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SPOTLIGHT ON THE TRADES
BUSINESSGAZETTE.CA
Mar/Apr 2016
RealStream acquires downtown Courtenay property
omox Valley-based
RealStream™
Income Properties LP
has just acquired another
local income property for
its investors.
Its latest investment,
located at 519 Fifth St. in
Courtenay, is consistent
with RealStream™’s focus
on finding high-quality, tenanted properties with
expectations to hold those
investment properties for
at least 5 to 20 years.
“This is another superior
property that’s home to
several successful local
companies,” says Real
Estate Asset Manager Jim
Stewart, a partner in
RealStream™ Asset
Management. “We’re
proud to say that the
majority of our investors
are also local, and thus
much of the income generated from our properties is
being put back in the
hands of local people.”
The opportunity to invest
in solid “hands off” investments managed by local
professionals, he adds, is
proving to be very compelling.
“To date, RealStream™
has posted strong returns,
and investor interest continues to build as more
people learn of the oppor-
C
explains DeLuca. “We
believe that adding investment real estate to portfolios of stocks and bonds
will enhance returns and
stability. The RealStream™
portfolio is designed to
produce income and
growth for individual
investors wishing to collecPowered by expertise
tively invest in a portfolio
In addition to Stewart,
of properties that are
who was formerly the
managed for them.”
Deputy Assessor of BC
Importantly, adds Veale,
Assessments’
RealStream™
Vancouver
is much more
Island Region,
We believe
than property
the
RealStream™
adding investment management;
it’s about portmanagement
real estate to
folio manageteam includes
Richard DeLuca portfolios of stocks ment.
“Our expertise
and Jonathan
and bonds will encompasses
Veale, founders
acquisitions,
of Comoxenhance
returns
leasing, financbased investing, disposiment manageand stability.
tions, building
ment firm
improvements
DeLuca Veale
and much more,” says
Investment Counsel Inc.,
Veale. “Most people prefer
which just celebrated its
not to spend the years it
10th anniversary. The
takes to acquire all these
three partners realized
specialized skills when
that they had the tools,
they are already available
the expertise and the relalocally and affordably.
tionship with investors to
DeLuca Veale clients tend
create a real estate investto share this perspective,
ment for local people, and
whether it’s about managthus RealStream™ was
ing their stocks, bonds or
born.
real estate. They’re looking
“The rationale for creating
for qualified managers
RealStream™ was simple,”
whom they know, and
whom they trust to do
what’s in their best interest with minimal need to
be involved personally.”
tunity to become an
investor themselves.
Recent declines in global
stock markets have also
once again reminded
investors that additional
diversification can be a
comforting thing.”
“
”
The RealStream™ management team includes Jim
Stewart, Richard DeLuca and Jonathan Veale.
A growing portfolio
RealStream™’s first
acquisition, in 2014, was
Timberline Village, a
30,000 sq. ft. shopping
centre at the corner of
Dogwood and Hilchey Rd.
in Campbell River. The following year, it added its
second property, located
at 1111 Braidwood Rd. in
Courtenay and home to
Van Isle Veterinary
Hospital.
RealStream™’s latest
RealStream™’s latest acquisition, 519 5th Street, is home to Mosaic Vision Care, Island
Dentures, Braidwood Massage Therapy, Buckstone Investments, the Travel Medicine
Clinic and the Law Office of Tom Finkelstein.
acquisition, 519 5th Street,
is home to Mosaic Vision
Care, Island Dentures,
Braidwood Massage
Therapy, Buckstone
Investments, the Travel
Medicine Clinic and the
Law Office of Tom
Finkelstein.
“Our objective is to continue to add more investors
and more properties, as
additional tenants and
locations increase diversification while lowering the
impact of individual vacancies,” says Stewart.
“Spreading risk and sharing operational overhead
across more properties
also enhances investment
performance and liquidity.”
To that end, he says,
RealStream™’s management team continues to
scour the market for their
next acquisition, and
investor presentations will
be running locally again
soon.
To learn more, visit
www.realstream.ca.
Why independence matters
became an independent
anks are good at
financial advisor.
making money.
Unfortunately for you,
Being an independent
they make their money by
advisor allows the freegetting you to
dom to offer
spend it. Last
clients the
year the six
best investlargest banks
ment opportuearned a whopnities availIndependent
ping $34.88 bilable. Not
lion in combined
being tied to
advisors have
net income and
the cookie-cutclients — not
raised service
ter packages
customers.
fees for their
that banks
customers at
offer allows
the same time.
independents
to tailor investHaving worked
ment selecin a bank, I
tions to suit
know that the
each individual’s needs.
system is set up to pad
For example, I currently
the banks’ profit margins,
have access to thousands
not increase their clients’
of investment options from
net worth. This is why I
B
“
”
SPRING INTO COOL LOOKS
Jennifer Daffurn,
Septen Financial
all banks and investment
firms. When I worked at a
bank, I was limited in my
investment options, and
was incented to choose
some options over others.
See ‘Matters’ Pg. 2
Campbell River
230-1
1400 Dogwood St.
346-3
3332
778-3
Courtenay
231 5th St.
250-3
338-2
2624
Port Alberni
4716 Johnston Rd.
723-5
5231
250-7
Stones Blazers
jimsclothescloset.com
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
Page 2
Matters — con’t from pg. 1
Another advantage of
being independent is that I
have clients — not customers — and I choose to
have fewer of them. As a
result, I am able to form
intimate relationships with
my clients and allow
myself the time to get to
know them properly, not
chase them out the door
as soon as the next client
walks in.
This extra time is important because, as an independent financial advisor,
I am personally vested in
my clients’ success. I work
for my clients, not an individual financial organizaLeanne Boyd, owner of Level 10 Eurospa, says she’s “thrilled and honoured” to have
been named Vancouver Island’s Retail Business of the Year for 2016.
L
in the business of making
“Everyone here prides
people happy – it really is
themselves on providing
all about ensuring every
our clients with services
client’s visit is a beautiful
above and beyond the
experience,” says Boyd. “I
expected, and we’re conthink it’s that philosophy,
stantly sourcing new and
along with our commitinnovative products. In
ment to innovaMay we secured
tion and respect
a new hair-care
for the environline that just
ment, that’s
became availpaved the way for
able in Canada
We’re in the our continued
and has
growth and sucbecome our topbusiness of
cess.
selling product.
making
As well, this year
“Like the other
people happy.
we introduced
Valley businesses
the Jade Stone
that have been
Massage that’s
recognized as
fast becoming
nominees and
one of our most
winners, we’re
requested services.”
just so proud to be able to
provide excellent service
Not content to be solely a
to the great community
hair salon, over the years
that supports us.”
Level 10 has added
numerous services to its
Other local winners at the
menu, from facials, body
16th annual Business
wraps and skin rejuvenaExcellence Awards, held
tion to manicures, pediJanuary 21 in Nanaimo,
cures, massage, reflexoloinclude Cumberland
gy and hydrotherapy. Along
Brewing Company and
the way, the business has
Hollie Wood Oysters.
also become a leader within the industry by reducing
its ecological footprint and
To learn more about Level
becoming a Certified
10 Eurospa, visit
Green Circle Salon.
www.level10eurospa.com
“First and foremost, we’re
or call 250.334.0209.
“
”
Professional Pets
Marion Logan –
Invis West Coast
Mortgages
Do you dress them up?
Auntie Joyce like to dress her
up. She was a bumble bee
one year.
Name: Buffie
Do you take your pet to
work?: Unable to, but she do
go in the vehicle with us a
lot, provided weather is permitting. Likes looking for
other dogs out walking.
Nickname: Mommy’s baby
girl, & Buff- Dog
Breed: Bichon — ShisTzu, 8
Favorite Activity: Playing
with sticks, carrying sticks
home from her walk,
Searching for a new toy in
daddy’s coat when he comes
out of Wal Mart
Best quality: very obedient,
loves us as much as we love
her.
Favourite place to sleep: On
our bed, either at the foot or
between us.
Your favourite pet story: On
her walks she likes to find a
stick that she can bring home
to play with. Sometimes,
these sticks are a pretty good
size for a medium size dog.
When people drive by, some
stop to say “ Such a little dog
with a big stick”, or “ that
stick is bigger than you”.
Most people smile and point
at her and her stick. She definitely brings attention to herself by carrying these home.
She puts smiles on people’s
faces. A smile is good.
Food of choice: Prime rib
steak.
Snack he/she goes crazy for:
Bacon strips, my tea, and Tim
Horton’s Ice cap.
Most beloved thing he/she
has destroyed: Her toys, it’s
hard to keep them, she
destroys them.
cial advice that I provide.
Nor am I forced to try to
upsell you a service or
product you don’t need.
Should you really accept
financial advice from
someone who tries to sell
you another credit card?
As an independent advisor, my advice comes from
my professional expertise
— not a marketing campaign. It’s given to benefit
you directly.
Jennifer Daffurn is an
independent Financial
Advisor with Septen
Financial Ltd. She can be
reached at 250.914.4500
or
jennifer.daffurn@septen.com
Are you at risk for
caregiver burnout?
Courtenay salon named Island’s
best retail business
evel 10 Eurospa has
some shiny new hardware to ad to its growing collection, having been
named Retail Business of
the Year at the recent
Vancouver Island Business
Excellence Awards.
“We’re thrilled and honoured to receive this
award,” says Leanne Boyd,
owner/operator of Level
10 since its inception in
1990. “Our team works so
hard to offer our customers top-quality services, and to be acknowledged as a top business
on the Island is really
exciting.”
Exciting, but not entirely
uncommon for the awardwinning business. The
honour was just the latest
accomplishment in a year
that also saw Level 10
Eurospa recognized as
Business of the Year by
the Comox Valley Chamber
of Commerce and celebrating its 25th year in
operation.
Boyd attributes her success to three key things:
excellent staff, committed
customer service and staying on top of industry
trends.
tion. How well my clients’
investments perform
affects how well I am paid.
In other words, I am on the
same ride as each and
every one of my clients; if
they do well, so do I.
How’s that for an incentive
to ensure your investments perform the best
they can? Independent
advisors also work hard to
shield you from large losses, because our income is
directly linked to your
investment.
I can do all this because
independent advisors
have the freedom to give
unbiased advice. I am not
paid by any one company
or firm and have no loyalties that affect the finan-
she didn’t burn out.
y career in family
caregiving began
The demands of caring
in my early 20s
are unforgiving and the
and it was a steep learnemotional and physical
ing curve; helping my
pressures of caring for
mother care for my Dad,
loved ones can take a toll.
who suffered a massive
Signs of burnout include
stroke all the while caring
fatigue, stress, anxiety
for my grandmother who
and depression.
was in the early stages of
Caregivers often feel
Alzheimer’s disease.
guilty for spending time on
I watched my Mom strugthemselves rather than for
gle, on her own, to get a
their aging parent.
proper medical diagnosis
and community supports
Risk factors for caregiver
to allow both
burnout
her father and
include:
her grandmother remain
The Melting
in their homes.
Pot: Caregivers
I was stunned
can experience
by the sheer
The demands
difficulty sepaamount of
of caring are
rating themcare my mothunforgiving.
selves from
er provided to
their caregiver
her loved ones
role. Many feel
— personal
their personal
care, champiidentity
on in advocabecomes intercy, transportatwined with the
tion, case
role
of
caregiver.
management and confiThe Balancing Act: There
dante all the while workare only 24 hours in the
ing full time and still findday. Many caregivers
ing time to be a grandstruggle to balance their
mother to her seven
caregiver role with parentgrand-children.
ing, a career, a personal
To this day, I wonder how
life and family time.
Expecting Too Much:
Caregivers may want to
“fix” their aging loved
one’s challenges, and are
disappointed when it’s
beyond their abilities. On
the other hand, aging
loved ones may inadvertently (or intentionally) put
too much pressure on an
adult child to be their one
and only support.
M
“
”
Wendy Johnstone,
Keystone Eldercare
Solutions
Not Knowing What to
Expect: Caregivers are
often thrust into their
roles without knowing
what’s involved. Some feel
trapped, isolated or angry
about their responsibilities. Many caregivers
don’t recognize the signs
or burnout or are reluctant to make changes to
improve the situation.
As a caregiver, you are
just as important as the
one you are caring for.
Most caregivers will tell
you, in fact, that it’s
much easier to care for
someone else than for
themselves.
Until March 31, 2016,
family caregivers can
receive a free consultation
with the Family Caregivers
of BC by calling toll-free 1877-520-FCNS (3267) or
emailing familycare
giversbc@gmail.com.
Wendy Johnstone is a
gerontologist (MA,
Gerontology) who helps
seniors and their families
through the many transitions associated with the
aging process. She can be
reached at 250.650.2359
or online at www.keystoneeldercare.com.
Get the Gazette online free at
www. businessgazette.ca
Courtesy of:
Worst quality: barks at anything that moves, constantly
wants her belly rubbed-24-7.
www.businessgazette.ca
The Comox Valley Business Gazette is delivered eight times
per year to every business address in the Comox Valley.
4 Locations
• 2400 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay (Beside
Husky) 250-338-0455
• 12-795 Ryan Road, Courtenay (Beside
Superstore) 250-338-0424
• 46-1760 Comox Ave., Comox (Lower
Level of Comox Mall) 250-339-2272
• 2056A S. Island Hwy,
Willow Point, 250-923-5881
Call or see website for hours
www.woofys.ca
Executive Editor: Ryan Parton
Associate Publisher: Jim McQuillan
Writers: Kenzie Andrews, Morgan Cross, Chris Baikie
Account & Marketing Manager: Morgan Cross
Office: Karina Kudryavtseva
Advertising Inquiries: 250.897.5064 or
email sales@businessgazette.ca
Editorial inquiries: editor@businessgazette.ca
Left Coast Publishing
2440 B First Street, Courtenay BC, V9N 8X9
The opinions, ideas and advice of columnists and contributors
to the Comox Valley Business Gazette are theirs alone and do
not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.
Page 3
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
You don’t need an IT
department to get
the most out of your
technology
your anticipated volume of
calls and your expectations for response times
before you start talking to
potential IT service
providers.
Look for vendors with
adequate staff to provide
timely support and offer
value-added services like
a customer support website with the ability to
track service requests.
Your IT support provider
should also have experience working with similar
businesses. Always insist
on a contract that clearly
defines services, response
times, fees and other
vendor obligations.
Elizabeth Vannan,
MNP
ust because your
business doesn’t have
an IT department
doesn’t mean you can’t
make effective use of
technology. Whether you
are starting a new business or looking to improve
how your organization
uses technology, here are
some tips to help you
make the most of your
IT investments.
A more comprehensive
version of this column i
s available at
businessgazette.ca.
J
Invest in technology that
will make you money
There is software available to support almost
every business function
imaginable — how do you
know what software your
business needs? A good
rule is to invest in
technology that supports
your core business
activities and will help
make you more efficient
and profitable
You get what you pay for
Many smaller businesses
try to save
Have a plan
money on techA good technolnology by using
ogy plan will
free software,
detail your
buying nonanticipated
commercial
Resist the
long-term (3 to
hardware and
temptation to
5 years) hardgetting IT supgo with
ware, software
port services
and infrastructhe lowest
from friends
ture needs and
who “know a
cost solution
allow you to
little bit about
establish prioritechnology.”
ties for acquisiThis almost
tion. The plan
always costs
should also
you more in the
include a schedlong run. Invest
ule for regular software
in finding technology
and hardware upgrades
options that will provide
while identifying ongoing
your business with longstaff training needs.
term value.
Once you’ve created an
By viewing technology as
initial plan, review it
a key asset of your busiregularly and update it to
ness that contributes to
take advantage of new
your overall success,
technologies and reflect
spending time planning for
changes in your own
your current and future IT
priorities.
needs and acquiring software, infrastructure and
Embrace the Cloud
services that will meet
your needs, your business
If you don’t have an IT
will be well positioned to
team, why maintain techmaximize your investment.
nology infrastructure?
Cloud vendors have invested significantly in infraElizabeth Vannan is the
structure and can offer
BC Leader for MNP’s
solutions with better availTechnology Consulting
ability, performance, scalateam. Specializing in
bility, and security than is
Information Technology
possible for most small-to(IT), Elizabeth helps primedium sized businesses.
vate and public sector
Look for vendors or solubusinesses and organizations that have a welltions solve business chalestablished client base
lenges through the creand a proven track record
ative use of readily availof cloud service delivery.
able technology. To learn
more about how MNP can
Find a good IT service
help you optimize your
provider
technology, contact
Have a full understanding
Elizabeth at elizabeth.
of the services you need,
vannan@mnp.ca.
“
”
Sure sign the
is upon us
According to the latest data from the American Society
of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 40 percent of patients who
underwent breast reduction surgery... were men.
Insure Your Retirement
ot everyone is lucky
enough to have a big
pension waiting in
the wings when they retire.
Other options typically
used to create a portfolio
for retirement income
include mutual funds,
stocks or rental properties.
N
However, if you don’t like
risk, and want to keep
your investing and estate
simple, there is another
investment strategy that is
a far better alternative to
locking your money into
GICs with a scant 1%
interest rate.
This strategy of using
“participating” insurance
policies as part of your
retirement planning works
particularly well if you’re
subject to a pension
adjustment, or are reticent
to add more to your RRSPs
for fear of high taxes and
OAS clawbacks in retirement. It offers tax-sheltered growth, a permanent
life insurance benefit and
allows tax efficient cash
withdrawals in retirement.
These are excellent sav-
Often labeled an “Insured
ings vehicles for those
Retirement Strategy,” this
who wish to shelter addiconcept utilizes Cash
tional capital – over and
Value Life Insurance, as
above the contribution
retirement income can be
room available in other
drawn direct from the cash
non-taxable plans. People
values in the contract, or
with unearned income or
the policy can
company pension
be used as colplans — thus
lateral to crerestricted RRSP
ate an income
contribution
stream. In a
room — find this
These are
Participating
strategy an
excellent savings policy, cash
excellent way to
vehicles for
values grow
enhance their
personal finanthose who wish from dividends, are tax
cial plan.
to shelter
sheltered
If the contract is
additional
when within
properly struccapital.
the policy, and
tured, you can
are “tax
withdraw or borfavored” when
row against it
withdrawn.
while still retainIf you are in
ing the non-taxgood health, the purchase
able death benefit. “Par”
of a Participating Whole
products also have the
Life contract can allow you
advantage of allowing
to protect your family and
withdrawal of cash values
business now, and help
with minimal impact to the
fund your retirement, while
original death benefit, and
allowing your estate to
even up to 50% of the
remain intact. We invite
death benefit — tax
you to contact us to review
free — should the insured
your personal financial sitbe diagnosed with a
uation to see if an Insured
critical illness.
“
”
Separated at Birth?
Darlene Garat, Garat
Financial Group
Retirement Strategy might
work for you, and discuss
unique ways to fund it.
Darlene Garat, co-owner
of Garat Financial Group,
works with her clients to
create real security. She
can be reached at
250.287.2310, or visit
www.garatfinancial.com
for more information.
his is Morgan
Cross, on the
left. She
works with us at
the Gazette, and
we feel lucky to
have her. Like her
doppelganger on
the right, Taylor
Swift, Morgan is
multi-talented and
wise beyond her
years. Still in high
school, Morgan
does sales for the
Gazette, writes
stories, takes
photos and helps
with production.
We’d like to
thank Morgan
for her work, and
give a shout-out to
her parents for
raising such a
great person.
T
Page 4
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
Accounting Roundtable:
What’s the best way to track and deduct my vehicle expenses? Should
I lease or buy? Should my vehicle be in my name or the company’s?
Nicole Cahoon, CPA, www.nicolecahoon.com
250.871.1121, nicole@nicolecahoon.com
W
hen it comes to
tracking vehicle
expenses, a
detailed logbook is the best
way to ensure the Canada
Revenue Agency (CRA)
doesn’t disallow any
expenses.
Starting January 1, make
note of the kilometres on
your odometer; from then
on, track all business
usage. Write down the date,
where you went, for what
reason and the kilometres
travelled. Whether you’re
meeting a client or driving
to the store to buy supplies,
make a note of it.
On December 31, total all
your business kilometres,
divide that into the final
odometer reading and that’s
the percentage you’ll use to
write off your various vehicle expenses – fuel, car
payment, insurance,
repairs, etc.
Yes, it’s a lot of paperwork, but after that first
year the CRA will allow
you to keep a simplified
logbook, the details of
which should be discussed
with your accountant.
Putting a vehicle in your
name or the company’s
essentially comes down
to whether or not you’re
incorporated. If
incorporated, it should
be in the company’s name
and only used for business
purposes, as personal use
does have a taxable benefit
attached to it.
Jerad Langille,
CPA, CA
Langille & Co. Chartered
Professional Accountant
250.941.3444
www.langilleand
company.ca
W
hat a great question — lots of
options and
opportunities!
I tend to discourage
business owners from
acquiring vehicles inside
their business in most
circumstances, as any personal use at all can have
adverse tax consequences
— even if it’s just driving
home at night.
My favourite strategy is
to have the business
owner buy the vehicle
personally and then charge
the
business for its use at
CRA-approved rates.
In many cases, the business use of the vehicle
will pay for the capital
cost over a few years
(depending on mileage).
Once that’s done, the
owner can sell it to the
business for Fair Market
Value, incur no taxes on
the sale and assign it to
another employee to use
(for
business only of course!).
Take the proceeds, upgrade
the owner’s vehicle and
start all over again.
The per-kilometre charge
is a reimbursement of
expenses to the CRA, so
it’s tax-deductible for the
company and non-taxable
for the business owner — a
rare tax win-win.
Keep in mind, of course,
that it’s important to keep
good records of your
business use — these
days smartphone apps
make it easy!
Ben Lanyon,
CPA, CA
Roset Lanyon Chartered
Professional Accountants
250.286.3234
www.rosetlanyon.ca
I
f you use a corporately
owned vehicle
personally, CRA
requires a taxable benefit to
be reported on your T4 slip
(benefits are called “standby charge” and “operating
cost benefit”). The taxable
amount of these benefits
Jenny Inglis, of Inglis Professional
Tutoring, is exploring the possibility
of opening Inglis Academy, a small
private school in Courtenay with a
72-student maximum. For more
information, and to provide feedback on the concept, contact
jenny@comoxvalleytutoring.com.
• The Comox Valley Regional District’s corporate
services branch has welcomed Jennifer Steel as its
new manager of corporate communications.
• Justin Wade, owner/operator of The Clean
People, has brought his 20+ years’ experience in
residential and commercial cleaning to the Comox
Valley. He can be reached at 250.898.7791.
• Eric Termuende will be the keynote speaker at
North Island College’s Business Conference 2016,
March 18 at its Comox Valley campus. Full details
at www.futureoftheworkforce.ca
• And speaking of NIC, the college is hosting its
6th annual career fair March 18 at the Comox Rec
Centre from 1:00 to 3:30. Admission is free.
Randi McKinnon, the
office administrator
of Phantom Screens
who is transitioning
toward ownership,
was the winner of
the CV Chamber’s
Business Marketing
Prize Package at the
Chamber Tradeshow
Feb. 23. Congratulations, Randi!
Experience administrator and
educator Diane Naugler has been
hired as the new Dean of
Business and Applied Studies at
North Island College.
Call the experts... first!
can exceed the actual
value received. These situations are often audited
by CRA.
In cases where you have
a combination of low
original cost of the vehicle, low
business km driven
and/or high operating
cost, it can be far better
to own the vehicle in
your corporation and
accept the taxable benefits. (Example: an old
Jaguar or Mercedes.)
Large vehicles that are
clearly used entirely for
business (work vans/oneton pickups, etc.) should
be treated on a case-bycase basis because there
are GST and other considerations.
In the majority of cases,
the most tax efficient and
least risky option is to own
the vehicle personally and
charge the company a rate
between $0.48 and $0.54
per km. This tax-free
reimbursement generally
exceeds the vehicle costs.
The cheaper your vehicle,
the bigger your win.
(Example: many vehicles
ranging from pickup trucks
to economy cars.)
Page 5
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
The changing software landscape
he technology landscape for small businesses is changing.
We’re in the midst of a
shift in the way many
small businesses use
technology to improve the
way they operate.
Devices are repaired and
not replaced. Software is
being delivered as a service instead of bought with
perpetual licenses.
Internet connectivity is not
only expected everywhere
we go, but is demanded.
Data is stored in the
Cloud and accessed from
any device. People expect
to not only be able to work
from any device, but to
have reliable and easy-touse access at all times.
All these changes mean
that you need to take a
careful and measured
approach to how you manage the technology being
utilized in your operation.
As older software is being
phased out, it’s forcing the
T
hand of owners and man2. Is the software secure?
agers to pick something
How and where does a
new — whether upgrading
software service or
existing softprovider store its
ware or
data? What are
replacing it
When the chips the password poliwith somecies? Is multi-facare down, will
thing new and
tor authentication
you get the
shiny.
available?
help you need?
Here are
How granular are
some key
the security perthings to conmissions? The
sider when evaluating new
answers to these quessoftware against your IT
tions can help differentineeds:
ate between the various
software options out
there. You need to know
1. What is your tolerance
secure your data is.
for change?
What’s here today might
3. What’s the cost?
not be available tomorrow.
These days, cost is generTraining your staff to use a
ally calculated per user
new technology takes time
per month, which makes
and effort and cuts into
it very easy to compare
productivity. If your workvendors. Hidden outside
force is comfortable with
of that cost however, is
technology, there are good
the time it takes to train
opportunities to venture
your team, operational
into newer, emerging softdowntime while new
ware that may be higher
systems and processes
risk but potentially deliver
are revamped, the
an advantage.
inevitable pitfalls that
“
”
arise and the difference
between what is sold
and what is delivered.
And here’s another big
one: is support included,
or is it extra?
4. What is support
really like?
When you purchase or
commit to a software solution, you will always hear
how good the support is
and how easily your problems will be solved. But
when the chips are down,
will you be able to get the
help you need?
Two Minutes
with . . .
Dana Hook, Healing Bliss Botanicals
Hometown: Courtenay
Nickname: Healing Bliss
Celebrity crush:
Captain America
Favourite TV show:
Brooklyn 99
All-time greatest movie:
The Princess Bride
Favourite chick flick:
The Bridesmaids
Worst pet peeve: People
leaving the tap running
Local business you
admire: Eatmore Sprouts
Food you refuse to eat:
Hot dogs
Craziest thing you’ve
ever done: Starting a
business with two kids
under three years old
Best thing about your
job: hearing from people
how my products have
helped them when
nothing else was working
What inspired you to
start your business? I
wanted to offer 100%
natural, chemical-free
products to allow people
options for healing that
would nourish their
bodies, bring them relief
and cause no harm.
Worst thing a customer
has ever said to you:
The First & Best Place
to go for your
Industrial Supplies!
I appreciate all feedback
and luckily have never
had to deal with nasty
attitudes
Matt Behrens, PrimeTek IT
Solutions
5. What devices are
supported?
This is becoming less of
an issue as the mobile
and tablet markets begin
to standardize, but it is
still an important consideration, especially as BYOD
(bring your own device) is
becoming a common practice at workplaces.
As technology continues
to march forward, it’s
important that small
businesses are armed
with the knowledge it
takes to make decisions
that benefit their
companies in the long run.
While not an exhaustive
list, this is a good start to
helping distinguish
between multiple options.
Matt Behrens is a partner
in PrimeTek IT Solutions,
which offers technology
support and training to
small businesses in the
Comox Valley. He can be
reached at 250.871.8547
or www.primetek.ca.
— Travel Agent/Consultant
— Painter
— Computer Sales &
Service
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Recharging ABC - BC - CO2
Hydrotesting - SCUBA
Cylinders - CO2 Tanks and more
Sales for Beverage CO2
Surplus Tanks to 75lbs for Sale
D.O.T. Certified and A.S.T.T.B.C.
Fasteners
Family Owned
& Operated
CELEBRATING OUR 34TH YEAR!
—
—
—
—
Chiropractor
Electrician
Plumber
Professional Accountant
— Carpet Cleaning
— RMT
— Handyman
If you are responsible for getting new clients and generating revenue for your business, you are not alone! Visit bnidiscovery.ca
or contact Andy Leitch at aleitch@mackieresearch.com or call
him today at 250.287.8807. The first two meetings are free.
BNI Networking meetings provide fun,
great camaraderie, new business
leads and a perfect place to practice
your presentation skills.
Favourite drink:
Alkaline water
Who is most overpaid?
Not me
Word that describes you
best: Calm
FIRE EXTINGUISHER SALES & SERVICE
SERVICE
f you are one of the business-types above then make plans
to attend a FREE BNI Discovery Networking meeting and
see how your business can grow. We generate 100 — 120
referrals a month! It’s fun, easy networking, a perfect place
to polish your presentation skills and a place to widen your
own personal Board of Directors.
First job: Babysitting
Three people living
or dead you’d invite to
dinner: Gandhi, Martin
Luther King and Andre
the Giant
at Courtenay
location
I
Fears/phobias: not
pursuing my passions due
to FEAR: False Evidence
Appearing Real
Favorite weekend
activity: forest walks and
spending time with my
family
Praxair
Gas Depot
Do you want to increase your
business the easy, fun way?
When you found out life
isn’t fair: I believe fair
is an opinion. Life isn’t
about what happens to us
but how we react to what
happens to us.
Childhood “when I grow
up” aspiration: I wanted
to be a teacher and a
dolphin trainer
• Wire Rope & Fittings
• Splicing Facilities
• Chain, Industrial
Supplies
• Belts & Bearings
• Welding Supplies
What members say:
“I have been in BNI for 4 years now and it has provided me with insight into marketing my business, how to generate
referrals and meeting other business people in the community that I can refer business to. I would highly recommend
attending a meeting and seeing if it can work for you. It is definitely working for me.” — Shawn Switzer, Jiffy Lube
“Our seat is well worth the membership fees. In addition to the business we get from BNI, we highly value being part
of a network of skilled professionals we can call on for support and assistance. When a client has a problem we have
an answer, thanks to BNI. And even though I am NOT a morning person I have to admit I thoroughly enjoy the
friendships I have made and the camaraderie of our Wednesday morning meetings wakes me up and starts my
day with a smile. It doesn't get any better than that!” — Ted & Terri Chalaturnyk, Realtors
BNI Discovery meets every Wednesday at 7:00 am in the conference room of the
Enterprise Centre at 900 Alder St. in Campbell River. Join us! To attend a free meeting
contact Andy Leitch at aleitch@mackieresearch.com or call him today at 250.287.8807.
Page 6
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
Word
Street
on
the
Question of the Day:
What's your favourite ad of all time?
Alternatively, which ad do you despise?
The BUSINESS GAZETTE asks about...
The Future of Cars
Will cars of the future be smaller, lighter, faster? Self-driving? Run on electricity? Or booze! Or a synthetic fuel? GM
is starting Maven, a car sharing program. Is that a part of
the future? We asked local experts for their opinions on
current trends in the automobile industry and what we
may see in the near — or not so near — future.
Go to www.businessgazette.ca for replies.
For full comments go online at
www.businessgazette.ca
Bob Wells has won a $15 gift card to the Mad Chef
Café for responding to our Word on the Street.
To get in on next issue’s question, click
“subscribe for free” at cv.businessgazette.ca.
Presented By Mad
Chef Cafe
“Car manufactures are seriously looking
into technologies that enable cars to
speak with one another and the objects
around them.” — Corey Sawchuk,
Courtenay Mazda.
“Today Electric vehicles are all subsidized
in some way by government funding. We
may think that we are saving money at
the pump but how we need to ask ourselves how is it affecting the personal
taxes that we pay?” — Sue Finneron,
General Manager, Finneron Hyundai
Fresh Free
Run Chickens
every week!
Grown and slaughtered
right here on our
Black Creek farm!
8486B Island Hwy. Call
Tracey 250.897.6902
nobletracey@aol.com
Corey Sawchuk, Dealer Principal at Courtenay Mazda.
Page 7
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
Spotlight on the Trades
Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd.
Comox Valley’s 2015 Business of the Year
Chris Baikie,
Business Gazette
elson Roofing &
Sheet Metal Ltd.,
a company that
continually strives to
improve its already stellar reputation, was honoured as the Comox
Valley’s 2015 business
of the year in January.
“This award topped off
an already banner year
for us at Nelson Roofing
& Sheet Metal Ltd,” says
Branch Manager Rob
Curts.
“In 2015 we were
fortunate to be awarded
one of the largest contracts in our company’s
history, celebrated our
35th year of business in
the Comox Valley and
were voted Business of
the Year — it was a terrific year for us and we’re
excited to see what
2016 will offer!
“This award would not
N
pany is our employees,”
be possible,” he adds,
says Rob. “Our Comox
“without the support we
Valley branch has 65
receive from this great
full-time employees and
community. We’d like to
employs
thank all of our
up to 100
clients for their
in the
continued
busier
support.”
months.
Nelson Roofing
Our roof& Sheet Metal
ing and
Ltd. began its
cladding
operation in the
crews
Comox Valley in
consist of
1980 and has
That’s why
experimaintained its
enced
reputation for
Nelson Roofing
journeyproviding a qualiis the Valley’s
men and
ty product and
2015 Business
apprenservice throughof the Year.
tices,
out its 35+ years
many of
of operation.
whom
It’s this focus on
have
quality that has
been with
allowed the
us for 10
homegrown comyears or
pany to expand
longer.”
to five locations
throughout the
Nelson
Island and Lower
Roofing &
Mainland.
Sheet Metal Ltd.
employs journeymen,
“The heart of our com-
“
”
apprentices, project
managers/estimators,
administrative staff,
mechanics, a health
and safety officer and a
quality control and
assurance manager.
This strong team works
together to ensure all
job sites run smoothly
and safely.
Nelson Roofing & Sheet
Metal Ltd is a progressive, innovative business
whose reputation has
been built on trust,
quality of work and
pride. That’s why it’s the
Comox Valley’s 2015
Business of the Year.
To learn more about the
roofing, architectural
wall cladding and HVAC
services that Nelson
Roofing & Sheet Metal
Ltd. offers, visit
www.nelsonroofing.com
or find them on
Facebook.
Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal branch manager
hat 2016 has in store.
Rob Curts is excited to see wh
Security: more than just a lock and key
installation of
their lock hardware to residential, commercial, automotive
and marine sectors. They are
able to accommodate the
needs of any
job, whether it
be something
as personal as
home security
(safes, key cutting and emergency locks), or
as large as commercial construction. Due
to their years of
experience in
pre-construcBonnie Johnson, owner of Johnson Locksmiths in Campbell River on
tion, mainthe right. Left is Walter, Senior Locksmith.
phase construction and post-construction,
they are often the ones to
they live and work in. “Our
tems, Abloy High security
call for major commercial
clients appreciate our
locks, panic exit devices,
projects. They also service
community commitment —
Handicap door operators
vehicle fleets,
I think that, and our dediand much more.
offering opencated service team, are
Bonnie
ups, sales and
why we’ve
adds that,
programming of
been so
alongside
Due to their years
chipped keys and
successful
their cusof experience in
remotes, and
over the
tomers and
everything in
years.”
large-scale
pre-construction,
between.
For excepprojects,
main-phase
Among their
tional
they know
security solutions,
how to
construction and post- security
Johnson
solutions,
serve their
construction, they are contact
Locksmiths offers
community.
industrial, instituBonnie
Donation of
often the ones to
tional and comand her
time,
call for major
mercial lock hardteam
money and
ware, which
through
services to
commercial
includes high
their
local nonprojects.
security Access
website at
profits and
Control with Audit
www.johncharities
Johnson team members, Tina
Trail, custom
sonslock.ca or by phone
has forged an even closer
McConnell and George Stawski
master key sysat 250.287.2878.
connection to the place
s the only locally
owned and operated
full-service locksmith
facility in Campbell River,
Johnson Locksmiths
knows how to roll up their
sleeves, get their hands
dirty and get the job done
— day in and day out!
For over a decade, the
company has built a solid
reputation throughout
Northern Vancouver
Island, meeting every project — no matter how big,
small or unique — with
patience, promptness and
the right tools to get it
done. In the words of
owner and operator
Bonnie Johnson, “We’re
certainly known as the
friendly people, and
we take pride in our
reputation for quality,
professional locksmith
services with a smile.”
The locksmith team
provides full supply and
A
“
”
Kristin and Mikhail Pronick, owners of
Axis Heating + Cooling
Axis Heating + Cooling
Delivering comfort, community
& clean water
Morgan Cross,
Business Gazette
reezing in the winter?
Sweating in the summer? Or are you just
tired of that boil water
advisory that’s been frequenting the Valley?
Having worked in the
business for decades, Axis
Heating & Cooling owner
Kristen Pronick has seen
and solved just about any
heating, cooling or water
complication you can
think of. She and her
team of top technicians
are equipped to respond
to every residential and
commercial issue with
quality service and
products.
F
“We’re a family-owned,
second-generation company. We’ve been in the
Valley since 1995,”
Kristen says. She and her
husband Mikhail have
been running the
Courtenay branch since
Wilf Scheur, her father
and founder of the business, passed down ownership several years ago.
The Pronicks, and every
member at Axis Heating &
Cooling, are proud to
deliver on their longstanding reputation of
exceptional service.
To learn more about Axis
Heating & Cooling’s range
of products and services,
visit www.axisheating.ca
or call 250.331.0888
today.
Page 8
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr2016
Spotlight on the Trades
Above & Beyond Tree Service
‘No tree too small; no job too small’
Morgan Cross,
Business Gazette
s far as living up to
its name, Above &
Beyond Tree Service
certainly delivers.
For nearly a decade,
owner and founder Chad
Lewis and his team of professionals have been
working throughout the
Comox Valley and
Campbell River offering
high-quality residential,
commercial and regional
tree services. Whether it’s
manicuring a hedge, dangerous tree removal, bush
clearing, stump grinding
or view enhancement,
each member of the
Above & Beyond team is
practiced and prepared to
get the job done.
“Our team is comprised
of I.S.A. certified
arborists, BC-certified tree
A
company earned itself a
fallers, Wildlife Tree
leading reputation in the
Assessors, Occupational
Comox Valley and
First Aid Attendants and
Campbell
Tree Risk
River regions.
Assessors,”
The crew
says Chad.
strives to carry
“And they all
on that reputahave years of
We started
tion today.
knowledge and
From the peoexperience
right here
ple they
under their
and have
employ to the
belts. Together
been going
suppliers
Alex, Shay,
for nine
from whom
Chris G,
years strong.
they buy
Harrison,
equipment, all
Anthony,
the way down
Jordan, Travis,
to the farmers
Chris M, Rhys,
to whom they
Nick and I
donate their
form the most
woodchips, Above &
equipped, certified and
Beyond takes pride in
diversely specialized tree
staying local and mainservice team on the North
taining strong community
Island.”
relationships.
Chad built Above &
“We’re a local company,
Beyond Tree Service from
and all of our employees
the ground up. Through
are local guys,” Chad
perseverance and a high
says. “We started right
standard of work, the
“
”
Temprite Climate Solutions
here and have been going
for nine years strong.”
Alongside their investment in local business,
they have been involved
in habitat restoration work
and the more recent
development of the new
Comox Valley & Campbell
River Hospitals.
As Chad says, “No tree
too tall. No job too small.
We do it all.
“Above & Beyond Tree
Service is your one stop
service provider for all
things tree, hedge or
shrub related.”
Visit www.aboveand
beyondtreeservice.ca or
call 250-897-5254 to
get your free quote now or
learn more about Above
and Beyond Tree Service.
Upper Island
Safety Conference
May 30-3
31, 2016
Sportsplex — Campbell River, BC
The North Island’s only Daikin
Comfort Professionals
ance Petty and his
team of Red Seal certified technicians at
Temprite Climate
Solutions have a lot of
confidence these days —
as do their clients. That’s
because they’re the only
registered Daikin Comfort
Professionals on northern
Vancouver Island.
“Daikin is the world’s
leading manufacturer of
heat pumps and air comfort solutions,” explains
Lance. “Though some others may sell Daikin
ductless heat pumps,
only Daikin Comfort
Professionals are certified,
insured and trained to
install and service their
products for residential
and commercial use. And
they don’t trust anyone
else with their ducted
heat pumps!”
Daikin, says Lance, sets
itself apart from the competition by offering technologically sophisticated
products that ensure maximum performance, reliability and efficiency.
“When it comes to their
innovative products,
Daikin won’t work with
he Strathcona Regional District
is pleased to host the 7th
annual Upper Island Safety
Conference and Trade Show.
Once again, the event takes
place at the Campbell River
Sportsplex and offers a superb
line-up of educational sessions to
support a safe, positive and productive workplace. This year's
post-conference workshop is
focused on building strong teams
Welcome to the 7 annual Upper Island Safety Conference and Trade Show. This invigorating two day
by developing
core
management
conference
is organized by the
Strathcona
Regional District and will take place at the City of Campbell
River Sportsplex again this year. We have another great line up of presenters and expect a large turnout
supervisory
skills.
forand
the conference.
Please read
over the registration package and contact us with any of
T
L
th
your questions.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Safety Committee Members
Facility Supervisors & Managers
Safety Officers & Professionals
Safety Business Owners and Sales Reps
Anyone Employed in the Business of Safety
Anyone who is Responsible for Safety at Work
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING:
•
•
•
•
•
Lance Petty. Temprite Climate Solutions offers a handy
guide, called Understanding Today’s Heating Costs.
“
We only sell Daikin heat
pumps because, in our opinion,
they’re the best.
”
just any HVAC professional. But they trust our Red
Seal technicians, and so
do our clients.
“We only sell Daikin heat
Above and Beyond Tree Service has been serving the
Comox Valley and Campbell River regions for nine
years strong.
pumps because, in our
opinion, they’re the best,
most reliable systems.”
If you’re thinking about
upgrading to a high effi-
ciency heat pump for your
home or office, Temprite
Climate Solutions offers a
handy guide, called
Understanding Today’s
Heating Costs, that shows
how much money you
could save. It can be
downloaded from their
website at www.trcs.ca.
To learn more, or to
speak with a technician,
call 250.465.2490 or
email office@trcs.ca.
•
•
Network with other Delegates, Presenters &
Trade Show Experts
Learn about the Latest Safety Research, Trends,
Regulations & Issues
Get Motivated to Implement Change at your
Workplace and Get Passionate About Safety
Again
3 Keynotes & 16 Educational Sessions to Choose
from
Excellent 2 Day Post Conference Session —
Core Management & Supervisor Program
Conference meets the Joint Occupational Health
& Safety Committee Training Requirements
under the WorkSafeBC Legislation
Attendees may be eligible for BCRSP (12
technical hours) and EOCP (up to 2.4 related
CEU’s) Professional Designation Maintenance
Points—call for more information.
CFor
ONFERENCE INCLUDES:
more information go
• Prize Draws & Conference Tote Bags
is Provided on Both Days as well as
toLunch
www.strathconard.ca
Beverages & Snacks at all Nutrition Breaks
or tocall
• Free Admission
the Strathcona Gardens
Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre during the
250-287-9234
ext. 0
Conference
•
2016 GOLD LEVEL CONFERENCE SPONSORS:
Page 9
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
Spotlight on the Trades
Andrew Sharrock, Island Electric Ltd.
Chris Baikie,
Business Gazette
ndrew Sharrock is a
man who likes to
choose his own path,
and it’s that quest for
autonomy is what inspired
him to create his own
company, Island Electric
Ltd. It’s also what led him
back to the Comox Valley,
his childhood home, after
spending years abroad
becoming a Red Seal FSR
Class B Master Electrician.
With 10 years’ experience
with general electrical and
five years with solar photovoltaic installs, both offgrid and grid-tied, Andrew
is able to handle all electrical needs from small
cabins to large-scale commercial projects.
“This latitude of experience gives me the ability
to take on many interesting projects throughout
the North Island and surrounding areas,” says
Andrew. “I like being able
to choose projects. It
allows me to grow my
business in the direction I
want, and the Comox
Valley and North Island
have given me the opportunity to do just that.
“I have a real passion for
new technologies and continual re-training,” he
A
Accent lighting in the games room of a lodge Island
Electric worked on.
Andrew Sharrock, founder of Island Electric Ltd., at a solar install in Panama. Andrew
has 5 years’ experience in solar photovoltaic installs.
adds, explaining that he
just became a certified
Leviton Home Automation
installer. “These advances
in home automation are
pretty cool – the possibilities are endless!”
If you have an upcoming
project, be it small or
large, easy or hard, give
Andrew of Island Electric
Ltd a call on
250.465.9730, or email
andrew@islandelectric.info
to receive a quote and
some expert electrical
experience.
Distribution equipment in a commercial storage tent.
Solar install on a floating fishing lodge.
Electrical room switch gear.
RiverCity Domestics —
The next best thing to
more time in the day
hese days, it seems
there just isn’t
enough time in a day.
As a single mother with
two boys, Natalie Brinston
can certainly attest to that.
That’s why she started
RiverCity Domestics.
Her two main intentions
with her new venture are
to help seniors keep up
with everyday household
tasks and to help relieve
stress and provide peace
of mind to families and
individuals who just can’t
seem to keep up with the
high demands of daily life.
“It’s important that
seniors feel comfortable in
their homes,” says Natalie.
“But it’s also important
T
PAIN?
Y
ou’ve tried
everything to fix
the pain. So…
the big question: what is
causing your pain and
discomfort? What’s the
root of the problem?
Patti Doyle’s proven
treatment philosophy is
that much acute and
chronic pain is caused
by problems in the connective tissue. Think of
this connective tissue,
the fascia, like a spider
web running through
your entire body. The
longer the symptoms have
been around, usually the
more restriction in this
connective tissue.
that the rest of us feel
like we’re keeping on top
of things at home. Imagine
coming home to have
your chores done, laundry
folded and dinner ready
to simply be thrown into
a pan. RiverCity Domestics
turns that fantasy into
a reality.”
Unfortunately, home life
can sometimes get in the
way of work life. As a
home service provider,
Natalie takes on the daily
tasks that would otherwise
pile up and prevent her
clients from accomplishing
their daily, weekly or even
monthly goals.
“Maybe a project has
been put off at work
Natalie Brinston, owner RiverCity Domestics.
because you’re constantly
trying to keep up with the
laundry,” says Natalie. “Or
maybe there are things
around the house you’ve
been meaning to do for
months but just can’t
seem to find an hour or
two to chip away at it.”
RiverCity Domestic covers
everything from house
cleaning, grocery shopping
and general errands to
meal prep, laundry and
yard/garden maintenance
(seasonal). Services are
customized to each
client’s needs to ensure
each and every corner of
your household needs are
covered.
Find River City Domestics
on Facebook or call
Natalie at 250.203.6031.
Before you turn to pills
or surgery, go see Patti!
These restrictions can
cause all kinds of terrible
problems. Often in seemingly unrelated areas,
which can be important in
cases of work related or
motor vehicle accidents.
All too often, too, these
restrictions don’t show up
on MRI’s or x-rays. “It’s
all in your head,” has to
be one of the worst phrases a person in pain can
ever hear, says Patti.
Patti doesn’t just give a
bunch of exercises. Her
hands-on style works to
release fascia. As she
‘loosens you up’ the body
starts to repair itself.
That’s how bodies work!
“You may not be impressed
by the shop... but you
will by the service!”
— Actual Testimonial
e sell new and used desktop and laptop
computers as well as a large selection of
common and hard to find parts and accessories.
We build custom computer systems for gamers,
home and office use. Our service reputation is
second to none. We specialize in cleaning systems
of virus and malware infections; as well we do
hardware upgrades and repairs. We have many
years' experience in setting up business systems
and networking. We are always available to
help with any of your computer needs.
W
Patti specializes in
fixing the ‘tough’ cases.
So if you’ve tried almost
everything else without
lasting success, before
you turn to surgery or
pills see Patti first.
Our reputation is based on the high level
of customer support we deliver, as well
as the best prices on parts, accessories
and complete systems available.
Finally... time to
say goodbye to
acute and/or
chronic pain
Patti is licensed and
covered under medical
plans. Call Patti today
at Pattiwhackers
Physiotherapy at
250-650-1350. You’ll
be thrilled you did.
Come to Island Technologies to find
the answers to all your
computer needs; given
to you in plain easily
understood English by
Andy or Rick.
Patti Doyle, aka “The Organic
Mechanic” has a strong reputation for
helping people who have tried everything to fix their pain or been told, “we
can’t find anything wrong with you.”
Maybe it’s a good idea to see Patti
before trying pills or risky surgery?
Island Technologies
Computer Systems
753 Fitzgerald Ave, Courtenay
Phone 250-334-3825
Page 10
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
Colour will improve your business
Don Linder,
AGS Business Systems
ondering how to
pack more punch
into your printed
material? Nothing hits
home like a splash of
colour.
Colour is, and has always
been, more effective than
W
black and white. Period. It
catches the eye and helps
people connect with their
feelings and emotions.
Research has shown that
colour improves brand
recognition by more than
75%, helps sell up to
80% more and makes
people more likely to pick
up the piece.
Research also shows that
colour enhances employee
efficiency by reducing
search time and errors by
as much as 80%.
Whether it’s to compete
with brightly coloured
social media screens or
just to distinguish themselves from their
competitors, savvy
businesspeople know the
value of colour in their
printed material. Be it
flyers or reports, everyone
from Realtors and
restaurants to investment
analysts and salespeople
can benefit from
eye-catching printed
material.
When I say “printed
material,” I’m referring to
location so waiting
customers can read about
the value of the additional
products/services you
provide? If you’re a
restaurant, does your
take-away menu have a
coupon that gives your
customer a special price
“Colour can reduce search time and errors by
as much as 80%
”
just about anything printed
on paper, so long as it’s
appropriate to the
customer you’re targeting.
And by “appropriate,” I
mean your customers
derive value from
reading it.
Do you have printed
material available at your
on an item the next time
they come in? Do you send
paper invoices? Why not
include a bright and bold
marketing message?
Any time you have an
opportunity to give
somebody a piece of
paper, whatever it is, that
piece of paper should
include some sort of marketing message. And, of
course, adding colour will
help it pop. Keep in mind,
though, that it doesn’t
have to be blatant; sometimes a simple
customer testimonial set
off in red type is all you
need.
Some local businesses
that are involved in
substantial transactions
are now creating
brochures or custom
reports for their clients.
Imagine the effect on your
customers if you could
quickly print on demand a
customized quality
brochure that looks like a
slick magazine for them to
take home.
Does having high-quality
printed material mean you
should scrap your social
media marketing strategy?
Definitely not. It just
means you can benefit,
and even grow your customer base, by using wellplanned,
eye-catching printed
materials. In my next column, I’ll describe how
“advanced” colour can
have an even more
pronounced effect.
AGS Business Systems
has been providing office
technology to Vancouver
Island customers since
1976 and prides itself on
being 100% locally Island
owned and operated. Don
Linder can be reached at
250.871.0116 or
don.linder@
agscanada.com.
Will the new mortgage down payment rules affect my home purchase?
n December, the finance
minister announced a
small change to the
down payment requirement for CMHC-insured
purchases between
$500,000 and
$1,000,000.
Previously, the minimum
required down payment
was 5% of the purchase
price for any owner-occupied property or second
I
Mackenzie Gartside,
Select Mortgage
home. Now, as of February
15th, the minimum down
payment is 5% on the first
$500,000 and then 10%
of the value above
$500,000.
The impact? If you’re buying a house for $600,000,
you’ll now need $35,000
instead of $30,000 from
your own resources; for a
purchase of $750,000,
the down payment goes up
Two Minutes with . . .
Darcie Wright, S. McInnes & Associates Ltd.
(formerly Reynen Business Services Ltd.)
Hometown:
Kelowna, BC
Best thing about your
job: My co-workers and
our customers
Nickname: Side order
When you found out life
isn’t fair? 8 years old
Celebrity crush:
Gerard Butler
Fears/phobias: Spiders,
Snakes & Rodents
Most annoying
celebrity: The
Kardashians
First job: Sales Clerk at
Toys & Wheels
Favourite TV show:
The 100 and Limitless
All-time greatest movie:
All the Original Star Wars
movies!
Favorite chick flick: The
Bridesmaids
Worst Pet peeve:
Knuckle cracking
Song on your iPod
you’re ashamed of: Till
the World Ends…Britney
Spears ft. Nicki Minaj
Local business you
admire: I admire all our
local businesses
Food you refuse to eat:
Brussel sprouts, and mini
corns…they are evil!
Craziest thing you’ve
ever done: As a teen I
snuck out in the middle of
the night for a 7-11 nacho
run with a friend
Favourite drink:
Starbucks Non-fat Chai
Tea Latte
Who is most overpaid?
Movie & Music Stars
Childhood “when I
grow up” aspiration:
Veterinarian or a Teacher
Favourite weekend
activity: Hanging out at
home drawing & painting,
nature walks
Three people living
or dead you’d invite
to dinner: Dad, Grandma
& Grandpa Wright
Word that best describes
you? Quiet and Creative
What do you wish we
would have asked (and
your answer)? If you
could only keep five
possessions, what would
they be? Our Cat, art
supply kit, paper, camera
& tablet
S. McInnes & Associates Ltd
For all your Bookkeeping,
Accounting and Income Tax needs
Check out our Stress
Free Guarantee
Telephone
250-286-1649
“Like” us on facebook and watch for
our new Tip Tuesday feature
by $12,500 (from
$37,500 to $50,000). If
you’re buying property
under $500,000, these
changes don’t affect you.
The goal of these changes
is primarily to cool markets
in Vancouver and Toronto,
where home prices are
well above the national
average. We don’t expect
these changes to have a
significant effect on our
local property market.
Mackenzie Gartside is a
Mortgage Consultant with
Select Mortgage. Find
today’s rates online at
www.comoxmortgages.co
m or call 250.331.0800
for a personal evaluation
of your mortgage scenario.
Page 11
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
What to do if the Easter Bunny steals from you?
Anthony La Bar, Shook,
Wickham, Bishop & Field
arch is here. The
daffodils are
blooming, the herring are spawning and
M
Spring is right around the
corner. And that means
so is Easter.
Unless your children saw
the movie Donnie Darko at
a young age, they love the
Easter Bunny. And why
not? He leaves them
colourful, candy-filled eggs
and small gifts. But what if
the Easter Bunny isn’t as
innocent as he seems?
What if the mutant, linebacker-sized white rabbit
routine was just a ruse to
get into your house and
steal your valuables? What
should you do if you suspect the Easter Bunny is
stealing from you?
First of all, theft is a criminal offence and you
should contact the police
children Easter eggs again,
goods are not recovered.
immediately. The maxithen he would be in
mum sentence the Easter
Once the police arrest the
breach of his undertaking.
Bunny could receive if the
Easter Bunny, they may
You should call the police
value of the stolen goods
decide to release him on
immediately if this hapexceeds $5,000 is 10
an undertaking that he
pens. If the police
years in jail.
suspect the Easter
If the value of
the stolen goods
If the police suspect the Easter Bunny Bunny has a substance abuse
is less than
has a substance abuse issue, they
issue, they might
$5,000, then
require that
the Easter
might require him to refrain from alco- also
he refrain from
Bunny is only
using alcohol or
looking at two
hol or non-prescribed drugs.
non-prescribed
years in jail at
drugs before they
most. If he is a
release him.
first-time offendAlternatively, the police
refrain from doing certain
er or has a minimal crimimight want to keep the
things while he awaits his
nal record, it’s quite possiEaster Bunny in jail while
trial, such as not attend at
ble he would not receive
he awaits his trial. This
your residence or contact
any jail time at all. The
means the Easter Bunny
you. If the Easter Bunny
Easter Bunny could also
would be brought before a
contacts you and threatbe ordered to pay you
judicial officer, who would
ens to never bring your
restitution if the stolen
“
”
make the decision
whether to release him
and on what terms. Those
terms would likely include
the ones mentioned
above.
Finally, in addition to contacting the police, you
should consider bringing
an action against the
Easter Bunny in civil court.
The lawyers at Shook
Wickham Bishop & Field
have experience in all
forms of civil litigation and
can help.
Anthony La Bar is a
lawyer at Shook, Wickham,
Bishop & Field. He can be
reached at 250.287.8355
or online via
www.crlawyers.ca.
Trio of new businesses add diversity to Downtown Courtenay
It’s great to be downtown." That’s the consensus of a trio of
business owners who have
recently opened locations
in Downtown Courtenay.
Games & Grounds Coffee
House, Dragonfly
Community Acupuncture
and Impeccable Jewellery
are the newest faces in
Downtown Courtenay,
each offering distinctive
products and services
that complement the
downtown core
“
"We spent almost a year
researching downtown,
watching all the activities,
parades and various
things that go on before
we decided to set up
here," says Brad Leith,
who just opened
Impeccable Jewellery on
the corner of Fifth and
Duncan. "I think there’s a
real trend toward
community building.”
As the Valley’s first and
only computer and console
gaming café, Games &
Grounds Coffee House certainly qualifies as unique.
The family-owned business
has been around for five
years but moved into the
former Salvation Army
location on Fourth Street
mid-November.
A central location was
also key in Dr. Andrew
Kerr’s decision to open
Dragonfly Community
Acupuncture on Sixth
Street, near Atlas Café, in
December. Originally from
the Island, the doctor of
Professional Pets
Traditional Chinese
Medicine had been
working in Vancouver for
years but recently moved
back for Courtenay’s
small-town feel and sense
of community.
The clinic also offers a
sliding payment scale so
patients pay what they
can afford.“It’s been really
well received,” says Dr.
Kerr. “Once people see
our welcoming, relaxing
environment they feel
very comfortable.”
destroyed a large bag of
flour. There was flour
all over the house &
over themselves (they
were completely covered in white, except for
their eyes!).
(some people come to
the store just to visit
him), he gets his own
Christmas cards, etc.
Do you dress him up?
Er, no.
Worst quality: Same as
above.
Do you take your pet
to work?: Yes. Merlin
is the store greeter, he
has his own fan club
Your favourite pet
story: (See most
beloved item above.)
Best quality: Sense of
humour
Courtesy of:
Kris Sand –
Impressions
Custom Framing
Favourite place to sleep: On
his own couch.
Food of choice: Anything
you feed him!
Name: Merlin
Breed: Great Dane, 10
Snack he/she goes crazy for:
Ice cream.
Favorite Activity: Walks &
runs on the sea walk and in
the woods
Most beloved thing he/she
has destroyed: (funniest
thing) he & his brother, Duke,
4 Locations
• 2400 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay (Beside
Husky) 250-338-0455
• 12-795 Ryan Road, Courtenay (Beside
Superstore) 250-338-0424
• 46-1760 Comox Ave., Comox (Lower
Level of Comox Mall) 250-339-2272
• 2056A S. Island Hwy,
Willow Point, 250-923-5881
Call or see website for hours
www.woofys.ca
Scene in Campbell River
Subscribe for free and
read online at
www. businessgazette.ca
Page 12
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
Chambers working across BC to
support businesses
Dianne Hawkins,
Comox Valley Chamber of
Commerce
ebruary 15 to 19 was
Chamber of
Commerce Week — an
opportunity for BC’s more
than 125 Chambers of
Commerce to showcase
our hard work on behalf of
businesses across the
province.
The Comox Valley
Chamber of Commerce is
working hard to actively
strengthen local businesses through networking
events, mentorship opportunities, professional
development activities and
F
other unique programming. Whether hosting
events and business
awards, supporting young
entrepreneurs through
mentorship programs or
organizing unique travel
experiences for companies
interested in learning
more about different international markets, the
Comox Valley Chamber is
sharply focused on
empowering each and
every member business
to succeed. (More to
come on travel
experiences soon!)
Simultaneously, the
Chamber network across
BC is advocating for policy
changes to further drive
local businesses’ success.
Right now, for example,
BC’s Chambers are leading efforts to advocate for
permanent inter-municipal
business licenses. These
licenses provide business
owners with the geograph-
ic flexibility that many
need. Right now, intermunicipal business licenses are moving from a pilot
project to a permanent fixture in four Lower
Mainland communities;
the Chamber network
hopes to further build on
this success, with a vision
of one day having a single
cross-BC business license.
The Comox Valley
Chamber is proud to say
that the communities of
Cumberland, Courtenay
and Comox have had an
inter-municipal licence in
place for several years
now!
Quick Chamber Facts:
• There are more than
125 chambers and boards
of trade in the BC
Chamber network alone.
• The BC Chamber of
Commerce represents
more than 36,000 small,
medium and large BC
businesses. The chamber
is a key partner with government and works alongside government to
achieve the goal of making BC the most businessfriendly province in
Canada.
• Small business makes
up 98% of all business in
the province and employs
more than one million
people.
• Small business provides
nearly 54% of all privatesector jobs in BC.
• BC ranks first in Canada
for the number of small
businesses per capita,
with 82.6 businesses per
1,000 people.
The Comox Valley
Chamber of Commerce
values each and every
one of our members.
Please swing by the office,
join in on your Chamber’s
events, and celebrate the
many ways that the
Chamber works to
strengthen our community.
Dianne Hawkins is CEO of
the Comox Valley
1. Research — You can’t
write what you don’t know.
Before writing a single letter, find out as much as
you can about your subject. Typically, the research
phase makes up the
majority of time our team
spends on a copywriting
project.
Ryan Parton,
RP Copywriting
2. Do nothing — Once
you’ve researched the
eople often complilavender rainbows out of
ment me on my writyour subject, let it sit. Go
ing. Sure, it’s mostly
for a run. Play a fun game
my wife and my mother-inwith your significant other.
law, but still.
While you’re
The point is,
not thinking
great writing –
about what
however loosely
you plan on
Great writing
you define that
writing, your
term – doesn’t
doesn’t flow from subconscious
flow from the
the backsides of is organizing
keystrokes of
all that well
flying unicorns.
enlightened
researched
scribes like so
information.
many lavenderThough it may
scented rainfeel like slackbows from the backsides
ing, this is a vital part of
of flying unicorns.
the creative process.
Unlike unicorns, great
3. Write — Time to get
writing isn’t magical; it’s
those thoughts on paper.
actually quite ugly to
For longer pieces, it helps
watch. It’s type, delete,
to have a rough outline in
type type, delete, type,
place. For shorter pieces,
smash fist into keyboard,
just start writing. Try not to
delete, type, sigh, go for
get too caught up with
more coffee. You can,
grammar or pesky little
however, ensure your
word choices (is it toward,
writing is the best it can
or towards?). Just let
possibly be by following
it flow.
P
“
4. Edit — Now’s the time
to go back over your draft
and pick it apart.
Nothing’s perfect the first
time through. If you were
to read some of my initial
drafts, you’d wonder if I
actually went to school, let
alone get paid to write. Go
through your draft onscreen at least twice, and
as many times as your
sanity will allow. Then print
out a hard copy.
5. Rest — Sleep on it.
Don’t even THINK about
picking up your draft again
until the following day.
When you approach your
draft with fresh eyes,
things that seemed perfectly reasonable at the
time will suddenly sound
ridiculous. Promise.
6. Review — Read your
Upcoming Chamber
Events
Chamber Open House —
March 3, 4:30 – 6pm.
Chamber Office, 2040
Cliffe Ave.
Business Mixer hosted by
the Inside Edge Business
Gazette and RP
Copywriting – March 15,
5-7pm, Union Street
Grotto
Board Elections Lunch –
March 24, 11:45-1:30pm,
Kingfisher Oceanside
Resort
Business Mixer hosted by
Cascadia Liquor Store April 5, 5-7pm
Serving Campbell
River & Region
for 15 years!
•
•
•
•
•
•
Comprehensive Financial Planning
RRSP RRIF RESP TFSA
Life Insurance/Estate Minimization
Wealth Management
Non-Commission Model
Independent &
Confidential
Download your Free
copy of “Principles
not Predictions”
on my website.
www.crwealthmanagement.ca
6 steps to your best writing ever
these six steps:
Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, visit
www.comoxvalley
chamber.com or call
250.334.3234.
250.286.9968
625H 11th Avenue, Campbell River, BC V9W 4G5
printed draft aloud, which
forces you to slow down
and register every word.
Reading aloud also helps
you hear any awkward
constructions that may trip
up readers. (For example I
initially wrote, “Reading
aloud also allows . . .”)
Now make your edits on
the electronic document,
and voilà – your masterpiece is ready for acclaim!
LadysmithPress
Web press printers of:
• Newspapers
• Flyers
• Catalogues
• Newsletters
• Vacation & Recreation Guides
• Newsprint Magazines
Ryan Parton is a professional copywriter and
president of RP
Copywriting. He’s also the
executive editor of the
Comox Valley Business
Gazette. For a free consult, visit www.rpcopy
writing.com or call
250.702.1103.
”
Interesting Advertising
Seen in the Rod Brind'Amour Arena.
Quality Line Painting
Small lots, big lots, condos, apartments
& more. Plus daily litter pick-up.
940 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith, BC
A division of
Call Gordon at 250.897.8008
250-245-0350
Page 13
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
He enjoys Next Wave
because it gives him an
opportunity to learn about
great local businesses to
which he can feel confident referring his clients.
He’d love to see a lawyer
who works primarily in
estate and family law
join the group.
relationships and promoting quality of life.
Cyndi White, Grannies On
The Go Senior Services
250.650.3301
www.granniesonthego.ca
rannies On The Go
Senior Services is a
unique and personalized service for seniors
in the Comox Valley, providing assisted transportation, help with errands
and companionship to suit
the individual needs of
each client. For Cyndi, who
has 20 years’ experience
working with seniors, it’s
about building strong
G
Favourite weekend
activity: Hiking, camping
and spending time with
family and friends.
Favourite movie: The
Notebook
Who or what inspires
you? Travelling, and people I can learn from, who
have a positive and optimistic approach to life.
Biggest pet peeve: People
who always complain
about the same problem
and refuse to make a
change to fix it
Most embarrassing song
on your playlist: Ice Ice
Baby, Vanilla Ice
Celebrity crush: Johnny
Depp
Ideal referral: Families,
seniors or other people
with mobility restrictions
who require assistance
getting around, or small
groups that require
transportation or support
for an event.
device that you may be
having problems with —
Kyle’s the Geek who can
tweak it back to perfection, while explaining it all
in plain, geekless English.
Kyle Corey, Geek Tweaks
Technology Solutions Inc.
250.702.7564
www.geektweaks.ca
yle is a mobile computer technician that
travels to your home
or business to resolve your
technical computer issues.
Mac, PC, phones, printers,
routers, TVs or any other
K
Favourite weekend
activity: Being home!
Favourite book or movie:
Anything Arthurian
(Skystone, Pendragon
Cycle . . . )
What inspires you?
Kindness
Biggest pet peeve:
People not signalling in
vehicles
Celebrity Crush: Trevor
Linden
Ideal referral: Small
businesses and home
users with computer or
technology issues
Grant Powers
Bank of Montreal
250.703.5337
grant.powers@bmo.com
Grant is all about wealth
management — working
with your existing lawyer,
accountant and other advisors to help you achieve
your financial dreams. He
believes in keeping things
simple and your fees low.
His investment philosophy
is: Preservation of Capital,
Reasonable Rate of Return
and Tax and Income
Efficiency (in that order).
Downtown Courtenay to
Comox Valley: ‘Thank-you!’
he Downtown
Courtenay Business
Improvement
Association (DCBIA) has
warm words for the
downtown businesses
won top honours at the
recent Comox Valley
Chamber of Commerce
Community Awards, as
well as for the community
that has supported them.
“Of the eight Downtown
Courtenay businesses or
T
Chamber board member Kevin East (L, dressed as Darth
Vader for the Star Wars-themed event) presents the
Small Business of the Year award to Downtown
Courtenay’s Rattan Plus Home & Patio.
business owners nominated for awards, three won
their respective category,”
says DCBIA board member
Mackenzie Gartside, who’s
also on the Chamber
board. “We’re exceptionally proud of them all, and of
all the talented people we
have downtown.”
Among the winners from
Downtown Courtenay were
Deana Simkin of Billy D’s
Pub & Bistro for Business
Leadership; Haeley
Campbell of Mudsharks
Coffee Bar for Young
Entrepreneur; and Rattan
Plus Home and Patio for
Small Business of the
Year.
“Above all, we just want to
thank the entire Comox
Valley community for supporting downtown
Courtenay businesses,”
says Gartside. “You’re the
ones who make downtown
Favourite weekend
activity: Camping in the
alpine
Favourite book: Wheel of
Time series by Robert
Jordan
Who inspires you? People
who are passionate about
their clients.
Biggest pet peeve: Lack of
respect
Ideal referral? A retiree
who wants to understand
the investments they have
and get peace of mind for
their cash-flow knowing
they won’t outlive their
money. Someone interested in developing a relationship built on trust and
honesty with their advisor.
“We’re exceptionally
proud of all the
talented people we
have downtown.
”
such a dynamic place to
be, and the ones who
inspire us to always serve
you better. Thank you
Comox Valley!”
Keep your software up to date
Ann Scott,
Presley & Partners
Chartered Professional
Accountants
hat accounting
software do you
use? Most of our
clients used to use Simply
(Sage 50) for their business bookkeeping,
whereas Quickbooks is a
comparatively newer
trend. Lately, however, our
clients have been increasingly moving to the Cloud
– mostly with Quickbooks
Online or Intact.
One advantage of online
software is that it’s always
up to date. Changes and
improvements show up
when you log on each day.
No need to pay for and
download the next update,
then struggle to install it
and update your data. In
the online world, it just
happens — all the time.
In January, we updated
our network and ran into a
glitch with our clients’ old
Simply (Sage) files. We
couldn’t get older versions
of it to play happily with
our updated Citrix operating software, and Sage
was no help. Their policy
is, “Sorry, but we only support the current and prior
year versions.” We
W
and then refuse to support
eventually found a
their older versions? All
workaround, but it
this updating is expensive
required that we update
and vendors choose to
each file.
focus their spending on
The trouble is that we
the new versions. Why
have many clients who
should they fix an issue
refuse to update their verand still spend money
sion of Simply, and they
supporting old, outdated
are probably not alone in
software?
this. Some of you won’t
If you aren’t updating your
update because of the
accounting software, this
cost. You feel that you’ve
is one more reason to
paid for the software once
consider it. What will hapand that should be
pen when you run into
enough. Some of you will
difficulties with your 2006
be afraid of learning a “
version, or it won’t run on
different” system, or you
the new laptop you had to
think, “I’m only going to
buy when yours
have to do this
bit the dust, and
for a few more
Sage (or
years, so why
Why should soft- Quickbooks)
bother with
ware companies fix says “Sorry, we
change at
an issue and still don’t
all?”
Update or be
spend money sup- support 2006”?
We recommend
left behind
porting outdated
regularly updatVendors
software?
ing all of your
update their
software. The
software to
expense is
make it better.
worth the
Accounting software is a
improved
competitive industry and
functionality and keeping
vendors have to change or
up with the latest developdie. Users are the winners,
ments. And, yes, being
with better and easier to
able to call for support
use programs coming out
when you need it.
all the time.
Better yet, consider the
Accounting software isn’t
online, Cloud-based verthe only thing improving.
sion. Then you’ll never
So are the operating
have to “update” again.
systems, hardware and
complementary software
such as Microsoft Office.
Ann Scott is an FCPA, FCA,
Software vendors have to
business advisor and a
update to fix bugs, stay
partner with Presley &
relevant or even work at
Partners Chartered
all on new computers. It’s
Professional Accountants.
a question of “keeping
She can be reached at
up.”
250.338.1394 or
ascott@presleyand
So why do software venpartners.com.
dors update their software
“
”
Business Owners and Employers:
Do you know how important it is to provide benefits that can give
yourself and your employees a greater sense of work/life balance?
Upper Island Counselling Services (UICS) is a community based,
not for profit, Employee and Family Assistance Program that can
provide just such a benefit for less than 25 cents a day.
E
very year at least
10% of employees
experience personal
problems they can't leave
behind in the parking lot
when they report for
work... problems that
diminish
productivity,
increase health care costs
and hurt your company's
bottom line.
The Facts
Current Human Resources
research indicates that
employees with personal
issues are absent 6 times
more often than others, use
more extended health care
benefits, file higher rates of
disability claims and grievances, create supervisory
and administration problems, decrease workplace
morale and are 15% more
likely to have workplace
accidents.
The Reality
On average, troubled
employees cost an employer $5,000/yr — and an
additional $3,000/yr if that
employee is depressed.
Those with addiction
issues further increase
these costs through major
losses in job effectiveness
and productivity each year
that the problem remains
uncorrected. They have 3.6
times the accident rate and
5 times the number of compensation claims.
In addition, each manager
spends up to 25% of his or
her time grappling with
performance issues, coworker conflicts and other
workplace
disruptions
fueled by interpersonal
problems.
A good return on
investment
Employers enrolled with
our EFAP service can often
save $3 to $10 for every
$1 invested in the service.
That’s just in dollars. UICS
has a genuine regard for
the well-being of the communities we serve. We
know what it takes to help
employers and employees
to work together toward
positive outcomes and to
ensure that the growth of
both the company and their
resources are productive,
effective and efficient.
Imagine the benefits to
your employees, their families and your community.
Local!
Responsive to local needs,
we have 3 locations serving
the Upper Vancouver Island
—
Comox
Valley,
Campbell River, and Port
McNeill. Because we are
local and well-informed
about the region, UICS is
better suited to our small
community needs.
Along with the services
that UICS provides, we
have a strong knowledge of
our community resources
and are able to provide
information to our clients in
the event that they need
additional assistance in
maintaining their mental
wellness We are here for
them and for you!
Call us in:
• Campbell River
250.287.2266
• Comox Valley
250.338.4533
• Port McNeill
250.956.3144
or visit www.uics.ca
for more information.
Page 14
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
Fusilli Grill has just moved to a gorgeous new location overlooking the river. From left to
right: Ashley Belanko, owner, Theresa Marson, GM, David Prevost, owner, and Lynda
Carroll-Roberts, Catering Manager.
Fusilli Grill opens at new location
fter more than two
decades of serving
hungry clients on
Dogwood Street, Campbell
River’s Fusilli Grill has
moved to a brand new
location in the Campbell
River Lodge, located at
1760 Island Highway.
While the popular restaurant’s many regulars will
notice several improvements with the new location, owner Ashley Belanko
is quick to point out that
the restaurant’s key promise will remain the same.
“Everybody knows that if
you want real food, you go
to Fusilli Grill,” she
A
tossed in garlic butter are
explains. “That’s never
also still on the menu,”
going to change. We’re still
she
making
adds.
our
houseThe new
made
location,
pastas
which
‘We’re expanding
right
opened
here on
February
our horizons.’
premis29,
— Ashley Belanko
es, as
offers
well as
two
all of our
stocks,
salad
dressings and sauces.
“flavours” of Fusilli Grill
dining: an upscale pub“Fan favourites like the
type environment on the
Chinese chicken salad and
main floor and a secondthe prawn fusilli with feta
“
”
Please Don’t Go Fund Me
Sandy Poelvoorde,
Boyd’s Funeral Services
ith the rise of
social websites
and communities,
the proliferation of online
requests for money has
exploded. You can pretty
much ask for money to
cover everything from
making potato salad to
the next blockbuster
movie. Even Kanye West
has managed to jump on
the bandwagon to ask
that we, the great
unwashed, please help
him get out of $53 million
of self-inflicted debt.
On a more serious note,
well-intentioned friends
have been very quick to
see Go Fund Me as a solution to help ease a family’s
financial burden from the
sudden loss of a loved
one. I can’t even count the
number of Go Fund Me
accounts set up to help
“assist with funeral
expenses.” Problem is,
there may be unintended
consequences to what, on
the surface, appears to be
W
to, not alleviate, a family’s
a well-meaning gesture of
financial woes.
assistance.
For funeral directors, Go
In British Columbia, if
Fund Me can also paint an
someone dies with no
unflattering picture. Many
financial assets (or less
funeral home owners and
than $5,000, no home
managers offer discounted
and no investments), they
or even free services to
are covered under the
families in the greatest
Ministry of Housing and
need — and we’re happy to
Social Development Burial
do it. But to serve a family
(or cremation) Program.
at no charge and then see
Simply put, there is money
a Go Fund Me
available for a
account to pay
funeral.
for funeral
However, if
expenses
someone has
makes the
set up a Go
A Go Fund Me funeral director
Fund Me
account, their account can actually seem like a
eligibility
add to a family’s jerk. No one
wants to be the
for the program
financial woes.
jerk
is
funeral director.
often denied.
If you really
The other conwant to help
cern is that
families in
many people
need, a grocery card, cash
can’t access Go Fund Me
or even an offer to do
money in a timely manner.
some household chores
Expect to wait several
can go a long way toward
weeks or months to have a
easing the burden. Allow
cheque in hand. (Minus
the systems in place to
the fees associated with
work before resorting to
these accounts of course.)
Go Fund Me. This way,
Compounding the issue is
acts of kindness needn’t
that a death can be a long
become another burden
and lingering event. Often
grieving families have
a family has drained existto carry.
ing resources and may be
on income support, or
even disability pensions. A
Sandy Poelvoorde is the
Go Fund Me account puts
owner of Boyd's Funeral
all of that at risk, as it can
Services Ltd. She can be
be perceived as income.
reached at 250.287.2240
Suddenly, the best of
or online atcampbellriver
intentions can actually add
funerals.com.
“
”
floor dining room (expected to open in April) that
will feature an “Island
menu” comprised strictly
of items from Vancouver
Island. In addition, the
new location features a
riverside patio and a banquet room that can seat
up to 80 people — a key
component of Fusilli Grill’s
plan to put more focus
on catering.
“We’ve catered everything from small office
groups to large fundraising events of more than
500 people,” Ashley says.
“Our new catering manager, Lynda Carroll-Roberts,
will be happy to help you
plan your menu and offer
any other assistance you
may need.”
Also new to Fusilli Grill is
general manager Theresa
Marson, a woman many
will recognize from her
many years running the
Royal Coachman.
To make a reservation at
the “new” Fusilli Grill, call
250.830.0090. To
discuss catering, call
Lynda or email koffice@
fusilligrill.bc.ca.
“Some people ask
the secret of our
long marriage. We
take time to go to a
restaurant two times
a week. A little
candlelight, dinner,
soft music and
dancing. She goes
Tuesdays, I go Fridays.
— Henny Youngman
Subscribe online at www.businessgazette.ca
Page 15
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
Campbell River Chamber of
Commerce Celebrates their...
n February 19th the Campbell River & District
Chamber of Commerce celebrated their FUTURE15
event. What a great concept this event is! Campbell River
is full of amazing people 19-45. They are role models,
paving their own path and shaping the future of Campbell
River. Below are a few of the winners and their visions for
Campbell River. Go online at the Inside Edge
O
Business Gazette to full profiles on all the winners.
Ahmed Siah, Research Scientist
— Historically, Campbell River’s
economy was mainly based on
traditional resource economy
such as fisheries, mining and
forestry. Although this economy
will remain, it is essential to sustain this economy by implementing innovation and providing
technology support. This can be
accomplished by creating centres of excellence allowing
research and development of
state of the art technologies that
can support the local industries
to maintain its leadership locally, nationally and worldwide.
Amanda Raleigh, Culture and
Community manager — My
vision for the future of Campbell
River is that it develops economically with new business
opportunities for young professionals. Emphasis should be
given on businesses which our
community doesn’t already
have, so business is not taken
away from ones already in existence here.
Amber Zirnhelt, Community
Planning & Development
Services Manager — My vision
for the future of Campbell River
is a community that celebrates
and recognizes its natural environment, cultural richness,
social fabric, and distinct
marine character. My wish is
that Campbell River will continue to develop a vibrant downtown that is a social, cultural
and economic hub for the community that attracts diverse
demographics to work, live and
visit.
Curtis
Wilson,
elected
Councillor for the Campbell
River Band — The vision for my
future in Campbell River is very
simple... to keep doing what I
am doing in helping, supporting
and trying to be more and more
involved in many ways within my
FNS Community and also the
Community of Campbell River.
Derek
Lamb,
Chartered
Professional Accountant — My
vision for Campbell River is a
City with a vibrant downtown
and with a number of in City
jobs for individuals. I think this
will come as the population continues to age and people continue to move further north on the
island as property becomes
more expensive in Parksville
and Coutenay / Comox.
Dr. Hanif Paroo, Doctor of
Optometry — In Campbell River,
we are connected to the world
by sea, land, sky and increas-
ingly by fiber optics. People
desire to engage in work that is
profitable, self sustaining and
nurturing to the environment
without having to endure, traffic, pollution and civil unrest.
Our temperate, seaside home
has great opportunities for
growth in: communal farming,
professional services, food, arts
and culture, health care, information technology, marine,
forestry, geological and energy
research, public and private
pre-and post secondary education, eco-tourism, outdoor recreation and sports, and senior living. I believe these areas should
be amongst the important cornerstones of an expanded
Campbell River.
Dr. Tanya Flood, Doctor of
Optometry — My future vision
for Campbell River is to ensure
we become a walk-able city, a
family-friendly city and a seniorfriendly city. Fortunately these
priorities overlap beautifully. For
example, ensuring businesses
are committed to being family
and senior oriented will by
necessity evolve into extraordinary customer service. With
great customer service, comes
the assurance that the people
of CR spend their money locally
and others from the North
Island make this their choice for
services and products.
Erica Chan-Lafrance, Chartered
Professional Accountant — I
think Campbell River has done
a great job these past few years
to stimulate the city's economic
growth. All of the projects that
we have seen occur have provided Campbell River with a
positive boost in the economy. I
have enjoyed seeing Campbell
River change from a resource
based town into what it is today.
It has grown from being a
tourism town to attracting innovative companies (for example,
Rod Prieto, Manager of Golf Operations, Crown
Isle Resort — BodyNetix client since 2012
“I like the structured format of BodyNetix classes — if
I had to go work out at the gym on my own I probably
wouldn’t, and I certainly wouldn’t push myself as hard.
The trainers are dedicated to their clients’ health and fitness goals and are exceptional at what they do. Every
class is unique, so it's never a boring workout. I've never
enjoyed being in so much pain as I do at BodyNetix!
BodyNetix gives me the energy to get through an eighthour workday with energy to spare, and it’s definitely
increased my mental sharpness.”— Rod Prieto
the aerospace industry) and
hopefully we will have the technology to allow additional tech
companies to base themselves
out of our city.
Heather Brown, Research
Assistant — I love Campbell
River. We live in the most beautiful city in the world, with the
ocean and forests in our backyards. Right now, the world is
faced with many environmental
challenges. Declining wild
salmon stocks due to climate
change, over fishing, and habitat destruction are among those
issues. I believe we can make
Campbell River the center for
salmon research and be the
driving force of big changes.
Karen Stewart, Chartered
Professional Accountant —
While I know Campbell River’s
population consists of retirees
to a large extent, I would like to
see more young influence in the
community to make it more
vibrant and active. We need to
attract more of the younger generation in order to sustain and
grow our community.
Myriah Foort, Finance Manager
— I have a great passion for the
City of Campbell River. I have
always felt it is a best kept
secret with so much potential.
We have an amazing community with a great community spirit
for volunteerism, networking
groups for all ages, an abundance of recreational amenities
and programs, a beautiful natural setting of ocean, mountain
and forest.
Rachel Blaney, MP for North
Island-Powell River — I want to
see a Campbell River where
there are plenty of good paying,
sustainable and permanent
jobs so that families can confidently set down roots here and
stick together. We know that the
environment and the economy
here are inextricably linked and
we need them to be healthy for
us to prosper.
Dr. Robin James Evans, MD,
FRCSC — Campbell River is ideally positioned to become a tech
hub of the west coast. With our
increasingly connected, decentralized world, innovators are
looking for a place to live with
an excellent quality of life.
Shannon Baikie, Regional
Manager, Community & Labour
Market Services — At the core it
comes down to the collaborative nature and genuine interest
and commitment by the community as a whole that makes
Campbell River a great place to
live, work and raise a family.
Campbell River is in a time of
transition and I only envision
the community strengthening in
the years to come as our economy continues to diversify and I
personally look forward to helping lead the charge!
Wyth Marshall, Research
Scientist — Campbell River is
the gateway to the outdoors
through both water and land. By
nature, this requires an excellence in communication and
collaboration between resource
industries and ecotourism.
Given our location, influence of
marine based industries and
tourism, and the surprisingly
low numbers of marine
research facilities on Canada’s
Pacific Coast I think Campbell
River should look towards
expanding its public education
and marine research facilities.
This gateway into the Pacific
Ocean will encourage both
locals and tourists to spend
more time in our city.
For more information or to
join go to www.campbell
riverchamber.ca or call
250.287.4636.
Page 16
Inside Edge Business Gazette — Mar/Apr 2016
Going Smart — why more
multi-modal transportation
options make economic sense
Andrew Gower,
Wedler Engineering
ecently, the City of
Courtenay
announced it would
pull out of the regional
“Go Smart Comox Valley —
Integrated Transportation
Committee.” This, I
believe, is a mistake.
Go Smart Comox Valley
was an evolution of the
longstanding Comox Valley
Cycling Taskforce, whose
purpose was “to increase
the safety, convenience,
affordability and health
benefits for all people to
travel by walking, by bus,
by cycling and other
alternative and accessible
modes to the private automobile.”
Why does focusing
regional resources on
“going smart” make economic sense? Oklahoma
City offers one of many
real-world examples of
communities who
benefitted from doing just
R
Oklahoma City enjoys
that.
the lowest unemployment
In the early 2000s, after
and strongest economy
being rated one of the
in the US.
“Most Obese Cities” in
We can learn from this,
America, Oklahoma City
and many other examples
launched a program of
of municipalities that have
improving pedestrian,
focused on walking,
cycling and transit
cycling, transit and other
infrastructure. With the
infrastructure elements
goal of helping its citizens
that make our community
collectively lose one mila great place
lion pounds, the
to live. As our
municipal
communities
government
are inextricably
launched an
linked with
ambitious
shared
program to
transportation
build healthcorridors, it is
related infraabsolutely
structure such
Hopefully the
necessary that
as a new cenCity of
there be a
tral park, downCourtenay will
regional
town streetcars,
be a team
approach to
senior health
player in
this issue.
and wellness
centres, and
Hopefully the
our community.
the finest
committee
canoe, kayak
will be
and rowing
re-invigorated,
venue in
and the City of
the world.
Courtenay will
re-engage and
In conjunction
be a team
with these
player in our
initiatives,
community.
Oklahoma City has built
hundreds of miles of new
sidewalks and bike lanes
Andrew Gower is a partand converted downtown
ner and Courtenay branch
to pedestrian friendly
manager of Wedler
“complete streets.” These
Engineering. He volunimprovements, among
teers with several local
others, have brought highnon-profits and is
ly educated 20 somepassionate about the
things back to the City,
Comox Valley’s sustaincountering a mass exodus
able future. He can be
of young professionals
reached at 250.334.3263
or www.wedler.com.
during the 1980s. Today,
“
”
Ensure your home is protected
from water damage
offer enhanced customizable coverage to accommodate your home
insurance needs.
“
Water is currently
one of the top threats
to your home.
”
Caylyn Moyls,
First Insurance
n recent years, the
Comox Valley has experienced some of the most
intense rainfall events documented within the last
several decades. As such,
water-related insurance
claims have been on the
rise and industry data
indicates that water is
currently one of the top
threats to your home.
When you review your
policy, consider that there
are water damage components that may not be
covered under a standard
home insurance policy.
The good news is that
some insurance providers
I
Depending on the
situation, homeowners
may experience all or one
of the following claims for
which, if eligible, you can
now purchase coverage.
• Sewer Back-up
Damage: If water accidentally backs up and flows
into your home from your
municipal sewer system,
private septic system or
because of a sump pump
failure.
• Water & Sewer Lines
Damage: This is for the
water and sewer lines connected to your home in the
event they leak, break,
tear, rupture or collapse.
• Overland Water
Damage: This is caused by
the overflow of a lake or
river, or heavy rain or rapid
snowmelt that enters your
home from a point at or
above ground level.
• Ground Water Damage:
This is caused when water
enters your home suddenly and accidentally through
a basement wall, the foundation of your house or
through the floor.
When reviewing your
insurance policy, be sure
to ask your broker for
advice on a policy that
best suits your needs.
For more information
about Water Damage
Coverage, or to speak with
an insurance professional
about any other risks you
may face, be sure to see
us at First Insurance —
proudly serving the
Comox Valley and surrounding area for more
than 40 years.
Caylyn Moyls is an
Insurance Professional
with First Insurance. She
can be reached at
250.334.3443 or by
email at
Caylyn.Moyls@firstins.ca.