Abbotsford News Friday, February 21, 2014
A31
myBusiness E N G AG I N G C O N S U M E R S • B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
w w w . a b b o t s f o r d c h a m b e r . c o m
A bold vision for Abbotsford The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is leading the community’s first visioning initiative of its kind Alina KONEVSKI
ABBOTSFORD NEWS
What would make Abbotsford a better place to work, live, and play? That’s the question the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and its partners are bringing to the community in the next few months. The chamber is launching a project called Abbotsford 2020 on March 1. The community visioning exercise encourages residents to contribute their thoughts on how Abbotsford should look in the year 2020. The result will be a report that will serve as an anchor for discussion and action during the Nov. 15 municipal elections and the review of the Official Community Plan. “What we’re trying to do with this is bring our community together to figure out what the vision is for Abbotsford by the year 2020,” said chamber president Mike Welte. Welte thinks that the Abbotsford chamber might be the first to launch such a project in western Canada. The local group borrowed the idea from the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, whose Manitoba Bold project became
Mike Welte, President of the Abbotsford Chamber.
widely adopted and the final report was used by the community to hold politicians to account. “What we learned from that project (in Winnipeg) is that there are a lot of people in the community who want to have their
voice heard but don’t necessarily have the forum to do it,” said Welte. “Through projects like this, a lot of community leaders emerge that don’t often have their voice heard. We’re quite excited to bring together a diverse
group in Abbotsford to figure out what the vision would look like for our communities.” The chamber has joined forces with a broad range of stakeholder groups to include as many people as possible into the discus-
sion. Partners include Abbotsford Community Foundation, University of the Fraser Valley, School District No. 34, Fraser Valley Indo-Canadian Business Association, and the Abbotsford News. Residents can participate
in the project in two ways. The first is to visit the official website, www.abbotsford2020.com, which will launch shortly. The site will feature a questionnaire that residents can submit online or print and submit a hard copy to the chamber. The other option is to attend one of the forums. Many of the participating agencies will host their own gatherings, with dates to be announced in the coming months. The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce will host one for members on March 20. The ideas will be compiled into a final report by September 2014. The cost of Abbotsford 2020 is expected to be minimal, and the chamber is providing all funding. Welte encourages residents to start thinking about their ideas to make Abbotsford the best place to live, work, and play. “For a grassroots project like this to be successful, we need to hear your voice and see your participation in the Abbotsford 2020 project,” said Welte. “The simple question is, ‘What’s your bold idea for Abbotsford?’”
Individual Solutions from Independent Advisors What we offer our valued clients:
Rick Barkwell, FMA
Todd Chretien
Linda Spletzer
Bote Miedema, CFP
604-851-4292
604-851-4299
604-851-4294
604-851-4295
Financial Advisor
rick_barkwell@raymondjames.ca
Financial Advisor
todd_chretien@raymondjames.ca
Financial Advisor
linda_spletzer@raymondjames.ca
Investments
Account Types
GICs, Bonds & T-Bills
RRSPs, RRIFs, RESRs*, TFSAs Retirement planning
Stocks
Cash accounts
Education planning
Mutual Funds
Margin accounts
Estate planning
Corporate accounts
Life, disability & health Insurance
Financial Advisor
bote_miedema@raymondjames.ca
Financial Planning
Securities offered through Raymond James Ltd., member of Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Insurance Services offered through Raymond James Financial Planning Ltd., not a member of Canadian Investor Protection Fund.
®
A32
Abbotsford News Friday, February 21, 2014
myBusiness E N G AG I N G C O N S U M E R S • B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
2014
BOARD OF
abbotsfordchamber.com
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
DIRECTORS Getting results for B.C. business Mike Welte PRESIDENT
Joshua Bach
VICE PRESIDENT
Kenda Allen DIRECTOR
Brandon Kelley TREASURER
John MacDonald
February 17, 2014, marked the beginning of Chamber of Commerce Week, an opportunity for Chambers of Commerce across British Columbia to showcase their hard work on behalf of business communities across the province. This year, Chambers are celebrating the theme of “Leadership in Action” – a theme which highlights the leadership Chambers bring to their business communities, working hard to enhance B.C. as a business-friendly jurisdiction with strong opportunities for all British Columbians. And this leadership delivers results. Just this month, the Abbotsford Chamber and B.C.’s Chamber network, working in partnership with the B.C. govern-
Mike Welte, President of the Abbotsford Chamber and Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Small Business.
ment, was able to deliver a significant win for B.C.’s businesses: key, business-friendly changes to a recycling regulation that had caused concern in business communities across B.C.
Thanks to the hard work of Chambers in B.C., working closely with a responsive government, more than 99% of B.C.’s businesses will face no red tape or fees under this recycling regulation, which deals with packaging and printed paper. And that’s just one of many positive changes that the Chamber network has led for B.C. businesses. Among many areas of impact, B.C.’s Chambers have been a key voice: • encouraging balanced budgets at all levels of government; • calling for solutions to B.C.’s skills gap; and • encouraging municipalities to actively support local economic development. Continued on page 04
DIRECTOR
NEW BUSINESSES: Hilary Beard DIRECTOR
Rick Rake DIRECTOR
The Abbotsford Chamber would like to welcome 13 businesses Becoming a member of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce provides substantial benefits to generate more business and reach the heart of your community.
Mark Dana DIRECTOR
Suzanne Greening DIRECTOR
Parm Sidhu DIRECTOR
Cameron Wilson DIRECTOR
• Arrow Leadership Int’l Ministries
• Miller Accounting & Financial Advisory
• Canadian Blood Services
• Mt. Lehman Electrical Services Ltd.
• Canon Canada Inc.
• Power Zone Academy
• Country Tire
• BMO Nesbitt Burns
• Envision Financial (Town Centre Branch)
• Neale Internet
• Fraser Pacific Enterprises Inc.
• Taves Family Farms - Applebarn
• Homes & Land of Abbotsford/Chilliwack Sara Lawson DIRECTOR
Doris Woodman-McMillan DIRECTOR
The Voice of Business for Abbotsford. TECHNOLOGY • EDUCATION • RESOURCES
Making the Business of Stratas Easy!
Check ouitte our webs
Are you a Strata Management company? Providing online service is easier than you think . . . and only $300/Year! “Because council members need more than just papers in a binder!”
Making the Business of Stratas Easy! clientcare@stratawork.ca
604.746.4546
Abbotsford News Friday, February 21, 2014
myBusiness E N G AG I N G C O N S U M E R S • B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
A33
abbotsfordchamber.com
ABBOTSFORD CHAMBER F E AT U R E D B U S I N E S S
Benefits you can use Save with a group RRSP Do you want to help your employees save for retirement, but dread the administrative work of managing a plan? Under the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, employers have access to FutureStep™, a group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) provided by Manulife, specifically designed to provide employers choice and flexibility in a plan, while being easy to set up and manage. Simple to administer, with no administration cost to the employer, FutureStep is available to companies with as few as two employees. The plan offers best-in-class investment options, education and online services.
With regular contributions, a FutureStep plan provides immediate tax relief to your employees, which in turn increases their savings. Not only will employees’ money go to work sooner, low management fees allow them to build
greater retirement income for the future. The plan includes fast and easy online enrolment and ongoing online administrative support, including live support from a customer service centre and licensed financial
Ä?Ä„Ä ÄŒÄˆĂ˝ÄŠ Þĕ Ä…ÄŠÄ’Ä Ä?Ä?Ä‹ÄŽÄ? ăĎċđČ
specialists. For even greater flexibility, FuturestepŽ is also available with a Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP) option, allowing you, the employer, to contribute to the plan based upon the profitability of your business. As a business owner, you understand the importance of attracting and retaining valuable employees. Knowing your employees are your key competitive advantage, a group retirement savings plan helps businesses like yours be competitive and take care of your employees’ future financial needs. For more information contact IGL Financial Solutions Inc. at 604-855-1990 or iglfin@shawcable.com.
ČĎċÄ?Ä ĂżÄ?
Ä?ýĒÄ
Ä ÄŠÄ†Ä‹Ä•
Ä?ĄýĎÄ
Plan to... Dream. Learn. Smile. Succeed. Invest. Nurture. Leave to others. 8IBUFWFS ZPVS QMBOT PVS QFSTPOBMJ[FE BQQSPBDI UP ËŒOBODJBM QMBOOJOH DBO IFMQ NBLF them a reality. Let me help you provide for the people you care about... now and over time. Get advice. Contact me and get started today.
Brandon Ruhl, Consultant Investors Group Financial Services Inc. 101 - 2001 McCallum Rd. Abbotsford
*OTVSBODF QSPEVDUT BOE TFSWJDFT EJTUSJCVUFE UISPVHI * ( *OTVSBODF 4FSWJDFT *OD *OTVSBODF MJDFOTF TQPOTPSFE CZ 5IF (SFBU 8FTU -JGF "TTVSBODF $PNQBOZ 5SBEFNBSLT JODMVEJOH *OWFTUPST (SPVQ BSF PXOFE CZ *(. 'JOBODJBM *OD BOE MJDFOTFE UP JUT TVCTJEJBSZ DPSQPSBUJPOT „ *OWFTUPST (SPVQ *OD .1
Cell: (778)241-4097 Office: (604)853-8111 Email: brandon.ruhl@investorsgroup.com Online: www.investorsgroup.com
FREE FREE Customized Customized
Retirement Retirement Income Analysis
1. 1.Do Doyou youknow knowexactly exactly how how much much money money you need to get through retirement? you need to get through retirement? 2. 2.Have Haveyou youconsidered considered how how and and when when to Security maximize totake takeSocial CPP and OAS totomaximize your yourbenefi benefits? ts? 3. 3.Are Areyou youminimizing minimizing taxes taxes so so you you can can keep more of the money you make? keep more of the money you make?
Chamber of Commerce
4. 4.IsIsyour yourestate estate protected protected so so you you can can pass passalong alongmore more of of your your wealth wealth to to the the people people you youlove? love?
abbotsford
Notice of the Annual General Meeting The Annual General meeting of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at the Rancho, 35110 DeLair Road, Abbotsford B.C. The meeting will be called to order at 12:01 p.m.
ăĎċē
5. 5.IsIsyour yourportfolio portfolio getting getting the the best best returns returns with with the the least least risk risk possible? possible?
For For your your free free customized customized retirement retirement income income analysis, analysis, please please contact contact me me today. today.
Registration is available at: www.abbotsfordchamber.com/Events/details/2014-march-agmluncheon-with-honourable-ed-fast-605
If you are unable to attend the AGM to cast your vote(s) for board elections and wish to vote via proxy, please request a “Voting Accreditation Form� for your company. A personalized form will be sent for you to complete and return. If you are a member in good standing and are interested in running for election, the deadline for nomination (by two other members in good standing) is March 5th. Call La Vonne @ 604-859-9651 for a nomination form.
Cameron Wilson CIMÂŽ , FCSIÂŽ, PFPc Cameron Wilson
Investment Advisor CIMŽ , FCSIŽ, PFPc, Manager Investment Advisor Chartered Investment (CIMŽ) Chartered Investment Manager (CIMŽ) Fellow of Canadian Securities Institute (FCSIŽ) Fellow Canadian Securities (FCSIŽ) Office:of604-870-7109 • Cell:Institute 604-217-5621
Offi ce: 604-870-7109 • Cell: 604-217-5621 cameron.b.wilson@rbc.com CameronWilson.ca cameronwilson.ca
RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RBC Dominion Securities and Royal Bank Canada are separate entities which ofareRBC affiliated. *Member-Canadian InvestorInc.* Protection Fund. RBCofDominion Securities Inc.corporate is a member company Wealth *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBCofDominion Inc.trademarks is a member of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank Canada. Securities ŽRegistered of company Royal Bank of Canada. Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ŽRegistered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. Š2012 4 Royal Bank of Canada. All rights reserved. Used under licence. Š20124 Royal Bank of Canada. All rights reserved.
NEED GREAT TOWING ADVICE? Planning on a new travel trailer and have TOWING questions?
MSA Ford has the knowledge and expertise to help with the answers needed for you to make the right choices! IIn the th Fraser F Valley V ll Auto Mall
604.856.9000
ASK FOR RUSS!
He has extra show passes to the Early Bird RV Show this weekend!
A34
Abbotsford News Friday, February 21, 2014
myBusiness E N G AG I N G C O N S U M E R S • B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
2014
CHAMBER
TEAM MEMBERS
abbotsfordchamber.com
More business-friendly policies Continued on page 04
Allan Asaph
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
allan@abbotsfordchamber.com
La Vonne Bandsma
Carole Jorgensen
OFFICE MANAGER
Lavonne@ abbotsfordchamber.com
EVENT COORDINATOR
Carole@ abbotsfordchamber.com
ABBOTSFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
As members of the BC Chamber of Commerce, Chambers throughout the province are part of B.C.’s most extensive business policy development process. This process brings B.C. businesses’ innovative ideas and on-the-ground insights to B.C.’s decision makers, and helps shape an ever more business-friendly province. Chamber network policies span from fiscal and tax policy to infrastructure to industry-specific issues. Here in Abbotsford, your Chamber has brought together business and community leaders to move forward in a number of initiatives that are having a direct impact on business in
the community: • Inter-municipal Business License pilot project - which allows local contractors to work from Surrey to Hope without the additional burden of obtaining a separate license in each jurisdiction; • Micro Business Training Program – this Canada/BC Labour Market Agreement program allowed micro-business owners to apply for up to $1,500 for general business training in a variety of areas. Eighteen local businesses received financial support making the Abbotsford Chamber one of the top 5 contributors to this program’s success; • Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Prosperity – this community ven-
ture brought representation from a variety of local business and development interests including the Abbotsford Chamber and the City’s Economic Development Advisory Committee together with the Mayor, members of City Council and City staff. The findings of the Task Force were presented to Council in the Economic Development Action Plan and are currently being worked on by the City. So as B.C. celebrates Chamber Week, don’t miss the opportunity to swing by the Abbotsford Chamber and celebrate the leadership, energy and can-do attitude that B.C.’s Chambers bring to our communities.
207 - 32900 South Fraser Way
Phone: 604-859-9651 Fax: 604-850-6880 lavonne@abbotsfordchamber.com
myBusiness Published 10 times per year. For advertising in this special section please call 604-853-1144 or email m.molner@abbynews.com
Hit Happens! Let us straighten you out.
FREE VEHICLE
DETAILING WITH THIS COUPON
CLEANING INCLUDES: carpets vacuumed, seats and mats, windows, all interior, exterior, tires and wheels. All makes and models. Abbotsford location only. Offer expires Feb. 28, 2014.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
OVERSEAS AUTO BODY (2010) INC. FOR AN APPOINTMENT 604.853.9707 NAME: ________________________________ PHONE: _______________________________ EMAIL: ________________________________ MAKE + MODEL: _________________________
DESIGN AT ICBC C A ED SHOP VA R L EXPRESSET CL AIMS
ENTER TO WIN A $50 GAS CARD!
FREE VEHICLE
DETAILING
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
OVERSEAS AUTO BODY (2010) INC.
ABBOTSFORD: 2342 WINDSOR ST. 604.853.9707 Jessie, MANAGER
Mike, MANAGER
To serve you better, we offer free local pick-up and drop-off and courtesy cars.
Accidents are never a pleasant experience. We make it easy and stress free for you.
2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! Malana
FRONT DESK Excellent customer service is what we are all about.
SURREY: 7638 ANVIL WAY 604.594.9707 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
All makes and models • Claims assistance and full claim handling Complete auto glass service • FREE local pick up and drop off Written lifetime guarantee on all work • Courtesy vehicle available
SERVING THE VALLEY SINCE 1989
WITH THIS COUPON
CLEANING INCLUDES: carpets vacuumed, seats and mats, windows, all interior, exterior, tires and wheels. All makes and models. Abbotsford location only. Offer expires Feb. 28, 2014.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
OVERSEAS AUTO BODY (2010) INC. FOR AN APPOINTMENT 604.853.9707 NAME: ________________________________ PHONE: _______________________________ EMAIL: ________________________________ MAKE + MODEL: _________________________
Abbotsford News Friday, February 21, 2014
myBusiness E N G AG I N G C O N S U M E R S • B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
A35
abbotsfordchamber.com
UPCOMING
CHAMBER EVENTS GOOD MORNING A B B OT S F O R D B R E A K FA S T WITH FINANCE MINISTER MICHAEL DE JONG DATE: Monday, February 24 TIME: 7:30am - 9:00am LOCATION: Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS DATE: Thursday, February 27 TIME: 4:30pm - 7:00pm LOCATION: Abbotsford Sports & Entertainment Centre
7th Annual Fraser Valley Chambers of Commerce Business Showcase Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. TRADEX, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
DATE: Thursday, March 13 TIME: 4:30pm - 7:00pm LOCATION: Best Western Plus Regency Inn & Conference Centre
Presented by the Fraser Valley Chambers of Commerce: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Cloverdale, Langley, Mission, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, Surrey and South Surrey-White Rock
CHAMBER LUNCHEON & AGM
You are invited to attend the Fraser Valley’s most inclusive networking event of the year! Complimentary admission includes appetizers and a cash bar. Want to exhibit? Chamber Member exhibit space starting at $199. Non-Member exhibit space starting at $299. If you’d like a major impact at the show, consider becoming one of our event sponsors. You’ll get a HUGE space for display in a PREMIUM location at the event and be RECOGNIZED in all promotions. Only two sponsorship spots left - call the Chamber office today! For registration call (604) 859-9651 or visit our website: www.abbotsfordchamber.com
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
WITH HONOURABLE ED FAST DATE: Wednesday, March 19 TIME: 11:30am - 1:30pm LOCATION: The Rancho
ABBOTSFORD 2020 BOLD FORUM DATE: Thursday, March 20 TIME: 7:00pm - 9:00pm LOCATION: Matsqui Centennial Auditorium All events require pre-registration. Visit www.abbotsfordchamber.com to register.
CANADA’S #1 BOWFLEX DEALER
GET FIT, GET FLAMAN! Heyo!f the
Workout less. Burn more. Live healthier.
Get out nto a o rain and ber! im l c d Trea
g I’m feelin ! n r u the b
lex
Bowf
20 & TC TC -10DCLIMBER
!!
ck! in sto TREA
call for pricing... we guarantee it’s the best! free local delivery!
TREADMILL TREADMILLS, TREADM ILLS, S, BIKES, GY GYMS, VIBRATION N TRAINERS ELLIPTICALS, ELLIPTICALS LS ROWERS, ROWE OWERS RS TRAINERS, MACHINES, ACCESSORIES AND MORE!
101-1785 Clearbrook Road
(South side of freeway, beside NEW Tim Hortons)
604.746.1997 Mon-Fri: 10-6 • Sat: 10-5 • Sun: 11-5
www.flamanfitness.com