OCTOBER
20-26
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Small Business WeekS
X2 www.kelownacapnews.com
Award Winning Team JOHN KOT
GUY LEMIEUX
TANNER CAOUETTE
Born and raised in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. John started selling cars at 18 years old. He has held several senior management automotive positions over the past 15 years in Edmonton.
Guy was born and raised in Montreal. He specializes in fixed operations and used vehicles. Guy worked for Ford Motor Company and GO Auto for 20 years in Edmonton.
An Edmonton boy born and raised, Tanner has spent the last 11 years in the automotive industry.
| Dealer Principal
| Managing Partner
| General Sales Manager
CHRIS SCHOENNE
KEITH RICHARDS
KEVIN PYLYPOW
KACY MILLER
Born and raised in Penticton, Chris spent 4 years working at the Hyundai dealership there until making the move to Kelowna a year ago. Prior to his Career in the Car Business, Chris owned his own photography business.
Born and raised in Toronto. Keith was a service advisor at Harmony Honda for 10 years before moving to Kelowna Hyundai. He made the transition to sales in March 2012.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Kevin played junior hockey for many teams, as well as working in the wine and restaurant industries. Has been with Kelowna Hyundai for 9 years. Kevin has been Salesman of the Year for the past 4 years.
From Lake Cowichan, Vancouver Island, Kacy has a major in both English and Hospitality Management and was a server at Boomers. Has been at Kelowna Hyundai for almost 2 years with great success.
DAMIAN DE CIANTIS
RAY WONG
BRENDON HALL
STEVE ALLAN
Damian was born in Toronto but moved to the Okanagan in 1999. He was previously a bartender at Cabana Bar and Grill. Has been at the dealership for 2 years with great success.
Born in China, Ray grew up in Vancouver and has been in Kelowna for 44 years. He has been with Hyundai for 4 and a half years and has been in the car business for over 30!
Born and raised in the Lower Mainland, Brendon completed his Business Degree in Management during his 11 years in the car business. In his spare time he enjoys Golfing, Waterskiing, Snowboarding and anything to do with the outdoors.
Born and raised in the Okanagan, Steve moved from Penticton to Kelowna in 2008. Before joining the Kelowna Hyundai team, Steve was in the produce sales for 7 years. Steve is looking forward to helping his customers make one of the most exciting purchases of their lives.
DOUG CUNNINGHAM
TANYA LEBARRON
LEAH BABINGTON
GARY DIXON
Hailing from Nanaimo, Doug has spent the last 31 years in the industry, and their family owned a Hyundai dealership before selling to the Pattison Group. Has been with Kelowna Hyundai for 4 years.
Tanya was born and raised in the Comox Valley, Vancouver Island. She has spent the last 9 years in the automotive industry.
Raised in Penticton. Leah was previously a professional skater for Disney on Ice. She has been with Kelowna Hyundai for 14 months as Financial Services Manager.
Gary joined the Kelowna Hyundai team over 3 months ago, and brings 28 years of automotive experience. When he isn’t at the dealership, he can be found hanging out with his 4 kids.
ROB THOMAS “TURBO”
DEBBIE KORBYCK
GARY PETERSON
BLADE ERESMAN
Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Debbie has worked for Hyundai since 1983. She is a recent winner of the Hyundai Service Excellence Award.
Born and raised in Kelowna, Gary is a licensed automotive technician with over 42 years in the automotive industry. When Gary isn’t at work he enjoys gardening and sailing with his family.
Blade joined the Kelowna Service team in April 2013, moving from Calgary Hyundai. He has 4 years of experience as a Service Advisor with the Hyundai brand.
JILL FYLYSHTAN
ROBIN GILLBERG
BRENT GRAINGER
Has over 23 years of technical experience. Was at OUC to get his trades, and then has had a variety of dealership experience before starting with the dealership some two and a half years ago. Originally from Vancouver.
Has been with the dealership for one and a half years, but has over 36 years experience with parts. Originally from Calgary, Alberta.
ELAINA DUBE
BRENT PETERSEN
Recently joined Kelowna Hyundai, Elaine has over 23 years in the car business. Originally hailing from New Waterfront in Nova Scotia.
A local Kelowna graduate from Secondary and Kelowna Hyundai
| Sales Manager
| Sales & Leasing Consultant
| Sales & Leasing Consultant
| Inventory Manager & Detail Manager
From Victoria, Vancouver Island, Rob has had a number of jobs within the automotive industry in both sales and as an inventory manager. Has been with Kelowna Hyundai for 6 years.
SAMANTHA PETHICK | Accounting Clerk
Born in Vancouver, Samatha graduated from UBCO with an Arts Degree and Anthropology.
CHANTAL BARRON | Customer Service Shuttle
Chantal was involved in the fish and wildlife industry before joining Kelowna Hyundai recently and has been a long time Kelowna resident.
| Sales & Leasing Consultant
| Sales & Leasing Consultant
| Service Advisor
Perry joined the Kelowna Hyundai and Buy Direct Truck team in 2011 and brings over 18 years of automotive industry experience. He has specialized in trucks and recreational vehicles for over 13 years.
| Parts Advisor
| Service Advisor
| Service Advisor
| Technician Foreman
| Reception/Administration Assistant
Born in Vernon and raised in the Okanagan, Jill graduated from RSS and studied Administration at OUC. Our customers love Jill’s smiles over the phone.
ERIN ROUSSET
| Customer Retention/ Customer Service Shuttle
| Parts Manager
| Warranty Administrator
Has previously run a fishing lodge and also a chiropractic office before joining Kelowna Hyundai. She hails from Winnipeg but has been in Kelowna for 1 1/2 years.
DL#30922 DL30922
PERRY PAPADOGONAS
| Sales & Leasing Consultant
| Financial Service Manager
| Parts
CALL US TODAY AT 250-491-9467 3260 Highway 97 N. Kelowna kelownahyundai.com
OVER 100 | General Sales Manager
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NALEESA CAOUETTE
ALYSON BASNETT
CORY RUHR
Naleesa joined the Kelowna Hyundai and Buy Direct Truck Centre team August 2013. Truly passionate about Marketing and creating the best team in the Okanagan, Naleesa looks forward to many more years at Kelowna Hyundai and Buy Direct Truck Centre.
Originally from Alberta, Alyson moved to Penticton, BC for 6 years before making her way to Kelowna. With 10 years of Financial Service Experience in the automotive industry, she has the knowledge and experience to get you approved.
Cory attended UBCO to receive his Bachelors of Business Administration. Now part of the Buy Direct Truck Centre team, Cory sees a bright future at the dealership and plans to call the Okanagan home forever.
| Marketing & Special Operations Manager/Payroll Administor
| Financial Services Manager
| Sales Consultant
kSmall Business Week Tuesday, October 22, 2013
www.kelownacapnews.com X3
Reaching out to promote small business growth
KELOWNA
Jim Paterson says Kelowna City Hall has evolved into a point of contact for specific business needs, from helping someone to start up a business through either direct assistance or by pointing people toward a local resource that can meet specific needs such as the Women’s Enterprise Centre, Community Futures or Accelerate Okanagan. “There are those who come here looking to invest and need information about our community, about housing, about local economic opportunities and how to get connected,” Paterson says.
CAPITAL NEW FILE
KELOWNA’S executive director of business development Jim Paterson, with one of the maps the city uses to put development opportunities downtown into context for potential investors. growth of the high-tech cluster of economic growth, companies that are based in Kelowna but are seeking out contracts or being service providers for other companies around the world. Paterson said the prominence the provincial government is placing on the growth of the liquified natural gas industry may be focused on northern B.C., but the business opportunities that industry will provide will have an impact across the province. “I think what we are seeing from our business walks where we meet with business owners is businesses are starting to look beyond the Okanagan,” Paterson said, noting that focus is shifting to northern B.C. and Alberta. “One of the things we are seeing about the Alberta market, for example, is that when local companies align themselves with certain companies there to provide a product or service, those Alberta companies are very loyal in sticking with it if they get a quality product or service delivered on time. “Our labour costs tend to be cheaper so that helps local companies to create more jobs here and put more wealth back in our community. The common refrain we hear is that unemployment is high in the valley, but local companies are looking to hire quality staff every day of the week. Paterson said another unique aspect to the Central Okanagan economy is the presence of a large senior demographic to the population, many of whom bring wealth to the community in their retirement, providing a challenge for the business community on how to tap into that resource. “How do we engage (our seniors) and build a better community overall is in part by providing better services to that group and that opens up business opportunities,” Pater-
son says.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
The Central Okanagan appears to be entering another positive cycle for economic growth and prosperity, says Corrie Griffiths, business development officer for the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission. “We are seeing now an increase in business licenses being issued and license renewals are up and business bankruptcies are down,” Griffiths says. “Those are pretty good barometers for reading the pulse of the business community.” “From talking to business owners, there just seems to be a general optimism that things are getting better, something we weren’t necessarily hearing two years ago.” Griffiths feels the Okanagan lifestyle remains a characteristic that offers the val-
ley insulation from the hard times that other B.C. communities have faced so far in this decade. “Obviously the lifestyle is a huge draw for families looking to relocate here. That translates into creating jobs and we are one of the few school districts in the province to be seeing an increase in enrolment. The family location aspect in this region is primary driver for our economy. “People come here and want to create their own business opportunity or professional development opportunity because, first and foremost, this is where they want to live. “The same goes for people who graduate from university. They want to find ways to stay here so they look to ways they can start up a business.” Griffiths says the EDC sees itself as a facilitator for educating and assisting potential new business owners on understanding where their client
base would come from in this market. “I think business planning assistance is a key area that we have received feedback on, but the flip side of that is creating an awareness of the existence of ourselves and other credible organizations and consultants that can offer that level of assistance,” she said. And while the large population of seniors provides a stable income base for local business and the median household income here is higher than the B.C. average, Griffiths says the global economy is bringing about change. “Many businesses here in Kelowna now are beginning to recognize their competitor is not down the street, it is across the border or across the ocean. “It’s fine to be patriotic and love your community and love Canada, and be passionate about living and supporting
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Small business is the engine that makes the Central Okanagan economy go. The days of the major manufacturer employers like the Western Star truck plant are no longer the focus of economic development proponents in this region. Whether it be the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission or the business development managers in Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country, their emphasis today is on promoting small business, providing the resources for new startups to succeed, and for existing businesses to pursue expanding their products or services outside the Okanagan. The statistics outline how that philosophy has taken hold. In the Central Okanagan region, more than 95 per cent of businesses have fewer than 20 employees, and 50 per cent of those are sole proprietorships. While the dream of a major employer coming to town with a proposal for a manufacturing or industrial plant that could create 100+ high paying jobs or more is always out there, in the words of Jim Paterson, executive director of business development for the City of Kelowna: “We are not chasing after that anymore.” He cites the example of the U.S. where states offer unrealistic tax rates and other incentives to encourage existing plants to relocate in new locations. “That is buying jobs, pure and simple, and it is a zero sum game,” Paterson says. He applauds the Liberal provincial government for seeking out business investment on the basis of competitive tax rates, the infrastructure services and labour pool larger employers require while staying away from what he calls “mega-incentives.”
“The resources to help those people has been a work in progress for us for about a year. “In the past it was something we kind of did off the side of our desk, but it’s now a full-time task for me and I know the mayor is always out there taking the opportunity to talk about how the city is working to expand our business related functions and city services. “The word is slowly but surely getting out there as we are getting more referrals from the chamber of commerce and city staff.” A campaign platform Mayor Walter Gray laid out in the last civic election, was to strengthen ties between city hall and the business community to help facilitate economic development ideas. Paterson says it’s no longer necessary that new business start-ups have to go through the “school of hard knocks” and learn from their initial mistakes. “It’s always better to learn from someone else’s mistakes than have to repeat them yourself. We can now provide those services to help avoid those pitfalls, connect people with mentors who have built businesses from scratch and are willing to pass on their knowledge and experience to help others.” Paterson says the philosophy of many people choosing to move to the Okanagan is to enjoy the lifestyle and start up their own business to provide themselves a job. “I think that still applies today. People are interested in creating their own jobs here. We are approached on a weekly basis by people with a specific business idea wanting to know more about the potential market and what other competition might already exist.” Beyond the lifestyle, Paterson said what also makes Kelowna increasingly more attractive for business investment is the infrastructure by government—expansion of Okanagan College, establishment of UBC Okanagan, growth of the airport and health care services. “These things are providing stable, well paid jobs in the community, providing us a backdrop for a sustainable economy which differs from the private sector where businesses will come and go.” Paterson says Kelowna is now firmly entrenched as an entrepreneurial economy, particularly in today’s global economy in which where you live can have little to do with running your business. He cites the burgeoning
Baro n Rd.
EDITOR
Hw y. 9 7
Barry Gerding
HOURS: M-F 8:30 AM-5:30 PM, SAT. 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, SUN. ON cAll FOR eMeRgeNcieS
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Small Business WeekS
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Markets are across continents Growth from X3 this region, but business people also have to consider, for example, that more people live in California than the entire country of Canada. “So that is an exciting opportunity for businesses to export into new markets.” Griffiths says the number one piece of advice they can give to anyone interested in starting their own business is to develop a business plan. “I know for many people that sounds like a daunting task, but there are many resources available at a low or no cost to help you with that process, and you can even go online and download business plan templates that enable you to walk yourself through that process.” Without that business plan, Griffiths said business owners lack a clear vision to follow to achieve their business goals, how to identify their potential customer base and how to deal with unforeseen challenges that most new business owners are confronted with in the first two years of operating, the time frame when the largest percentage of business bankruptcies or failures occur. Griffiths says it takes a lot of passion, grit, determination and a little bit of luck to make a business succeed even with a business plan in place, so to not have that element in place only makes the chances of success that much tougher. “A business startup is a huge commitment. It’s different than someone who invents a new technology or product. It is a different skill set, personality and characteristics that enable someone to take a business idea and make it succeed.”
WEST KELOWNA
While developing a business plan is an important step for a potential new business owner, it is equally important for a new community. And in West Kelowna, that is exactly what has been going on for the past six years since the district was incorporated, says West Kelowna business development officer John Perrott. While that has been a challenging part of a community start-up, Perrott says the vision for moving forward in economic growth is beginning to emerge. He says the small business climate in B.C. has come out of a period of uncertainty in the last two to three years, which came to a head in the provincial election won by the Liberals earlier this year. “I think a lot of people were unsure how things were going to look moving forward prior to the last election,” Perrott said. “But I think in the post-election aftermath, there seems to have been a general hike in confidence about our economy, something that seemed to take hold a day after the election.”
“I think in our area, we are seeing a lot of businesses have come through some tough times and are feeling more confident about what lies ahead.” Local indicators of that, he says, include wineries making expansion investments—two already underway and another two in the planning stages—growth of the local farmers’ market and the district’s Brown Road street upgrade project. “These things are all positive and optimistic. I think while business people are still cautious, it’s not to the same extent we were seeing two years ago.” Perrott says saturated retail growth is an issue for West Kelowna, given the success of retail development by the Westbank First Nation on band land, particularly evident along Highway 97. “I think sometimes it’s a bit of a challenge when you look at the larger Westside area, as there are a lot of great business amenities spread between the two local governments here, so it’s added a lot for local residents, from more box stores to additional medical service offices. It’s great for the consumer.” “Our challenge is to continue working with our existing business owners, how to help them be competitive in the local marketplace.” Perrott says his task is to serve as a resource for local business, working through different component stages from getting a business license to expanding a business to marketing. “We have the ability to connect business owners to a variety of services resources in this region, a kind of on-the-ground customized service for business owners. I think it’s a positive step that the district has taken and I think business owner are starting to realize there is more support out there for them than perhaps there was three years ago.” In West Kelowna, Perrott says the retail side tends to mirror Kelowna, with many of the same brand name stores in both communities, while the district may have more of an upside over the city with more available land to accommodate industrial or manufacturing opportunities. Transportation also remains a business concern for West Kelowna, Perrott added, from crossing the bridge to the vehicle bottleneck that can occur along Highway 97. “I think creating highway visibility for businesses is always a challenge and it’s why the district council is looking at the signage bylaw to see what we can do to help with that issue,” he said. And while he doesn’t feel the Bennett Bridge is a transportation issue, particularly since he commutes from Kelowna to work on a daily basis, he admits “people still like to talk about the bridge.”
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2 F K n A o O f r w r n n m CAPITAL NEWS FILEr LARRY Widmer , with Community Futures (left), Okanagan-Mission MLA Steve Thomson and tt Kelowna city councillor Gail Given (right) talk with Leo Bartels, owner of Leo’s Videos, in the South t Pandosy area during the Business Walk held earlier this month. “ r a e t d C n s The Central Okanagan Economic DevelopOf the 360 businesses visited, 42 were con-d ment Commission facilitated the first Business ducted in Peachland, 49 in West Kelowna, 31c Walk in Canada in October, 2012. in Westbank First Nation, 166 in Kelowna (76 To date, more than 750 businesses have been Downtown, 29 in Pandosy, 61 in Rutland) andT visited through the Business Walks program as 72 in Lake Country. g one means to gather information from the busiQuestion 1: How is Business? b ness community and identify programs to faciliResults indicate a generally positive outlooke tate business growth. from 90 per cent of the businesses visited. g The information obtained captures the pulse Question 2: What do you like most aboutj of businesses throughout the region, connects doing business in the region? w business support agencies to the business comJust over half the respondents (51 per cent)v munity, communicates industry intelligence to stated their location was what they liked most,s multiple civic and business stakeholders and followed by clientele at 35 per cent. m identifies opportunities for COEDC’s Business Six per cent of the 360 businesses visited Enhancement programming. mentioned various “other” factors they likedN Outcomes from Business Walks to date in- about doing business in their area. These wereb clude: mainly lifestyle-related. y • One-on-one assistance has been provided to Some three per cent of businesses citedi over 100 companies across all sectors as a result “availability of talented labour,” reflecting thet of the Business Walks program challenges of attracting and retaining skilleda • The Ministry of Jobs Tourism and Skills workers increasingly experienced by businesses Training is now using the Business Walks pro- throughout the region; three per cent said the cost“ gram as a best practice of doing business was what they liked most; andb • Following the May 2013 Walk to manu- two per cent said having a business friendly lofacturers, the COEDC facilitated a Business Be- cal government. yond Borders session to 25 Okanagan ManufacQuestion 3: What can be done to make turer’s to address employee recruitment and re- your business thrive? tention strategies Responses ranged from tangible needs such • Information from the May Manufacturer’s as increased signage, to technical assistance rewalk provided industry intelligence to District of quirements such as marketing. West Kelowna staff in the facilitation of a ManuCommon themes throughout the region infacturers Round Table session clude: • A Central Okanagan Manufacturers Re• Upgrading infrastructure—road and sidesources Guide was created walk improvements and continued revitalization • Internal reports communicating barriers projects to conducting business and program opportun• Due to the nature of Highway 97, many ities such as specific truck routing, sector-specif- business feel there is a need for increased direcic networking needs, buy local campaigns and tional signs to entice potential consumers from signage issues have been communicated to the highway to business districts municipalities, chambers of commerce and busi• Additional parking options and increased ness improvement areas throughout the region. monitoring of regulated areas Earlier this month, within a three hour blitz • Increased buy local campaigns collectively period more than 65 business and civic leaders throughout the region walked door-to-door and connected with 360 • Increased communication of projects in the businesses throughout Peachland, West Kelow- community and region—growth plans, available na, West bank First Nation, Kelowna and Lake services, etc. Country business districts. Question #4: What specific information Businesses were asked: would you like to have access to? • How is Business? Information related to business planning was • What do you like most about doing busi- an area of need expressed by 38 per cent of business in the region? nesses visited. Another 39 per cent cited their • What can be done to help your business category of need as “other.” thrive? Frequently stated within this category was • What specific information would you like the need for “marketing,” “advertising” and “stato have access to? tistics.”
Business Walk response cites positive economic outlook
kSmall Business Week Tuesday, October 22, 2013
www.kelownacapnews.com X5
Kelowna business excellence Blanleil chosen as 2013 award nominees named Business Leader of the Year Twenty-five finalists will be honoured at the 26th Annual Business Excellence Awards taking place Oct. 23 at the Delta Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort and Conference Centre. Eight category recipients will be announced, along with the Business Leader of the Year recipient. Presented by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and Platinum Sponsors the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP, the popular Kelowna event is part of the annual Small Business Week (Oct. 2026) activities. “As we celebrate the 26th anniversary of the Business Excellence Awards and recognize this talented group of entrepreneurs, we are impressed with the depth and breadth of Kelowna’s dynamic business community,” said Caroline Grover, CEO for the Kelowna Chamber. “We are equally inspired by the innovation and tenacity demonstrated by the finalists and their companies.” The Business Excellence Awards program celebrates achievement in our business community with finalists in each category selected from a wide group of nominations. The panel of judges visits all of the finalists and will judge them on the growth and development of their business, customer service, employee relations and community service. Nominated businesses must have been operating for longer than three years (with
the exception of the Rising Star Award) and have a letter from their accountant confirming that they are financially sound. “It is important for us to recognize our business leaders for their successes and innovations,” said Dominic Petraroia, managing partner of Farris’ Kelowna office. “Each of the finalists represents a unique accomplishment that has helped to strengthen the local economy and enrich our community. “Congratulations to all of the finalists and we celebrate their achievement.”
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE FINALISTS
RISING STAR AWARD (in business less than three years) Cheeky Monkey Media The Hot Box Yoga Kelowna Okanagan Home Magazine Inc. Sponsored by: FortisBC SMALL BUSINESS AWARD (1-10 employees) Mission Meats Secure-Rite Mobile Storage Inc. Yeti Farm Creative Sponsored by: Prospera Credit Union MID-SIZE BUSINESS AWARD (11-30 employees) Artistech Newmedia Inc. Bouchons Bistro Hydraclean Restoration Services Ltd. Prestige Collision Sponsored by: BDO Can-
ada LLP LARGE BUSINESS AWARD (31+ employees) Northside Industries Wentworth Music Sponsored by: MacKay LLP COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD Accelerate Okanagan Metro Community The Society of Hope United Way of the Central and South Okanagan Similkameen Sponsored by: Urban Systems Ltd. YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD Justin O’Connor, Okanagan Home Magazine Inc. Kylie Sutton, Moksha Yoga Kelowna Stephen Whiting, StreetText Sponsored by: UBC Okanagan GREEN INNOVATOR AWARD Campion Marine Inc. GreenStep Solutions Inc. UBC Okanagan Sponsored by: Interior Savings Credit Union HOSPITALITY & TOURISM AWARD Ancient Hill Estate Winery Arlo’s Honey Farm The View Winery Sponsored by: Tourism Kelowna
“We are equally inspired by the innovation and tenacity demonstrated by the finalists and their companies.”
—Caroline Grover, CEO, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
Alistair Waters
visions,” he said. And, as he points out, televisions were nothing like they are today. There The Kelowna Chamber of were no cell phones and home Commerce earlier this month stereos were radios and record named local businessman Andre players. Blanleil its Business Leader of “It’s like I always tell my the Year for 2013. staff, we are in the coolest indusThe chamber says the try,” he added, noting Andre’s award recognizes and celebrates sell the products that not only atBlanleil’s outstanding contributract the technology headlines tion to the business community in but are also the “must-have” Kelowna. products of today. Andre Blanleil “Andre is a good example of Since 1986, Blanleil’s busisuccess, risk-taking and balancing ness model has to been to locate his business with civic commitment in the stores in properties—often small strip malls— Okanagan,” said Caroline Grover, CEO of the that he not only owns but ones he builds to. chamber. “I’d rather have a mortgage than pay rent,” “He was a City of Kelowna-appointed dirhe said. ector (as a city councillor) on the chamber He said in nearly 20 years on council he has board for a number of years, through 2008, and seen how successful family business here have brought the chamber that all-important municioperated, that the way to go is by owning the pal view on business matters.” property where your business is located. Blanleil, who has sat on council for nearWith the exception of a few stores located in ly 20 years and regularly finishes near the top of larger malls, his Andre’s locations are located in the poll in civic elections, is often seen as overtly strip malls he owns. pro-business and, in his words “right-wing.” But Blanleil has built 13 buildings to date and the he said it’s a label that is not always accurate. company employs a total of 120 people. Comparing himself to another popular, longAndre’s is one of the top five electronic retail time city councillor, Robert Hobson—someone chains in Canada, and Blanleil said he plans to often seen as more centrist, or even left of cencontinue expanding. tre—Blanleil said 95 per cent he and Hobson Blanleil is also a founding partner and is on are on the same page when it comes to municithe board of directors of the largest electronpal matters. ics buying group in Canada, partnered five other Interviewed earlier this month after being in- business owners. In total they represent 400 reformed of winning the award, the Capital News tail locations. contacted Blanleil in Williams Lake where he And it’s not just electronics anymore. In rewas working on the construction site of his 18th cent years, Blanleil has diversified his business Andre’s Electronic Experts store. model, which now includes a car wash and liBlanleil said he was surprised to hear he had quor store, as well as leased properties for other won the award. “Of course, I’m pretty happy retailers in the strip malls he builds. about it,” he said. Born and raised in Kelowna, Blanleil has Blanleil’s chain of electronics stores, are lothree sons who also call Kelowna home. Two of cated throughout the B.C. Interior and sell a full the them are involved in managing the company range of home sound and vision electronics as and the third is working part-time in the busiwell as appliances and mobile phones. ness, waiting for his hockey scholarship in VerHe started the chain in 1980 at the age of non to kick in next season. 23 when he took over the retail operation of his The Blanleil family is also well-known in father’s television repair business. the Kelowna sports community for its years in And said over the years he has seen the elec- men’s fastball, where three generations have tronics industry radically change, to point where played, starting with Blanleil’s late father, young people today would not recognize what Andre, Sr. was being done back then. Blanleil will receive his award at the Busi“Back then, we were selling and fixing teleness Excellence Awards Gala on Oct. 23. ASSISTANT EDITOR
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Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Small Business WeekS
X6 www.kelownacapnews.com
It’s time to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship
Business Walk response cites positive economic outlook
ecently returning from a in Kelowna in November 2012, ENTREPRENEURIAL is now working on the followfall escape with my wife SPIRIT up conference this year with the to Napa Valley where I experienced in volumes the imtheme of “Unleashing Ideas— agery of entrepreneurship, I find Building the Entrepreneurship myself invigorated to trumpet a Culture in the Okanagan.” “celebration of the entrepreneurThe conference will take ial spirit” in our beloved OkanaJoel place Nov. 21 and 22 in Kelowgan Valley. Young na. More information on the conFor much of this calendar ference may be found at www. year, I have witnessed a dramatOVESociety.ca. ic rise in the entrepreneurship presence. EveryThis event will again be one and a half days thing I turn these days—television, newsprint, with a new program and a full slate of genuine magazines, electronic media, etc.—and from the entrepreneurial speakers to make the experience words shared by our politicians and both commemorable for all who participate. munity and corporate leaders all speak to the isWith this excitement comes the news that sue of entrepreneurship. once again the Okanagan Valley Entrepreneurs It raises the question, “Is there really someSociety will work with the Global Entrepreneurthing to this entrepreneurial spirit that takes us ship Week initiative which began in the USA over like a tsunami at sunrise?” just a few short years ago and has reached 70+ The answer is yes, as we are learning the an- countries around the world for on week in Noswer to that question in every corner of our exis- vember. The Canadian Youth Business Foundatence—from the storm of self-employed hometion will also aid in the promotion of the Globbased ventures, low- and high-tech enterprise, al Entrepreneurship Week and entrepreneurship the plethora of immigrant, physically chalacross our nation. lenged, seniors, female and youth entrepreneurNo question, entrepreneurship is here to stay ial ventures that find their place in the market. and it steps forward also through the program These all lend themselves convincingly to delivery of many of our economic organizathe phrase “entrepreneurship is here to stay”. tions like Community Futures, Women’s EnterAnd now politicians at the tri-levels of govprise Centre, Business Development Bank and ernment are singing the praises of the socio-eco- the cadre of business networking clubs throughnomic benefits via new policies and programs out the region. that favour the entrepreneurship and small busiIn closing today, I ask respectfully, that you ness sector. stay tuned and join in the celebration of entreLastly, in this entrepreneurial spirit explosion preneurship every chance you may get over the are our educational institutions of all categories coming weeks and months. both public and private now developing entreWe need you to this celebration so that the preneurial programs and centres at an unpreceentrepreneurial spirit in the Okanagan remains dented pace. alive and flourishing. Joel Young is an entrepreneurial leadership Leaning to the apex of my column theme coach, consultant and educator and founder of this week, our Okanagan Valley Entrepreneurs Society, after a successful introduction of the in- the Okanagan Valley Entrepreneurs Society. augural Valley Entrepreneurship Conference eagleyoung@shaw.ca
Say you’ve got a small business in need of a loan. You’re growing, and you’d like some extra money for an expansion project. Sales are going up, and you’re making a nice profit. Should be an easy sell to the bank, right? Not necessarily, especially if you don’t do your homework, says Pat Latour, senior vice-president, financing and consulting, at the Business Development Bank of Canada. “If you’re going to expand, you’ve got to have a plan. If you don’t, you can jeopardize the rest of the business that is doing well.” Many businesses walk into a bank’s office without the right planning—and then they’re surprised when their loan request is turned down. “Knowing the numbers is key. How will the expansion affect your profitability?” Latour asks. “Growing businesses need more working capital because they’re often supporting additional inventory and more staff. “And it often takes a while for the expansion to increase profitability. “On the other hand, an expansion can also lead to unexpectedly rapid revenue growth. “Entrepreneurs should also plan for that scenario and be ready to use the extra revenue to aim even higher,” he says. How do you get your ducks
R
in a row for a successful loan request? First, take time to work out your anticipated return on the investment, including not just the cost of the fixed asset, but also the way your business operations will change as you grow. Second, it’s vital to think about your timing when applying for a loan. Businesses often wait too long, Latour says. Instead, they use cash flow to finance major expansions or, even worse, wait until they’re facing a cash crunch to see the bank. “One of the biggest reasons businesses fail or an expansion doesn’t succeed is a lack of working capital. “It’s always easier to get financing beforehand than when you have a timing crunch,” he says. Latour advises fast-growing businesses to meet their banker every year to get a pre-approved loan for capital expenditures, which they can draw on instead of tapping working capital. Such a credit facility also lets a business react more quickly to opportunities, since it doesn’t need to apply for a new loan each time it needs funds.
CHANGE TO GROW
Sean Darrah learned some of these lessons at his
fast-growing food services business, Pace Processing. Starting from a 1,500-square-foot space in 2001, it had grown to a 10,000-square-foot location by 2007. But even that space was maxed out, and Darrah wanted to expand into a new, bigger building. He had always used working capital to finance his growth, but he now realized he needed a loan for the costly expansion. He was in for a surprise when he approached a bank and was initially turned down. Despite sales growth of 25 to 30 per cent per year, he had been spending all his operating cash and writing off equipment every year. “It looked like we didn’t have many assets,” Darrah says, who then hired an accounting firm to help him demonstrate his company’s true value. The bank took another look and agreed to the loan, which allowed Pace to move into its own new 25,000-square-foot building in 2010. Darrah also got a line of credit for future capital spending. “What prevented us from taking the next step was always spending all our cash. It was really clear we needed to change to grow.”
Pushing for greater efficiency and innovation key to growing a business Fred Welter was only 16 when he joined an aerial survey and mapping company in his Alberta hometown of Grande Prairie. Welter had just finished high school and enrolled in university, but he’d already found a career that allowed him to combine his love for flying,
surveying and the great outdoors. He worked summers for the company in its Whitehorse and Yellowknife offices before being made managing partner in Whitehorse in 1972. From those beginnings, Welter went on to build a hightech remote sensing business
that’s specialized in acquiring and processing information about the Earth’s surface for clients around the world. “It’s been a journey to always be more innovative and more efficient,” says Welter, president of Calgary-based North West Geomatics Ltd. (NWG).
Welter formed NWG in 1987 when he and three partners purchased the aerial photography assets of the company where he had begun his career. From those modest beginnings, NWG now generates $25 million in annual sales, working for government agen-
cies and major players in the oil, gas, forestry and environment industries. “Essentially, we work for any agency or company that requires looking down at the ground to determine what’s on it,” Welter says. Beside aerial photography, another remote sensing tech-
nique used by NWG is LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)—a method used to scan vegetation and other aboveground features by illuminating them with laser light. Because snow restricts remote sensing in Canada from
See Efficiency X8
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kSmall Business Week Tuesday, October 22, 2013
www.kelownacapnews.com X7
WEST KELOWNA KEY BUSINESS AWARD WINNER □ Business of the Year □ Large Business
West Kelowna success story One of the inspiring business success stories in West Kelowna was culminated at the recent Westbank and District Chamber of Commerce awards banquet. Northside Industries, which has seen its fortunes swing from the shadows of shutting down to one of potential future growth over the last four years, was honoured with the Business of the Year award as well as the Large Business category honour. “This award is really about the people at Northside Industries, as well as the community,” said Steve McKay, president and owner of Northside Industries in accepting the Business of the Year award prize. “It’s a great community to be doing business in. It’s got a very strong supply base and we get tremendous support from a number of businesses here as well as individuals in the community.” The awards had special significance to Northside, said McKay, because the evolution of the company over the past four years, evolving into a manufacturer of fuel tanks and steel and aluminum fabrications for the oil and gas, forestry, military and heavy duty truck sectors. In 2009, Northside Industries sold all of its assets, with the exception of the fuel tank line assets, to Magna International. Magna relocated those assets at a factory in Mexico, where it began to produce
truck parts for Daimler Trucks North America. At the time, Northside, which at one time had employed 250 people, was reduced to staff of seven people to continue the business in a new direction. Over the last 4 years, that new direction
Northside as a potential supplier to all Daimler’s divisions. Through that assessment, Northside was awarded longterm agreements for the supply of steel parts to Daimler trucks. As well, Northside recently obtained a “Controlled Goods Certification” from the Canadian federal government, which is a requirement for bidding/manufacturing related to military components. This certification led Northside to being awarded military work. These contracts have allowed Northside to experience unprecedented growth in the company’s history at a time when the overall economy has been flat at best. “Things are looking has allowed the company to prosper very bright, “ McKay told the chamber with a payroll now of over 60 employees. awards audience. More than $1.5 million has been spent Northside has been on a hiring spree on capital equipment giving the company lately, and continues to hire both skilled a strong competitive advantage. The and semi skilled production workers, new state-of-the-art equipment has been machine operators, material handlers and complemented by obtaining an ISO 9001 welders. certification as part of its management/ For entry level positions there is quality system. The certification provides opportunity for internal training, creating guidance for companies and organizations room for advancement. who want to ensure that their products McKay says reinvesting in the and services consistently meet customer’s business, new certifications, obtaining requirements, and that quality and new contracts while remaining customer service consistently improves. focused, with a great team of employees The business also passed an “on-site has put new life into the company. assessment” from Daimler which certified
1400 Industrial Road, West Kelowna northsideind.ca • 250-769-4001
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Small Business WeekS
X8 www.kelownacapnews.com
Tips on how to create a work-friendly home office T Many workplaces are opting out of the traditional space in lieu of remote, home-based offices. There are many reasons for this, but some employers look at it as a tremendous cost saving that also results in a happy and productive workforce. Whether you are one of those lucky work-from-home folks or if you run your own business, here are a few little quick tips to make sure your workspace leads you to success. The comfort of your own home can lend a more casual environment, but it’s imperative to hold up a professional appearance when working from home. Background noise when on a conference call or virtual meeting is not acceptable. Having a designated work space that is separate from your home space will help to balance work and your personal life. Soundproofing, as well, is an excellent solution, especially if you need to tune out a barking dog or squealing children. Sound dampening is be-
coming a requirement for modern families, so if you have the opportunity to re-insulate your home or office space, sound-proofing insulation is an excellent choice. Stone wool insulation, for example, is a top choice for professional recording studios. This material is an excellent acoustic barrier that actually absorbs the sound. For homeowners, retailers point to a performance tested product called Roxul Safe ‘n’ Sound mineral wool insulation. It provides higher sound absorption against low frequency (bass) ranges that other types of insulation struggle to block. Investing in the right home office equipment is another key to success. Consider your office needs when purchasing equipment. Don’t get caught up in the décor, but focus on the functionality. A good desk with adequate storage is necessary, as well as a separate phone system (from your home) and updated computer equipment and software. Ensure you have everything you would have in a busi-
CONTRIBUTED
THE COMFORT of your own home can lend a more casual environment, but it’s imperative to hold up a professional appearance when working from home as well as blocking out background noise such as kids yelling or the dog barking. ness office. Establishing office hours will help to keep you on track. Setting boundaries so family and friends don’t inter-
rupt you will keep you on point and productive. But don’t forget to network. Working from home can be isolating, so make sure you
make time to meet face-to-face with colleagues or clients. This balance will make the whole “working from home” a rewarding experience.
Investing in new edge technology Signing up for renewable natural gas is really easy. You’re working with a trusted partner in FortisBC, and it’s not just benefiting your own company, it’s benefiting the community. Duncan Johnston, CFO Purdy’s Chocolatier
Purdy’s Chocolatier said YES to renewable natural gas At Purdy’s Chocolatier, they work as hard to reduce waste and emissions as they do to make decadent chocolates. So they signed up their Vancouver distribution centre for renewable natural gas, a carbon neutral* source of energy derived from local organic waste. Sign up your business for renewable gas at fortisbc.com/rng. Renewable natural gas is currently available for homes and businesses in the Lower Mainland, and Inland (Interior and North) and Columbia (Kootenays) regions. *FortisBC’s renewable natural gas has been designated as carbon neutral in B.C. by Offsetters.
Efficiency from X6 April to October, Welter knew he had to look elsewhere for customers. To stand out from competitors in international markets, the company has invested in leading edge technology. “We developed a unique aircraft navigation system that got us our first contract in Saudi Arabia. We would have never gotten the job had we not invested in technology.” NWG now has six airplanes, equipped with state-ofthe-art digital sensors that collect aerial photographs automatically. While NWG has operated in almost every region of the world, its aircraft maintenance, flight planning and data processing are all done in Calgary.
A GOOD PARTNERSHIP
A transition into digital remote sensing was a key decision that put NWG on a path to durable growth. In 2003, NWG purchased its first digital sensors from Leica Geosystems, the surveying and geographical measurement
division of the famous Swiss camera manufacturer. The digital transition allowed the company to reduce by half both its image acquisition costs and processing time. “We worked closely with Leica to develop customized software for the sensors. Now we co-own that software, which is universally used to process the data acquired through Leica’s digital sensors.” This was the beginning of a close partnership with Leica, which eventually saw the Swiss company become a shareholder in NWG. NWG also owns the largest private online geospatial library in Canada, operated through its Valtus Imagery Services division. “One of the issues that even large state or provincial agencies have is the ability to load and store data,” Welter says. “We’re talking about 500 terabytes of data on some contracts we do. That’s a lot to process and store.” That’s why NWG developed an efficient and reliable storage and sharing sys-
tem that allows its clients to log on via the Internet to access, manage and distribute large, high-resolution geospatial images. With help from BDC Financing and Subordinate Financing, the company completed its transition to digital technology and now operates five Leica Geosystems ADS82 Airborne Digital Sensors that allow highly accurate aerial image acquisition in significantly less time. “Without BDC we were reinvesting everything in the business and were under-financed. “It’s difficult to finance aircraft with a conventional lender, especially since we’re talking a $1-million sensor for each one.”
With a 10 per cent growth annual growth in recent years, Welter is optimistic about the future of his 50-employee business. “We will never have 1,000 employees; we will still remain a small Canadian company that works both here and internationally,” he says. “But we will never stop improving and innovating.”
“…we will never stop improving and innovating. .” FortisBC uses the FortisBC Energy name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (13-023.5 10/2013)
—Fred Welter, president , North West Geomatics Ltd.
kSmall Business Week Tuesday, October 22, 2013
www.kelownacapnews.com X9
Tips on maximizing a home office Studies by market research company eMarketer revealed that over 10 million Canadians were smartphone owners in 2012. Mobile devices are eating into personal computing in a massive way and experts predict that by 2014, more local searches will come from smartphones than any other computer device, drastically changing the way people shop and locate information. Digitalization has become a societal issue for small businesses and consumers alike. “Today, people compare prices, make reservations and interact online to make sure they are getting the biggest bang for their buck and share their shopping experience,” noted Matthieu Houle, director, Digital Consumer Experiences for Yellow Pages Group. “Through interactive mobile sites and search applications, shoppers have easy access to reviews and opinions, meaning that every customer experience counts. “This makes it critical for local businesses to integrate mobile technology into their marketing mix. “Tools such as mobile analytics allow businesses to learn from every interaction and predict where, when and how people are most likely to make
their next purchase.” A mobile environment enables consumers to connect with the brand. That’s why a creative and simple design is key. At the very least, a mobile site that stems from a business’s main web page is mandatory. With a site that’s optimized for mobile, customers
can access a business’s important contact information from anywhere. “Mobile applications, which an increasing number of people are using to optimize their search, take the experience one step further. Businesses can also optimize their offerings thanks to contextual information or personaliz-
The importance of a business plan
ation based on data taken from past experiences and individual preferences. As people continue to use an ever increasing number of devices to get online, digital marketing companies are offering more and more multi-device marketing solutions and are making these options accessible for small businesses.
A business plan is a valuable tool for every business owner, whether you are starting up, have been in business for years, or are ready to grow. Think of your business plan as a sales document. It must convince readers that your venture has the potential to be successful. Your enthusiasm, dedication and confidence in the project should be evident to the reader. Avoid highly technical terms and diagrams that the reader may not be familiar with. You will want to write the plan as if the reader is not familiar with the type of business you are starting. The most effective business plans are dynamic documents that evolve as your business grows and changes. Your plan should reflect the current reality of your business, the environment in which it operates, and your present and future goals. If you’re starting a business, a business plan can help you: • Turn your ideas and capital into a viable business • Secure financing from lenders and investors • Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats If you’re managing an existing business, a business plan can help you: • Communicate your vision to your employees and external parties • Develop accurate financial forecasts • Compare planned versus actual performance If you’re growing your business, a business plan can help you: • Raise capital to expand • Create a strategy to manage growth • Take advantage of opportunities and mitigate risks If you’re exiting your business, a business plan can help you: • Develop a plan to transfer ownership, sell your business, or close your business • Establish a timeline for the transition process • Identify financial and regulatory requirements In writing a business plan, know what elements are considered essential in any business plan and the key points that should be included in each section of your plan. Learn how to create a well-developed business plan and avoid missteps on your pathway to prosperity.
How better task delegation can open up business growth opportunities A major pitfall for many growing businesses is the owner’s inability to let go and delegate responsibility to employees. In effect, the limitations of the entrepreneur become the limitations of the business. Below are some steps to help you delegate tasks so you can focus on growing your business. 1. Take an objective look at your workload. Analyze what you’re do-
ing with your days by keeping a diary of your time for two weeks. How much time is dedicated to strategic activities and how much to day-today firefighting? Are there important activities and projects you’re putting off? Now, consider which tasks could be performed by someone else to free you up to perform your highest value activities. BENEFIT—Identify lowlevel activities that are eating
WEST KELOWNA VISITOR CENTRE
up your time. 2. Determine where your contribution is most needed. Successful entrepreneurs know their strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps, you’re a whiz at sales and marketing, but are driven crazy by accounting. Why not delegate that and other areas of weakness to employees who are better at it than you? BENEFIT—Your No. 1 job is to lead. By stepping back
Winner of the Chamber of Commerce Key Business Award for Hospitality & Tourism
stbank We
Did you know the West Kelowna Visitor Centre is housed inside the Westbank Museum? The Westbank Museum board wishes to thank: Our sponsor the District of West Kelowna, summer Mu u m students, volunteers, corporate members who chose to provide brochures for our centre, and visitors. se Our Visitor Centre will take the time to make your stay in our beautiful community a delightful experience. Our centre boasts friendly and knowledgeable staff, willing to share not only our community, but also the whole Thompson Okanagan Valley, as well as the Coastal, Kootney Rockies, and Northern regions. Our centre specializes in tailoring your holiday experience. This summer the West Kelowna Visitor Centre was instrumental in helping retired troop #46 RCMP to celebrate their 55th year reunion. We did this by working closely with the organizer to insure a successful event.
Thank you Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (T.O.T.A) for sponsoring this award and to the Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for choosing us.
(l to r): JohnPerret BBA (W. Kelowna Business Development Officer) • Doug Findlater (Mayor) Poppy Angus (Museum Director) • David Knowles (Councillor) • Carol Zanon (Councillor) info@westbankmuseum.com • www.westbankmuseum.com • 250-768-0110 • 2376 Dobbin Road • West Kelowna
and letting others who are better equipped to manage certain areas take some of the load, you’re making your life easier and improving your business’s performance. 3. Identify the best people in the organization Look for employees within your organization who are ready and able to take on more responsibility. When hiring, make sure to take the time to recruit “A” players who have
skills that complement your own. Create clear job descriptions, structured evaluation processes and fair incentives. These will help you achieve your business’s goals. BENEFIT—Your business will profit from diverse, complementary expertise. 4. Share your business strategy with employees Don’t lead from an ivory tower. Having a shared vision of the future makes work more
meaningful for your staff and gives them direction. 5. Focus on results. Don’t get hung up on seeing staff adopt your working style. You want people who are focused on getting the job done, not worrying about how you would do it or what you’re thinking. BENEFIT—Having always done something in a certain way doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best way.
This vet clinic has two Dr Oz’s. Both husband and wife are veterinarians who moved from Israel and have had a practice in West Kelowna for 3 1/2 years. They are a young family with young children who consider pets an integral part of peoples families ...like one of their children. Dr Oz’s have 4 support staff as well as a groomer as a part of their practice and they are all caring compassionate people who really care about the well being of their clients pets. Along with their full service small animal practice they also have a groomer on staff and board cats. “We see our clients as family and we hope they see us the same.”
We
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Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital
250.769.9109
112-2476 Westlake Road • www.kelownavet.ca
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Small Business WeekS
X10 www.kelownacapnews.com
Women making an impact on small business Over the past decade, there has been astonishing growth in the number of Canadian women who are leaving the traditional workforce to join the emerging trend of female home-based entrepreneurs. Women entrepreneurs are one of the fastest growing segments of the Canadian economy and represent an emerging economic force according to a recent snapshot of Canada’s labor force by Statistics Canada. According to the report, approximately 950,000 women were self-employed in 2012, accounting for a third of the self-employed population. This number has grown significantly, by 23 per cent when compared to its male counterparts (14 per cent growth), over the past decade. In fact, women entrepreneurs annually contribute in excess of $18 billion to Canada’s economy. Ross Creber, president of the Direct Sellers Association of Canada, says a lot of women are choosing to branch out on their own in an effort to find a better balance between the de-
mands of work and family. Many of them, he explains, are choosing to start a new business in the direct selling industry so they can enjoy the flexibility of being their own boss and setting their own hours. When Courtney Haanen’s husband was laid off for the second time, she turned to direct selling to help support her family. With a two-year-old to care for, Haanen needed to be able to work from home with flexible hours. After drawing up a list of requirements, she chose Avon due to the low start-up fee and potential for sales due to the variety of customers she could approach with the Avon brochure. Within a month, Courtney saw that her home business was meeting her high expectations. “I started telling girlfriends who were home with their kids about what I was doing and I started building my leadership team.” Avon independent sales representatives are self-em-
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Women entrepreneurs are one of the fastest growing segments of Canada’s economy, accounting for one-third of the total number of entrepreneurs across the country. ployed and receive up to 50 per cent earnings on the goods they sell. Some choose to just sell the products for extra money and often work around parttime jobs. Others, like Haanen become leadership representatives, recruiting and training
other independent sales representatives. It’s in leadership where one can build a successful business because not only do you earn commission on your own sales, you also earn commission on the sales of your team of independent representatives. “My leadership bonus ar-
rived just in time for the holidays. Leadership bonuses make a difference for us when my husband is out of work, and my team is now big enough that I have financial flexibility. Plus I keep adding to my team. I take a lot of pride in my team and in helping them reach their goals.”
The Avon Leadership opportunity has helped Haanen and others meet their financial goals while working from home. “With my second child now 2 1/2, my home business gave me more financial freedom and flexibility during my maternity time.”
Agriculture job creation seen for dairy, poultry and egg farms British Columbia may be known for its natural resources, not cows and chickens, but recent economic numbers show that agriculture is a bigger employer than mining or forestry. The province’s farm sector has been hit with falling employment, shedding 9,400 jobs between 2007 and 2011, a 27 per cent drop. But dairy, poultry and egg producers have been bucking the trend and driving job gains. A new report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) shows that dairy, poultry and egg farms have
added 3,350 workers to their payrolls in the same period, up 12 per cent to 31,726. In comparison, the mining sector employs 24,700 and forestry/ logging 14,000. The PwC report says that this growth is possible because of the stability in the dairy and poultry sectors, crediting supply management, the system that oversees production and food safety. Under supply management, marketing boards in each sector work with industry and government to set production levels that meet demand and ensure farmers receive fair
and predictable returns, avoiding the boom-bust price swings that characterize farmed products. Weakness in some agriculture sectors combined with growth in dairy, poultry and eggs means that now nearly half of all farm jobs – 45 per cent – are in supply-managed sectors. The PwC report, “Economic Impact of British Columbia’s dairy, chicken, turkey, hatching egg and table eggs industries – 2011 update,” estimates that the five supply-managed sectors directly add $1.6 bil-
C
hristine Caumartin bought Clippendales in December 2012 after working as the head groomer for three years. Her staff are energetic, all in-house trained and have all attended professional training. Christine and her team pride themselves on their reputation and their top notch, bright, clean facilities where they work hard to maintain a very friendly, family atmosphere.
Christine ~owner
Barb & Megan
Their large 2300 sq. ft. ‘free range’ shop allows dogs to socialize if they wish or find a quiet corner to curl up on a bed. All dogs are shampooed with professional grade shampoo and are hand dried without cage dryers by our qualified groomers. With scheduled, timed appointments to reduce wait times, they strive to reduce stress on the dogs. Short wait times for appointments helps them to work with their pet owner’s schedules to create the best experience possible for all with lots of hugs and kisses for their charges. Clippendales also offers a variety of pet accessories to enhance your pet’s spa day!
Dogs are not our whole loves, but they make our lives whole!
Clippendales Becky
Luxury Dog Groomers & Boutique
2409 Main Street, West Kelowna, BC www.clippendales.ca • 250-768-6624
lion to provincial GDP, supporting total economic activity of $5.6 billion. The Bank of Montreal also recently released a report that noted that supply management is playing a key role in the success of B.C.’s agriculture sector. Farming in the province is “a stand-out industry – particularly in the supply-managed areas of poultry, dairy and eggs,” wrote BMO senior economist Robert Kavcic in BMO Blue Book: British Columbia Growth Expected to Outpace Canada’s by 2014 as U.S. Demand Picks Up. The past decade has been turbu-
lent for the province’s agriculture sector, which trailed the overall growth rate for the economy for all but three years. “The supply managed farm sectors are providing much needed stability and job growth,” says Al Sakalauskas, a spokesperson for the B.C. Dairy, Egg and Poultry Industries. “Now that we account for nearly half of all employment, it has never been more important to ensure supply management remains at the core of B.C.’s agriculture policies.”
FAMILY Wellness CENTRE Known as your one-stop Multidiciplinary Wellness Centre on the Westside!
CHERYLANN THOMAS CH,T
ALVINA SKOLVIK BA, RMT
BRANDON PENDERGRAFT RMT
CHERYL DIRKS RMT
NICOLE ALBERTSON B. SC, R.Ac
Cheryl Dirks has been practicing massage therapy for 29 years with 27 of those years in Westbank. She established her present location 13 ½ years ago and it remains the only dedicated massage therapy clinic on the Westside. She currently has 2 Registered Massage Therapists working with her, an Acupuncturist, and is connected with a Naturapathic Physician. She is excited to have recently added a Clinical Hypnotherapist, treating conditions such as smoking, depression & sleep disorders. The long established clinic is well respected by medical professionals as well as the local business community. Cheryl and her team of RMT’s have years of experience and training in various techniques such as neural muscular, lymphatic drainage, muscle energy, myofacial or connective tissue work, joint play, cranial sacral therapy and more. They also have a ‘one of a kind’ pregnancy table, and infrared sauna. The RMT’s have coverage under extended health care plans as well as ICBC, RCMP and DVA. Call to make your appointment today.
www.familywellnesshealingspa.com
250 768 1020
kSmall Business Week Tuesday, October 22, 2013
www.kelownacapnews.com X11
D E T N E D E C E
E G HU S!
UNPR
! S R E F F O
2013 Matrix
0% up to 84 months
Stk#19455
Bluetooth capability, 6 speakers, USB audio input, A/C, cruise control, keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system.
$12995 or Pay
G N I V SA
2013 Venza
0.8% up to 72 months
1.9% up to 72 months
or up to
or up to
$4,000
Bi-Weekly (incl. taxes) 60
$22,992
(incl. freight & PDI) (+ PST/GST)
$2,100 Down (or trade)
Finance a 2013 RAV4
2013 Highlander
2013 Camry SE 1.9% up to 84 months
Stk#19389
Power drivers seat, sports tuned suspension, 18” wheels, blue tooth, back-up camera.
$159 Bi-Weekly
$4,000
(incl. taxes)
CASH BACK!
CASH BACK!
or Pay $28,730 (incl. freight & PDI) $5,000 Down (or trade)
Finance a 2013 4Runner
Finance a 2013 Tacoma
Finance a 2013 Tundra
from 1.9% up to 36 months
from 1.9% up to 72 months or up to
from 1.9% up to 60 months or up to
from 0.9% up to 72 months or up to
$3,000 $2,000 CASH BACK! CASH BACK!
$8,000 CASH BACK!
Introducing The All New 2014 Like you’ve never seen it before
It’s been an Award-Winning Year
Winner of over 35 Awards
YOU DO TOO!
KELOWNA TOYOTA
ENDS OCT. 31ST OAC
community driven
Trusted since 1970
1200 Leathead Rd, Kelowna, B.C. | 250-491-2475 | www.kelownatoyota.com | Mon-Fri 8:30-7 | Sat 9-5 Steve White
Steve Enns
Pat Fortin
Greg Klein
Rick August
Wendell Gillis
Sales Mgr.
Pre-Owned Sales Mgr.
Product Advisor
Product Advisor
Product Advisor
Product Advisor
Steve John Fullerton Product Advisor
Chris Dufresne
Duane Preece
Product Advisor
Product Advisor
DEALER #5134
…When we win…
1
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Small Business WeekS
X12 www.kelownacapnews.com
JUST A FEW REASONS WHY OKANAGAN DODGE IS THE
#
CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP
DEALERSHIP IN THE INTERIOR...SIX YEARS IN A ROW!
1-888-894-9642 • www.okanagandodge.com
BANKS ROAD
HOME DEPOT
LEATHEAD RD.
HWY. 97 N.
CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM FIAT
x
PR IS E
2690 Hwy. 97 North • Kelowna
Y A W
E NT E R
WE HAVE EXPANDED TO SERVE YOU BETTER!
✔ Okanagan Dodge boasts a dedicated and experienced sales staff with a combined total of over 150 years. We strive to have the most courteous and professional staff to care for our customers ✔ With the most Chrysler Dodge Jeep vehicles sold in the region, we have a unique opportunity to inventory the finest pre-owned vehicles, as well as offer our customers the highest value on their trade in ✔ We are home of the $300 referral program and prize mountain. Ask us how you can earn your money ✔ By working with a network of financial institutions, we make our customer’s dreams of owning a new or used vehicle come true ✔ The only true measure of customer satisfaction is a repeat customer. Thank you for making us #1 in the interior...six years in a row ✔ We are now the BC Interiors only Fiat Dealership
DL #30539