connect • influence • prosper M ission Chamber of Commerce www.missionchamber.bc.ca It's back to school – invest in yourself and your business Swing Optical...3 Distinctive Businesses in One Great Location • Fashion Eyewear • Contact Lenses • Sunglasses • Fully Licensed Opticians • Sight Testing Dr. Lyndon Balisky, Optometrist FASHION EYEWEAR Book Your Eye Health Examination Today 604-820-1112 On location Wednesdays FREE Hearing Test. 604-557-9972 604.820.1112 Kristoffer Goos Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner. www.mainlandhearing.com Located inside Swing Optical Monday - Friday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm • Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm #2 - 33231 First Avenue • Downtown Mission • 604-820-1112 www.swingoptical.com • Laser consultation • Contact lens fitting Proudly serving Mission for over 25 years. EYE EXAM HEARING AIDS A re you interested in receiving up to $1500 for training to improve the efficiency or productiv- ity of your business? Do you have less than five employees? Thinking your lack of formal education is a barrier? We have the program for you! The Micro Business Training (MBT) program, 100% funded by the govern- ment, offers courses such as bookkeeping, marketing and sales, management, computing, websites and so- cial media all to help you grow your business. Training is available in a variety of formats, such as traditional classroom, seminar/webinar, online and even on-site. Providers include public post-secondary universities and colleges, PCTIA accredited organiza- tions, and Private Trainers with membership in the Chamber Learning Network, a member benefit of the BC Chamber of Commerce. WHAT DOES THE FUNDING COVER? Eligible applicants can be funded for up to $1500 in training which includes course fees and required mate- rials including textbooks and workbooks. ELIGIBILITY? Approval for this program is based on the individual applicant’s (the company owner’s) eligibility as well the company’s eligibility. Your business must have fewer than five employees As an owner you must: Have no provincially, nationally, or internationally recognized certifications Have no university or post-secondary degree or di- ploma Additional requirements: A resident of British Columbia; Legally entitled to work in Canada; 19 years of age or older; Not a full-time post-secondary student; Not a high-school student; Not participating in another LMA funded program. Have a valid municipal business license or an incor- poration number, or a CRA tax number THERE IS MORE THAN ONE OWNER, ARE WE EACH ELIGIBLE? Yes! As long as the company meets all the require- ments and each owner is eligible individually, you can apply for up to $1500 of training through the MBT Pro- gram for each owner. WHAT KINDS OF COURSES ARE AVAILABLE? The MBT program offers a wide variety of train- ing options in a spectrum of training institutions and learning formats. As long as the training fills deficien- cies and gaps identified in your training plan that you create with your regional training coordinator and counts as a general business skill, then there is a good chance it is offered by this program. Examples of courses include: Leadership/Management training Marketing and sales Social media Computer skills (e.g. Word, Excel, Simply Accounting, Photoshop etc.) Bookkeeping WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? The first step is to review the eligibility checklist. If it appears that you may be eligible, complete the online application form. If you are approved, (a five working day process maximum), a training coordinator will contact you and work with you to create a training plan with two or more viable training options. Once you have chosen your training, the training coordinator will also assist you in enrolling for your chosen course(s). HOW IS MY TRAINING PAID FOR? The BC Chamber of Commerce handles payment for all eligible training funded through the MBT program. Your training coordinator will assist you with enrol- ment, but you will not need to pay for the training and be reimbursed, receive a cheque from the government, or any other payment system. It is all dealt with by the BC Chamber of Commerce. So what’s stopping you? Take advantage of the sup- port and get the education you need to grow your busi- ness. Get back to school by visiting www.BCMicroBusi- ness.com. Don’t forget to let them know the Mission Chamber sent you! BusinessTRACK
Transcript
c o n n e c t • i n f l u e n c e • p r o s p e r
M i s s i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e
w w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a
It's back to school – invest in yourself and your business
Swing Optical...3 Distinctive Businesses in One Great Location
• Fashion Eyewear • Contact Lenses
• Sunglasses • Fully Licensed
Opticians • Sight Testing
Dr. Lyndon Balisky, Optometrist
FASHION EYEWEAR
Book Your Eye Health Examination Today 604-820-1112
Monday - Friday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm • Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
#2 - 33231 First Avenue • Downtown Mission • 604-820-1112www.swingoptical.com
• Laser consultation • Contact lens fi tting
Proudly serving Mission for over 25 years.
EYE EXAM HEARING AIDS
Are you interested in receiving up to $1500 for training to improve the efficiency or productiv-ity of your business? Do you have less than five
employees? Thinking your lack of formal education is a barrier?
We have the program for you! The Micro Business Training (MBT) program, 100% funded by the govern-ment, offers courses such as bookkeeping, marketing and sales, management, computing, websites and so-cial media all to help you grow your business.
Training is available in a variety of formats, such as traditional classroom, seminar/webinar, online and even on-site. Providers include public post-secondary universities and colleges, PCTIA accredited organiza-tions, and Private Trainers with membership in the Chamber Learning Network, a member benefit of the BC Chamber of Commerce.
WHAT DOES THE FUNDING COVER?Eligible applicants can be funded for up to $1500 in
training which includes course fees and required mate-rials including textbooks and workbooks.
ELIGIBILITY?Approval for this program is based on the individual
applicant’s (the company owner’s) eligibility as well the company’s eligibility.
Your business must have fewer than five employeesAs an owner you must:Have no provincially, nationally, or internationally
recognized certifications Have no university or post-secondary degree or di-
plomaAdditional requirements:A resident of British Columbia;Legally entitled to work in Canada;19 years of age or older;Not a full-time post-secondary student;Not a high-school student;Not participating in another LMA funded program.Have a valid municipal business license or an incor-
poration number, or a CRA tax number
THERE IS MORE THAN ONE OWNER, ARE WE EACH ELIGIBLE?
Yes! As long as the company meets all the require-
ments and each owner is eligible individually, you can apply for up to $1500 of training through the MBT Pro-gram for each owner.
WHAT KINDS OF COURSES ARE AVAILABLE?The MBT program offers a wide variety of train-
ing options in a spectrum of training institutions and learning formats. As long as the training fills deficien-cies and gaps identified in your training plan that you create with your regional training coordinator and counts as a general business skill, then there is a good chance it is offered by this program.
Examples of courses include: Leadership/Management trainingMarketing and salesSocial media Computer skills (e.g. Word, Excel, Simply Accounting, Photoshop etc.)Bookkeeping
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The first step is to review the eligibility checklist. If it appears that you may be eligible, complete the online application form. If you are approved, (a five working day process maximum), a training coordinator will contact you and work with you to create a training plan with two or more viable training options. Once you have chosen your training, the training coordinator will also assist you in enrolling for your chosen course(s).
HOW IS MY TRAINING PAID FOR?The BC Chamber of Commerce handles payment for
all eligible training funded through the MBT program. Your training coordinator will assist you with enrol-ment, but you will not need to pay for the training and be reimbursed, receive a cheque from the government, or any other payment system. It is all dealt with by the BC Chamber of Commerce.
So what’s stopping you? Take advantage of the sup-port and get the education you need to grow your busi-ness. Get back to school by visiting www.BCMicroBusi-ness.com. Don’t forget to let them know the Mission Chamber sent you!
c o n n e c t i n f l u e n c e
M i s s i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e
BusinessTRACK
BusinessTRACK
w w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c aw w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a
2013
BOA
RD O
F DI
RECT
ORS
Sean Melia PRESIDENT
Ann HarperVICE PRESIDENT
Pam AlexisDIRECTOR
Cal CrawfordDIRECTOR
Corey JongDIRECTOR
Christopher RobertsonDIRECTOR
Dave SawatzkyDIRECTOR
Elyssa LockhartPAST PRESIDENT
Tricia TownsendDIRECTOR
Carol HamiltonDIRECTOR
Trevor GirardTREASURER
Satti GrewalDIRECTOR
New Chamber Benefit – Merchant Services with First Data
The Chamber fosters member and business advocacy. We provide members with networking, group benefits and affordable marketing and advertising opportunities and most importantly a voice as a collective group. I invite you to join the 450-plus other businesses in the Mission region who recognize the value of membership in the chamber network.
The benefits of membership can best be conveyed to you when you meet our new member services co-ordinator, Raj Saran. Raj joins the Chamber team with a varied educational background in business management, psychology and political science. This is complimented by experience in trade show and business marketing as well as event and project management. As you can see Raj has great credentials and experience. We are counting on Raj to be a strong contributor to the Chamber team as she shares the mission, vision and values of the Chamber.
Raj looks forward to engaging with each of our members over time. Of course you can stop by the Chamber and say hello in the meantime. One of the tools available to members to help gain exposure that Raj would like to talk to you about is the Chamber Business Track newsletter section in the Mission Record. There is great value to you as a member in participating in the marketing opportunity as the Record reaches virtually everyone in Mission and immediate area in addition to exposure on the Chamber web site.
Please join me in welcoming Raj to the Chamber team!
Allan MainLIAISON, C.F.N.F.
MayorTed Adlem
DOM LIAISON
President's message
Your Comfort is our Calling.
Serving the Fraser Valley for over 13 years.
TRUE NORTH MECHANICAL35220 Riverside Road, Mission BC
• Commercial/Residential• Heating/Cooling• Air Conditioning
• Furnaces • Heat Pumps• Commercial Refrigeration
First Data makes payment transac-tions secure, fast and easy for mer-chants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive customer revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, check or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data has the payment ac-ceptance solution for your business.
The payment-processing industry, as a whole, is incredibly diverse, interest-ing and complicated all at the same time. The way the industry works (and the pricing and fee structure set by the credit card companies) is constantly changing. A little education on the busi-ness owner’s part will go a long way to help them plan and understand their payment acceptance costs.
Our advice to someone starting a business is to first… join the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce! First
Data offer all members of the Chamber the very best, special, rates for elec-tronic payment processing, with rates starting at 1.55% for Visa and 1.60% for MasterCard and Debit at $0.05/transaction.
Further, First Data offers all Chamber merchants a special Meet or Beat offer…First Data will give you a $100 prepaid Visa card if we are unable to meet or beat your current processor’s rates.
Whatever payment acceptance needs your business requires: POS Terminal, Mobile Pay (Smartphone), or e-commerce, First Data has you covered!
Contact First Data today for a free consultation and analysis.
Mr. Jeff Chow, your local First Data representative, 778-232-4551 [email protected]
By Kathleen Rake
For more than 25 years, Eva Poulson has been helping people find the right mortgage. And because Eva is a TD mo-bile mortgage specialist, she is available to help her clients in their homes or of-fices and outside normal banking hours – evenings and weekends included.
Eva loves serving first-time home buyers.
“There is so much for them to learn,” she said, “and I get to share in their excitement when everything comes together.”
She makes sure they understand all their options and guides them through their choices.
“But it’s not just the young people or first-timers who need extra help,” explained Eva. “Sometimes people in their 70s (and up) need help securing or re-financing a mortgage. Often these people hesitate to ask for help because they’re embarrassed or they’ve been told they won’t be eligible, when indeed they are.”
Eva is happy to help people whether they are buying a home or consolidat-ing debt by refinancing their existing home. Every person Eva serves is a “high value client.” She says, “Everyone deserves to have a good experience when buying a home, they should sur-round themselves with people who understand their situation and can pro-vide good advice.”
Over the years, Eva has supported her communities by volunteering. She re-
cently provided her time and expertise to support the Abbotsford Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and Mission Re-gional Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
As a long-standing Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce member, Eva finds great benefit in the networking opportunities. “I enjoy meeting new
people and getting to know and like them. The Chamber makes it easy.”
“For me, business is not about just the money,” said Eva. “It’s about doing the right things for people.”
For more information about find-ing the right mortgage for you, contact Eva at 604-854-0337 or [email protected].
BusinessTRACK
w w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c aw w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a
CHAMBER COM
ING EVEN
TSSEPTEMBER
/ OCTOBERSeptember 12
Annual Golf Tournament
Place: Cedar Ridge Golf Course
Time: Shotgun start at Noon
Book your Foursome!
September 19Chamber Luncheon
Speaker: Black Press Publisher, Andrew Franklin
Place: Chapel Room, Rockwell’s
Time: 11:30 -1 pm
September 27Curling Night Mixer
Learn to Curl & Network
Place: Mission Curling Club
Time: 5:30 - 8 pm
October 4MLA Breakfast
Come meet your MLAs
Place: Chapel Room, Rockwell's
Time: 7:30 - 9 am
Scan this QR code with your
smart phone to see
details on our website
Eva Poulson offers the key to a good home-buying experience
When you know the local real estate market like I do, sales happen faster.
Chamber Snapshots: A close-up look at members that keep Mission humming
Eva Poulson at grounds surrounding Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce. CLICK MEDIA WORKS PHOTO
Everyone deserves to have a good experience when buying a home...
EVA POULSON
w w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a
BusinessTRACK20
13 C
HAM
BER
TEAM
W •E •L •C •O •M •ENew Members!
M i s s i o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c ew w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a 6 0 4 - 8 2 6 - 6 9 1 43 4 0 3 3 L o u g h e e d H w y , M i s s i o n B C V 2 V 5 X 8
“Membership has its
bene� ts!”
Also, your centre for Mission & BC TouristInformation
Allison JackAdministration
Adm
in@M
ission
Cham
ber.b
c.ca
Michelle FaveroManager
exec
dir@
Miss
ionCh
ambe
r .bc
ca
Raj SaranMember Services
mem
ber_
serv
ices@
Miss
ionCh
ambe
r .bc
ca
Clare SeeleyVisitor Services
Info@
Miss
ionCh
ambe
r.bc.c
a
I pledge to
shop local
spendshopspendshop
localspend localspendeat
spendeat
spend local
spend local
spendeat localeat
spendeat
spend local
spendeat
spend
W W W. S H O P LO C A L M I S S I O N . C O M
DTC Automotive7791 Dunsmuir StreetMission, BC V2V 4B7604-265-1621
Gordon Yard, CA200-33395 1st AvenueMission, BC V2V 1G6604-820-0988
Randy Hawes159-33751 7th AveMission, BC V2V 7C2604-826-5617
Sharen Parkinson307B-33755 7th Ave Mission, BC V2V 0A4
Sasquatch Inn46001 Lougheed Hwy Harrison Mills, British Columbia V0M 1A0604-796-2730
DW Truck Repair33733 King Road Unit #12B Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M9604-853-9652
Debonair Kitchen Design31482 Jean CourtAbbotsford, BC V2T 5N9604-864-2062
Aaron Exteriors Inc.34271 Catchpole Avenue Mission, BC V2V 6P2604-820-8353
Uncommon Thredz33245 1st Avenue Mission, BC V2V1G7604-814-3403
Cherry Lane Scrapbook Shoppe Inc.328-32555 London Avenue Mission, BC V2V 6M7604-814-4500
Aman Azad37376 Batt Road Abbotsford, BC V3G1L3604-857-2430
Home Advantage Renovations201-7261 River Place Mission, BC V4S0A2604-751-0093
Northern Arrow Contracting Ltd3461 Monashee Street Abbotsford, BC V2S7H2604-851-5949
Ken Wiebe35187 Pierce Terrace Abbotsford, BC V2S 7H3778-808-9911
We Deliver Insurance Services.com Inc.22303 Lougheed Hwy Maple Ridge, BC V2X 2T3778-792-5555
Robson and Associates Consultants Inc.25494 117th Avenue Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1B2604-466-3333
BVK Films Inc.46 - 35287 Old Yale Road Abbotsford, BC V3G 8H5604-847-9080
Jennifer Anderson, Personal Real Estate Corporation34551 Ferguson AvenueMission, BC V2V 6P7 604-820-9768
Optimal Adjusters33511 1st Avenue Mission, BC V2V 1H1604-826-4026
Mission Adopt a Block7229 Mershon Street Mission, BC V2V 4M5604-826-9423
Insight Art8140 Winston Street Burnaby, BC V5A 2H5Primary Phone: 604-421-3987
INTERIOR DESIGNR inside and out • Commercial & Residential • Colour Co-ordinating• Design - Advice - Assistance • Renovations - Construction• Decorating - Furnishings • “Staging” to sell
INTERRIO
For a consultation callGail Hanslo registered interior designer“Creating Beautiful Spaces Since 1981”
Reserve your ad space today.Contact Crystal 604-820-5453
AUTOSERVICEROAD READY OIL CHANGE PACKAGE
OIL CHANGE*•Quaker State oil•Motomaster oil filter•Chasis lubrication•Top up selected fluid levels
PLUS PIECE OF MIND•Road ready inspection•Rotate tires on vehicle•Battery test•Visual brake inspection
CALL YOUR LOCAL STORE FOR AN APPOINTMENT
*Up to 5L Quaker State conventional oil (Assorted grades). Some vehicles may require more. Motomaster �lter (up to $5 value) may not �t some vehicles. Additional fees and charges may apply for vehicles who require more oil or different �lter. Eco fees where applicable are extra. †Most vehicles. Bonus pair of Xtravision headlights only apply to the purchase of a Road Ready oil change package at regular price. Installation included on most vehicles. Extra charges may apply on some vehicles. See service desk for details. COUPON EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30/13
ONLY
4999†
“Promoting Business and Tourism Development in Mission”I N F O R M AT I O N AVA I L A B L E
• Mission Community Pro� le• Commercial and Industrial Property Inventory
• Business Opportunities34033 LOUGHEED HWY., MISSION, BC V2V 5X8Tel: 604.820.3789 • Fax: 604.820.6738 • Toll Free: 1.866.814.1222
w w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a w w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a
120
YEAR
S ST
RON
G
BusinessTRACK
The original Mission Visitor Centre was built in St. Mary’s Park in 1973. Moving from its
10-year home in the Bellevue lobby, a locally built A-frame was constructed on the new site for summer use. By 1988 its location on the scenic High-way 7 made it so popular with visitors, it became a year-round facility, ac-commodating up to five staff during the busier months. Many Mission students learned to give directions at the VIC.
With no heat, little space and a leaky roof, it was woefully inadequate as the Chamber of Commerce office and the initial focal point for visitors to Mission. In 1994, Chamber mem-bers began formulating a plan for a new venue. A building committee formed and by 2001 the dedication of the team finally paid off. Partnerships with the District of Mission, Chamber members and the community ensured
construction of a new building. Creating visual impact for tourists
and a hub for local business, the cedar building reflects the forestry heritage of Mission. Built with local supplies, the ground-breaking ceremony was held at 34033 Lougheed Highway, on May 30, 2001.
Officially opening its doors seven months later, the Visitor & Busi-ness Information Centre welcomes thousands of guests each year, with a wealth of information on local events, attractions, hiking trails and shopping. For those looking to travel beyond Mission’s reach, there are also guides for the rest of B.C. Local artisan and Mission-branded goods are also avail-able, along with plenty of information on the business community.
So next time you drive along the Lougheed Highway and admire the hand-carved house post, stop in and see all that Mission can offer you!
Visitor Information Centre celebrates its 40th birthday!
Taylor, Tait, Ruley & CompanyB A R R I S T E R S & S O L I C I T O R S
Gordon D. Taylor B.A., LL.B.• Serious Injury Claims• ICBC Matters • Civil Litigation• Corporate • Estates• Wills/Estate Planning • Foreclosures
John G. Tait, Q.C B.Comm., LL.B.• Collaborative Divorce • Mediation• Divorce/Family Law Litigation• Adoptions, Custody• Separation Agreements• Marriage Contracts • Wills/Estate Planning• Estate Litigation • Property Claims
Gordon W. Ruley B.A., LL.B.• Real Estate & Mortgages• Commercial Development• Business Acquisitions• Corporate• Wills/Estate Planning
Donna Maser B.Comm., LL.B.• Family Law• General Litigation• Real Estate Law• Municipal Law• First Nations Issues
Eleanor L. MacDonald B.A., LL.B.• Real Estate & Mortgages• Wills/Estate Planning• Committeeships• Separation Agreements• Uncontested Divorces• Marriage Contract • Estates
Chris Stenerson B.A., LL.B• Divorce/Family Law Litigation• Separation Agreements• Marriage Contracts • Personal Injury (ICBC claims)• Wills/Estate Planning• General Litigation• Collections • Foreclosures
