September 25, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

Women in Business 2015

Women in Business Factors to consider when planning a home office Page 5 How to find time for excercise Page 6 Healthy Ways to Handle Stress Page 7

Women in Business 2015

Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC

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:HEVLWH 2145 Cliffe Ave. Courtenay 250-334-2425 • www.brianmclean.ca

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Women in Business 2015

Vancouver Island InsuranceCentres

Crown Isle Plaza B Br

Comox Branch

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ancouver Island InsuranceCentres has been tailoring insurance coverage to meet the needs of our customers for over 40 years; however our roots in the Comox Valley go back over 100 years. Our professional and knowledgeable staff is here to provide for all of your insurance needs and are

Downtown Cour

tenay Branch

committed to providing you with peace of mind whether you are purchasing auto, home, life, business, travel, marine or farm insurance – we have you covered. VIIC is dedicated to the philosophy of giving back to the communities we serve by sponsoring activities both big and small. When we say, “We’ll take care of it” – we mean it!

www.viic.ca | 310-VIIC 8 4 4 2

Comox | 250.339.4847 Courtenay | 250.338.1401 Crown Isle Plaza | 250.338.5656 3

Women in Business 2015

Karin Usipuik - REALTOR™

Karin Usipuik REALTOR™

have been a Licensed REALTOR™ since 2005 and enjoy every aspect of the business. From the First time homebuyer to a seasoned investor, each transaction excites me and allows me to do what I love doing best ~ Work with people! There is nothing more rewarding in my opinion, than the feeling of excitement when I get to hand over keys to a family. Buying a home can be a stressful process and I strongly feel that my job is to help navigate the ups and downs of this process and do my best to provide an end result that leaves my clients with a good feeling and happy memory! My goal is to earn trust with each and every client I work with, building strong and long term relationships. I work hard to stay in tune with the latest trends in marketing while keeping informed with important changes in order to

protect those I work with. Whether I have done business with you, or will in the future, I promise that I will offer a professional, yet friendly approach to real estate. This year I am celebrating my 10th year as a REALTOR™! This is such an exciting milestone for me and I’m so thankful for the experiences I have had and relationships I’ve built along the way. To celebrate this anniversary, I will be holding a fun facebook contest from October 1-11. Please visit my facebook business page for details! You won’t want to miss out. From the bottom of my heart, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone I have crossed paths with over the past 10 years. Here is to another 10 years!!

BUYING OR SELLING? CALL KARIN 250.702.5416 KARINUHOMES.COM

Woofy’s Pet Foods

Leslie Tredwell & Mandy Taylor

Virginia Shaw

Robin Edgar

STORE SUPERVISORS - CLIFFE AVENUE LOCATION

STORE SUPERVISOR - COMOX MALL LOCATION

STORE SUPERVISOR - RYAN ROAD LOCATION

Lesley was born and raised in the Comox Valley. She enjoys local hiking trails, especially the trails next to rivers, lakes and the ocean. She always loved animals more than anything, so working at Woofy’s has been a perfect ﬁt for over 10 years now. She is currently the ﬂoor supervisor at the Cliffe Ave location. The thing she enjoys most is meeting and hearing about people’s pets but also being part of an amazing team.

Virginia comes from down island in Nanaimo, and moved to the Comox Valley in 2013. She has always been an animal lover, growing up around dogs, birds and rabbits. She currently has 2 longhaired dachshunds, Emily and Oliver, 1 boxer, Walter, and 2 cats, Henry and Steve. “I applied at Woofy’s knowing that if I got the job, I’d be surrounded by pet lovers like me!.”, Virginia tells us,“ I was hired as a cashier/ stock person, but I’ve recently been promoted to Store Supervisor at the Comox location in the mall.

Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Robin moved to Alberta for about 10 years, but it never felt like home. Just over 2 years ago she moved back “home” to the Comox Valley. Shortly after she started working at Woofy’s Pet Foods and it felt like the perfect ﬁt for her.

“I have a short haired very spoiled cat of my own, who loves to sample all the new cat products.”, she adds, “My favourite pet product is Big Mama’s Scratchy Box, my cat enjoys using it all the time. My most memorable experiences working at Woofy’s would have to be going to the trade shows and plant tours.” Mandy moved to the beautiful Comox Valley just over 3 years ago from Kelowna. She loves the Valley for all the outdoor adventures it has to offer. She has worked at Woofy’s since her arrival and was promoted to a Supervisor position earlier this year. Her job consists of writing orders and helping ensure the gears run smoothly on weekends. “What I love about my job is the people”, says Mandy; “our whole Woofy’s team and all our wonderful customers, furry and otherwise.” Her own fur babies include: 8 year old Beagle-Terrier mix Colby, 7 year old Doberman /Golden Retriever Oscar and 10 year old orange Tabby cat Pumpkinsaurus Rex (aka Rexy), along with her 2 human babies and human hubby. Mandy says, “My pups’ favourite pet products would have to be the raw bones; great for their teeth and keeps them occupied for a few moments. My cat absolutely loves the Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Crunch freeze-dried treats, he demands them!”

I’m excited about my new position at Woofy’s, as it will give me the freedom to get creative in the store (watch for some fun new pet products!). As a store supervisor, I also get to go to Trade Shows to get the ﬁrst looks at new pet products. “ The Comox store, works alongside with a local cat rescue society “Kitty Cat P.A.L.S”. The store has dedicated cages to showcase adoptable cats/kittens. This is where Virginia fell in love with her 2 cats, and adopted them. Virginia points out that Woofy’s is serious about your pet’s health and the staff attends monthly training seminars, usually about pet nutrition; what ingredients are used and why, so they can give pet owners the right recommendations. In addition, Woofy’s participates in multiple community events, such as Parades, Barking Lot Sale, CVEX, Pet Lover’s lane etc.

Robin’s love for animals begun early; she grew up with German Shepherds and Min Pins. “My parents have a kennel here in the Valley, Broomeacres German Shepherds.”, she exclaims,“I was showing dogs at the age of 4, I even won Best Junior Handler!” After a year at Woofy’s, she was promptly promoted to Store Supervisor at the Ryan Rd location. She particularly enjoys all the Pet Trade Shows where Woofy’s often discovers fun, new products. “There are a lot of pet products out there, but my favourite product is a line of toys made by Westpaw. They only use recycled materials and the toys themselves can also be recycled into new toys!”, she explains, “A couple other great products are Plaque Off (it really works) and Petcurean Pet Foods. My cats thrive on Petcurean’s Go! Duck formula. They are strong, healthy and happy cats (and maybe a little spoiled). I hope to be employed with Woofy’s for many more years and continue to gain knowledge that I can pass on to our customers. If you have a questions about your pet, come see us!”

www.woofys.ca

Women in Business 2015

Factors to consider when planning a home office As technology has made working remotely easier, more and more professionals are working from home. Working from home can help working parents save money on childcare costs and help all workers avoid rush hour traffic jams and the costs of commuting to and from the office. The right working environment is essential for men and women who work from home. An environment that’s conducive to work can help people increase their productivity and make their employers more likely to allow more employees to work from home. Professionals who are new to working from home may find it takes some time before they can create the perfect working environment, but the following are a few factors to consider when planning a home office. Space One of the disadvantages to working from home is that remote workers don’t have access to the same level of equipment as in the main office, such as color copiers or scanners. If you want to include even scaled-down versions of such equipment in your office, you will need ample space. In addition, less spacious home offices can

feel too tight and enclosed, making workers uncomfortable and less enthusiastic about working every day. Pick a spot in your home that affords room for your equipment and the ability to move around so you don’t feel cramped throughout the workday. Lighting Lighting is another factor remote workers must consider when they’re planning their home offices. Natural light can provide an energetic boost and improve your mood, so choose a room in your home that gets lots of sunlight during the day. Many professionals who work remotely do so from the basements of their homes, which can make it difficult to rely on natural light. If the basement is the only location in your home that can fit a home office, look for lighting sources that replicate daylight so you are not working in dark quarters. Speak with your physician about how to arrange lighting to reduce eyestrain caused by staring at a computer. Connectivity Connectivity also must be considered when

planning a home office. While wireless Internet has made Internet dead zones less problematic, certain areas or rooms in your home may still be touch-and-go with regard to Internet connectivity. Such areas should be avoided when choosing a room for your home office, as it can be difficult to remain productive if your connection to your office’s external server is routinely compromised. Find an area where the wireless connection is always strong. Distractions While your home might be empty for much of the day, you don’t want to be distracted when the kids come home from school or when your spouse or roommate arrives home from work. Avoid putting your home office too close to popular hangout areas in your home, such as the kitchen and the living room. Instead, choose a room where you have lots of privacy so you can focus on your work and won’t be routinely interrupted. Working from home can pay numerous dividends, but professionals who telework must put careful thought into the rooms or areas of their homes where they plan to work.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald re you struggling with chronic physical or emotional health issues?

Are you feeling like you are running out of options for help with your health problems? Do you want a physician who cares and who will empower you to create optimal health? Dr. Deidre Macdonald is the Comox Valley’s premier

naturopathic physician, providing whole-family health care. She has helped thousands of people with chronic health problems, pain, stress, weight issues, digestive problems, hormone issues and more. Through a lengthy consultation, physical exam and lab work, she provides clarity on diagnosis. Treatments are aimed at treating the underlying cause of health issues by the principle of “lifestyle

first, natural medicine second, and pharmaceuticals third.” If that sound like the type of physician that you’d like to see, we’d love to hear from you. You can even book a complimentary 15 minute “meet the doctor” visit. You’ll be able to ask questions, find out how we can help, and see if there’s a comfortable fit with the doctor.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald Naturopathic Physician Free 15 min. “meet the doctor” visit • Extended health usually applies Dr. Deidre Macdonald

Call 250 897-0235 • www.getwellhere.com

Women in Business 2015

How to find time for exercise Diet and exercise are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. While even the busiest men and women can find ways to eat healthy, finding time to exercise can be more difficult. According to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, regular physical activity can prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer and stroke, which are the three leading causes of health-related death in the United States. In addition, men and women who are not physically active are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise helps people control their weight while promoting bone, muscle and joint health. While the benefits of regular exercise are substantial, finding the time for daily exercise is not always so easy. The following are a handful of strategies men and women can employ as they attempt to make more time in their days to exercise. • Reexamine your free time. Few adults, and especially those juggling families and careers, have an abundance of free time. But reexamining the ways you are spending your free time may help you uncover some moments for daily exercise. The Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition notes that adults between the ages of 18 and 64 need at least two and a half hours each week of moderate-intensity aerobic

activity. While that may seem like a lot, it’s only slightly more than 20 minutes per day. It helps to supplement such aerobic activity with some strength-training activities at least two days per week. Try waking up 20 to 30 minutes earlier each day, using that time to hit the treadmill or jog around the neighborhood. You likely won’t be affected by waking up earlier, and you won’t need to alter your existing schedule for the rest of the day, either. If mornings aren’t your thing, make better use of your lunch hour, going for a jog or visiting your company’s exercise facilities if that option is available to you. • Work while you exercise. Technology has made it easier than ever before to stay connected to the office even when you are nowhere near your desk. Men and women who can’t seem to find time to exercise often cite the demands of their job as the primary reason behind their inactivity, but those same individuals can use the technology at their disposal, be it smartphones that allow them keep track of work emails or tablets that make it possible to connect remotely to office servers, to work while they exercise. Bring your smartphone or tablet with you when you work out on the elliptical or jog on the treadmill. • Reduce your sedentary time. A 2008 study from

Australian researchers found that people who regularly break up their sedentary time, including the hours they sit behind their desk at the office, with movement had healthier waist circumferences, body mass indexes and triglycerides than those who did not. While hourly breaks to walk around the office might not seem like exercise, such breaks can benefit your long-term health. • Get creative. Many people associate daily exercise with private gyms, and while gyms can serve as excellent motivators and great places to get full-body workouts, time involved in driving to and from the gym can make it difficult to commit to gym memberships. But you don’t need a gym membership to live a healthy lifestyle. When possible, take the stairs instead of an elevator and park further away from your office door so you get a small cardiovascular workout on your way into and out of the office. Rather than retiring to the couch after dinner, walk or bike around your neighborhood. Such simple gestures may seem insignificant, but the more creative ways you find to exercise each day, the more beneficial such efforts become. While there is no way to create more time in the day, men and women can employ several strategies to make more time for daily exercise.

Amanda Racine - Royal LePage REALTOR™ our real estate needs are my priority! As a mother of four and married for 14 wonderful years I understand the importance of making the right real estate decision for your family. Whether you are a ﬁrst time home buyer, selling your property, or just have questions about your real estate, you have come to the right place. Buying or selling a

home is a big decision - you need a dedicated professional to guide you through the process. As a lifetime Valley local, I have excellent knowledge of the area, and can help you ﬁnd exactly what you are looking for in a home and neighbourhood. If you are looking for personal service, great negotiation skills and expert selling strategies.

I want to help YOU achieve your real estate goals! Do you want a REALTOR™ who really listens to you, has the knowledge and experience of a lifetime Valley local, and whose passions are real estate and caring about people? Call me today!

Call Amanda direct at 250-897-2522 a m a n d a r a c i n e @ ro y a l l e p a g e . c a

Amanda Racine REALTOR™

UB Diving

Shellie Smyrichinsky Owner

hellie was born and raised in 100 Mile House, and after being landlocked for nearly two decades she moved to Vancouver Island in 1997. Shellie went on her ﬁrst dive in 1994, accompanied by her hubby Sean, an avid diver himself, and fell in love with the sport. Shellie and Sean decided to pursue their passion and opened the Union Bay Dive & Kayak in 1999. Since then they have experienced fantastic growth and are now operating out of their new store on Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay beside the BC government access center. “There is something uniquely fascinating about diving”, Shellie explains, “apart from being a great deal of fun; it allows you to face your fears, to explore a world rarely seen by many, and

to embark on a new adventure every single time.” At UB Diving the students’ ages range from 10 years old to 70+. “It’s never too late to get into diving”, explains Shellie, “We are blessed on Vancouver Island with some of the best diving in the world; although my favourite place happens to be in the tropical waters of Bonaire. UB Diving is much more than just a diving school & equipment store; they also sell, rent and service diving equipment, operate 2 commercial dive boats and one charter boat as well as sponsor the Sunday Divers Dive club offering free guided shore dives almost every Sunday. Shellie manages operations, staffing, book keeping, and the coordination of diving trips. Shellie is also a busy mom,

heavily involved with the local Rugby community, she sponsors a local ladies soft ball team “The Divers” as well as local fundraising with Shoreline Cleaners, where volunteers use their diving expertise for Dive Against Debris Initiative an underwater cleanup of local waters. If you have never tried diving in your life and are one of those people that sees each day as an opportunity to try something new and exciting, Shellie invites you to visit UB Diving and, who knows, you may fall in love with diving too. See you soon!

2440 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay (250) 338-0161

Women in Business 2015

Healthy ways to handle stress Stress affects people of all ages. The symptoms of stress can be extremely unpleasant, as participants in a study released earlier this year by the Statistic Brain Research Institute and the American Institute of Stress who reported experiencing physical symptoms of stress admitted to feeling fatigue, headache, upset stomach, and muscle tension, among other things. Among those who reported feeling physical symptoms of stress, 77 percent admitted to feeling those symptoms regularly, citing job pressure and money as the primary causes of their stress. How men and women handle stress can impact both their immediate and long-term health, as stress has been linked to a host of problems and ailments, including sleep dysfunction and heart disease. Many people cope with stress in unhealthy ways, which may only exacerbate the effects of stress on the body. Certain methods of handling stress may work for some people but not others, but the following are a few healthy ways to combat stress. • Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption. Many adults turn to alcohol at the end of a

stressful day, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that relying on alcohol to cope with stress may only create more problems down the road, and those problems will only increase your stress levels. In addition, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America notes that alcohol and caffeine can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks. • Rely on a support network. Coworkers, family and friends have stressful days, too, and such confidantes can help you handle stress in healthy ways. The ADAA recommends men and women dealing with stress let their support circle know how they can help relieve stress. Many people simply need to talk to someone after a stressful day, which can feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. Let your support network know you’re there for them when they experience stress as well. • Get daily exercise. Exercise pays a host of dividends, not the least of which is relieving stress. At the end of a stressful day, get some exercise instead of pouring yourself a drink or indulging in an unhealthy meal. When the body is physically

active, the brain secretes endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that make you feel good. Regular exercise also helps you get a fuller, deeper sleep, which can be disrupted by stress. • Eat a healthy diet. Diet also can affect how your body handles stress. Certain foods can tame stress. For example, oatmeal can boost levels of a calming chemical known as serotonin in your brain. That calming effect can make it easier to cope with stress. Other foods may help strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C, for instance, may help curb levels of stress hormones such as cortisol while simultaneously strengthening the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish such as salmon and tuna, may help prevent surges in stress hormones while also protecting against heart disease and depression, two serious conditions that studies have linked to elevated stress levels. Healthy ways to handle stress can help men and women who are stressed out ensure that stress is not compromising both their immediate and long-term health.

Extreme Ends Salon & Spa xtreme Ends is entering into our 22nd year of business. I would personally like to give thanks to my dedicated and talented team, as well as our loyal clients.

Christie has been with us the longest at 19 years and Cindy for 15…Wow! Between the 15 women on staff we have a combined total of 228 years of experience to deliver you with the best up to date service possible in a warm and inviting environment. We are all very passionate about our industry and are continually educating ourselves on all the latest trends and techniques. For fall we are dusting off the boots and sweaters and seeing hair with a lot more movement and texture with richer warmer colors. Moving away from ﬂat straight hair and traditional highlights,custom coloring is big right now. Think balayage or free hand painted highlights to enhance your haircut! Messy ponytails and braids are spotted on fashion runways, social media and TV. This style makes for an easy way to transform your look for day or night. We also offer a full waxing menu. Whether it is monthly maintenance you need or getting ready for a trip to a beach destination, we have you covered. We also offer pedicures and makeup applications. Our line of Micabella makeup is also available for you to take home and look your best.

Women of Extreme Ends Salon & Spa Back row (left to right): Jodi, Leanne, Danielle, Christie, Janey, Suzanne, Karen, Cindy, Meredith, Randine. Front row (left to right): Adrianne, Shannon, Cathy, Heidi, Tracy

As for the men, barbering is back. Close cut sides and back with some length on top. This gives you some options for different looks to play with and right on trend. We also offer the popular service of Reshade for men. This 5 minute service refreshes your hair at the sink to its natural color with no noticeable regrowth. And not to be forgotten our esthetics team offers men’s brow grooming. We always strive to give each customer the best experience. We believe communication and teamwork is the key. Extreme Ends is dedicated to keeping your hair healthy therefore we have partnered with the best companies to bring you all the latest and greatest products. We all look forward to seeing you soon.

319 4th Street, Courtenay • 250-338-8552

www.extremeends.com 7

Women in Business 2015

RBC Dominion Securities ara is an Investment & Wealth Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities who has taken on many roles in the investment industry since 1995, when she graduated from the University of Guelph. Since moving into the role of Investment Advisor in the Comox Valley in 2002, Lara has helped her clients successfully navigate challenging markets and a low interest rate environment by providing peace of mind through education and ﬁnancial literacy.

Lara Austin Investment and Wealth Advisor BA (Hons.), CIM FMA

Community involvement pervades Lara’s mission of ﬁnancial literacy. Her regular workshops, speaking engagements, and events over the last 13 years are open to the community and provided free of charge to those interested in estate, tax and income planning, and investment basics.

Lara was recognized by the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Top 40 under 40 in2012 and was presented with the Minerva Award by the local Women’s Business Network in 2007. Family is important for Lara. She enjoys spending time with her husband Danny of 24 years, and their two children. Damon, who was recently accepted to the Justice Institute of BC and Kiano, about to start Grade 9. As a family they enjoy skiing (when there is snow), boating, and Friday night dinners at the beach with friends. Lara works with successful professionals and retirees. She is licensed for securities, mutual funds and insurance and has earned designations as a Financial Management Advisor and Canadian Investment Manager.

To book your initial complimentary consultation, call Lara Austin at 250334-5606.

Lara D. Austin Investment and Wealth Advisor 250-334-5606 lara.austin@rbc.com www.LaraAustin.com

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are afﬁliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 2015. All rights reserved.

Axis Heating + Cooling Ltd. risten Pronick, along with her husband Mikhail, owns and operates Axis Heating + Cooling Ltd. They specialize in heat pumps, furnaces, air conditioning, generators and water puriﬁcation.

The family run business was founded by Kristen’s father, Wilf Scheuer as Pro Star Mechanical, in Victoria in 1988 and ofﬁcially re-christened in September 2013 as Axis Heating + Cooling when Kristen and Mikhail took ownership. Kristen has been a part of the HVAC business for most of her life and as a small business owner, you can ﬁnd Kristen handling just about every side of the business. Kristen Pronick

2014 was a great year for Kristen as she was the receipient of two business awards: * Top 40 Under 40 Years Old Business Achievement Award for the Comox Valley * Top 20 Under 40 Years Old Business Achievement Award, for all of Vancouver Island Axis was also one of the top 3 ﬁnalists for Small Business of the Year through the Chamber of Commerce. Axis remains a 2nd generation family-run, local HVAC business. All staff members are dedicated to providing outstanding customer service and comfort solutions tailored to meet your needs.

axisheating.ca

Thrifty Foods – Downtown Courtenay often be found on our retail ﬂoor meeting and greeting the needs of our Customers. She has worked in a variety of positions, including our Meat Department. She brings to the team years of knowledge and experience.

(L-R): Jen Rumney, Kim Wright, Jeanne Wilson, Nadine Gibson, Miranda Rodrigue, Lindy Berkowitz

Jen Rumney – Front End Manager I have been working for Thriftys for 13 years. I started in the Deli Dept, and then made my way into the Front End. I enjoy my job as I get to work with the best people!!!! Staff and Customers. We have great teamwork in this store and we have a passion for selling great local products.

of retail management and merchandising expertise. She also has many years of garden centre experience and choosing themes for wedding shows she attends. Kim loves creating beautiful arrangements for clients each day and if you look around town you will probably notice ﬂoral arrangements from her ad her staff at local hotels, spas, etc..

Kim Wright – Floral Manager - has been employed with Thrifty Foods for 3 years and brings with her a wealth

Jeanne Wilson has been with Thrifty Foods for close to 16 years. She is our bulk foods managers and can

Nadine Gibson – File Maintenance has been with Thrifty Foods for 24 years and is one of the original employees who transfered into Thrifty’s after Village Foods closed. She looks after accounts payable, various admin duties and community events. MIranda Rodrigue - has been with Thrifty Foods for over 10 Years. She works in File Maintenance and Admin. She also works closely with the Store Manager and dept Managers to assist them with various administratvie duties, including pricing and store presentation. She is responsible for many of the stores’

daily operations. Miranda also has experience in our Front End departement in a supervisory role . She loves working with our customers and fellow staff members. Lindy Berkowitz – Vitamins & More Manager - brings over 23 years of natural health industry experience to her job. She has been with Thrifty Foods for 12 years now and takes great pride in offering customers helpful advice on making healthy choices for themselves and even their pets.

250-338-1383 www.thriftyfoods.com

Women in Business 2015

Soroptimist International of Courtenay “Dream It, Be It: Career Support For Girls” - We hold an annual event in April which provides Mentoring career support for secondary school girls. We provide access to professional role models, career education possibilities and the resources which we believe will help them to live their dreams. Visit www.LiveYourDream.org for more information about education & training awards through Soroptimist International of the Americas.

Installation of Ofﬁcers for the 2015/2016 Year - Left to Right: Past President Margot Rutherford conducted the Installation: President Barbara Lewis, Recording Secretary Lynda Willis, Director Enid Farmar, Director Heather Ferraby, Treasurer Rosalie Crofford and President Elect Sandra Longland

OUR GOAL IS TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF WOMEN AND GIRLS AND SOME OF THE WAYS WE DO THIS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

SoroptiPaks - The objective of our club signature project, SoroptiPaks, is to provide a starter kit of basic household necessities to women and their children, who need help, while transitioning to their own home after ﬂeeing abuse and violence. These kits are a resource intended to make them feel supported and we believe we are making an important difference with this assistance. We received a Soroptimist International of the America’s Club Grant for Women and Girls of $2,500 US$ for 2015-2016 to enable us to better meet the requests for SoroptiPaks. Contact us for more information on our programs of service and or how to become a member of our service organization. Our website is www.soroptimist. org and our email is sicourtenay@soroptimist.net.

Our club provides a $2,000 club level award in the Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards for Women Program to assist a woman who is the primary source of ﬁnancial support for her family. This award is designed to give women the resources they need, to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Club winners are eligible to be considered for Region and International level awards with the International award being three awards of $10,000 each.

Uniglobe Alliance Travel Ltd.

Eileen Henderson

Suzanne Whyte

Julie Huff

Janice Whaley

Ming Tappin

Deb Jones

During my 25 years of experience as a travel consultant in the Comox Valley I have always looked forward to designing wonderful and worry-free vacations for my clients. Their vacation experience is very important to me and nothing is more satisfying than hearing about how wonderful their trip was and to start planning for the next one. At UNIGLOBE we have access to a wide range of ‘travel consultant only’ land, sea and air vacation options that will ensure the perfect vacation. I have travelled extensively and would welcome the opportunity to share both my and my client’s travel experiences and to help discover the “ hidden gems” of the world. I have been to many destinations, including Asia, Europe, the South Paciﬁc, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the U.S. I have cruised on Royal Caribbean , Holland America, Princess, and Carnival Cruise Lines. As an integral part of the UNIGLOBE Alliance Travel leisure team, I have been awarded 2 Counselor Excellence Awards –Bronze and Gold from UNIGLOBE Travel (Western Canada).

My personal mission is to ensure your travel arrangements are seamless throughout. I love to research the vast myriad of travel options available today and fully utilize our internal resources, systems and technologies. By doing so, I will do the navigating for you and make your expectations realized. I take pride in my consistency and high level of work standards. For the past 7 years, I have earned and retained the Gold Counsellor Excellence Award within the Uniglobe Western Canada region. In addition, this has placed me in the Uniglobe Platinum Circle for the last 5 years. From your initial contact to your personal welcome home, I will expertly plan your trip, wherever it takes you!

Julie Huff is the Owner of Uniglobe Travel the Comox Valley. She has been involved with Uniglobe for over 12 years now and enjoys the Travel Industry immensely. She is an active member of the BNI and the Chamber of Commerce here in the Comox Valley. Her love and passion is Cruising; she has cruised extensively and specializes in Cruise Groups on all of the major Cruise Lines. If you have any questions regarding Cruising or you want to set-up your very own Cruise Group come in to Uniglobe Travel and ask for Julie

Travel adventures have always been a passion of mine so 15 years ago, I choose to become a travel counselor as my second career. My favorite world adventures include cruising (I have been on 7 different cruise lines and 3 Riverboat cruise lines) and various coach tours of Europe. My top three destinations (as of today) are China, Russia and steamships river cruise in the US form St Louis to Cincinnati. How is that for variety!! As a part of the UNIGLOBE Alliance Travel team, I have receiver various Excellent Awards with UNIGLOBE Travel (Western Canada).

Ming is our cruise guru and provides training for our award winning team to ensure we always have the latest cruise news and best offers to offer to you, our valued clients. Ming has been in the cruise industry for 21 years and have sailed on 36 cruises(and counting). Ming is Owner of Your Cruise Coach Consulting and works very closely with our agency to bring you the best very cruise vacation value.

Deb Jones has been in the travel industry since 1987, and has experienced many changes in vacation travel since then. Deb joined Uniglobe in 2007 and enjoys working with the Comox Valley’s savvy travelers. She especially has fun helping clients looking for those unique vacation experiences, such as honeymoons, wedding anniversaries, and adventure travel.

250-334-3442 • uniglobecourt@shawcable.com • www.uniglobealliancetravel.com

Women in Business 2015

Simple techniques to help you relax Finding ways to relax can improve life at home and at the office. While it’s not often easy to find time to slow down, especially for those men and women juggling the responsibilities of career and family, the following are some simple techniques that don’t take much time but can have a positive impact on your day. • Take some time out from multitasking. The ability to multitask is a cherished commodity for parents and working professionals alike, but men and women can benefit from periodic breaks from their everyday juggling acts. Something as simple as focusing on a single task for 30 minutes at a time, as opposed to checking emails while preparing dinner or working on a project while answering a client’s phone call, can help lower stress levels and have a lasting and calming effect on your nerves. • Make time to meditate every day. Studies have shown that meditation can affect the circuitry in the brain, positioning it to more adequately respond to illness and stressful situations. Meditation has the added benefit of being a relaxing exercise, as meditation encourages peo-

ple to sit with their feet on the floor with both eyes closed in a relaxing setting that is free of external distractions. • Walk away from your desk and couch. It’s well documented that spending too much time sitting at a desk can have a negative impact on your health. In addition to elevating a person’s risk of heart disease and diabetes, sitting at a desk all day long has been linked to repetitive stress injuries, obesity and back pain, each of which can contribute to stressful living conditions that make it difficult to relax. Men and women should spend at least five minutes each hour walking, whether they are getting up from their desk at work or getting off the couch at home. Doing so takes little time, but it can help to relieve stress at work and at home and improve your overall health. • Practice yoga. Yoga is another activity that can help men and women relax. Yoga involves a series of poses that helps stretch the muscles and aid their recovery from everyday aches and pains, including those that often result from stressful experiences or days at the office.

Women of Invis West Coast Mortgages

Laurie Tinkler

Ana Fleck

Marion Logan

250.897.8885

250.703.1149

250.465.2072

As an accredited mortgage professional my goal is to provide my clients with the best possible mortgage solutions for their unique situation at the lowest rates and best terms. I have over 27 years in the financial services industry including 18 years at a major bank and over 9 years as an independent mortgage broker. I enjoy helping my clients to achieve their financial goals. It may be preparing to buy their first home, an investment property, or a great vacation home. I invite anyone that is unsure if you qualify for a mortgage to see me for a consultation, at no charge, to plan for your future home purchase. We have a great team of professionals at Invis West Coast Mortgages to make your mortgage experience simple and stress free. We have over 50 lenders and their products available to allow me to customize your mortgage. I was born and raised in the Comox Valley and I am also the Artistic director/owner of The Laurie Tinkler School of Dance.

Being a member of the largest mortgage brokerage firm in Canada you can feel assured that your interests are my first priority and that I will offer you expert advice and great results. I’ve been a mortgage consultant here at Invis-West Coast Mortgages since 2007. My husband and I have lived in the Comox Valley for 17 years and we love it here! In that time I have been employed in the hospitality business, and my husband, Steve, has been a fisherman for over fifteen years running our crab boat out of Port Hardy. We spend our free time with our twin boys, which keeps us very busy. As a family we enjoy fishing and visiting our family in my hometown of Prince Rupert and Portugal.

My clients want to get the most from their mortgage – now and in the years to come. As a professional Mortgage broker, I can do just that. I have the ability to consult with a network of different lenders, each offering different products, to help find a proper fit for my client’s situation, along with the best interest rate and terms. Helping clients to turn their finances around, helping with a budgets, rebuilding credit, purchases, refinance or just to build their retirement fund, gives me lots of personal gratification. My focus is to listen, analyze and put my client’s needs first. The Invis West Coast mortgage team consists of skilled mortgage professionals, with many years of experience behind each one. This provides an excellent support team to help with difficult files. We learn from each other, no two files are alike so there’s always something new to learn. My husband and I enjoy going to Classic car shows. We own a 1967 classic car, which we are improving with new parts. Through this improving process, we are meeting lots of people from all over the continent. We are turning strangers into friends. A stranger is a friend you have not met yet.

INVIS - West Coast Mortgages Take Advantage of our Expertise

Women in Business 2015

TIPS FOR JUGGLING WORK AND FAMILY Balancing work and family is a juggling act faced by many working parents. Responsibilities to work and family often overlap, and that can make solving the riddle of balancing work and family that much more difficult. Single-income households have decreased dramatically over the last several decades, as escalating costs of living have made it difficult for many families to get by on just one income. But working parents can employ several strategies, both at the office and at home, as they attempt to make the job of juggling commitments to work and family a little less difficult. Around the office A major concern many parents have as they attempt to balance work and family is that they are not spending enough time at home with their children or not paying enough attention to their kids or even their spouses when they are home. One way to find more time at home is to inquire about the possibility of working remotely. Advancements in technology that have made it easier to remotely communicate with clients and

coworkers has led to an influx of workfrom-home employees. While working from home does not mean workloads will diminish, it does save men and women the time they would spend commuting to and from work, and that translates to more time at home with the family. If working remotely full-time is not a possibility, men and women can ask if it’s possible to do so one or two days a week, as such a schedule will still provide more time at home. Another avenue men and women can explore as they attempt to achieve a better balance between work and family concerns how efficiently they do their jobs. Chatting with coworkers about issues that do not pertain to work can be a great way to reduce work-related stress, but professionals who feel as if they never have enough time to get their jobs done in a typical work day should determine if they are working as efficiently as possible. Avoid too much water cooler chitchat and resist the temptation to check personal emails or text messages while at work. Such distractions can eat up a considerable amount of time over the course of a workday, making it hard-

er for men and women to get their jobs done in a typical workday and forcing them to stay late or bring work home. Men and women working to achieve a greater balance between work and family also can examine how willing they are to take on additional work. While coworkers love a team player willing to pitch in, routinely accepting extra work can drastically cut into the time men and women have to do their own jobs as well as the time they have to spend with their families. Helping coworkers out in a pinch is fine, but men and women should resist any urges to take on more than they can reasonably handle. At home Men and women also can take steps at home to create a better balance between work and family. Working parents who want the time they have with their children each night to be more substantive can turn off their devices upon arriving home from work. Devices such as smartphones and tablets keep working professionals attached to their offices, and many men and women are tempted to check work emails or answer

phone calls and voicemails even when they have left the office for the day. Parents should resist that temptation so their families know their focus is on them and not back at the office. Another way to create a greater balance between work and family life is to make more efficient use of time at home. For example, rather than spending an hour each night making dinner, working parents can use a slow cooker so family meals are ready the moment everyone arrives home at night. That frees up time the family can spend together and gives working parents one less thing to do when they arrive home. Working parents looking get more quality time with their families also can cut back on the time families spend watching television each night. Limit television time to an hour or two each night, using the extra time to connect with one another. Many working parents strive to create a greater balance between work and family. While doing so is not always easy, men and women can employ strategies at work and at home to make the challenge a little less complicated.

SUBLIME Fashion Collection he Women of SUBLIME fashion collection ... enjoys discovering new and unique clothing lines that keep in mind the individual taste of women in the Comox Valley. Dierdre takes joy in creating a pleasant ambient atmosphere creating a beautiful visual presentation through seasonal fashions.

“SUBLIME Fashion Collection” Celebrates WOMEN and their personal beauty through FASHION “Inspirational personal shopping experience”, dedicated to sensible style, contemporary fashions sizes 0 thru 20.Our amazing staff share their wardrobe strategies striving for an unbeatable level of customer service. JEANS for Everybody. KUT & LIVERPOOL …Scarves from Italy and Silver Jewellery made in Canada

Open Mon.-Sat.10-5:30 Holidays 12-4

1-1599 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC

250-338-1284

Dierdre Mellin Local Owner

sublimefashioncollection@shawbiz.ca Follow us on Facebook

Halftone Pixel Website Design alftone Pixel has been providing businesses of the Comox Valley and across Canada with professional website development and quality graphic design services for four years.

the business. Bringing over fifteen years of website and graphic design experience to the business herself, she has partnered with some design heavyweights, all of which happen to be women.

Halftone Pixel blends technology and creativity to develop websites that not only look good, but provide a meaningful, engaging experience for their client’s users. Specializing in websites and mobile websites, branding and print design for small and medium-sized businesses, Halftone Pixel also offers search engine optimization, social media and copywriting services through some of their trusted partners.

Amy Pye is a West Coast girl who has been living and breathing graphic design for the past decade. She has received several international awards for her work.

H Small Photo 310 Words

Kris - Owner

Chelsea

Amy

Lindsay

The creative force of Halftone Pixel.

Owner Kris Trudeau created Halftone Pixel nearly four years ago and has been the driving force for

Chelsea Hamre also hails from Vancouver Island and with over ten years of design under her belt, she knows how to create a visual solution that works well and represents your business to a tee. Lindsay Stockner is a recent North Island College graduate and has a blend of both technical and creative skills that makes her a real

asset. You may also see Lindsay at local networking events and if you do, stop and say hi! With a talented and experienced team like this, who else could you trust your business with? At Halftone Pixel we love what we do and it is a gratifying experience to enable and empower businesses with the tools they need to effectively engage their customers, which will in turn help their businesses grow.

LOGO 250-871-0623 www.halftonepixel.com

Women in Business 2015

Level 10 Eurospa t has been a fantastic year at Level 10 Eurospa! We are honoured and thrilled to be celebrating our 25th Anniversary as the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. Mission Statement: “We are professionals who pride ourselves on providing our clients with products and services above and beyond the expected. Through our commitment to excellence, it is our priority to not only meet but to exceed your expectations. We promise your every visit will be a Beautiful Experience.” The services we offer at Level 10 Eurospa not only help you look and feel great but also do wonders for your mental well-being. From hair design, facials and skin rejuvenation, manicures and pedicures to relaxation massage, reflexology, steam, hydrotherapy and body wraps, we offer some exquisite signature treatments and packages that people come from far and wide to experience again and again. Continually expanding our knowledge and expertise, we travel to International trade shows, participate in certification programs and regular in-salon, hands on training with many of the top industry leaders and educators. Everyone at Level 10 takes pride in a high level of customer satisfaction and diligently strives to be the best providing our undivided attention for the duration of each client’s visit. We are in the business of making people happy and it really is about ensuring your every visit is A Beautiful Experience! Being part of the community is very important to us. Level 10 Eurospa has always supported fellow businesses and been an advocate of shopping locally. This commitment is reflected in the phenomenal support we have received from the people of the Comox Valley over the past quarter century. We are proud to be able to give back to our community. Along with supporting many local charities and organizations such as YANA, Duck’s Unlimited, CV Hospice and all 4 community rotary clubs throughout the year, we, as a

team have also provided for a Comox Valley family every year by participating in the Christmas Hamper Program for more than a decade. Leanne is proud to be leading a business that has supported the Comox Valley all these years through its continued growth and provision of employment opportunities for many while demonstrating leadership in the salon/spa industry and continuing to provide an excellent service to clients and community. A few highlights …… Shortly after opening the salon in 1990, Leanne was recognized by her peers with the ‘Master of the Craft’ award. This set the tone for her future business practices and accomplishments. It was also at this time, with advanced training through Matrix, she became an industry educator travelling and teaching fellow hair designers throughout the province for 7 years. Providing the optimal work environment and ongoing education has always been a priority. The reward has been a long term, loyal team of professionals that are passionate about their chosen career and truly care for the clients. As well, Level 10 Eurospa was recognized as the #1 Independent Matrix salon three years in a row. Staying on the leading edge in our industry and striving to be the best has always been very important. Level 10 was the very first full service dayspa in the Valley (when we relocated to our current location 1995), among the first in Canada to introduce the Hot Rock Massage in 1997 and the first on Vancouver Island to become certified in Thai Stem Massage along with being the first spa in Western Canada to introduce Hydradermabrasion Skin Rejuvenation in 2003. Wanting to offer our clients the utmost in quality skin care and cosmetics, we launched our very own lines of all natural, botanical skin and body care products, ‘L10 haute naturals’ in the year 2010. Level 10 was also voted in the top 3 salons on Vancouver Island in 2014(BC Living people’s choice awards).

CRYSTAL Salon Spa Co-ordinator

LEANNE Owner Our promise has always been to provide SERVICE ABOVE THE EXPECTED, so it only seemed natural for us to become a Certiﬁed Green Circle Salon. Through our partnership with Green Circle, we can ensure that 100% of all hair clippings, foils, colour tubes, papers, plastics, spa waste and excess chemicals are recycled and/or re purposed in an environmentally responsible way. All our hair clippings are made into ‘hair booms’ to soak up oil and chemical spills while all the spa waste is cleanly incinerated creating green energy that goes directly to BC Hydro. We strive to do our part in reducing our ecological foot print and are extremely happy that with this partnership, we are now able to manage virtually all our waste. The Level 10 team is committed to this program and proud to report that all that is left at the end of the day is compost. This is pretty amazing as on average, a salon generates 821.76 kg of waste annually! And that adds up to 20, 355 tonnes Canada wide! Since joining this program, we have become much more aware of the amount of product we use and waste and have basically cut that amount in half. At Level 10

Eurospa we understand how important it is to advocate environmental stewardship and invite other salons/spas to join Green Circle Salons to advance positive green change. Our philosophy has always been “beauty and wellness are a result of taking care of one’s SELF ; now it includes helping to take care of the planet. This year is certainly a milestone for Level 10 as we celebrate 25 years of providing “A Beautiful Experience!” We are very proud of our accomplishments, the service we provide to our clientele and the many wonderful relationships we have developed and maintained over these two and a half decades. We are celebrating our silver anniversary all year long, with a party planned for early November. Past and present clients are encouraged to stop by the salon to see and contribute photos to the Wall of Fame and sign the memory book. Thank you Comox Valley! Thank you to all our wonderful, loyal clients…..it is because of you that we love what we do and look forward to coming to work each day. Sincerely, The Level 10 Eurospa Team

KAREN Reception

BRITTNEY Reception

CARRIE Spa Director / Aesthetician

Celebrating 25 Years of Beautiful!

www.level10eurospa.com 12

250-334-0209

Women in Business 2015

Level 10 Eurospa

ANNA Hair Designer

DONNA Hair Designer

KIM Hair Designer

STEFANIE Hair Designer

YVONNE Hair Designer

KRISTEN Hair Designer

DEB Hair Designer

AMBER Hair Designer

CORINNE Hair Designer

STEPHANIE Spa Aesthetician

ABIGAIL Spa Aesthetician

TERRA Spa Aesthetician

CHERYL Spa Aesthetician

ALICIA Nail Technician

JAELLE Spa Aesthetician

PAM Book Keeper

a beautiful experience CVCC Business of the Year

1025 Cliffe Ave. Courtenay 13

Women in Business 2015

Mosaic Vision Care Our Mosaic team is a part of your community. All of our clients (some who travel from afar) are treated like family, we know and respect them, and most importantly we care for them as we continually strive to meet their needs and address their concerns. We stand by our excellent

D O C T O R S

Martina, Bobbie, Laura, Dr. Laura, Sharon, Jan, Beverley, Jenn, Natasha

hen you enter Mosaic Vision Care at either of our two locally owned locations, the ﬁrst thing you see is our smiles, and when you leave the last thing

we see from you is yours. We are an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, dedicated team who want your entire eye health experience to be positive and one that you enjoy.

products and workmanship - our offices are outfitted with high quality diagnostic instrumentation including the latest lens-fitting analyzers for eyeglasses and lenscutting machines for quick service. Please feel welcome to drop by both our locations and see for

O F

O P T O M E T R Y

Mosaic Vision Care Optometrists 519 G 5th Street, Courtenay 250-334-4512

Mosaic Vision Care Optometrists 444 Lerwick Rd, Courtenay 250-338-1665

Hours of operation 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Hours of operation 9:30 a.m.to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 to 4 p.m. Saturdays

Visit our Facebook and Web Page www.mosaicvisioncare.com

Bayview Chiropractic

abies make your back hurt. Drs. Debbie Wright and Alicia Steele of Bayview Chiropractic have a special interest in the care of pregnant women and children, and can help keep you and your family healthy and active. Bayview Chiropractic is a family wellness chiropractic clinic that provides pain relief, prevention and wellness care to the Comox Valley. Located in the Old Orchard neighbourhood of Courtenay, this friendly and welcoming practice helps to keep people of all ages thriving. The ofﬁce at 544 4th St. is comfortable and child friendly. You will ﬁnd a change table and baby supplies in the washroom and children’s books and toys in the waiting room. Drs. Debbie Wright and Alicia Steele bring over 25 combined years of experience in caring for people of all ages and

lifestyles. Both Drs. have further education and certification in pregnancy, pediatric and post-natal care. One of the most important times for a woman to be receiving chiropractic care is during pregnancy. From the moment of conception her body goes through a remarkable transformation that results in postural changes. Chiropractic care can help to restore proper function to the affected nerves, joints and muscles, decreasing pain and allowing you to move with ease. Chiropractic treatment is both safe and effective for pregnant women. The office has special pregnancy pillows that are used to support the comfort of the expectant Mom, and manual techniques are modified to accommodate a growing baby. One of these techniques is the Webster Technique which is a special chiropractic

Dr. Debbie Wright Chiropractor

Dr. Alicia Steele Chiropractor

method designed speciﬁcally to restore balance to the pregnant woman’s pelvic alignment. Both Drs. Wright and Steele are certiﬁed in this technique.

of 13. They will be checked for health indicators such as early signs of scoliosis, proper backpack use and safety and proper development of their nervous system.

October will see the return of our 5th Annual Kids’ Month. Drs. Wright and Steele will be providing health screenings during that month for infants and children up to the age

These screenings will be done by donation with all the proceeds going to the Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA).

Bayview Chiropractic www.bayviewchiro.ca 250.334.4844

(250) 334-4844 | 544 4th Street, Courtenay | bayviewchiro.ca 14

Women in Business 2015

Judith Moore Interior Design udith has been in the Design ﬁeld for many years and still stays ahead of the trends. She has a fresh eye for each project and is enthusiastic about each one. Judith has put together an amazing

studio showroom, utilizing her design knowledge as well as her suppliers. The design studio is chock full of the best (and not necessarily the most expensive) fabrics, wallpapers, ﬂoor coverings and window coverings. She

has wallpapered the studio powder room (thanks Fred) and has installed drapery on the windows - each area is a showcase for the products she carries.

JUDITH MOORE INTERIOR DESIGN

Complete Interior Design Services Judith Moore Owner

(250) 941-0262

•

www.jmid.ca | 1766 Ryan Rd., Unit F, Comox APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED

Berwick Comox Valley Back row, left to right

Jackie Holt, General Manager - “I know I have the full support of these incredible women…” Linda Rutherford, Community Relations Manager - “It is a joy to work with these women as we help seniors and their families navigate a challenging time.. “ Lisa Moorhead, Recreation Manager - “Fun and laughter, these women share so much of this with me and our residents, every day …” Barbara McColl, Administration Manager - “When the day is full of surprises, these are the women that help it get back on track …” Front row, left to right

Raylene Watts, Enhanced Living Services - “These women give me confidence to face whatever the day may bring …” Colleen Flegg, Housekeeping Manager - “Not one of these women is too proud to pick up a mop - I like that!”

f you have a senior family member who is considering a move to Berwick, they will be in very good hands. The women of the Berwick Comox Valley management team are dedicated professionals who excel in providing the best possible services and amenities to their clients. Working with a large and diverse population creates an environment in which “anything can happen”, and every team member knows they can rely on their colleagues to jump in and assist with everything from a health emergency, to an impromptu celebration; they share a passion for getting it done right the first time. As they face their 10th anniversary in 2016 this team share many memories of the highlights, challenges and changes they

have experienced in a decade working together, from major power outages and floods to weddings, anniversaries and 100th birthdays. Together they have completed hundreds of hours of emergency training, served drinks, supervised a pig roast, acted in variety shows, participated in parades, hidden Easter eggs, watched each other’s children grow, swapped recipes, laughed at failed Pinterest projects, painted with kindergartners, taken a thousand photographs, made cookies, sampled a million bites of new recipes from the kitchen, dressed up, dressed down, coped with new computer programs and technologies, shared iPad tips, offered comfort, tea, tissues and warm hugs. They have worked with residents to raise funds for our charities in the Comox Valley, supported the performing and

visual arts, and been happy to make fools of themselves on numerous occasions to bring a smile or chuckle to their clients and colleagues. While each plays a very different and significant role within the company, it is sometimes impossible to see where one stops and the other starts, so seamlessly does this team work together to “make it happen” for the residents and their families. From creating and maintaining a beautiful, sparkling environment, serving delicious, nutritious food, providing assistance with life’s little challenges, and sorting out the dollars and cents, these women bring a unique skill set to enhance the lives of everyone that lives, works and plays at Berwick. The women in business at Berwick are:

Lorna Harvey, Dining Room Supervisor - “These women make sure that I know what I need to know …” If you have never been to Berwick and met some or all of these amazing women, take some time out to give them a call or pop in for coffee. They, and the residents they serve at Berwick, would love to see you.

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY 1700 Comox Avenue, Comox

250-339-1690

Women in Business 2015

La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries harlotte Geddes has worked as an Interior Designer and Decorator for more than ﬁfteen years, on Vancouver Island. Charlotte’s keen eye for colour, texture, mood, scale and furniture placement ensures a fully realized interior design. She offers support from the early «dream» stage all the way to the perfect ﬁnal touches. An interior design education, in

combination with a ﬁne arts degree and experience in renovation project management, has created a «full spectrum» service provided by Charlotte at our Courtenay location. Charlotte’s approach to Interior design is to offer professional services which combine technical knowledge and creative artistry. She offers her clients design solutions

with affordable options reﬂecting their lifestyle both functionally and aesthetically. Come and be inspired by the exciting world of interior design made accessible by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries. If you are looking for a true reﬂection of your personal taste and unique island lifestyle, Charlotte will assist you in creating your vision.

Courtenay: 2937 Kilpatrick Ave Victoria: 3501 Saanich Road (at Blanshard) Nanaimo: 3200 North Island Hwy (Country Club Mall)

Charlotte Geddes Interior Designer

www.la-z-boyvi.com

Roxanne’s Fashions oxanne’s Fashions was opened in 1977 by Oxena Yaremko, who owned and operated it until 2012 when it was purchased by Valerie.

Valerie retired from the corporate world in 2009 but boredom took over and she started to work a couple days per week in the store.

Although the core mix of product comes from the Nygard family - Alia, Tan Jay, Bianca and Peter Nygard, the store now carries over 40 different lines with a strong emphasis on Made in Canada merchandise.

The most important mission for our staff is excellent customer service . We do not have commission sales, so there is no pressure to buy and we love browsers!

When Oxena wanted to retire, Valerie bought the store. Happily the long term staff stayed on so all the faces were familiar to our long term customers. Many of our current customer base are daughters of previous customers.

Valerie Owner

With a background in sales and marketing Valerie soon added a web site, monthly e-newsletter and weekly facebook posts to keep customers up to date on fashion trends, promotions and special events.

Square 1 Travel & Cruise Whether it’s on your bucket list or a quick visit to Aunt Ellie. All holidays are important and we are honored to help you with your travel arrangements. We thank you for shopping locally We offer Air Miles reward miles on package holidays and cruises!

Life’s Too Short... Get Travelling!

eeing the World is easy when you leave it to the experts at Square 1 Travelplus. We are here to make your travel dreams come true with just one easy step. Our Agents: Charmaine, Diane, Linda, Theresa, Donna, Wendy, Willy, Gerti and owners Louise and Susan. All experts in their trade and are looking forward to helping you with your next trip.

Even when our ofﬁce is closed, we are still open online. Check out our website www. square1travel.com for our exclusive tours, weekly specials and more. We offer Lunchtime Travel Talks every month, join us for lunch and learn about a new destination every time you come. We also specialize in groups and destinations weddings.

Upcoming events…. Please RSVP early • Disney’s 3 Generation Cruises – October 22nd • Holland America Cruises Afternoon Tea – November 3d • Viking Cruises – February 17th 2016

Square 1 Travel & Cruise Ph: 250 334 0355 and 250 703 2916 Toll Free: 1 877 334 0355 www.square1travel.com 449B 5th Street, Courtenay, BC

Women in Business 2015

JkŅiĿ\ŉ fļ JlĹZĻjŉ DüEÿ@Ā AĀJĎF Fċ<č8ď@ĊEĎ JĐGĀIđ@ĎFč

At McDonald’s®, we believe hiring good people is just as important as serving good food. That’s why we make sure to hire the best—and why you can always count on our team to serve you with a smile. As a company, we are committed to helping our people grow, and value each and every crew member, whether they’re behind the grill or managing a restaurant. Local McDonald’s Franchisee Stuart Aldred shares this sentiment, and is proud of the tight-knit Comox Valley crew he has built with the help of many successful female leaders. Meet a few of these women below, and hear their experience in their own words.

If you’re looking to grow a real, rewarding career, McDonald’s is the place to be. I should know, I’ve been here 16 years! Just like many of our crew members, I’ve held several different positions within the team and what I’ve learned along the way is that, at McDonald’s, the possibilities are endless. As long as you’re a good, hard worker, the company will recognize it and will not hesitate to invest in you. I’ve had so many opportunities to train, develop, and expand my skillset, and so many resources to help me become a more efﬁcient and effective leader. Whenever people ask, I am proud to say I work for McDonald’s, and I am very proud of the team we’ve built here in the Comox Valley. It’s deﬁnitely a place unlike any other, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

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I joined the team at 16, thinking McDonald’s would just be a fun job to work at after school, alongside my friends. What I didn’t realize was that the team would soon become my second family— and that the company would give me all the ﬂexibility I needed to follow my dreams. When I graduated school, I felt a bit lost, unsure of what I wanted to do next, and the team was so supportive. Management took the time to sit down with me and ﬁgure out my next move—even offering me a transfer to another location if I wanted.

Over the past five years, McDonald’s has become more than just a job for me—it’s a place where I can connect with my community, whether it be coworkers, regulars, or people stopping by for the first time. We’ve really made it our mission to be more than just a restaurant, to engage with our neighbours and help out with as many local events as we can. These relationships are invaluable, and I think it’s really what makes us stand out. And that goes for our crew as well; we care about and support each other, no question. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance and mentoring this company has provided. It’s definitely made me a stronger businessperson and a better leader.

I really appreciated knowing they were on my side, and that the company wanted to help me ﬁnd what was best for me. It’s been a real life-changing experience, to know that you’re working for a place that supports you 100% and will make your personal goals a priority.

8č< PĊL IĀ8ÿP KĊ AĊ@ĉ FĐI KĀ8Ĉ6 MĄJĄK Dþ;ĊEüCÿJ%:ü&:üIĀ<čJ Fč 8ĉP Dþ;ĊEüCÿ»J IĀJď8ĐIüEď @ĉ Kă< :ĊDĊO MüCć<Ĕ =ĊI DĊIĀ @ĉ=ĊIĈ8ď@ĊE%

Women in Business 2015

Braidwood Naturopathic Clinic Dr. Erika Kneeland, a licensed naturopathic physician. She moved to the Comox Valley in 2009 and has been practicing at the Braidwood Naturopathic clinic since then. In 2012 She took over ownership of the clinic from her mentor, Dr. Heather Marinaccio. Over the last 5 years, Dr. Erika has had the immense pleasure of watching her practice grow into what she dreamed it to be 15 years before, when she decided she wanted to channel her natural abilities and desire to help people into becoming a naturopathic doctor. It has become a busy place, with a registered massage therapist on site, working Wednesdays and Fridays and Dr. Kneeland working Tuesdays through Fridays. The best part of the growth over the last 5 years is having the opportunity to reach more people and help them overcome their health challenges. It has been very rewarding to see the successes. Hearing people say they have their lives back again, that they have more energy than they have had in years, that they can return to the things they love doing and play with their children and grandchildren again is what it’s all about! There are no cases too challenging, as that is where the greatest rewards can be found. Every week Dr. Erika sees new patients that have been referred by a friend or relative who has been helped at the clinic. It is

Dr. Erika Kneeland

the best compliment imaginable! The next step in the advance of the clinic is the new name, Apple Naturopathic. It’s a fresh new name for the same great clinic. Dr. Erika is excited about a new name that reflects the healing power of nature, her passion for preventative medicine and the philosophy of physician as teacher. We are still located in the Braidwood Strata beside Canadian Tire at #2-204 North Island Highway. Check out our website at www.braidwoodnaturopathic.com or call 250-334-0655 to book your appointment today. Hope you are enjoying the fresh autumn weather and hope to see you soon at Apple Naturopathic!

Braidwood Naturopathic Clinic #2-204 North Island Highway, Courtenay

Dr. Erika Kneeland Naturopathic Physician

250.334.0655

www.braidwoodnaturopathic.com

Mackenzie Gartside

Pedego Electric Bikes edego Electric Bikes serves Comox Valley with Mobile Service and Sales

“I still remember with joy the day I got my ﬁrst bright blue bike. Freedom! I could go anywhere, on my own, exploring to my heart’s content. Soaring up hills, laughing at headwinds. This is exactly how I feel now, riding my Pedego; It’s as if I’m nine years old again. Now, when I go out on an errand, I grab my helmet and jump on my Pedego, rather than the car, because it’s way more fun, I don’t have to worry about hills or distance or wind and I’m getting more exercise now than I have on my regular bike in years.”

Ruby Berry

Ruby Berry and Julie Edwards operate Pedego Electric Bikes in Qualicum Beach and offer mobile service and sales to the Comox

Valley. Pedego Electric bikes operate just like standard bikes, and can go anywhere a regular bike can go, requiring no licence or insurance. With the additional power of the motor, on a Pedego Electric Bike you can ride anywhere you like, for as long as you like. People say that they can tell when someone is riding a Pedego up the Comox hill, because they’re wearing a big grin.

Come ﬁnd your amazing Pedego Electric Bike at the store in Qualicum Beach or see them in the Comox mall Wednesday afternoons. With over 300 different model, color and option combinations to choose from, they’ve got the perfect bike for you. Test ride for free. They’ll deliver your new Pedego Electric Bike right to your door. Check it out at www. pedegoqb.ca.

Qualicum Beach www.pedegoqb.ca • Toll Free 844-738-9333

Women in Business 2015

Women of Enterprise Business and Tax Services

Left to right: Jan, Stacey, Ethel, Lorraine & Dominique Operating in the downtown core, Enterprise Business and Tax Services caters to a wide range of clientele across the Comox Valley and North Island. Owners Jan and Alan Ashcroft take pride in the successes and

achievements of the corporations, individuals, and proprietorships they service, but they also takes pride in the teamwork and comradery that makes it happen. The company has three fulltime and three part-time staff members.

Success Weight Loss

ormerly Samudra Weight Loss the new name Success Weight Loss reďŹ‚ects the amazing success this local weight loss business has been experiencing. Kristin Bjarnason, owner and a registered nurse for over 30 years says our history of nearly 6 years in the community is built on our clientâ€™s enthusiastic referrals as

well as many of our referrals coming from the medical community. The key ingredient is the exceptional and personalized, supportive coaching that ensures clients meet their weight-loss goals and not sacriďŹ ce muscle An impressive16,000 lost pounds and counting the weight loss

Jan has a Bachelorâ€™s degree in business and is an excellent resource for the local business community and everyday tax payers alike. She is extremely adept at explaining, and then resolving, difficult tax and accounting issues. Stacey Harper has been with the team since February 2014. She graduated from Vancouver Island University with a Bachelorâ€™s degree and has also received her Business administration certificate from North Island College. Alan retired from the Air Force in April 2015 and is now working full-time in the office. He is continuing his studies in business at North Island College. Dominique Longpre is currently studying at North Island College and works in the office part-time in an administrative position. Ethel Ashcroft also works parttime in an administrative position. Lorraine Webber is our welcoming face when you enter the door and has been in the office for over two years. Between them this powerhouse team brings over 30 years of experience in Tax and Small business accounting to the local community.

Enterprise Business Services has a proven track record of producing timely, accurate financial information, but it is the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and emphasis on customer service that keeps this company growing. There is no challenge Jan and her team will not try to help you find a solution to. Jan believes that you should treat every client as if they are your only client and it is a philosophy that has served her well. If you want help with your bookkeeping, need personal, small business, corporate tax returns or financial statements prepared. Give the friendly staff at Enterprise Business Services a call at 250-334-3797. Enterprise Business Services is there to p help.

www.enterprisebusiness.ca

250-334-3797

206, 501 Fourth Street I Courtenay BC Like us on Facebook for weekly business & tax tips www.facebook.com/EnterpriseBusinessTaxServices

(formerly Samudra Weight Loss) approach offers a medically researched and designed program that employs Ideal Protein a high quality protein with blended carbohydrates and fat ration. Kristin is proud that she and her team of certiďŹ ed coaches have helped so many people lose so much weight, and the nurse in her equally values the decreased blood pressure and blood sugar levels that come with that weight loss. In fact, that was what drew her to the program in the ďŹ rst place. Losing weight can improve blood sugar, cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure.â€œIn consultation with their physicianâ€™s we have seen many of our clients decrease or eliminate the need for medications that they were taking as a result of obesity. This is a very powerful and liberating for clients as they take responsibility for their own health.â€? Coupled with weight loss coaching

Kristin has a passion for teaching Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga and brings elements of these modalities to her coaching with staff and clients. The staff at Success Weight Loss are looking forward to serving the communities of the Comox Valley and Oceanside for years to come and helping our residents be the best they can be with state of the art weight loss education.

Courtenay 250-871-7006

Qualicum Beach 250-594-7008

successweightloss.ca

Lourdes Gant Sea Change A new plan for sustainable aquaculture

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www.sustainableaquaculture.ca or www.theintegratedbusinessdoctor.com You can also call us at 250-331-0486 to learn more.

Women in Business 2015

Hub International Barton Insurance

ho are we? HUB International is a leading insurance brokerage providing a broad array of property, casualty, and risk-management services across Canada and the United States. We balance the strength of an international ﬁrm with the accessibility of a local broker. Locally, HUB offers

personal service, individual attention and has the ability to respond quickly to your changing needs. Collectively, HUB International is a knowledge powerhouse providing you with tailor-made solutions that are designed by drawing upon our combined skills and expertise.

FREE DRAW ENTER TO WIN No Purchase Is Necessary, Just Drop In And Put Your Name And Phone Number On The Entry Form. Dorothy Tolsma BRANCH MANAGER Dorothy moved to the Comox Valley eight years ago after a successful and rewarding 27 year career operating a brokerage in Victoria. For a number of years after leaving Victoria, she was a full-time volunteer and spokesperson for Food for the Hungry and has been able to give back in countries such as Rwanda, Ethiopia, Peru and Guatemala to name a few. She is proud to now call the Comox Valley home and is equally thrilled to be working with such a keen and dedicated group of “Women in Business”. Her passion has always been to give the best possible service in a welcoming and happy environment.

Debra Pelletier

Allison Hildebrandt

PERSONAL LINES SUPERVISOR

PERSONAL LINES ADVISOR

FIRST DRAW EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT

With a combined 22 years experience in the Insurance Industry, Debra and Allison specialize in all Personal Lines policies including Home, Mobile Homes, Rentals, Secondary Properties, Auto, Motorcycle and Watercraft. Whether you are looking to insure your ﬁrst home or want to go over your existing policy, they are here to help you. With access to multiple companies they will be able to ﬁnd the policy that is just right for you. Earthquake coverage has been in the news a lot recently and there are a lot of questions around that particular coverage. Debra and Allison would love to answer any questions you may have around that issue or any other coverages you may not understand.

SECOND DRAW FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Danell Quatsch

Charlene Antonenko, Stephanie Coulson

MOBILE AUTO SUPERVISOR

MOBILE AUTO ASSOCIATES

Our Mobile Auto Associates are always happy to help. Whether you are purchasing a new or used vehicle or simply need some expert advice, our friendly team will provide you with the best insurance coverage, advice and service the industry has to offer. We will not only get you on your way, we’ll make sure that you, your family and your vehicle are properly protected.

Dianne Larson CAIB CIP COMMERCIAL INSURANCE ADVISOR For the past 22 years, Dianne has been providing peace of mind for local businesses. In 2012 she joined forces with Hub International, one of the largest brokerages in Canada so that she could continue to offer the best insurance products in the market place, no matter what size of business or how complex the risk. From Retail to Hospitality, Forestry and Marine, Bonds, Technology, Property or Contactors Liability, Dianne will be able to ﬁnd you a product to meet all your needs.

Natasha Stovel

Robyn Whitbread

Lori Jensen

Our friendly, fun and efﬁcient ofﬁce Auto Insurance Advisors are the women to see for all of your Auto, Motorcycle and Trailer policies. Please make sure to ask them about the private coverage that is available (for those who qualify) that not only gives superior coverage and claims service but generally comes in at a better premium. Drop in anytime for a quote, they will be delighted to assist you.

You can ﬁnd us in the former Blockbuster Location by A&W and Canadian Western Bank

HUB INTERNATIONAL BARTON INSURANCE 260-470 PUNTLEDGE ROAD, COURTENAY | 250.331.0527 WWW.HUBINTERNATIONAL.COM

Women in Business 2015

Strength training tips for women Strength training might once have been the realm of hulking males aiming to build as much muscle as possible, but active adults now recognize that strength training is beneficial to men and women alike. In fact, strength training can be especially beneficial to women, helping them develop and maintain strong bones and thereby reducing their risk for osteoporosis, a medical condition that afflicts more women than men and is characterized by weak or brittle bones. Though women over 50 are most susceptible to osteoporosis, women of all ages can benefit from strength training. Those who are unfamiliar with such exercise may be hesitant to dive right in for fear of injury or due to the sometimes intimidating nature of strength training sections at fitness centers. But the following tips should help women overcome any such fears as they adapt to fitness regimens that include regular strength training. • Work with a trainer initially. Strength training is great for the body, but women who have never before lifted a weight might want to employ

the services of a personal trainer until they are comfortable enough to go it alone. Personal trainers can ensure you are performing exercises correctly and not in a way that can cause injury. In addition, trainers can answer any questions you might have and help you establish strength training goals. • Begin with light weights. When starting a strength training regimen, use lighter weights, only increasing the weight once you are confident you have the motion of an exercise down pat and need a greater challenge. If you don’t want to add too much weight, you can increase the number of reps so your workout stays challenging. • Expect some soreness, but take stock of any aches and pains. You should expect to feel some moderate soreness after your first few strength training sessions. That soreness likely stems from your body never before engaging its muscles in the way strength training does. But any persistent aches and pains should be taken seriously. It’s important to take note of where the pain is coming from, which can indicate wheth-

er or not you are performing exercises correctly. For example, your shoulders should not be inflamed or aching during or after a biceps workout. If they are, your form is probably off and you should consult a trainer to help ensure your form is correct and you are not risking injury. • Work the entire body. Adequate strength training targets various muscles in the body, not just the arms. Women should make sure their strength training regimens include exercises for their shoulders, back, chest, arms, and legs. Focus on one or two muscle groups each workout. • Spice things up from time to time. Many people eventually grow bored with their strength training regimens. Women can spice up their regimens by adding repetitions and lowering weights every four to six weeks or routinely looking for new muscle-specific exercises to replace exercises that have grown boring. Strength training might be most often associated with men, but women can benefit from lifting weights in the immediate future and for years to come.

Courtenay KIA - the most equal opportunity dealer in the valley! e have female employees at every level and department in the dealership - Sales, Service, Mechanic, Detailer, Ofﬁce Administration, Accounting and Management. Without these Women in Business our family like dealership wouldn’t be the same!

Anna Anderson, Sales Consultant. People Skills People skills is where Anna excels. She started at the dealership this summer. She had previously sold cars and RV’s in the past elsewhere but here background was largely based in Fitness and being a Super Mom. Having to motivate people to lose a few pounds or work on their six pack abs would be hard enough, but juggling four wonderful children, dealing with their friends, teachers, coaches and everyone else makes her over qualiﬁed in the people skills department. It shows with her high level of Customer

Service in her ﬁrst season at our dealership. Loretta Lafortune, Business Manager. Financial Consulting Being a lifetime Courtenay/ Campbell River resident, Loretta knows so many people in the Comox Valley and surrounding area. Coming from a long career at the bank and raising a two great kids that have nice young families of their own, proves that she is the right person to speak with when you need ﬁnancial guidance. Working with peoples finances can be stressful but when you meet Loretta you will

see the personal small town touch she brings to Courtenay KIA’s finance ofﬁce. Jennifer Krause, Mechanic. Work ethic with a smile. Jenny is a certiﬁed red seal mechanic. Turning wrenches in an industry that is male dominated could be intimidating for some. Not Jenny, she’s a salt of the earth type of girl, works hard and always smiles. It doesn’t matter if the pressures on or if a customer needs an explanation on a repair, she is there to do the job with a most pleasant demeanour

and a swagger in her step. With that attitude and work ethic I believe Jenny could accomplish almost anything she set her mind to. We are lucky to have her here and so are our customers. Geri Price, Service Coordinator. Team Work. Here is a take charge women, in the nicest way possible. You give Geri a task and it’s done. She is the voice of the ser vice department, calling customers to book appointments, greeting them when they arrive, driving customers to and from the dealership when

needed and delivering parts. A super Mom, and proud Grandma you can just feel the niceness about this women when you ﬁrst meet her. A friend to everyone, she make our staff and customers feel much more like a KIA family. Honourable mention to Mitchy Cliffe (not in picture), Controller. Samantha Dean & Andrea Fisher, Administrative Assistants. Paula Wilson, Detailer & Elli the KIA Dog. All of which are very important to our operation and help make Courtenay KIA the nicest place to shop for, purchase and service a vehicle in the Comox Valley.

1.877.390.6546 Call Free anywhere in BC

WWW.COURTENAYKIA.COM 1025A Comox Road, Courtenay OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

DLR# 30891

Women in Business 2015

Habitat for Humanity

Vancouver Island North

to build community and is looking forward to ensuring strong operations at the ReStores to support the core mission of putting hardworking families in homes. Lorraine Holden is the Volunteer Coordinator in Campbell River, and she ﬁnds that working with volunteers is interesting as everyone has a story. “They are all here to do a job and support the organization but connecting with others and sharing some time together is what makes Habitat for Humanity a great place to work and volunteer,” says Lorraine. Terri Perrin is the Volunteer Coordinator

in the Comox Valley, and she loves engaging with current and prospective volunteers. “They truly are the heart of this organization, and we appreciate the gift of their time, energy, and resourcefulness,” says Terri. Karen Bezaire, Communications and Marketing has been working for Habitat for three years and her best days at Habitat are when families receive their keys to their new home.“It’s a proud moment. For the families, as I know the hard work involved but also for the community. We can honestly say, We Built This Together!”

(Left to Right): Ellie Karas, Karen Bezaire, Lorraine Holden, Terri Perrin abitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North welcomes Ellie Karas as their new ReStore Operations Manager. Ellie will be managing both North Island ReStores; Campbell River and

Courtenay. Ellie brings with her a combined experience of Human Resources and retail having worked for both a Fortune 500 Company and been the owner-operator of her own business. Ellie’s commitment is

www.habitatnorthisland.com

250-334-3777

Packables Travel Solutions Travel – def: to go on a journey here are trips and then there are journeys, different yet the same but usually with an entirely different result. Much like traveler versus tourist, an important distinction. Knowing which one you are will help immensely in choosing your next destination.

Deb Dewar Owner

Daryl Robbins

This is where Packables Travel Solutions comes in, we are the place to go before you go and it’s very likely someone in the store will have been where you’re going. Owned by Deb Dewar since 1983, the store has morphed from a ladies boutique into a travel store featuring squishable, packable clothing, travel accessories, books, guides and maps

and the luggage to pack it all in. Our mantra ‘carry-on only luggage’ is the focus of our popular Travel Clinics held frequently in the store. Spend 90 minutes learning the ins and outs of successful travel and your next trip will be a better adventure. Drop in sometime to the 5th street location, we love to talk travel!

5th & Duncan Downtown Courtenay • 250.703.2141

www.packables.net Certiﬁed General Account Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Kelsey graduated from G.P. Vanier Secondary School, and continued her education at North Island College and recently completed her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree – Accounting Major. In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping and hiking with her boyfriend Kyle, and their two Bernese Mountain puppies, Roxy and Lola. We are excited to announce that in September, Kelsey will begin working towards her CPA designation.

250-871-7150

Kelsey Smith

www.darylrobbins.ca

Women in Business 2015

How to reduce junk mail finding its way into your inbox Email correspondence has completely changed the way people communicate on a daily basis. Handwritten letters have become a relic of the past, as most people now take to their keyboards or touchscreens to tap out messages and send them instantaneously. In addition to general correspondence, email has become a method for businesses to contact prospective consumers. Once a store or service provider has customers’ email addresses, that business now has a direct avenue by which to reach potential customers. While providing businesses with your email address has its benefits, most notably making it easier for consumers to learn about upcoming sales or even special discounts offered only to email subscribers, offering such information also makes men and women susceptible to junk email. Few things can be more annoying than an inbox overrun with junk mail. Some retailers sell subscribers’ email addresses to other businesses, so consumers who initially only provide their email address to a specific retailer may soon find themselves inundated with emails from a bevy of retailers. In addition to being a nuisance, junk mail also can make a person who isn’t careful more susceptible to identity theft.

Eliminating junk mail may be impossible, but there are ways to cut back on all of that unwanted content in your inbox. * Filter your messages. Run a search in your inbox for the word “unsubscribe.” Doing so should narrow down all of the messages that have instructions to unsubscribe from notifications. Go message by message, and follow the links provided to remove your email address from mailing lists. Although this can be a time-consuming process, it can substantially cut back on the amount of junk mail in your inbox. * Create a designated junk mail account. Who says you have to have just one email account? Establish one account that you will use for correspondence between friends, family members and other important people while reserving another account to use when stores and businesses request contact information. This way all of the spam will funnel into one account and won’t interfere with the account you use to correspond with friends and family. * Avoid publicizing your email address. Junk mailers have robot programs that can grab email addresses from a websites and enter them into their systems. If you manage a website, do not list your email address among the contact information. Use a secure “contact us” form or replace the email address with

a QR code. * Don’t conduct business with a junk mailer. Despite how annoying they can be, unsolicited emails are effective. A certain number of people will follow a link within a junk mail advertisement and ultimately conduct business with that company. Make it a point not to purchase a product or service from a company that sent you an unsolicited email. * Utilize email filters. Many email programs enable users to filter their messages and automatically redirect them to specific folders so they never reach a user’s primary inbox. Use these filters and tags to keep unwanted junk mail out of your inbox and in a folder where all unwanted messages can be deleted in a single click. * Beware of unsolicited messages on mobile phones. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to ignore unwanted marketing text messages. Not only does this alert a junk mailer that a number is a working number, but also it opens the door for more messages. Depending on your data plan, this can end up costing you a substantial amount of money in overage charges. If unwanted texts are getting out of hand, file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Women of FYidoctors: Transforming the way you see the World

Dr. Elaine Kerr Dr. Elaine Kerr, Dr. Tanya Flood, and Dr. Meagan Saccucci have learned to balance the challenges of owning and managing a business, while caring for their patients, their families and the community. As part of the longest-standing eye care group on the north island, they are proud to provide their patients with advanced technology and personalized care. One of the ways they achieve this is by collaborating with other practices in Canada to form FYidoctors. This allows them to offer the most advanced equipment for eye exams, as well as a range of eyewear products to meet every budget, helping to keep money locally rather than having it leave to the head offices of big box stores. “Each member of our team takes great pride in providing our community with the highest standard of professional and friendly eye care”, says Dr. Kerr. “We love nothing more than to hear first time patients exclaim that they’ve never had such a thorough eye exam, and to greet previous patients like friends.” The team at Fyidoctors – Comox Valley is proud of its community involvement, volunteering at preschools to help identify early vision problems in children to senior’s centres to adjust glasses. They strive to let people know that regular and thorough eye exams can be vital to early detection of vision and life threatening disease. Along with Dr. Myrfield and Dr. Ferron, these women in business are committed to ensuring that FYidoctors – Comox Valley and Campbell River, are at the forefront of providing eye exams and eye care for all ages, including emergency eye care, sports vision, low-vision, surgical co-management, contact lenses, glasses, sunglasses, and protective eyewear. The clinics have been proud recipients of CV Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year (2011) and CR Mirror Readers

Dr. Tanya Flood Choice Award 2015. New patients are always welcome and no referral is required. Dr. Elaine Kerr - Optometrist Dr. Elaine Kerr graduated top of her class from the University of Waterloo in 1991. She helped build the Comox Valley Optometry Clinic from the then two doctor, five staff office, to the five doctor, two clinic, 24 staff, total eye care centre that is FYidoctors today. Dr. Kerr served as Chair of the BCAO’s Public Relations Committee, developing the absee.ca program and was named Optometrist of the Year in 2008 for her long and dedicated service. Combining optometry and travel has led her to volunteer with several third world projects in Central and South America. Dr. Kerr and her husband Trevor live in Comox and enjoy outdoor adventures with their son. They also share their love for the valley by hosting international students from around the world.

Dr. Meagan Saccucci Dr. Flood and her husband Chris live in Campbell River, with their three children and are very active in the community. Dr. Meagan Saccucci - Optometrist Dr. Saccucci received her Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2006.Combining her passion for optometry and patient education she volunteers with new parent groups and preschools around the Valley, and travels to the North Island to provide eye care for at risk children. Dr. Saccucci has been a guest speaker, educating the public on the effect of diabetes on eyes and about other eye health conditions as we age. Dr. Saccucci has volunteered on the BCAO’s Public Relations committee and travelled abroad to provide eye care in Colima, Mexico. Dr. Saccucci and her husband Travis are raising their two sons in the Comox Valley where they love outdoor activities as well as the strong community spirit.

Dr. Tanya Flood - Optometrist Dr. Tanya Flood brought her passion for eye care to our community after graduating in 1998 as an optometrist with a Masters degree in Vision Research. She volunteered on the Board of Directors for CNIB and served as the Chair the governing body of Optometry in B.C and is the current Quality Assurance Chair. She is the recipient of the prestigious President’s Award for her service to the profession of Optometry. Dr. Flood also volunteers her services to children in remote areas and to seniors in North Island care facilities. She has been an advocate, speaker, council member and fundraiser for local Success by 6 initiatives for the past 10 years.

Formerly

COASTAL EYECARE CENTRES

340 11 St, Courtenay, 250-338-5327 2380 South Island Hwy, Campbell River, (250) 923-1635

Women in Business 2015

The Real Canadian Superstore

hen you think of your local Superstore you may not be thinking about our experienced, highly trained management team. You may not know that about 50% of our Managers

are women with an immense wealth of experience in the Departments you shop in every day. When you see one of our Managers on the ﬂoor, don’t hesitate to approach them with any questions you

may have about the products and let their conﬁdent, and knowledgeable response guide you in choosing the brands and price ranges which work best for you.

M E E T T H E WO M E N O F S U P E R S TO R E

Sue Woodason

Kristy H.

Diana K.

Elizabeth M.

ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER

FRONT END MANAGER

JOE FRESH MANAGER

NATURAL VALUE MANAGER

Sue has worked for Superstore for over 22 years. She started her career in the Deli Dept. and 6 years ago became an Assistant Store Manager. Sue has seen many changes in the 22 years working at the store, and says it is a “Great place to work”!

Kristy is one of our newest member of the Management Team. She started with the store in 2007 and last year became the manager of the Front End Cashiers. Kristy’s commitment is, to give her customers a “Great Shopping Experience”.

Diana has been with the Superstore for over 22 years. She is the Manager of Cosmetics and our Great Clothing Dept.“JOE”. The constant changes in fashion, keeps her department Fresh and Busy!

Elizabeth started her career with Superstore in 1995. She has worked in the Natural Value Dept. for 5 years. Elizabeth has a wide range of knowledge about the Organic, Gluten Free and Vegetarian products that is sold in her department.

Miranda W.

Michelle C.

Tricia L.

Michelle C.

MEAT MANAGER

RHS MANAGER

SEAFOOD MANAGER

DELI / HMR MANAGER

Miranda started her career with Superstore in Grand Prairie in 2011, and moved to the Courtenay Store in 2013 to be our Meat Dept. Manager. Although being the youngest Department Manager in our store, Miranda has extensive knowledge and is a trained Meat Cutter.

Michelle has worked at Superstore for 11 years. She was our Frontend Manager prior to becoming our RHS Manager in 2014. Michelle oversees the Housewares, Electronics and Seasonal areas of our store. An ever changing department, which keeps Michelle very busy.

Tricia has been working for Superstore for 13 years. Last year Tricia became our Seafood Manager. Tricia’s knowledge and Passion for her position is very apparent to anyone who knows her.

Michelle is our newest member of the Management team. She came to our store with many years of experience in the food industry, and has been a welcomed member to our team.

757 Ryan Road, Courtenay • 250-334-6927 24