. Missing from the picture is Paula Readman, Embrace Day Spa & Salon. —Photo by CFEK

Community Futures of the East Kootenay (CFEK) recently celebrated two major events, the presentation of the CFEK awards and the 20th anniversary of the organization itself. The gala evening event was an opportunity to introduce the over 100 guests to the history of CFEK, and the new CFEK’s image and mission—“Growing business through education, guidance and financial support”

The evening’s celebration included the awarding of the CFEK business awards. This year’s winners are: Paula Readman (Embrace Day Spa & Salon, Kimberley—Young Entrepreneur Award), Matt Thompson and Nathan Troxel (Driven Media Inc., Cranbrook—Innovation Award), Dan Josephson and Dale McKnight (Chatter Creek Mountain Lodge, Golden—Tourism Award), Suzanne Thompson (Kootenay Therapy Centre, Cranbrook—Western Economic Diversification Small Business Loan Award), Libby Olson (SmartScape Landscaping, Kimberley—Service Canada Self-Employment Program Award) and Simon Howse (Eeto & Unta Holdings Ltd., Fernie—Longevity Award).

To find out more about Community Futures of the East Kootenay go to www.cfek.ca.

CBT Contributes $40,000 to Expand Daycare

Little Summit Daycare celebrates their official opening with the community. Left to right: Sally Struthers, Executive Director SCSS; Garry Merkel, Chair, CBT Board; Jennifer Krotz, CBT Community Liaison; Bill Bennett, MLA and Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts; Angus McKierahan, East Kootenay Community Services Manager, MCFD; Rick Jensen, New Dawn Developments; Chad Jensen, New Dawn Developments; and Gillian Snider-Cherpak, SCSS. —Photo by Columbia Basin Trust

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) and Summit Community Services Society (SCSS) are pleased to announce the official opening of Little Summit Daycare in Cranbrook.

“Summit Community Services Society has been providing much-needed services to Cranbrook families for nearly 15 years, and we are honoured to support them in this move to expand their facilities,” says Wally Penner, CBT VP of Community Partnerships. “This project is one way CBT is helping families who strive to balance the need to work and contribute to their community while ensuring their child is receiving quality, affordable care.”

CBT’s $40,000 contribution helped SCSS make renovations to the building purchased with a $290,000 grant from the Ministry of Children and Family Development. New Dawn Development provided labour at cost while the staff and clients of SCSS volunteered their time to help complete the renovations.

Summit Community Services Society is dedicated to promoting community well-being by providing a continuum of quality, accessible, client-centred support and intervention services in a respectful manner. To learn more about services, visit www.summitfamily.ca.

Columbia Basin Trust 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.

Castlegar’s Bourbon Street Boutique Supports Saints

The Selkirk College Saints and Bourbon Street Boutique will be presenting the 3rd annual Saints on Bourbon Street Fashion Show on Saturday, November 15, 2008, at 11:30 am at The Element Bar & Grill. —Photo by Selkirk College

Selkirk College and Bourbon Street Boutique will be presenting the 3rd annual Saints on Bourbon Street Fashion Show on Saturday, November 15, 2008, at 11:30 am at The Element Bar and Grill.

Special guest speaker and Certified Life Coach, Pauline Daniel, will give a presentation entitled “Live Your Joy”, which will empower participants to live their lives to the fullest. Guests will also be eligible to win an Extreme Makeover, valued at over $1000!

This year patrons can also choose to support a Saint for $100. The donation will guarantee a ticket to the event and provide eligibility to enter a special draw for a $500 gift certificate from Bourbon Street Boutique. In addition, Bourbon Street Boutique will match the donations up to $1000 for the Selkirk Saints varsity teams at Selkirk College.

“We are so privileged and fortunate to live in a community where college education is available practically on our doorstep,” says Karen LeMoel, owner of Bourbon Street Boutique. “Students are an integral part of our community and deserve to be recognized. It’s an absolute honour to work with such an amazing group of people! We get to show what’s hot and in style for the season and the varsity teams from Selkirk College benefit from our efforts.”

For more information please call 250.365.2663.

Cat Rental Store Expands

THE CAT RENTAL STORE: Manager Daren Woodske takes a break from his busy day to pose for a picture in the front office of the new Cat Rental Store location in Sparwood. —Photo by Keith Powell

The Sparwood Branch of the Cat Rental store has moved across the street (actually Highway #3) and is now located on Sparwood Drive. The new facility is a spacious 14,000-square-foot building with a large storage yard that used to house Welo Windows for many years.

Branch manager Daren Woodske along with 10 other employees operate the rental outlet which specializes in industrial, business and residential equipment rentals serving primarily the Elk Valley. They also provide service throughout the East and West Kootenays with two sales reps on the road drumming up business on a regular basis.

Woodske has been branch manager of the Sparwood location since 2006. The Cat Rental Store is a division of Finning Tractor based out of Edmonton.

For more info check out their website at www.catrents.ca

Investing in the Elk Valley

QUALITY CRANE SERVICE: Construction is well underway on PJB Crane Service’s new facility in Sparwood. —Photo by Keith Powell

You can’t help but notice the brand new building being constructed by PJB Crane Service Ltd., in Sparwood these days.

The massive 12,000-square-foot facility will house their six cranes and services. The company has been owned and operated by Mike Palmer since 1981 and has six employees.

PJB Crane Service specializes in offering quality crane service to companies like Teck Coal Ltd. (the new name for Elk Valley Coal), and other industrial and construction operators in the Elk Valley and surrounding areas. The new shop is located on recently expanded Sparwood Drive.

Mike Palmer says he is pleased to be investing in the Elk Valley and anticipates being in the new building by the first of 2009.

Credit Union CEO heralds new deposit insurance

UNLIMITED DEPOSIT INSURANCE: EKCCU CEO Jody Burk’s pleased with new deposit insurance protection.

The BC government has taken immediate steps to bolster British Columbia’s economic competitiveness and promote banking liquidity in BC, through BC Credit Unions. Premier Gordon Campbell announced a 10-point economic plan to support families and boost productivity in British Columbia.

“I am a little biased,” commented Jody Burk, CEO of East Kootenay Community Credit Union (EKCCU), “but the most significant announcement of the 10-point plan was the Premier’s #1 measure, which was that government, effective immediately, provides unlimited deposit insurance protection to BC Credit Unions.“ This allows members of BC Credit Unions peace of mind during the current economic times and into the future with unlimited deposit protection. This unlimited protection covers personal and business accounts and all deposits at credit unions except Equity Shares.

Burk went on to say, “In recent weeks we have seen BC Credit Union deposits being transferred into Alberta Treasury Branches and Credit Unions, where the Alberta government has given unlimited deposit guarantees.” Bill Bennett confirmed, “The unlimited deposit insurance protection will give BC businesses an equal playing field with Alberta and allow BC families to leave their savings in a BC Credit Union without the concern that existed before the Premier made this important improvement.”

The Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (CUDIC) will unlimitedly guarantee deposits accepted by BC Credit Unions effective immediately. As the current limit is set out in the Financial Institutions Act, this increase will need to be ratified by the Legislature, when it next sits. To effect this change and to enact a number of revenue measures also announced, the Legislature will be recalled on November 20th. The requisite legislation will be retroactive to October 22nd.

For more information please contact Jody Burk at (250) 426-6666 jburk@ekccu.com.

Elk Valley Coal now Teck Coal Ltd.

ELKVIEW: Teck Coal is the new name and face of the Elk Valley coal mining industry. —Photo courtesy www.teckcominco.com

Teck Cominco Limited has announced the closing of the previously announced arrangements under which Teck has acquired all of the assets of Fording Canadian Coal Trust. Teck now owns 100% of Elk Valley Coal. Elk Valley Coal Corporation will be renamed Teck Coal Limited.

Under the terms of the arrangement, unitholders of Fording will receive 0.245 of a Teck Class B subordinate voting share and cash in the amount of US$82.00 (less any amounts withheld on account of taxes) for each unit. With the arrangement completed, Fording units have ceased trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.

Teck’s coal division includes six metallurgical coal mines in British Columbia and Alberta and is the world’s second largest exporter of seaborne hard coking coal. The Coal Mountain, Elkview, Fording River, Greenhills, and Line Creek mines are located in southeastern British Columbia, approximately 1,100 kilometres from the ports near Vancouver, British Columbia. Cardinal River is located in west-central Alberta, near the town of Hinton.

New Italian Restaurant a big hit in Creston

Savour Italian: Creston’s newest restaurant is proving to be a popular dining destination. —Photo by Keith Powell

One of Creston’s newest dining options, called Aldo and Co., is proving to be a big hit with diners throughout the Creston Valley and beyond. Owned and operated by chef Aldo Alaia, the 55-seat Italian restaurant is located on Creston’s busy main street.

Open for lunch and dinner five days a week (Tuesday to Saturday) the new restaurant is racking up rave reviews. One Creston resident recently called it “the best restaurant in the Kootenays.” If you are looking for a quality dining experience it sounds like you should plan on checking out Aldo’s.

Aldo and Co. first opened in April 2008 and employs nine people including Chef Aldo Alaia.