W illiam s Lak e& District CHAMBER COMMERCE of Williams Lake & District CHAMBER COMMERCE of NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER THE VOICE OF BUSINESS GRAPHITE SPONSOR – ENBRIDGE TEAM L to R: City of Williams Lake – Councillor Ivan Bonnell, Enbridge Contractor – Emma Shea, City of Williams Lake – Councillor Marnie Brenner, Enbridge – Community & Indigenous Engagement – Rikki Beaudet 2019 SUMMER EDITION MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS: • Bob’s Footwear & Apparel • Homathko River Inn • Kristen Foote Make-Up & Hair • Mike Austin Financial • Nimpo Lake Resort www.williamslakechamber.com
Transcript
Williams Lake & District
CHAMBERCOMMERCE
ofWilliams Lake & District
CHAMBERCOMMERCE
of
NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER
THE VOICEOF BUSINESS
GRAPHITE SPONSOR – ENBRIDGE TEAM L to R: City of Williams Lake – Councillor Ivan Bonnell, Enbridge Contractor – Emma Shea, City of Williams Lake – Councillor Marnie Brenner, Enbridge – Community & Indigenous Engagement – Rikki Beaudet
2019 SUMMER EDITION
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS:
• Bob’s Footwear & Apparel
• Homathko River Inn
• Kristen Foote Make-Up & Hair
• Mike Austin Financial
• Nimpo Lake Resort
www.williamslakechamber.com
NEWSLETTER Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce2 - SUMMER EDITION
The Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce, proud to be “the voice of business”
It is my great honor to serve as the chair of the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce. The past six months have been busy for the Chamber, meeting with many levels of government, community groups, and businesses to help Williams Lake continue to be a vibrant and business-friendly community.
Summer is a busy season at the Visitor Centre, our knowledgable staff look forward to another year of showcasing what Williams Lake and area have to offer. Our golf courses, world renowned mountain bikes trails, and many fishing and recreation lakes, all a short distance from our downtown core which offers many unique shops.
Our 2nd annual Golf Tournament that was held on June 1st, 2019 was a great success.
I am looking forward to the summer working with the Chamber’s board and staff and to continue to be “the voice of business” in our community. I am proud to be a member of a strong and active chamber that makes a difference.
Charlene HarrisonPresident, Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce
Businesses working together to make our community even better
The Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerceis “The Voice of Business”: Businesses working together towards economic and social well being to make our community a better place to live. We promote the well being of business and foster a work, shop and play at home atmosphere.
The views expressed in this newsletter are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce or its Board of Directors. The Chamber makes no representation concerning and does not guarantee the source, originality, accuracy, completeness or reliability of any statement, information, data, finding, interpretation, advice, opinion, or view presented.
NEWSLETTERWilliams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce SUMMER EDITION - 3
What’son My Desk by Mark Doratti
The warmth and brightness of the sun and the outdoor activities are sure nice to see. Being at the Tourism Discovery Centre offers lots of opportunity to speak with travellers and locals. You have no idea the number of people that stop at my office telling me how proud I must be of the beautiful downtown, vibrancy of the area and how friendly the people are. As I was writing this, a fellow from Alberta came to my door and said, “I don’t know who made the community like this but they are doing a good job. Kudos to them all.” My answer was that there is a big team looking after things together, from shop keepers to municipal government to non profits like us and that we are all proud of our community and region. This confirms what I see. Williams Lake has so much going for it. It IS a vibrant, “open for business” community. We have the beauty of our area, the country charm of the people working to draw people to visit and, in some cases, remain in our city long-term. That translates into growth for both our community and our businesses. We are more fortunate than many in that we have so much to offer that draws them to us. We will continue to move forward through the years as a community, facing and overcoming challenges together to keep our businesses strong. With a Chamber of Commerce that is 300 strong, serving members from all across the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region, we are an example for the region. Keep up the awesome work!! The Chamber of Commerce will continue to be an advocate for Business and Tourism in our region. We will support you to drive our economy forward by giving you the tools to succeed and in some cases, advocating on behalf of our members. Thanks to the BC Chamber of Commerce, the
MindReader Platform is starting to show results. If you have registered and given your 2 cents on some of their survey questions, you will have feedback that might help with your business. Certainly, you will be able to see that you aren’t alone in your thinking. If you haven’t checked it out yet, go to https://www.bcmindreader.com and get signed up. Through the collective efforts of the Chamber and the business community, we can ensure that Williams Lake continues to be the business hub for the Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast. Like everyone else, I’m a little nervous about what might be another busy fire season. We should all have a plan and make the investment to prepare, should the need to leave surface again this summer. Stay safe everyone, especially those that may find themselves dealing with fire face to face. If you have to leave in a hurry, most of what you leave behind is or should be insured. Make a list of the irreplaceable stuff so that it isn’t forgotten when you’re in a hurry. Preparedness is the best investment you can make for the summer. The Stampede Parade and Events will be upon us shortly. Wishing success to the Stampede Association and safety for all athletes (2 and 4 legged) during the events. Give it your all as is the Cariboo way. Focus on the positive and enjoy the summer as it comes to us. Fall will be here before we know it.
Remember, A Week Has 7 Days, Someday Isn’t One Of Them!!
www.domorepromotional.ca74 First Ave. South, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1H5
NEWSLETTER Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce4 - SUMMER EDITION
Welcome to Summer!Williams Lake in the summer is an exciting, vibrant place to be and this summer promises to be no different. From breathtaking mountain scenery and cool, deep blue lakes for fishing, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast offers so much to our many visitors and our local people alike.
In the City, the Williams Lake Stampede will kick off the summer season with a lot of entertainment down at the Stampede Grounds and the entire community can celebrate with a variety of activities.
If you would like to see more rodeo action and cheer on more cowboys, come in to the Visitor Centre and pick up your BCRA events brochure to see when and where the rodeos are happening. The rodeos are always popular with our visitors and you will hear many foreign accents mixed in with the local talk in the spectator stands.
Here at the Visitor Centre we offer a variety of colourful, local wares to both the travelling public and local people. Come in and do your shopping here; pick up some Williams Lake-branded merchandise for your friends and family, and support the local economy.
On behalf of everyone working at the Visitor Centre this summer: enjoy the warm weather and have a Happy Summer!
Jaylyn’s Corner by Jaylyn Byer
� RETAILER FOR FIRST AID SUPPLIES
� FIT TESTING: SILICONE RESPIRATORS, FILTERED FACE PIECES, HALF & FULL FACE PIECES
� FULL STOCKED TUFPORT MTC’S CARRIED ON RELIABLE 4X4 TRUCKS
� PARAMEDICS (PCP-IV), ADVANCED LEVEL 3 FIRST AID ATTENDANTS, EMR
� COR CERTIFIED
� DOT/NON DOT DRUG & ALCOHOL COLLECTION SITE
We are committed to making yourworksite safe and injury free.
NEWSLETTERWilliams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce SUMMER EDITION - 5
able to showcase the Museum and the remarkable new display area. Williams Lake definitely proved why we are such a great place to live and visit, and I know many will be back to enjoy our Cariboo hospitality. There were around 270 delegates in attendance, and many were happy to have an opportunity to explore the downtown and see what we have to offer once they
leave the highway. The Cattlemen’s Association AGM was another great event held in Williams Lake that brought many people to town. As always, they put on an excellent event, and I thoroughly enjoyed welcoming the attendees at their Wine & Cheese and cooking with Rotary. The Ministry of Energy and Mines has been working with the City of Williams Lake on its
Mayor’s Message by Mayor Walt Cobb
Williams Lake has had a busy past few months and I wanted to start by thanking everyone for your well wishes and support following my heart attack in April. I’m feeling much better and happy to still be here continuing to work as Mayor. We are lucky to have a great team on Council as well as the City of Williams Lake staff who were a great help during my recovery. Now it’s back to business! The City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District co-hosted the North Central Local Government Association AGM and Convention the week of May 7, 2019 and it was a huge success. We were pleased to be able to host the Welcoming Reception at the Tourism Discovery Centre, and the beautiful setting was truly impressive. Many thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for your support, and for providing staff to welcome and assist the delegates. We were also delighted to be cont’d. on page 12 >>>
NEWSLETTER Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce6 - SUMMER EDITION
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Bob’s Footwear & Apparel
In 1954, Bob Jackson established ‘Bob’s Shoe Repair Ltd.’ and continued a long history of providing quality footwear and clothing. Jackie Austin and Julie Augustine purchased the store in December 2014 and have enjoyed mixing the old with the new. From the moment you set your eyes on the store, you will see that they cherish old barn wood. “All of the boards on the interior & exterior of the store came from our family’s properties”, adds Augustine. Staying true to the store’s roots, they carry longstanding reliable brands such as ‘Redwing’ (& other CSA) work boots, ‘Carhartt’ clothing for men, women and children, along with ‘Mucks’, ‘Bogs’, ‘Birkenstock’, ‘Blundstone’ & ‘Timberland’ products, just to name a few. Over the past 4 ½ years, Austin says, “in the spirit of trying new things, we have introduced a number of new quality lines so that we can provide something for everyone.”• ‘Levi’s’ for men, women & children• ‘Blaklader’ & ‘Stanfield’s’ workwear• High-end ‘Hanwag’ hiking & hunting boots,
which have proven to be super popular • Elite hunting gear, made by ‘Sitka’ & ‘Mystery
‘Dakota Grizzly’ & ‘Wild Outdoors’ • ‘Alegria’ professional shoes that are great
for women who are on their feet all day such as nurses, teachers and customer service personnel.
Shortly after purchasing the store, the shoe repair services ceased in order to make room for an expanding line of products. At that point, they changed the name of their business to ‘Bob’s Footwear & Apparel Inc.’ Even with the departure of the shoe repair, they continue to provide stretching services and, when needed, can provide stitching services as one of their employees does it out of her home. Just before Christmas in 2017, “we expanded our store into the old Audio Video building. The additional space has allowed us to maintain the original store filled with our men’s footwear and clothing while we filled the new space with footwear & clothing for women and children”, states Augustine. They both value the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce and the work that they do for the community as well as the many other local organizations who regularly look to them for donations and support. Austin concludes, “We love Williams Lake and the lifestyle it has to offer families”.
Visit us at Bob’s - a great selection of shoes: for all occasions
NEWSLETTERWilliams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce SUMMER EDITION - 7
The ranch was founded in 1918 at it’s first location at the north end of Tatlayoko Lake by KB Moore. The Circle X Brand was founded in 1919 which makes it 100 years old this year. After selling the ranch in the early 70’s to a German family, the ranch then moved up the valley to the Marion Place. Connie Bracewell says, “My former mother in law, Gerry Bracewell wrote about it in her book called Gerry Get Your Gun.” There weren’t any cows left after selling the ranch until the current owner, Connie Bracewell, moved onto the property 25 years ago and started to gather her own herd while working with her parents Les and Colleen Harris. Connie says, “I ran my herd on the range with my parents. I can’t believe that I’ve had the opportunity to do things that I love so much. Growing up ranching and now in the Hospitality Industry, I feel like it’s in my blood.” Connie spent many years running the Bracewell family lodge. During the summer months she would take guests up into the alpine meadows either to help chase cows or put out salt. She spent weeks on a saddle horse trekking the backcountry.When life took a turn, Connie and her husband went their separate ways. Her husband kept the family lodge while Connie acquired the ranch where she continued to run her herd of cattle. Connie says that, “Being on my own and looking at the Circle X ranch, I decided that I didn’t want to get out of the Hospitality Industry, thus started the Bed & Breakfast.” With her new partner Rudy, a carpenter by trade, and the help of her grown children, they put their backs into it. They took a hard look at the ranch potential and armed with a plan, began to rebuild, reshape and re-love the property that they had.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Homathko River Inn
The beautiful view from the yard Scenic horseback riding at the Homathko River Inn
PMT Chartered Professional Accountants LLP201-35 South 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake, BC V2G 3W3
Phone: 250-392-2911 • Toll Free: 877-392-2911
www.pmtcpa.com
Providing Accounting & Taxation Services to the Cariboo Chilcotin since 1952
We are pleased to announce that JoAnn Francis became a Partner on January 1, 2019.
JoAnn joined PMT in 2007 and became a Chartered Accountant in 2010.
NEWSLETTER Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce8 - SUMMER EDITION
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Kristen Foote Make-Up & HairKristen Foote Make-up & Hair was founded in 2012 after Kristen completed her Make-up for Film and TV Diploma at the Vancouver Film School. In the beginning she mainly focused on film work in Vancouver. After relocating to Toronto, she moved into the Bridal industry and focused more on commercials and advertising. In the 4 years she lived there she worked on
Visit Kristen for stylish looks
1200 Mackenzie Ave. SouthWilliams Lake, BC Canada V2G 3Y1Fax: (250) [email protected]
Locally Owned and Operated Since 1979
250-392-7212Toll Free: 1-866-868-4663
Customizable & Affordable!
OPEN
Bob Paterson Homes Inc.Est 1979
MANUFACTURED & MODULAR
www.bobpatersonhomes.com
Serving the Cariboo for over 40 years!• Fast • Affordable • Quality Custom Homes
Singlewide, Doublewide, Triplewide Homes
some amazing projects and provided beauty services for over 250 weddings. Her work has been seen in print, online, on TV, on billboards and in Music Videos which you can see on her website. She received the couple’s
choice award by Wedding Wire in 2016. Her Education also includes an Esthetics Diploma from Blanche MacDonald and Dermalogica Expert status.
Since moving home to Williams Lake, Kristen has brought back her passion for skin care in addition to offering mobile bridal beauty services. From her studio on Fox Mountain she offers a range of customized skin treatments including facial peels, waxing and tinting services and of course make-up and hair for events, photoshoots, etc.
You may have seen her in the community or some of the projects she works on, including Beauty 101, Vintage Valentine’s, Burlesque in the ‘Boo and most recently the Cariboo Wedding and Grad Show.
Kristen joined the Chamber of Commerce in 2018 and she really values the meetings and networking opportunities it provides. Being a small business owner can be isolating, so having a large, supportive community of like-minded individuals that meet regularly has been very beneficial!
NEWSLETTERWilliams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce SUMMER EDITION - 9
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Nimpo Lake ResortNimpo Lake Resort was built by Bob Leith in 1956, who turned an 80-acre ranch into a rustic fishing camp with no electricity or running water. The site had previously housed a First Nations camp and Longhouse. Pieces of obsidian and the occasional arrowhead can still be found on the grounds. In 1969 The resort was sold to Mary Kirner, who brought in electricity in 1981. Along the way parcels of land were sold and the remaining 6.5-acre parcel was sold in 2009 to the current owners, Ron Ashley and Kerry Jacox. On their first trip to the Chilcotin, Ron and Kerry’s fishing vacation turned into a love of the beauty of the area and the tranquility of the lake. Initially their thoughts were about purchasing a small vacation cabin, but being unable to find one they took a look at the Resort and went home to ponder the idea of purchasing it. Ron had only 2 years left before his planned retirement from the Victoria Fire Department, so Kerry moved to Nimpo and ran the Resort for the first 2 years, with Ron coming to visit and helping out when he could. Once Ron officially retired, they made a full life style change and have worked the Resort every since. Ron and Kerry realized that the Resort needed a lot of upgrades, which they focused on for the comfort and enjoyment of their guests. Their initial upgrades included new beds, bedding, towels, and additional cabin amenities. They added satellite TV to all the cabins and better Wi-Fi, which is accessible in most areas. The access to the boat launch was widened and an extension was made to the concrete ramp into the lake. To make life more comfortable for their guests during bug season, they built a large screened-in gazebo with a fireplace, books, games, music, and beverages for the guests to enjoy. The gazebo has become a central hang out for guests, especially if it is raining or when the bugs are out in the evening. A new pumphouse, with generator backup and
an upgraded, Health Department approved, water treatment system was added in 2013. Major excavation had to be done to run separate water lines to each building and camp sites. All of the digging meant major re-landscaping had to happen. Since they dug up more rock than dirt, they used that rock to build walls, shore up driveways and gravel was brought in to
build driveways to each cabin. In the past few years Ron and Kerry have gutted and renovated two cabins, bringing them up to a higher standard. In 2018, they built a new waterfront guest patio
with a covered pergola for shade and a gas fire place for use during fire bans. On the waterfront they have added to their “fleet” which now boasts
4 aluminum fishing boats, an 18 ft pontoon boat, 3 kayaks, 2 canoes, 2 paddle boards and 2 pedal boats for the guests to use. Ron especially enjoys taking children fishing and getting them “hooked”. Guests really enjoy their time on the water, either fishing, paddling or just watching the assortment of water and shore birds that nest here. With the guests looked after, a new roof and new chimney is planned for their house this summer. They have started some interior home renovations and will continue with those until they have gone through each room. Kerry said that watching the transformation is fun and satisfying. The Resort has a number of regular returning guests who have become friends. Ron and Kerry say that meeting new guests from all over the world is the best part of running the Resort. Kerry acknowledges the help from Williams Lake Visitor Centre in referring guests to the Chilcotin and letting resort owners know when people need further information or want to make reservations. Now in their 10th summer running the Resort, Ron and Kerry are thinking about a retirement of their own. They hope to find a younger couple to purchase the Resort and carry on providing guests with a great experience in the Cariboo.
Relax at Nimpo Lake Resort
NEWSLETTER Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce10 - SUMMER EDITION
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Mike Austin FinancialThe Raymond James office in Williams Lake was founded in 2003 by David Hall and Franco Listro. Although initially working for a different subsidiary, they moved over to Raymond James. Franco retired in 2008 with David remaining until his retirement in 2013. During this time David recruited Mike Austin, a local business man, as his successor to the business. Mike jumped at the opportunity, making a huge career change and began working on his education which resulted in his becoming a Certified Financial Planner. Mike started fulltime with David from 2010 until 2013 when he became the sole fiduciary for the firm’s clients. In 2017, Mike met with Christina Roderus to discuss an opportunity to join the firm. Christina was looking to gain some independence, personal growth and a way to better serve her clients. When she learned that Raymond James had a network specifically created to educate and attract the best women advisors in the industry, she made the decision to join the team as a Financial Advisor in June. The team of Mike, Linda Porter (Executive Assistant) and Tami Johnson (Group Benefits Specialist) welcomed her with open arms and helped make her transition into the new role. Raymond James is a North American independent wealth management firm that puts an emphasis on delivering the highest level of wealth management advice. They do this by focusing on the unique needs of each client and their families. Roderus says, “our philosophy is simple; we have a client-centered focus, and approach every situation using our core values of professional integrity, advisor independence and a conservative, long-term approach to investing. By being independent advisors, we can give complete unbiased advice and work closely with our clients to find the best solutions for their needs.” By consistently putting the needs of clients first, Raymond James has become one of Canada’s premier independent investment firms.
The Williams Lake branch is licensed to offer securities as well as personal lines of insurance and benefits. Mike and Christina take a life planning approach when working with their clients. They start with getting to know their clients, families, goals, wants and needs. From there they narrow down their planning to products that are best suited for their clients. Austin says, “knowing our clients is not only compulsory, but is
something we take pride in. By knowing clients goals and fears we can work together to help them grow.” The investment planning side of the firm focuses on growing their client’s wealth. Whether that be through individual stock selection, mutual funds, ETFs etc. Along with that comes planning for the protection of that wealth and the families. The insurance side focuses on life insurance, disability insurance, group benefits etc. They agree that the old saying of, “there’s no I in Team” holds true. Their office can speak to that, with the presence of Linda Porter since 2006 and Tami Johnson since 1998. “Linda is our main point of contact, our central hub, and usually the first face our clients see when they walk through the door”, adds Roderus. Tami focuses on a large number of different group plans that we offer to different businesses to support their employees. Our team works effectively together by communicating and helping one another. “Our goal is to make sure our clients are comfortable and cared for when they come into our office”, advises Austin. They have just moved their office to 565B Oliver Street in Williams Lake. “We live in a smaller community and value our local Chamber of Commerce. It’s important to develop and build strong relationships within our community with the variety of businesses that are available to us. By supporting and learning from one another, we can continue to grow our businesses and make Williams Lake a wonderful place to live”, concludes Austin.
Mike and the helpful staff
NEWSLETTERWilliams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce SUMMER EDITION - 11
• colour photocopies • banners• full colour large format posters
• cheques • business forms• digital printing • fax & mailings
• cut vinyl decals • layout & design
Since 1977
Member to Member Discounts
Designed to enhance your membership value, our exclusive Member-to-Member Discount Program encourages members to buy from other members to save money, increase visibility and promote new business for their companies.
Additional annual discount Member to Member cards may be purchased for employees of member companies for $5.00 each making them eligible to participate. Show your card at a participating business to get the discount listed!
This is a great opportunity to reach out to 300+ Chamber members and their 5,000+ employees and a great way for you to save some money!Interested in offering your own discount? All Chamber members can include a discount in our Member-to-Member Program for free! You can print the the Member 2 Member form from our website www.williamslakechamber.com and email it to Mark Doratti, Executive Director of the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce at [email protected].
Review the offerings from our Member to Member program at http://www.williamslakechamber.com.
Come relax, enjoy a great mealand socialize with friends
250-392-3321Catering All Business & Social Gatherings
IN THE RAMADA WILLIAMS LAKE
NEWSLETTER Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce12 - SUMMER EDITION
annual Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition. Held at the Stampede Grounds, this event was open to the public, and was full of excitement and learning opportunities. Building on the successes of the NCLGA and Cattlemen’s events, this competition generally brings close to 1000 people to town! The Red Cross has just released a list of all of the projects that they have supported in the region. Their ongoing support is much appreciated. You can find this information at www.redcross.ca. The paving on Airport Road has now been completed, with Airport improvements ongoing. The Toop Road upgrades are scheduled to be complete in September. I know we are all looking forward to another fun-filled Stampede weekend! The City of Williams Lake’s Canada Day Celebrations will be held in Boitanio Park on Monday, July 1st, from 11 am – 1:30 pm. Hope to see you all around town, and I hope you can take advantage of all the activities. Enjoy all the great adventures summer brings!
FROM PAGE 5 ...
Town Taxi (1987) Ltd.Town Taxi (1987) Ltd.
• Charter • Deliveries • Airport Service
250-392-4151132 South Mackenzie AvenueWilliams Lake, BC V2G 1C5
~ Fast Courteous Service ~
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
Download Our New App!
Effortless booking in the palm ofyour hand through your mobile device!
BE A HERO AND MENTOR
A BUDDY!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Williams Lake200-369 Oliver St Williams Lake BC Canada V2G 1M4
The reality is we can all use help with unexpected and expected expenses like prescription drugs and medical supplies. Now help is here, with affordable group coverage designed for small to medium sized businesses.
No Business Is Too Small-comprehensive benefit packages are available to businesses from one person and up.-Home based businesses qualify for coverage.-guaranteed Health and Dental coverage available to all for-profit firms
Guaranteed Stability-the plan has operated continuously for over 40 years-pooled benefits stabilizes your firms rates at renewal time.Outstanding Features (No Additional cost)-unlimited access to Best Doctors, a second opinion service.-Business Assistance Service providing business owners access to accounting, legal and human resource experts.
We would appreciate an opportunity to provide you with a quote.
Hugh Gage is the exclusive advisor representing the Chambers Plan Employee Benefit Program in the Williams Lake and 100 Mile House region.
Chambers Plan
A PRESCRIPTION FOR AFFORDABLE GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE
Hey, what’s happening with you, our members? Here’s some chatter...
Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce24th Annual Business Excellence Awards coming your way on Saturday, October 26th, 2019. The theme for this year is “ALL ABOARD”. A cruise through business success and excellence. Vote for a business that had excelled in presenting their products and sales knowledge. It is a perfect opportunity to tell them that they are doing great!! Deadline for nominations is July 31, 2019.Nomination forms can be found online at www.williamslakechamber.com.
•••
Angelkeys Music Studio – Performing ArtsAngelkeys Music Studio, Angela Sommer, took 7 students to the Performing Arts BC Provincials during the last week of May. They received First Place in Junior Musical Theatre and an Honorable Mention in Vocal Variety. Everyone else performed very well. Angelkeys Music Studio and the Williams Lake Junior Cadets have been able to secure enough Grant money to support choir / singing group programs in our community for the 2019 / 2020 school year “free of charge” to participants. In addition to this we also raised funds at concerts and were able to support the “Pops in the Park” program with that.
Tel: 250-398-7055285 Donald Road, Williams Lake, BC V2G 4K4
ComplimentaryHot Breakfast Buffet
• Special Group & Team Rates• Hot Tub/Fitness Centre
� Brand New UpgradedFree Wi-Fi ! �
� Brand New UpgradedFree Wi-Fi ! �
NEWSLETTERWilliams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce SUMMER EDITION - 15
Concerns from the Business CommunityI’ve been hearing significant concerns from the business community about the increasing tax burden being placed on our local economy.
We are now at the two-year mark of the current government, and many of the 19 new and increased taxes brought in with the 2019 provincial budget are coming home to roost.
Annual increases in the carbon tax compound overtime and consumers are paying the price at the gas pump, at the grocery store, and on their home heating bills. This is also having a significant effect on retailers, as average folks have less to spend on the essentials, let alone their favourite leisure activities.
John Horgan’s poorly executed caribou management plan overlooked input from the general public, and is generating uncertainty for anyone who lives, works, and plays in the Cariboo region.
The spillover effect of all this uncertainty is being felt most by our forest industry, which is taking the brunt of low lumber prices and high production costs.
There are some factors that government can’t influence. At the same time however, government could be doing much more to reduce overhead and the cost of doing business. Continuing to charge MSP premiums and double-dipping with the new – and highly unpopular – Employers Health Tax would be a good start.
Burdening the forest industry with new regulations and red tape doesn’t help the situation either. Centralizing the power of the Agricultural Land Commission in the lower mainland and eliminating regional voices will not help the ranching industry in the long run.
The brightest spot on the horizon is the long
awaited arrival of the Northern Sea Wolf Ferry which will make travel up and down the coast more attractive and hopefully give our local tourism sector a much needed boost. I am proud to have played a part in bringing the Northern Sea Wolf to BC, and to see the economic benefit it will afford the province for
years to come.
To close on a more positive note, I would like to thank the Chamber and its members for sticking through the hard times and making our community a more desirable place to live and raise a family. Thank you for all that you do.
by Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett
NEWSLETTER Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce16 - SUMMER EDITION
Another successful event at the Williams Lake Golf & Tennis Club on Saturday, June 1, 2019. Competitors from all around the area joined local businesses on a hot summer day to enjoy some fresh air and fun on the links.
Our hosts at the WLGTC had the course in fine shape and ready for a great day and the good fun had by all. Their efforts were first class all the way. A BIG thanks to Morgan, Penny and their teams for their engagement, involvement throughout the day and an awesome supper.
Sponsorship this year was huge in realizing the success that we hoped for and a huge shout out to our major sponsors:
Graphite Sponsor – Enbridge
Wood Sponsors – CIBC and Williams Lake & District Credit Union
Iron Sponsors – Community Futures and Mike Austin Financial
Without your buy in and support our level of success would not have been what it was.
Sponsorship from a broad business base both in and out of our community netted some awesome prizes for our competitors as well as a long list of higher end items seen in the silent auction. We don’t believe that anyone went home disappointed. Other than in golf, there might have been a couple of those that expected better of themselves. BUT, that’s the game of golf.
RESULTS:
• Sponsored by the WL & District Chamber of Commerce
o Low Net, with a score of 58 (-13), was the team of Troy Walters, Todd Byer, Devon Hill & Jared Pukacz
o Most Honest, with a score of 90 (+19), was the
team of Troy Janfield, Sherri Heraid, Ashlee Hyde, Rob Hyde
• Sponsored by Canadian Tireo Long Drive- Men - Al French- Women - Chantelle Cheek
o Closest to Pin- Men - Ronan Ventry- Women – Angela Glover (following a draw)
Thank you to the Chamber Golf Committee of Kirby Fofonoff, Colin Brook and Brad O’Neill and the Chamber Staff for all their hard work, new ideas and for ensuring that the logistics were in place to help entertain the competitors.
To the 100 golfers. Thank you all for giving up your day to attend our annual event. We’re hopeful we were able to bring some “FUN” to our FUNDRAISER and that we will be seeing you again next year. Please bring some friends next year so that we can grow once again.
Mother Nature cooperated with a fabulous day for
Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce 2nd Annual “Swing into Success” Golf Tournament
Saturday, June 1, 2019
MOST HONEST - L to R: Rob Hyde, Ashlee Hyde, Sherri Heraid & Troy Janfield
NEWSLETTERWilliams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce SUMMER EDITION - 17
golf and judging by the smiles seen and the laughs and cheers heard, the fun was spread across all 18 holes of the Williams Lake Golf & Tennis Club.
With all of the positive reflections above, there is more. To ensure everyone got something to eat during a lunch period, Canadian Tire supplied all of the food that was found at the BBQ space. Big Brothers and Big Sisters did all the cooking and received all of the proceeds. We received an email from Big Brothers and Big Sisters following the event that is worth pasting here.
“Our team from Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to extend our thanks to the Chamber, we had such a fantastic time running the barbecue at the golf tournament this weekend. We are very grateful for the support we received from both the attendees and Canadian Tire who supplied the food for us. People at the tournament were so generous, with a total of $780.00 in donations raised. “
This is a total tribute to all of you that attended and the mindset you brought with you. WELL DONE!!
LOW NET - L to R: Troy Walters, Todd Byer, Devon Hill & Jared Pukacz
565B Oliver StreetWilliams Lake, V2G 1M7
250-398-2222 or 1-800-398-5811mike.austin@�rstbc.com
SPECIALIZING IN
Group Benefits, Life Insurance and Critical Illness
Plan Well - Save Well - Live Well
WILLIAMS LAKE
OPTOMETRY
Phone 778 412 9998360B Proctor Street, Williams Lake BC
williamslakeoptometry.ca
• Eye Exams • Ocular Health • Glasses • Contact Lenses • Laser Eye Surgery Consults
• Visiting Opthalmologists • Direct Billing
“Enriching the community with professional and personal family eyecare”
Dr. Kate Dalrymple and the WL Optometry Team
NEWSLETTER Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce18 - SUMMER EDITION
SuperHost Customer Service Training When the world came to Vancouver for Expo ‘86, Tourism British Columbia (now Destination British Columbia) wanted to ensure that people from every continent on Earth left with the best possible impression of British Columbia and its people. Thus, SuperHost was born, a program to train front-line workers all over the province in delivering outstanding customer service. The world came, saw and left, spreading their stories like seeds over every continent. 24 years later, when the Olympic torch made its way across Canada for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the world came flooding back, and Tourism BC welcomed them with the rebranded WorldHost Training Services. In an age where social media rules, customer service excellence is more important than ever before. Customer reviews are being relied upon more and more as travellers make comparisons to ensure that they are supporting a good product/service/brand. So, when go2HR, BC’s tourism human resource association, took over the SuperHost/WorldHost program from Destination BC in 2017, they revamped the program to reflect the changing consumer landscape, and redeveloping a suite of courses to elevate the level of service provided across British Columbia. They officially relaunched the SuperHost brand in May of 2018. So how does SuperHost benefit your business?Your front-line employees are your ambassadors. What moods or messages do they unconsciously transmit to your customers through simple things like body language, vocal tone and eye contact? These are crucial mediums through which employees can forge connections with customers on a basic, human level – one of the fundamental concepts taught in the SuperHost program. For employees who are either new to customer service, or are coming back from an extended leave, Foundations of Service Quality teaches the basic
principles of customer service. This course, illuminates relationships between service quality and business objectives, while working to instill an understanding of customer and employer expectations. SuperHost Certified Instructors will explain the methodology to assess customer satisfaction allowing participants to better understand the impact that each person has on a customer’s experience within your business. Because every front-line employee will experience an unhappy customer at some point during their career, service recovery is a major component of the training in Foundations of Service Quality. Employees gain the confidence and skills to address unhappy customers, connecting with them on a personal, one on one level and allowing them to feel “heard” before searching for a solution to the problem. Later in 2018, go2HR launched two more courses as part of the SuperHost suite. Service for All will take Foundations of Service Quality to the next level, teaching participants the principles of being inclusive and responsive to a variety of customer groups. In our modernized, globalized world, understanding cultural cues can mean the difference between a happy or a frustrated client. The last course, Destination Ambassadors, has a focus on local customer base - who they are and where they come from, how to tell your local story and share information with visitors, and where to find current and accurate information within your community. The Williams Lake Tourism Discovery Centre sees an average of 30,000 visitors each year pour in from every continent of the world. And that 30,000? Those are just the ones who stop in to say hi before continuing into our community. Top reviews depend on positive customer experience. Positive customer experience relies on excellent customer service. When the world comes to Williams Lake this summer, what impression will your business make? Foundation of Service Quality is now available in classroom and online. The Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce is an approved Training Provider. If you are interested in attending a training session, or organizing a private training for your employees, contact us at 250-392-5025, You can also take Foundations of Service Quality training online at https://train.go2hr.ca. SuperHost is constantly expanding and evolving, so check out www.SuperHost.ca to keep informed of program growth. You can also find SuperHost on social media @SuperHostBC om Twitter and Instagram.Tel: 250-392-2395 • Fax: 250-398-7423 • [email protected]
106 - 235 Oliver Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1M2
Gregory MawsonPatricia WeberDaniel Patterson
NEWSLETTERWilliams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce SUMMER EDITION - 19
The Williams Lake Biomass Facility, owned and operated byAtlantic Power, primarily consumes wood residues fromlocal sawmills producing enough power to provide theelectricity needs of 52,000 homes in British Columbia.
Atlantic Power is a leading, publicly traded power generationand infrastructure company with a well-diversi�ed portfolioof assets in the US and Canada.
To �nd out more, visit www.atlanticpower.com/williams-lake
Supporting Your ChamberYour Chamber of Commerce and the BC Chamber of Commerce are leading excellent discussions on how the provincial government can and should adapt to the needs of small business. Small business is the backbone of our economy and, as the critic for Small Business, I continue to bring your concerns, ideas and issues to the forefront. There are many challenges facing small business like the Employer’s Health Tax, a tax that is forcing many businesses to scale back their hiring practices and a tax that is reducing their ability to be transformative and innovative in their businesses. The increased tax burdens on small business along with the shifting and changing regional economy means that we must be focused on diversity and opportunity in order to move forward and to maintain our communities and our province. 73 policies have been submitted by the BC Chamber of Commerce on areas like property assessment for business, wildfire interface and
prevention practices, and tax reform are just a few of the opportunities for change that need to be worked on going forward. Your involvement with your local Chamber of Commerce is also important in highlighting the needs of small business and the needs of our communities. Your voices together are key; when we work together we have far
more success. The success of small business is paramount to our regional and provincial prosperity. I encourage you to continue your participation with your local Chamber and make sure to follow the activities of the BC Chamber of Commerce on the questions and proposals they are suggesting. As the critic for Small Business please stay in touch with me through social media, I am always happy to hear from small business on the needs and issues facing our businesses and our community and will keep fighting for the Cariboo!
by Coralee Oakes, MLA, Cariboo North
NEWSLETTER Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce20 - SUMMER EDITION
Freight Forwarding • Hot Shots Local Delivery • Heavy Equipment Hauling Flatdeck Service • Container Delivery Serving: Mining-Logging-Construction-Commercial
First DataFirst Data (NYSE: FDC) is a global leader in commerce-enabling technology, serving approximately six million business locations and 4,000 financial institutions in more than 100 countries around the world. The company’s 22,000 owner-associates are dedicated to helping companies, from start-ups to the world’s largest corporations, conduct commerce every day by securing and processing more than 3,000 transactions per second and $2.4 trillion per year. Visit www.firstdata.ca to learn more about their products and services. Let them show you what simple, affordable, transparent pricing looks like. If they cannot beat your current processing fees, you will earn a $1,000 MasterCard® gift card*.
Don’t forget to tell them that you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce to get special rates reserved for paid up members. We have saved several of our Chamber members transaction fees, by getting them identified as Chamber members.
The Visitor Centre is using First Data products in the Gift Shop., come in and have a look and ask the staff what they think. Everything from the debit and credit card transactions to employee shift tracking, emailed receipts with a built in SIM Card for mobile usage.
Contact Mohamed-Ali Kessentini at 905-602-3548 or [email protected] to learn more.
• Lakefront cabins with amazing view of Puntzi Lake• 12 RV sites with full & partial hook ups • Puntzi Lake Bakery Café Yummy bakery products and delicious tasting food in
our restaurant! Woodlands Fishin Resort is home to a popular area
destination, our very own Puntzi Lake Bakery Café. We offer an assortment of take-out goodies at our bakery, such as bread, cakes and assorted pastries.
We invite you to join us in our restaurant as well. We offer lots of choices, including hamburgers and fries, soups and salads, pizza and even great-tasting old-fashioned milkshakes.
Whether you are staying with us as a guest, somewhere else in the neighbourhood or just passing through, we look forward to seeing you!
Come fish with us and book with us forthe Puntzi Lake Annual Fishing Derby July 5, 6, & 7
Call to reserve your spot or cabin rental
Check out our website for more info!www.woodlandsfishinresort.com
Todd Doherty, MPCariboo-Prince GeorgeShadow Minister for Fisheries, Oceansand the Canadian Coast Guardand the Asia-Paci�c Gateway
Welcome!As the Member of Parliament for Cariboo - Prince George, I am honored to represent the friends and family of our beautiful and economically diverse region.
Travellers from around the world come here for our world class hiking, hunting, mountain biking, skiing, and snowmobiling.
But most importantly, our residents look you in the eye and are true examples of the can do, never accept no, pioneer spirit.
I am incredibly proud to call Cariboo - PrinceGeorge home. I hope you enjoy your time here in Williams Lake, and spread the word about our stunning region!
by Todd DohertyMember of Parliament for Cariboo - Prince George
Williams Lake and District Credit UnionCOMMERCIAL LENDING TEAM
Need funding to expand your business?Looking for a partner, not a banker?
Let our team help you grow your business!
Serving the Williams Lake, 100 Mile House and Bella Coola areaswww.wldcu.com • 250-392-4135
Left to right: Nolan Hill, Diane Baerg, Kymberli Tugnum, Heather Callender
NEWSLETTER Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce22 - SUMMER EDITION
Each year, the 120 plus Chambers of Commerce in BC, hold their finger on the pulse of what is happening in and with business in their areas. During this time they compare notes, collaborate and discuss issues that have come up during the year that impact on business in their areas. They build resolutions (solutions) for presentation to all BC Chambers with the view of getting unanimous agreement that their issue affects or could affect every business in the Province. There is a vote and on acceptance the resolutions turn into policies. These policies add to the road map for the BC Chamber advocacy efforts with Government for the following 3 years. This is all done on behalf of business in BC. Occasionally, these resolutions exceed the scope of the Provincial Government. Once passed Provincially, they are pushed forward to the Canadian Chamber AGM. If accepted there, they add to their advocacy efforts for business with the Federal Government. This past May, delegates gathered in Burnaby for the BC Chamber Conference and AGM. A large number of resolutions came forward from a collaborative provincial Chamber effort. Of the 73 resolutions presented, 3 were defeated and 70 were unanimously accepted. The Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce presented a renewed resolution from 2016 involving the “Future of the Forest Industry and it’s importance to British Columbia’s economy”. It was supported by 8 other Chambers that valued the importance of that resolution. It passed into policy. Along with this, the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce stood with other chambers assisting with development and support on issues like:
• Introducing Choice In Auto Insurance For British Columbians
• Floods – An Emerging Economic Threat Requiring Action
• Emergency Management: Wildfire Interface and Prevention
• Emergency Management: Enhancing Preparedness & Prevention• 9-1-1 In Remote & Rural Areas• Species At Risk Legislation: Considering The Impact To Business• Foreign Worker Navigator For Rural BC Communities To Address Labour
Infrastructure In Northern BC• Investment In Northern Highway
Infrastructure – Ensuring Safe Roadways For All British Columbians
• Return To User Pay System For Translink Infrastructure
• Changing BC’s Sales Tax Model – Moving Beyond The PST
• MELT – Mandatory Entry Level Training For Commercial Truck Drivers
• Ridesharing• The Cost Of Prolific Offenders On The Local
Economy
www.cfdccariboo.com
Thinking Of
Do you have a plan?The PASS Program Can Help!
PASS is designed to assist business owners in the Cariboo-Chilcotin communities to prepare for a successful business succession.
For a limited time PASS Program will provide:• Financial incentives of up to
$3000• Mentoring• Detailed succession planning
workbook
Call Larry at 250-392-3626 to book an appointment today!266 Oliver Street, Williams Lake
PASS
lanning
uccessful
uccession
Chamber Policy Development
NEWSLETTERWilliams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce SUMMER EDITION - 23
• As well as voting to support a host of other Resolutions moving them into Policy status.
As you can see, the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce has been busy supporting business and helping deal with issues all over the Province. The Policy Committee, lead by Ray Sanders is looking for your help. We know that there are issues affecting local business. We need your help to identify those issues. We need to compile a list of Subject Matter Experts (SME) that will allow us the “industry” knowledge base to research and write meaningful resolutions. What is a resolution? It is an attempt at a solution to a pain point. If it hurts business in Williams Lake & District, it hurts business across BC and maybe beyond. Our largest role is advocacy. With your help, our representation in the Region will be that much stronger. Take a moment and have a look at what is on the books from the past couple of years. The 70 new policies should be posted to the website in a short time. http://www.bcchamber.org/policies
Ph 250-392-44981-800-667-0041Fax 250-392-6994
www.sandtronic.ca
#3 - 11 Second Ave. South Williams Lake, BC V2G 3W3
Shop Local!ComputersPrinters
Accessories
Of�ce FurnitureOf�ce SuppliesArt Supplies
&
Call Us For Complete CataloguesNo Minimum Orders • Free Deliveries
THE GREATEST SHOW ON DIRT!
COME JOIN US FOR OUR 93RD ANNUAL WORLD FAMOUS
W L
THURSDAY JUNE 27 TO MONDAY JULY 1, 2019
For ticket sales & information year round call 250-392-6585or toll free 1-800-71-RODEO (1-800-717-6336) • [email protected]
