KOOTENAY WOMEN AT THE FOREFRONT Judy Banfield The business of relationships by TANYA LAING MOORE
NO CLIENT TOO SMALL: Judy Banfield believes her business is built on fostering
relationships with families. —photo by Tanya Laing Moore
Judy Banfield is the owner of Mountain Baby, formerly Comfort & Joy, in Nelson—an independent retail store specializing in clothing and outdoor equipment for babies and young children. Her growing operation is a testament to her business savvy and ability to adapt, especially considering that she started the venture with very little retail experience or knowledge. Banfield also had to struggle to maintain the business when her marriage ended unexpectedly.
“(My ex-husband) was doing more of the business than I was,” said Banfield. “I had to really scramble to pull it together (after he left). It took two years to settle, but I decided to keep the store.”
Since then, Banfield has applied herself to the business, launching a dedicated website, changing the product line and looking to fill a niche. While she has faced many obstacles, her efforts are now paying off. She also feels that being a woman has helped her succeed in her particular business to a certain degree.
“I think for women, it’s all about relationships,” said Banfield. “I think the store is about relationships. It’s interesting: you can see when kids walk into the store—whether they’ve been here before or not—they instantly know that this is a very welcoming and loving place. I know that parents feel that. They know they’re going to be respected and valued—and I think that’s a real woman thing.”
However, there have been times when being a businesswoman has meant having to test her resolve and strength.
“There’s the odd time—not very often—when you have to be really tough and firm with suppliers,” said Banfield. “Sometimes they may not be as responsive because you’re a woman. I have to find that part of myself—that part that’s strong and assertive—and say, ‘No, that doesn’t work’ or ‘No, this is not acceptable.’ ”
Banfield believes that the business environment is much more accepting and supportive of women than ever before.
“A lot of things have shifted for women,” she said. “I think in the corporate world there are still a lot of blocks, but I think in the independent, small-business world—and I think that’s why a lot of women go into it—it’s really an opportunity to move forward.”
Key Nelson contacts
Environmentally friendly living Biosustain Technologies is offering five-acre lots on new crown land in Nelson, Ymir and the West Kootenays as well as one-acre lots with waterfront living on the Columbia River; these developments feature engineered and sustainable building design with environmentally friendly land development. In addition to home design and building lots, Biosustain Technologies also offers construction services, topsoil, flagstone rock products and landscaping and property development.
Reaching MAX potential Roca Mines Inc. is focused on the outstanding mineral exploration and development potential located within British Columbia. Roca's primary asset is the MAX Molybdenum Project, located 60 kilometres southeast of Revelstoke, B.C. MAX is Canada's first new primary molybdenum mine in more than 30 years and B.C.'s first brand new metal mine in a decade. Regional economic benefits have already been realized, with community well-being and employee health as our primary goals Local environmental protection and community involvement are cornerstones to our success. Initial molybdenum concentrate production from the MAX Mine commenced in late 2007. Roca Mines Inc., and our wholly-owned subsidiary, FortyTwo Metals Inc., thank everyone who has taken part in building this exciting B.C.-based project.
Roca Mines Ltd 490 - 1122 Mainland St Vancouver, BC PHONE: (604) 684-2900
WEBSITE:
Merit Mining Corp 550-580 HORNBY ST Vancouver, BC PHONE: (604) 694-2344 WEBSITE: www.meritminingcorp.com
Home care providers since 1977 Looking for a rewarding career? Then look no further. BC Care Providers has created our Careers section just for people like you, people who are interested in a career within the Long Term Care and Home Support sectors. Visit our Current Vacancies section to see our listings which are catalogued according to provincial health region. As a group, the BC Care Providers Association provides effective leadership and valued resources that facilitates progressive changes, promoting the growth and success of its members who provide care services for seniors.
BC Care Providers Association 301 1338 West Broadway Vancouver, BC PHONE: (604) 736-4233
WEBSITE:
Live in Nature. Play in Nature. Kootenay Lake Village is a one-of-a-kind waterfront development being created on 450 acres of beautiful forestland with almost three kilometres of shoreline on the spectacular and expansive Kootenay Lake. One-hundred-year-old forests still cover much of this outstanding property, which receives long hours of sunshine. Experience the breathtaking views of the lake and alpine peaks of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges year round. Adjoining Kootenay Lake Village are fifty kilometres of undeveloped, pristine waterfront real estate and an abundance of secluded beaches.
Kootenay Lake Development Corp. (kootenay Lake Village) Po Box 1053 Nelson, BC PHONE: (250) 505-5558
WEBSITE:
Commitment and quality Congratulations to Merit Mining from Logistical Mill Installations Ltd. We are proud to have been the general contractor for the civil, structural, mechanical and electrical installations. Our project management experience with mill installations and expansions includes detailed engineering, fabrications and quality control. Safety is our number one priority and when you hire Logistical Mill Installations our management team is dedicated solely to your project. From start to finish, we provide commitment and quality.
Logistical Mill Installations Ltd. Rock Creek, BC PHONE: (250) 446-2985 WEBSITE:
Bc Forest Safety Council 200-1055 West Hastings St Vancouver, BC PHONE: (604) 632-0211 WEBSITE: www.bcforestsafe.org
Sitka Log Homes 5454 Tatton Rd 100 Mile House, BC PHONE: (250) 791-6683 WEBSITE: www.sitkaloghomes.com
We capture the moment Make your special moments last forever with Tait Photography. Specializing in weddings, portraits and boudoir photos, Tait Photography in Nelson is a modern documentary photo studio with a passion for artistic and creative images. From capturing the important details to the sweet moments, our photojournalistic approach means we are unobtrusive, documenting life and recording the special moments that could have gone unnoticed or been forgotten. Our fine art background means that we create cherished images and combine them with unique pages designed to form your favourite albums.
CXXR Corporation 807 Radio Ave Nelson, BC PHONE: (250) 352-1196
WEBSITE:
Will-O-Bend Golf & RV Park Jaffray, BC PHONE: (250) 429-3377 WEBSITE:
Kootenay Direct Airlines Po Box 1137 Nelson, BC PHONE: (250) 505-3552 WEBSITE: www.flykda.com
Maglio Building Centre Ltd 29 Government RD. Nelson, BC PHONE: (250) 352-6661 WEBSITE: www.maglio.ca
Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd. (Vancouver) 500 2955 Virtual Way Vancouver, BC PHONE: (604) 669-3800 WEBSITE: www.klohn.com
Far from ordinary Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Wildstone community provides a sense of harmony between the wildness of nature and the comforts of a resort lifestyle like no other.
Situated just outside Cranbrook, B.C., the 900-acre Wildstone community will be more than 2,500 homes, comprised of a diverse variety of accommodation and living opportunities; from single-family homes, side-by-side villas, townhomes, multi-family homes, condominiums, and more. As well, the Gary Player Group has partnered with Wildstone to develop branded Player communities within the resort, including the future Gary Player Luxury Cabins and Gary Player Estate homes.
At the heart of the community, The Village at Wildstone will be culturally vibrant and exude a small-town charm; embracing all the opportunities of the region’s four-season climate. The Village will play host to a true pedestrian experience and, at build out, will include an inviting variety of cafés, patios, boutique shops, festivals, restaurants and galleries.
The Clubhouse at Wildstone will offer a full array of service amenities such as gourmet dining, shopping, spa and fitness facilities. In addition, plans are underway for the first Gary Player Golf Academy and Gary Player Wellness Centre outside of South Africa.
The region is undergoing a dramatic economic boom that has seen the growth of many new modern amenities; the Canadian Rockies International Airport, the College of the Rockies (with which Wildstone will host an exclusive strategic alliance), and state-of-the-art health care facilities are all within minutes of Wildstone.
Discover how to be a part of a spectacular Rocky Mountain story like no other. Visit www.DiscoverWildstone.com.
Havaday Developments 201 - 135 10th Ave S Cranbrook, BC PHONE: (250) 489-2888
WEBSITE:
Whisper Creek Log Homes 2248 Columbia Ave Castlegar, B.C. PHONE: (250) 365-3696 WEBSITE: www.wseng.ca
Prestige Hotels & Resorts Prestige Hotels and Resorts are elegant, full-service, 4-1/2 star Canada Select hotels and resorts located in Cranbrook, Golden, Nelson, Radium Hot Springs and Rossland. Our luxurious rooms feature kitchenettes and theme Jacuzzi suites. Each guestroom features deluxe furnishings, refrigerator, coffeemaker, hairdryer, makeup mirror, iron and board, voice mail, data port, wireless high-speed internet access and pay-per-view movies.
Whether you are a leisure or corporate traveller, tour operator or government client, Prestige Hotels & Resorts are the perfect places to stay! Inquire about our theme suites or our get-away and recreation packages. Our friendly staff is ready to welcome you and offer our rare brand of hospitality.
Prestige Hotels & Resorts 516 Lawrence Ave Kelowna, BC PHONE: Corporate Office : (250) 860-5858
WEBSITE:
The Mining Association Of British Columbia Suite 900 808 West Hastings St Vancouver, BC PHONE: (604) 681-4321 WEBSITE: www.mining.bc.ca
B&R Door 7880 Express St Burnaby, BC PHONE: (604) 420-7909 WEBSITE: www.brdoor.ca
