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“You need to develop an incredible appetite to learn and develop yourself in order to succeed [in small business].” Shane Gibson, page 7 OCTOBER s 6/,5-% s .5-"%2 THIS ISSUE Breaking the bottleneck Preparing your business for an earthquake · 2 Board of Trade
Building connections that applauds plan to work at YVR · 2 replace Massey Tunnel
Meet the new BY GREG HOEKSTRA management team · 3 The Vancouver Board of Trade Sustaining a livable Metro is pledging its support for the Gov- Vancouver region · 4 ernment of British Columbia’s plan to replace the aging George Small Business Month Massey Tunnel with a new bridge. profiles · 6-7 Premier Christy Clark an- nounced plans for the new bridge Making the most of late last month, during her keynote Small Business Month · 8 address at the Union of BC Mu- Premier Christy Clark recently announced the Province will move ahead with plans to replace the George Massey Tunnel, with construction nicipalities’ 2013 Convention. of a new bridge beginning in 2017. Above is a conceptual rendering of what a bridge over the Fraser River on Highway 99 might look like. Immediately following the speech, New mobile business licence program · 8 The Vancouver Board of Trade and strengthening British Colum- and Infrastructure endorsing the Chamber of Commerce, the Delta issued a statement applauding bia’s role as Canada’s Gateway to replacement of the tunnel, after ac- Chamber of Commerce and the the Government’s plan, which will the Pacific.” tively participating in the Province’s BC Chamber of Commerce in Photos from the 2013 Golf improve the movement of goods The George Massey Tunnel public consultation process. early 2013 to raise the profile of Classic · 10-11 and people along the Highway 99 currently carries more than 80,000 “Highway 99 South is one of the this important issue. A resolution corridor. vehicles every day. The Ministry of most critical transportation corri- drafted by The Vancouver Board Connect with the Women’s “Premier Clark’s announce- Transportation and Infrastructure’s dors in British Columbia,” said Elio of Trade’s Regional Transportation Leadership Circle · 15 ment is great news not just for engineers estimate the existing Luongo, Chair of The Vancouver Committee called for the tunnel’s residents of the Lower Mainland, tunnel has about 10 years of useful Board of Trade. “The congestion replacement, contingent on eight @boardoftrade but for businesses across the prov- life remaining before major com- caused by the tunnel severely slows conditions. ince,” said Iain Black, President ponents will need to be completely goods movement, which in turn, To read the committee’s reso- /VancouverBoardofTrade and CEO of The Vancouver Board replaced. slows our economy. It’s time for us lution or The Vancouver Board of Trade. “The new bridge will al- In January 2013, The Vancou- to shift gears.” of Trade’s letter to the Ministry of boardoftrade.com leviate congestion and traffic for ver Board of Trade sent a letter The Vancouver Board of Trade Transportation and Infrastructure, commuters, while bolstering trade to the Ministry of Transportation worked closely with the Richmond visit www.boardoftrade.com.
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BY STEVE YENDALL precedented flooding in Calgary In 2010, following what was cope if your supply chain and earlier this year. Along the way, the seventh-largest earthquake on business partners are all in the We’ve all seen the pictures of we’ve learned what it takes to keep record, we were the largest insurer same boat. houses, buildings and areas de- a business afloat and to get you in Chile. As a global organization, Thinking of your supply chain stroyed by massive earthquakes, back up and running as quickly we learned valuable lessons about – do your suppliers have national and we’ve heard the news reports and effectively as possible. what business continuity planning or international resources they suggesting that Vancouver is due There are numerous simi- really means and are sharing that can rely on? If your offices are not for the big one. You may think larities between the west coast knowledge with customers wher- operational, can you move work you’re prepared, but are you of Chile and the west coast of ever possible. to other locations? How will you really? Canada. Both are on the Pacific We’ve all read the government access business critical data? How RSA, a leading Canadian and rim of fire and are exposed to literature that says Canadians will you communicate with your global insurer, has extensive ex- destructive mega-thrust earth- should be prepared to go it alone employees, business partners and perience helping our customers quakes; both have heavily regu- for the first 72 hours, but busi- customers? Does your insurance through catastrophic events, lated building codes; both have nesses really need to be prepared company have contractors, adjust- including the massive 8.8 earth- similar natural resources, and to survive for a lot longer. Take a ers and recovery experts in other quake in Chile in 2010, and the un- population densities. holistic approach: how will you locations it can pull in in the event 3TEVE 9ENDALL 6ICE 0RESIDENT of an earthquake? Western Region, RSA Insurance These are the things that will EVENTSEVENTS CALENDARCALENDAR UPDATE UPDATE mean the difference between you veloping plans we never have to getting help quickly, or being at use, it’s imperative that we have See our full events calendar at boardoftrade.com the end of the line because there thought through the possibilities are not an infinite amount of con- and are as ready as can be. For tractors and resources in British more than 300 years RSA has TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2013 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2013 Columbia. been helping customers plan and Leaders of Tomorrow Mayor Gregor Robertson YVR: Connections The other key learning for us prepare so that when disaster Orientation Night on the Economic Future that Work from both the earthquake and this strikes, we can get customers and of Vancouver 5 – 7 p.m. 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. summer’s floods in Alberta is that businesses back up and running 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. you will require more resources as quickly as possible. SFU Segal Graduate School Four Seasons Vancouver than you expect to remain op- Steve Yendall is Vice President of 500 Granville Street The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver — Park Ballroom erational. When you are planning, Western Region at RSA Insurance, 900 Georgia Street West 791 West Georgia Street think about cash flow and capital, a leading home, car and busi- WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2013 His Worship Gregor Robertson, Craig Richmond, President and how you’ll ensure your employees’ ness insurer. Yendall will deliver a Mayor, City of Vancouver CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority Members’ Reception safety if they are stuck at work, and keynote speech to The Vancouver at Vancouver FanClub Presenting Sponsor: WHIL Presenting Sponsor: CIBC how you’ll communicate – assume Board of Trade on Oct. 17, explain- Sold Out Supporting Sponsors: Aquilini Community Partner: NAV Canada airports with be closed, bridges ing how businesses can prepare Investment Group, Corcord 7 – 9 a.m. will be inaccessible and infrastruc- for an earthquake, including best Pacific, London Drugs, Vancouver TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013 ture will be compromised. practices on business continuity Vancouver FanClub Economic Commission And here’s the best piece of planning and how global events 1050 Granville Street Community Partner: Starbucks Energy Forum 2013: Staying Competitive in advice: when planning, imagine impact the cost and availability of Host and Presenting Sponsor: Changing Global Markets the worst-case scenario. Then earthquake insurance. For more in- Vancouver FanClub THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013 consider something worse and formation, visit www.boardoftrade. 7:15 a.m. – 2 p.m. After the quake: How plan for that. com/events or email reservations@ TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 to Keep your Business Ian Anderson, President, While we all hope we’re de- boardoftrade.com. Kinder Morgan Canada Company of Young Moving Professionals: Leadership 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. More speakers to be announced! Cafe with Canadian Blood Fairmont Pacific Rim Services — Star Sapphire Ballroom WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013 Connections that work 5:30 – 8 p.m. 1038 Canada Place Networking Breakfast The Vancouver Board of Trade Coast Coal Harbour Hotel Steve Yendall, Vice President, Series: Orientation has just confirmed that new Van- — Coal Harbour A Western Region, RSA Insurance & Roundtable couver Airport Authority Presi- 1180 West Hastings Street 7 – 9 a.m. Presenting Sponsor: dent and CEO Craig Richmond RSA Insurance Renaissance Vancouver will deliver a keynote address to its WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2013 Harbourside Hotel members on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Networking Breakfast FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013 1133 West Hastings Street In his first speech to the busi- Series: Orientation and The Honourable Event Sponsor: ness community, Richmond will Roundtable Jason Kenney Worldlynx Wireless tell the dynamic story of Vancou- 7 – 9 a.m. 11:45 am – 2 p.m. ver International Airport, includ- ing how the airport creates jobs, Renaissance Vancouver The Honourable Jason Kenney, creates economic growth, and Harbourside Hotel Minister of Employment and connects B.C. businesses to global 1133 West Hastings Street Social Development and Minister destinations. Event Sponsor: for Multiculturalism, Government Richmond took over the role #RAIG 2ICHMOND 0RESIDENT AND #%/ Worldlynx Wireless of Canada of President and CEO of Van- 6ANCOUVER !IRPORT !UTHORITY couver Airport Authority on July 2. He now oversees the effective tonnes of cargo. As Canada’s sec- What speaker, topic or issue do you want explored? We’ll look into it. operation and strategic vision for ond-busiest airport, YVR employs the future of YVR. more than 23,000 people and is a E-mail: [email protected] In 2012, YVR welcomed 17.6 key economic generator for B.C. million people, facilitated more For more information, or to than 296,000 aircraft take-offs purchase tickets, visit www.boar- Register now at boardoftrade.com/events and landings and handled 228,000 doftrade.com/events. October 2013 Sounding Board around the board 3 New management team takes the helm 6ANCOUVER "OARD OF 4RADE CREATES NEW ROLES FOR PARTNERSHIPS MARKETING AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
You may have noticed a few committees, and tries to keep the new faces around the table. CEO “on message.” In recent months, The Van- A self-professed “infrastruc- couver Board of Trade has added ture junkie,” Rob MacKay-Dunn’s new leadership, and has also career path to date has involved promoted two familiar faces to senior positions in both public more senior roles. service and private organiza- Now in its second year of a tions, with the common themes two-year transformation lead by of public policy, stakeholder President and CEO Iain Black, engagement and relations, issues The Vancouver Board of Trade management and strategic com- is actively working to reinvent munications. every aspect of its operations He came to the Board of Trade — from its events business and from a public consultation/ public policy committees, to its facilitating role where he was marketing initiatives, member focused on the George Massey programs, and partnerships with Tunnel Replacement Project and the business community. the Low Level Road Project. Prior These recent changes com- to that, he served for five years plete the team that started with as chief of staff to two senior the hiring of Membership Ser- cabinet ministers — B.C.’s Min- vices Director Chris Barry last ister of Transportation and Infra- year. structure, and B.C.’s Minister of Here’s an overview of the new Tourism, Sport and the Arts. In From left to right: 4HE 6ANCOUVER "OARD OF 4RADES NEW %VENTS -ANAGER 2EBECCA *AMES $IRECTOR OF -EMBER 0ROGRAMS !USTIN .AIRN leaders who have joined our these roles he was intimately 6ICE 0RESIDENT $AVID #RAWFORD $IRECTOR OF 0UBLIC 0OLICY 2OB -AC+AY $UNN -ARKETING 3PECIALIST !LISON 2USSELL AND $IRECTOR OF team since May. involved in the largest infrastruc- 0ARTNERSHIP $EVELOPMENT 3IMMY 3ANDHU Photo by Kim Stallknecht (www.stallknecht.com) ture investments in B.C.’s history, David Crawford including the Province’s multi- Her focus will be on both existing Brothers, and Athletics for Kids. and Conventions Management Vice President – Responsible billion dollar Gateway Program, relationships with key stakehold- from Thompson Rivers Univer- for Operations, Finance, HR… the Sea-to-Sky Highway im- ers, and cultivating new partner- Rebecca James sity. and pretty much everything else. provement project, the Canada ship opportunities. Events Manager – She runs the In her spare time, James Line, and the Province’s Pacific Sandhu is a graduate of Simon department of “Wow!” enjoys practicing yoga, attending David Crawford has built a Gateway Initiative. Fraser University with a degree in dance classes, boating up to her career in progressively senior Born and raised in Vancou- economics. She also possesses an Rebecca James was promoted family cabin, and spending time operations and finance man- ver, MacKay-Dunn is active in MBA in Global Business Manage- to Events Manager on July 1, at the pier in White Rock. agement positions, exercising the local tennis community and ment. 2013. broad decision-making author- sits on the board of directors for Our legendary events busi- Alison Russell ity for strategy implementation Tennis B.C. and the local hosting Austin Nairn ness is in the palm of her hand. A Marketing Specialist – She and execution activities, rec- committee for Tennis Canada’s Director, Member Programs fairly recent arrival to our ranks, brings order to the universe. ommending and establishing wildly successful Davis Cup Ties – His mission is to duplicate his she quickly illustrated that the policies, processes and policy versus France, Spain and Italy. own remarkable success. success in her background – How does a 126-year old initiatives, and being account- planning and managing a wide iconic institution communicate able for developing and manag- Simmy Sandhu Austin Nairn was promoted to variety of projects, ranging from and clarify its reinvention as a ing financial budgets for multiple Director, Partnership Develop- Director of Member Programs on high-profile speaking engage- relevant 21st Century go-to or- departments. ment – She will change the way we July 1 of this year. ments to complex multi-million ganization for Members, media, Crawford came to The Van- bring value to those who support Nairn can take rightful credit dollar fundraising events – was and government, while ensur- couver Board of Trade from Grant our programs and advocacy. for having materially grown and no accident. ing a constant message, theme, Thornton (Vancouver), where improved two of The Vancouver Over the past year, James and look-and-feel across email he served as Director of Finance Simmy Sandhu joins The Board of Trade’s “crown jewels”: has successfully led a number marketing, a newspaper, web- and Operations. Prior to that, Vancouver Board of Trade as our Company of Young Profes- of projects for The Vancouver sites and other social media Crawford was heavily involved the new Director of Partnership sionals (CYP) and Leaders of Board of Trade, most notably elements, four programs, five in the Vancouver Organizing Development. She’s here to set Tomorrow (LOT) programs. His the largest dinner in our history, to six brands… to thousands of Committee for the 2010 Olympic a new standard, raise the bar challenge now is to drive the the Joe Segal Gala, and – twice! – Members who joined us for a and Paralympic Winter Games and change the way we do busi- same success with our Small the annual Scotiabank and The multitude of different reasons? (VANOC), where he forged and ness with our valued sponsor Business Council (SBC) and Vancouver Board of Trade’s Golf We hire Alison Russell. then evolved a series of director- partners. our Women’s Leadership Circle Classic, a sold-out event that is With over 16 years of experi- level positions. She brings a diverse back- (WLC) programs; Member seg- now rightly one of our marquee ence in marketing, Russell has Crawford has spent many ground in senior sales and mar- ments that are key to our future events and referred to by many worked with financial and tech- years as an independent con- keting and comes to us most success. in attendance as “the best golf nology companies that operate sultant on strategic planning, recently from Bell Canada. Pre- Prior to joining The Vancou- tournament all year.” in markets across North America. operations management and vious roles included operations ver Board of Trade, Nairn was the James brings more than six Her marketing experience is performance measurement ser- and marketing management Membership Services Manager years of events management varied from traditional mar- vices, whose clients include the positions in firms that resemble at the North Vancouver Chamber experience to our team, along keting methods to new media NFL and the FIFA Women’s World many of our members in size, of Commerce where he focused with her eagerness and attention methods. Cup 2015. scale and focus. on membership marketing, re- to detail. In her spare time, Russell Developing and implement- tention, and business start up James is a graduate of Capi- is an avid runner, having run Rob MacKay-Dunn ing long-term, value-based part- services. lano University with a Degree several half marathons and two Director, Public Policy – He nerships with The Vancouver An avid volunteer, Nairn regu- in Business and an Advanced full marathons, and volunteering crafts public positions and pro- Board of Trade’s many sponsors larly contributes his time to Diploma in Marketing, and also at those races where she’s not a poses priorities, supports policy is a key part of our new strategy. support Junior Achievement, Big possesses a Diploma in Events competitor. guest column
PUBLISHER: Business in Vancouver Media Group B.C. residents content with EDITOR: Greg Hoekstra, 604-640-5450 ADVERTISING SALES: Katherine Butler, 604-608-5158 local governments: survey DESIGN: Business in Vancouver Media Group
As the official publication of The Vancouver Board of Trade, the Sounding Board newspaper provides analysis and discussion of regional and national issues BY EVI MUSTEL recently, it is a key issue among facing the business community, along with input from member companies, communities across B.C. allowing them to raise their profile in the business community. With the Union of BC Mu- And how are local govern- Sounding Board is published 12 times per year by Business in Vancouver Media Group in partnership with The Vancouver Board of Trade. nicipalities annual meeting of ments delivering on the things Sounding Board is read by leading business executives and their employees. The mayors, councillors and staff that matter to residents? They paper has a primary circulation of 12,500 and a conservatively estimated total taking place last month in Van- tend to get high marks for pro- readership of 37,500. couver, Mustel Group decided it viding access to recreational ABOUT THE VANCOUVER BOARD OF TRADE would be a good time to check in opportunities and amenities, The Vancouver Board of Trade is Vancouver’s chamber of commerce. Since 1887, The Board of Trade has been an active proponent of business in Vancouver. The with residents across B.C. about and for such municipal services World Trade Centre Vancouver is the international division of The Vancouver views of their community, and as fire and rescue, libraries, and Board of Trade and is affiliated with more than 300 WTCs worldwide. the way it is being managed. police and safety services. OUR MISSION STATEMENT A total of 850 interviews were But municipalities tend The Vancouver Board of Trade works in the enlightened interest of its members to promote, enhance and facilitate the development of the region as a Pacific conducted online with a ran- not to fare as well for some of centre for trade, commerce and travel. domly selected sample of B.C. the things that really matter to
OUR BASIC PRINCIPLES residents, 18 years of age and residents, such as community The Board of Trade believes that the market system is the only system that over. engagement, and maintenance works effectively in the allocation of scarce economic resources for efficient and stable economic growth and job creation. The Board of Trade recognizes the Overall, B.C. residents are of roads and bridges, as well as %VI -USTEL 0RINCIPAL imperfections of the market system and supports the need for publicly provided quite content with life in their for management of traffic, plan- Mustel Group services such as social services, health services and public education. The Board supports the philosophy of less government involvement in the business sector communities and most — 87 ning for future development, and believes that governments should not do what can be done in whole or in per cent — are satisfied with local transit services, address- value for the property taxes part by the private sector. the quality of services provided ing social issues, and economic they pay, but only 16 per cent PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT No. 40011551 by their local government. Even development. respond “very” good value, The Vancouver Board of Trade, World Trade Centre more importantly, eight in ten When asked what they believe indicating room for improve- Suite 400, 999 Canada Place Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3E1 have a somewhat to very strong is the most important issue ment. Interestingly, women and [email protected] sense of belonging to their com- facing their community, that is, seniors are the most positive munity. the one issue that should receive about the value received. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013-2014 What impacts our opinions the greatest attention from their When asked about funding EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE of our communities the most? mayor or council, at the top of for municipal services, the Chair Elio Luongo The most significant drivers are the list is real estate develop- majority, 64 per cent, would Canadian Managing Partner — Tax KPMG LLP opportunities for recreational ment and long-term planning. prefer an increase in user fees Senior Vice-Chair Janet Austin activities (parks, trails, commu- This issue particularly stands to reduce taxes, rather than in- Chief Executive Officer YWCA Metro Vancouver nity centres, etc), and our roads out in Metro Vancouver. creased property taxes. Vice-Chair Tim Manning and bridges infrastructure. We Other items on the wish list Overall, this survey shows Regional VP, Commercial Financial Services value our recreation, and ability include: economic development that B.C. residents are rela- RBC Royal Bank to move around the community and job creation, improved tively content with their home Vice-Chair Tamara Vrooman Chief Executive Officer with ease. public transit and transporta- community and how it is being Vancity Another key driver of satis- tion infrastructure, affordable managed. It appears that the Secretary-Treasurer George Cadman, QC faction is the level of community and social housing, crime and future is what worries them, and Shareholder Boughton Law Corporation engagement or consultation by policing, and managing spend- perhaps a loss of the things they Finance and Audit Committee Chair Jon Schubert local government on projects or ing. treasure most. Policy Council Chair Robin Silvester President and Chief Executive Officer initiative. On the issue of taxes, three- Evi Mustel is Principal of the Port Metro Vancouver Although receiving much at- in-four home owners feel they Mustel Group and a Director of Immediate Past Chair Ken Martin President and Chief Executive Officer tention in the City of Vancouver receive at least “fairly” good The Vancouver Board of Trade. Pacific Blue Cross Member at large Maninder Dhaliwal Executive Director Tradeworks BC Member at large Member at large Tracey McVicar Partner Sustaining a livable region CAI Capital Management Company Member at large Member at large John Nightingale President and Chief Executive Officer -ETRO 6ANCOUVER #HAIR DISCUSSES LONG TERM INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING .OV Vancouver Aquarium President and CEO Iain Black The Vancouver Board of Trade The economic success of the will create an estimated 32,000 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lower Mainland is anchored direct and 18,000 indirect job- Penny Ballem City of Vancouver in the core utility and regional years between now and 2022. Dave Cunningham Telus Corporation planning services provided On Nov. 20, join The Vancou- Lara Dauphinee Fiore Financial Corporation, Fiore Group Mary Anne Davidson Acciona Infrastructures Canada collaboratively by Metro Van- ver Board of Trade for a keynote Anne Giardini Weyerhaeuser Company Limited couver and its member munici- address by Greg Moore, Chair Calvin Helin RCI Capital Group, Inc. palities. of the Metro Vancouver board Craig Hemer Odgers Berndtson Robin Hemmingsen BCIT School of Business It’s those services that con- of directors. David Hoff Ledcor tribute to the quality of life In his first-ever speech to the Terry Hui Concord Pacific Developments Inc. Richard Jaffray Cactus Restaurants Ltd. we enjoy as residents, and to Board of Trade, Moore will share Moray Keith Dueck Auto Group an environment in which our some of the current and future Sacha McLean The McLean Group Evi Mustel Mustel Group economy can thrive. major capital projects for which Gordon Nelson Rogers Communications Group Metro Vancouver’s invest- Metro Vancouver is responsible, Jatinder Rai Response Advertising Inc. Elise Rees Ernst & Young LLP ments in our drinking water, and will describe how Metro’s Dr. Mark Schonfeld sewerage and solid waste in- Regional Growth Strategy can Dennis Skulsky BC Lions Football Club Greg Moore, Chair, Lorne Segal Kingswood Properties Ltd. frastructure to accommodate support a vibrant and sustain- Denise Turner Bravura Business Solutions Inc. growth — while maintaining able economy for the Lower -ETRO 6ANCOUVER "OARD OF $IRECTORS what we already have — will Mainland region. mean an expenditure of some $5 Register today at www.boar- [email protected] for billion in the next decade, and doftrade.com or email reserva- more information. October 2013 Sounding Board guest column 5 Circles and cycles
BY PETER G. HALL weakness is the time for governments to motion have ignited the debate what at. That’s a tall order. Is it possible? step in, borrowing if necessary to get the really gets an economy going. Every- Embedded at the core of economic Tired of the long, drawn-out debate on economy going with spending injections. where, pundits are picking their point activity is a key signal: prices. By their future economic growth? You’re in good That’s where context is important. In this on the circular flow diagram, certain that ups and downs, they illustrate moments company. It’s a necessary debate, because latest go-round, the economy entered “it will start here”. Others suggest that it of plenty, of shortage, of weak purchas- our individual livelihoods depend on it. the down-cycle vastly over-stimulated. won’t start anywhere; growth is perma- ing or red-hot demand. They catch the But it’s a frustrating one, because there’s Global govern- nently slower, for a interplay of these. But they are no mere little agreement, and the arguments are ment intervention, variety of structural output of the system; they also influence of times circuitous — even those made as significant as it reasons. Can we supply and demand. This is where defla- by the “experts.” Is there a way out of the was, proved akin to make any sense of tion can be so debilitating. Firms faced analytical quagmires that we are currently curing the hangover the circle, or is it by with excess product slash prices to move up to our axles in? with vast amounts its very structure, a their goods and services along. When this Economists come by circular think- of liquor, postpon- mystery? becomes general habit, and persists for ing honestly. Prominent in the first few ing the inevitable. It To some, the a long time, folks get used to it, and they pages of first-year textbooks is the circular bought us time, but answers lie in psy- delay purchases as long as possible. It’s flow diagram. It posits that the economy little else except a chology. Even here, a conundrum we find ourselves close to is a continuum, with a simultaneity of mountain of debili- the growth and now, and we only need look to Japan to see activities that make it difficult to deter- tating debt. decline triggers are how debilitating deflation can be. mine beginning or end. You get a job, Others advo- nebulous, making The bottom line? you get paid, you buy stuff that wasn’t cated that other for even more The debate on growth will likely be being bought before, firms increase key public policy tightly circuitous circuitous well beyond the start of the next production, they hire more people who lever, interest rates. reasoning. What we growth cycle. In all the banter, it’s critical then consume more, and so forth. In the Low rates were are really left with is that we not forget the role of prices, and mean time, governments levy taxes and aimed at getting the frustration that that in the current context, a little infla- re-inject funds at some other point on the wheel going against all efforts tion may not be a bad thing at all. And the continuum. Similarly, imports leak more quickly. The 0ETER ' (ALL 6ICE 0RESIDENT AND #HIEF %CONOMIST to the contrary, the remember, of the two ills of pricing, it’s money out of the system, but exports resulting flood of %XPORT $EVELOPMENT #ANADA economy still expe- the one that central banks really know bring money back in. cash did convince riences cycles, and how to cure. Simple, right? us that money was not just small ones. Peter G. Hall is vice-president and When things are functioning well, available, preventing bank runs. Low Globalization, innovation, fiscal wizardry chief economist for Export Development yes. But slowdowns mess things up — rates were nice, but nobody - not firms, and gutsy monetary experimentation Canada, a Crown corporation that sup- this circular flow is so tight that it can be definitely not consumers - was in a bor- haven’t been able to stave it off. If growth ports and develops export trade by helping extremely difficult to actually see the key rowing mood. Lots of the liquidity ended and decay are inevitable, it then becomes Canadian companies respond to interna- sources of weakness. up just sitting around. essential to understand in real time what tional business opportunities. For more Some don’t really care, suggesting that The subsequent three years of slow point of the business cycle the economy is information visit www.edc.ca.
Stephan Wackerhagen / lonetrails.com
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BOARD OF TRADE MEMBER SINCE: 2013 BOARD OF TRADE MEMBER SINCE: 2013 4HE "UTLER $ID )T #ATERING #O !MANDO .ATURAL 3TONE
Describe your business the towel too early. Describe your business now. I love working in 10 words or less. When did you realize in 10 words or less. with natural stone Vancouver’s best and you wanted to start Supplier of architectural handcrafted designed most versatile corporate and your own business? natural stonework, creating products because they event catering company. The entrepreneurial distinctive living spaces — provide a unique and Why did you join The wheels started spin- naturally! durable way to beautify, Vancouver Board of Trade? ning when I was in high Why did you join The enhance and personal- To get more involved in school and my older Vancouver Board of Trade? ize homes. the business community in brother started his own As a family business, we Do you think it Vancouver. The Vancouver business. It inspired me want to be involved with the takes a certain type of Board of Trade offers fan- to be open to having community we live in. We person to run a small tastic opportunities to get my own business as an want to support and connect business? involved, network, learn and OWNER: DARRYL RAY option for my future. with like-minded people OWNER: KARINA EVA Yes, I believe that a grow as an entrepreneur and When I was 23, I had the seeking mutually benefi- person needs vision, small business. opportunity to start a small catering busi- cial relationships: collaboration, referrals, passion, determination, preparation, What motivates you as an entrepre- ness with a co-worker and her husband. mentorship, networking and education. effort, confidence and to be useful to neur? The Butler Did It Catering was born and It When did you realize you wanted to others. Be proactive, sincere, focused, For me it’s the excitement and variety has been an exciting ride ever since. start your own business? and committed. Be able to take action, we face in our industry. We are constantly Do you think it takes a certain type of I was inspired by my father who take risks, and to give more than ex- faced with unique challenges every day person to run a small business? became ill and passed away as a by- pected. and I love that! Owning your own business takes product of working in the construction What advice would you give to other What do you think makes a small courage and is not for the faint of heart. industry, specifically with asbestos. I budding entrepreneurs? business successful? You are in charge of your own destiny. wanted to find a better, healthier, more Someone told me once, “I do not know Patience and hard work. Things always There are many hard decisions, chal- beautiful, more creative way to build anyone who has succeeded who has not take longer than expected. It takes time to lenges and obstacles that you face on a living and working spaces. been able to assess and take a risk and form supplier partnerships, build a team regular basis without much help. There Where did you get the idea for your then live with the consequence.” There and nurture a client base. I think some is great satisfaction in overcoming these business? is no such thing as failure, only learning people underestimate how long it takes situations but the journey is an emotional I have worked with Mexican manufac- experiences. to establish a solid business and throw in roller coaster. turers and craftsmen for nearly 15 years
Company Profiles Small Business Month
BOARD OF TRADE MEMBER SINCE: 2009 BOARD OF TRADE MEMBER SINCE: 2013 0RESTIGE 0ERFORMANCE #ONSULTING ,4$ *0 ,%$ ,IGHTING
Describe your business Successful business- Describe your business neurs need to possess. in 10 words or less. es have clarity on where in 10 words or less. The ability to change We provide turnkey solu- they are and where they Manufacturing lighting with market demand, tions that help entrepreneurs want to be, are effec- solutions that save consum- effective time manage- outperform their competi- tive in planning their ers money while helping the ment, and the perse- tion. goals and executing on environment. verance to get through Why did you join The their plans, and seek Why did you join the years of sustainable Vancouver Board of Trade? continuous learning to The Vancouver Board of growth. To build meaning- improve their business Trade? What is the most ful relationships and help performance. The opportunity to daunting challenge businesses optimize their Do you think it takes stay engaged and meeting you have faced in busi- performance. a certain type of person people at local luncheons, ness? Also, I am the president- OWNER: GALIA SHUKR to run a small busi- breakfast meetings, corpo- OWNER: JESSE NEUFIELD Managing growth. elect of The Vancouver Board ness? rate meetings while inter- Evaluating the next of Trade’s Ambassadors’ Club. The club As business owners, our commitment acting with prominent speakers. step in the early stages of a business continues to be the source of inspiration is tested every day. A successful entrepre- Do you think it takes a certain type should be analyzed carefully and dili- for members to stay engaged and improve neur has an unshakable commitment to of person to run a small business? gently in order to avoid undesirable their business visibility. execute on plans and achieve goals, seeks Running a business is a risk. All en- results. Sometimes hiring an objective Where did you get the idea for your continuous learning to improve their trepreneurs must experience risk and opinion will give a new business the business? leadership style and business results, and undesirable results in order to grow as a clarity it needs to manage growth. With a successful track record in never gives up. manager. If you are in business you must What advice would you give to other helping global corporations considerably What motivates you as an entrepre- function comfortably with a high level of budding entrepreneurs? improve their businesses, we saw signifi- neur? risk. If a small business doesn’t experi- Know your weaknesses and your cant opportunities for B.C. businesses. We Client results and industry recognition ence undesirable results, then they are strengths. Assess your personality bring relevant expertise through stream- are my greatest motivators. We’re also hon- not taking enough risk. type and the people around you. Sur- lined programs that enable businesses to oured to be ranked in the top ten providers What do you think makes a small round yourself with people that have succeed by leveraging on proven concepts of business improvement programs on business successful? the required experience where yours is at an affordable price. the highest customer satisfaction, highest Natural initiative in a moment’s lacking. What do you think makes a small revenue generated and highest impact to notice and the ability to move forward business successful? business results. efficiently is a core value all entrepre- October 2013 Sounding Board small business month 7
BOARD OF TRADE MEMBER SINCE: 1994 BOARD OF TRADE MEMBER SINCE: 2011 Socialized Communications .ORAVERA 6ISUALS
Describe your business Every day something Describe your business of the day. Maintaining in 10 words or less. changes and my busi- in 10 words or less. strong long-lasting re- Social media training, ness has to be ahead Noravera is a video lationships is also key management and consult- of the curve so we can marketing agency creat- to building a successful ing company. in turn keep our client ing thoughtful, sharp and business. Why did you join The strategies and training imaginative ways of telling When did you Vancouver Board of programs up to date. a story. realize you wanted to Trade? Do you think it takes Why did you join The start your own busi- I joined when I was 18 a certain type of per- Vancouver Board of Trade? ness? years old as a young entre- son to run a small Having been a member I have always had a preneur to help expand my business? of the Leaders of Tomorrow passion for video pro- network, find mentors and You have to check mentorship program, I saw duction. It started with become part of the Van- OWNER: SHANE GIBSON your ego at the door, continuing my involvement OWNER: GEOFF LIVINGSTON producing mountain couver business commun- focus on what you’re with The Vancouver Board of bike videos. I realized ity. Nineteen years later – it was the good at and hire people who are bet- Trade as a great opportunity to develop that through the connections I had best investment I have made to date. ter than you at the other things. An my career beyond school doors and into made over time, along with the strong What motivates you as an entrepreneur who can’t do this has the business world of Vancouver. relationship I had built with a long-time entrepreneur? very little sleep or time for family or What motivates you as an entrepre- friend who became my business partner Contribution. Making a difference in community. neur? (Brian Ceci) we could create a successful other people’s lives through education, What do you think makes a small I am motivated by the variety of work business. training and seminars. Whether it’s business successful? and projects that I am involved with. Do you think it takes a certain type of standing in front of an audience of 200 One thing I have learned is that we As a video producer, I get to experience person to run a small business? people sharing leadership and market- too often focus on growing the busi- other people’s lives day-to-day and make I think it is possible for anyone to ing insights or sitting one-on-one con- ness. The reality is we must grow as many great connections and friendships start a business and be successful at it. sulting a member of the community I leaders for the business to grow. As along the way. It takes passion for something you love find the work extremely rewarding. a small business person you need What do you think makes a small doing, having the guts to take a chance What keeps you up at night? to develop an incredible appetite to business successful? and not being afraid to fail. You can also Mark Zuckerberg! (and all the people learn and develop yourself in order to Not over promising deliverables and add in some good timing and luck into like him in the social media space). succeed. making sure the client is happy at the end that mix!
Company Profiles Small Business Month
BOARD OF TRADE MEMBER SINCE: 1995 having Personalized Creations Corporate A successful entrepreneur has an Gift Basket Service unshakable commitment to execute the
Describe your busi- What keeps you up ness in 10 words or less. at night? on plans and achieve goals, seeks guts to A full-service corpo- My insecurities of rate gift service delivering having no post-second- continuous learning to improve their your message delicious- ary education and that take a ly. someday everyone will Why did you join figure it out worries me... leadership style and business results, The Vancouver Board of Oops, I guess the cat is chance Trade? out of the bag now! and never gives up To expand my network. What do you think When I first started my makes a small business company at 23 years old, successful? I believe that a person needs vision, my circle of influence Our success is a re- was limited. Two decades OWNER: CAROLE MACFADDEN flection on whether or later, due to my member- not we are able to cater passion, determination, preparation, effort, ship in The Vancouver Board of Trade, to the needs, requirements or whims I am excited to say that we have worked of our clientele without referring to a confidence and to be useful to others. with most of B.C.’s largest companies governing board or policy manual. We and organizations. flex with their needs, not our own poli- What motivates you as an entre- cies and standard procedures. preneur? What is the most difficult part of and not being The full rolodex of people that said owning a small business? I couldn’t do it, shouldn’t do it, or that Sometimes everything is entirely up I should close the doors when it got to you, which can be both a wonderful afraid to fail. rough. And, yep, it got really rough blessing and a daunting curse. when I first started out. Small Business Month 8 member news Sounding Board October 2013 Make the most of Small Business Month
BY ANTHONY TAYLOR tion, not a product. A partner petitors in your industry and of people this month. Be sure wants to benefit just as much as they are probably at the same to follow up with an email or October 1 marks the begin- you do. Media want a story, not events you are. Come with a a phone call to continue the ning of my favourite time of year to advertise for you. Think about clear understanding of what relationship once the dust has — Small Business Month! what you can do for others, and makes you better than your settled. Use a CRM like Highrise A time when we get to cel- you’ll be more successful in competition and make a point or Nimble to keep track of your ebrate the businesses that drive getting what you of sharing it when contacts, and to set reminders of our economy, both locally and want. appropriate. when to follow up with them. across the country. Plan ahead. “One of the Have fun, but be Be Social. Throughout the month, there Take an hour to reasons our responsible. There’s going to be a lot of will be many opportunities for plan your calen- When you’re great information shared at you to network and pitch your dar with potential small business out networking it’s speaker events throughout the business to other small business events and oppor- ecosystem is so easy to get into the city. Engage and discuss speaker owners and media alike. tunities, instead of spirit of celebra- topics with your peers, and share With all these opportunities finding out about strong is because tion by the bar. good content through social out there, here are eight ways to events the day of. we support each Whether you’re the networks. One of the reasons Anthony Taylor make the most of it. This will ensure CEO or an entry- our small business ecosystem is Know what you’re looking for. that you use other and spread level employee, so strong is because we support Have a great Small Business Before you head to your next your time wisely good ideas.” you represent your each other and spread good Month, everyone! event, be specific about who you and can focus it company and its ideas. Anthony Taylor is events chair are hoping to meet, whether it’s on your target brand. Make sure And finally… of The Vancouver Board of Trade’s a new client, a new partner, or market. Plus, you’ll reduce the that the experience is a positive Bring your phone charger Small Business Council. He’s media outlet. risk of missing out on something one, and you present yourself in with you. Not only do you not also Principal of SME Strategy Know what that person wants, amazing. the best light. want to miss out on a great photo - Strategic planning for growing and give it to them. Know what makes you better. Follow up and follow through. op, but “a friend in need is a businesses. Learn more at www. Your prospect wants a solu- Chances are you have com- You are going to meet a lot friend indeed.” smestrategy.net. New IMBL program The next generation of ready to launch social entrepreneurs
BY MARK HOAG The program is available until December BCIT School of Business introduces new, highly applied program 2015, at which time the participating As outlined in the January 2013 edition municipalities will collectively review and BY NATASHA MRKIC-SUBOTIC concern, both of which can create long- of Sounding Board, one of the top pri- report back to their respective councils, term value. orities for The Vancouver Board of Trade who will determine whether to continue, Entrepreneurs create new ideas, Of course, measuring value is not as this year was to generate discussion change, or expand this program. products and services to satisfy unmet simple as calculating ROI. A social entre- about the need for a mobile or inter- There are several IMBL programs needs. preneur must also learn to measure the municipal business licence program in already successfully operating in British However, often times being just an social value of an activity. Metro Vancouver. Columbia including the Capital Region entrepreneur isn’t enough. A social entrepreneur can also be Such a program would allow a busi- in Victoria, Okanagan-Similkameen and This is where the concept of social an intrapreneur, meaning a person ness to operate across a number of par- North Shore. Locally, the Fraser Valley and entrepreneurship comes in. working for an existing for-profit orga- ticipating municipalities and regional Tri-Cities initiated pilot IMBL programs What is social entrepreneurship? nization, but implementing principles districts without having to obtain a dis- on Jan. 1, 2013. It’s entrepreneurship that aims to of social value creation in either their tinct separate licence in each municipal- From a volume perspective, the address social needs work processes or final ity, reducing costs and red tape for many current economic activity in the Metro that are unmet by outcomes. A terrific of our small business members. West IMBL is larger than that of other government or the “What makes social local example of this We are very pleased to report that IMBL areas. Therefore, this initiative has private sector, in a entrepreneurs stand concept is Vancity’s — beginning Oct. 1, 2013 — the City of the potential to be the largest in B.C., way that is congruent “Make Good Money” Vancouver along with Burnaby, Delta, once the program moves beyond the with market forces. In out from ordinary campaign. New Westminster, Richmond and Surrey pilot phase. short, social entrepre- entrepreneurs is their Recently, BCIT will implement the new Metro West Inter- The Vancouver Board of Trade would neurs work each day School of Business Municipal Business Licence (IMBL). like to acknowledge the efforts of the to make our world a community awareness launched a new and The new IMBL Pilot Program will participating municipalities, the Van- better place. and social concern, both highly applied Social streamline the licensing process for con- couver Economic Commission, and For example, in Entrepreneurship struction and trades related businesses other boards of trade and chambers of the 1970s Bangladeshi of which can create program, which en- and allow them to operate in all of the commerce, along with the Ministry of banker, economist long-term value.” courages students to participating six municipalities with a Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and our and Nobel Peace Prize review and develop single license. Prior to this pilot program, own Small Business Council in working winner Muhammad business plans that businesses such as trade contractors who together to help streamline a portion of Yunus proclaimed that “unleashing of assess the likelihood of not just commer- work in multiple municipalities, had to the regulatory processes and reduce the energy and creativity in each human cial returns, but also social returns. obtain a business licence from each mu- barriers to doing business in the region. being is the answer to poverty.” What students have concluded so far nicipality they worked in. This process is For more information on the new And with that, Yunus launched his is simple — that doing “good business” time-consuming, costly and is frequently program visit the City of Vancouver’s world-changing venture — a new kind is good for your business! raised by businesses as a barrier to doing website at www.vancouver.ca. of bank which offered “micro-loans” and business in the region. Mark Hoag is a Partner with KNV the creation of true social value. Natasha Mrkic-Subotic is a social en- The fee for a Metro West IMBL will be Chartered Accountants and Vice-Chair What makes a social entrepreneur trepreneurship instructor at BCIT School $250 annually. This is in addition to the of The Vancouver Board of Trade’s Small stand out from ordinary entrepreneurs of Business. For more information on the home municipality’s business licence fee. Business Council. is their community awareness and social program, visit www.bcit.ca/business. October 2013 Sounding Board member news 9 ‘Look at the cannibals’
BY ANDREY SCHMIDT AND cially strong company buys its share buybacks could even harm MICHAEL ARMSTRONG own shares at undervalued levels, shareholders if a company pays it will usually benefit sharehold- too much for its own shares, as Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ers. Since there are fewer shares the funds could be put to better (NYSE:BRK.B) director and oc- outstanding after a buyback, the use. togenarian billionaire Charlie remaining shareholders will typi- Let’s look at some real-world Munger once advised investors cally enjoy higher earnings on a examples of share buybacks. to “look at the cannibals.” per share basis. According to a June 2012 Credit Munger used this colourful In other words, share buybacks Suisse study, from 2004-2011, metaphor to convey that inves- can help a company grow its earn- dollar store chain Dollar Tree tors should watch companies ings per share and consequently Inc. (NASDAQ:DLTR) purchased doing share buybacks for poten- the value of its shares. Also, on the nearly 70 million of its own shares tial investment opportunities. At rare occasion when a company at an average price around US$28. Armstrong Schmidt Investment can buy back shares below book Compared to today’s price of Management, we like to see value, a share buyback can in- US$54, this buyback program companies doing share buybacks crease book value per share. appears to have benefitted share- Andrey Schmidt and Michael Armstrong of Armstrong Schmidt Investment Management. in some circumstances. We have We emphasize that the holders. noticed that many investors do company should be mature and The same study reveals that friendly move, as AIG shares were clients with a specific focus on not understand buybacks, so we financially strong, and its shares aluminum giant Alcoa Inc. trading around US$47 at the time, discretionary portfolio manage- are going to explain some of the should be undervalued. It may (NYSE:AA) purchased around 116 and the company’s book value per ment. The partnership operates basics. not make sense for an emerging million of its own shares during share was around US$61. Only under the corporate umbrella Publicly traded companies growth company to buy back that time period at an average time will tell. of Raymond James Ltd., one of typically have a large number shares if high-return growth op- price around US$35. Compared Like Munger advises, we “look Canada’s leading full-service in- of shares outstanding that are portunities are consuming all to today’s price of US$8, share- at the cannibals.” We like to see vestment dealers. The views and owned by numerous sharehold- of its available capital. Likewise, holders cannot be pleased. mature, financially strong com- opinions expressed in this article ers. A share buyback happens it may not make sense for a Let’s look at a more current panies purchase their own shares are those of Armstrong Schmidt when a company purchases company in a precarious finan- example. American Interna- at seemingly undervalued levels. Investment Management and some of its own shares from its cial position to buy back shares tional Group Inc. (NYSE:AIG) On the other hand, those com- not Raymond James Ltd. This shareholders and cancels them, if this would consume scarce is a large property and casu- panies that do buybacks in the article is not a solicitation and causing the number of its out- capital. alty insurer that is still recover- wrong circumstances are better is for information purposes only. standing shares to decrease. Also, share buybacks may not ing from the 2008-09 financial off going hungry. Raymond James Ltd. is a member So why would share buybacks benefit shareholders if a company crisis. On Aug. 1, the company Armstrong Schmidt Invest- of the Canadian Investor Protec- be positive? simply buys back the number announced it would purchase up ment Management provides the tion Fund. For more information Well, they are not always posi- of shares it grants to employees to US$1 billion of its own shares. full range of investment servic- about our services, please visit tive, but when a mature, finan- as annual compensation. And This looks like a shareholder- es to both retail and corporate www.armstrong-schmidt.ca.
Call TODAY! >G87j^aY^c\HX^ZcXZh 300'$0/46-5*/(r4536$563"-&/(*/&&3*/(r#6*-%*/(&/7&-01&&/(*/&&3*/(r1"7&.&/5$0/46-5*/(r.&$)"/*$"-&/(*/&&3*/(r#6*-%*/(&/&3(:1&3'03."/$& @cdlNdjg7j^aY^c\Djih^YZ>c# 7BODPVWFSr$PVSUFOBZr7FSOPOr$BMHBSZr8JOETPSr-POEPOr.JTTJTTBVHBr0UUBXBr.POUSFBMr)BMJGBY lll#^gX\gdje#Xdb 1010 member news Sounding Board October 2013 In the swing of things Photos from the third annual Scotiabank and The Vancouver Board of Trade’s Golf Classic All photos by Jay Shaw Photography One-hundred and forty-four golfers Following a day of golf, the fun con- hit the links at University Golf Club on tinued into the evening, with a buffet Sept. 19, to take part in the third annual dinner, silent and live auctions, and an Scotiabank and The Vancouver Board of awards ceremony. Trade Golf Classic. A full photo gallery from this year’s The tournament – one of The Vancou- tournament is now available on The Van- ver Board of Trade’s signature events and couver Board of Trade’s official Facebook key fundraisers – featured a day full of page, at facebook.com/VancouverBoar- networking, contests, and prizes. dofTrade. 6ANCOUVER "OARD OF 4RADE STAFF SHOW THEIR ENTHUSIASM FOR A DAY OF FUN IN THE SUN Three golfers watch quietly, as the fourth member of their group tries to sink a putt. ! FOURSOME CELEBRATES AFTER COMPLETING ONE OF THE HOLES AT 5NIVERSITY 'OLF #LUB Thank you Sponsors and Participants This year’s tournament would not be possible without your generous support and participation. Eagle Sponsor: Media Partners: October 2013 Sounding Board member news 11 ! GOLFER TRIES HER LUCK IN THE PUTTING CONTEST AT 3COTIABANK AND 4HE 6ANCOUVER "OARD OF 4RADES 'OLF #LASSIC 'OLFERS HAVE A LITTLE FUN AT ONE OF THE TOURNAMENTS EIGHT FOOD STATIONS 4HE 6ANCOUVER "OARD OF 4RADES #HAIR %LIO ,UONGO SECOND FROM LEFT POSES WITH HIS FOURSOME AT THE FIRST TEE 'OLF PRO "RAD %WART SHOWS OFF HIS SKILLS AT 2"# 2OYAL "ANKS h0RO 4AKES 9OUR 3HOTv TEE MJS: TSX-V AOBK1D: FSE Energy Forum 2013 Staying Competitive in Changing Global Markets Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Large NI 43 101 gold resource The Vancouver Board of Trade will be bringing Increasing gold production year on year r together industry experts, government officials, Located in a prolific gold producing region c e and First Nations representatives to discuss how u Strong, experienced management team a British Columbia is positioned to ensure we o d n r hi remain competitive in the global energy markets. p C l d , We are pleased to announce that Ian Anderson, o e President, Kinder Morgan Canada will be g nc g vi Ian Anderson providing one of the two keynote addresses. i n o President, Kinder g Pr A full lineup will be announced in the coming e r g Morgan Canada e m n weeks. A n do an Register today at boardoftrade.com. i n Sh www.majesticgold.net 502-535 Thurlow St. Vancouver, Canada. V6E 3L2 T: 604-681-4653 F: 604- 568-4902 E: [email protected] boardoftrade.com/events 12 member news Sounding Board October 2013 Port takes action to clean The costs of workplace and protect waterways bullying and harassment Port Metro Vancouver has announced announced an innovative program cur- *)"# COURSE HELPS EMPLOYERS COMPLY WITH NEW LEGISLATION a five-year initiative to remove derelict rently in development with the City of Port Recent changes to the Workers Com- bystanders,” adds Highnam. “If someone structures and vessels from Fraser River Moody. pensation Act (via Bill 14) mean that by Nov. is being bullied or harassed, other people municipalities, in an effort to ensure safer, If approved, the Anchor Management 1, B.C. employers and employees must be usually know about it. Now, bystanders and cleaner recreational boating. Pilot Project will address nuisances that ready to actively recognize and address bul- employers have a moral responsibility to The Fraser River Improvement Initiative affect municipal waterfronts when recre- lying and harassment in the workplace. shift the culture.” targets derelict vessels and structures that ational boaters drop anchor for extended Kent Highnam, Manager, Customized Highnam says bullying typically comes pose risk to wildlife or natural habitats, or periods of time without approval or ap- Training Solutions with Justice Institute from a sense of insecurity or an inability to impede navigational safety on the Fraser propriate marine services. It will also help of British Columbia (JIBC), developed a manage a situation. It’s about power, and River, such as vessels that are sinking or reduce noise from unauthorized private new seven-hour, self-paced, online course power imbalances aren’t always top-down, leaking fuel. vessels and address concerns about im- on the new legislation with subject matter he notes. As part of the initiative, Port Metro Van- proper waste disposal. expert Erica Pinskey. “They can result from different edu- couver will contact owners of abandoned “Port Metro Vancouver holds among its Highnam describes the course, Work- cation levels and cultural differences. structures or vessels, and where possible, highest values a commitment to keep our place Bullying: What you need to know, as a Physical attraction can be power. A well work with them to ensure proper removal. waterways clean and safe,” said Peter Xotta, comprehensive introduction to bullying in connected individual or someone with Port Metro Vancouver is committing ap- Vice President of Planning and Operations. the workplace with compelling testimoni- control over key resources in a company proximately $2 million over five years to the “We plan to maintain this commitment by als from individuals who, after being bullied can wield power. initiative. This also marks the beginning of cracking down on anyone whose actions at work, left their jobs as a result. “It’s likely that we’ve all been guilty of more rigorous enforcement efforts in order obstruct the navigational and environmen- “The cost of doing nothing translates bullying behaviour at one time or another, to prevent the problem from reoccurring. tal safety of our waterways.” for employers in obvious ways: increased but the behavior has to be repetitive and “Port Metro Vancouver is proud to lead The Anchor Management Pilot Project absenteeism, decreased morale, lowered intentional to be classified as bullying.” this initiative. We believe it’s the kind of re- would be the first of its kind in B.C. The productivity and increased financial li- For more information and registration sponsible but tough action municipalities program designates an area where, for a fee, ability,” says Highnam. contact Highnam at 604-528-5615. have been looking for from the Port Author- boaters can safely and respectfully anchor “In the past a person might leave a Mark your calendar for The JIBC Foun- ity,” said Tom Corsie, Vice President of Real their vessels. workplace and sue for wrongful dismissal. dation Awards for Justice and Public Safety Estate for Port Metro Vancouver. It also provides enforcement officials That’s still possible, but now, if I’m being Gala, presented by Scotiabank, November 28, “Removal and disposal can be very with a place to send those who drop anchor bullied and I leave work as a result, and my at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. Honourees expensive, so to ensure this program will without approval. The program is expected mental disorder claim is accepted through for 2013 are: North Shore Rescue; The Hon- not become a backstop for irresponsible to be in place for the start of the 2014 WorkSafeBC, my former employer could be ourable Thomas Braidwood, QC; Eric Harris, owners, enforcement will be a critical com- boating season. fined. Their WCB rates could go up, and the QC; and Master Corporal Brent Nolasco, ponent of its success.” For more information, visit www.port- entire workplace suffers. Search and Rescue Technician. Tickets at In addition, Port Metro Vancouver also metrovancouver.com. “There’s a moral majority in the form of www.jibc.ca/gala or 604-685-4888. Thank you sponsors! For your generous contributions throughout September Without your support, our events would not be possible October 2013 Sounding Board member news 1313 A sustainable fuel source for business Going green FortisBC offers renewable natural gas program for BC Hydro customers make businesses looking to reduce carbon footprint the switch to online billing A new study concludes that B.C. households are more “green” BY JOHN TURNER our renewable natural gas sub- with their paper use than others scribers to tour the Fraser Valley in North America when it comes FortisBC has been delivering Biogas facility in Abbotsford. to utility bills. natural gas for years. It’s one There, they had the opportunity A recent comparison con- of the cleanest burning fossil to learn firsthand how methane ducted by E-Source indicates that fuels. Now, our customers have gas from agricultural and food BC Hydro has the tenth highest the opportunity to use an even processing waste is captured adoption rate for paperless cleaner source of energy — re- and cleaned. billing among 51 utilities in North newable natural gas. “Since we use a fair amount America. Province-wide, more Renewable natural gas of natural gas in the roasting than half a million of BC Hydro’s doesn’t come from the ground process, signing up for renew- 1.7 million residential customers but from organic waste found able natural gas helps us be as have made the switch by signing in landfills and farms. Typically, sustainable as possible. And it’s up for an online account. methane from these sources is the right thing to do,” said Lloyd In addition to being envi- released into the atmosphere as Bernhardt, CEO and co-founder &ORTIS"# RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS CUSTOMERS TOUR THE &RASER 6ALLEY "IOGAS FACILITY FOR FIRST ronmentally friendly, customers a greenhouse gas. of Ethical Bean Coffee. HAND EXPERIENCE OF THE COLLECTION CLEANING AND PIPELINE INJECTION PROCESS who make the change will find FortisBC is putting this Businesses that sign up for there are many other benefits to methane to good use by cap- the program pay a 10 per cent on our website and an oppor- from entering the atmosphere. creating an online account. For turing it, cleaning it to “pipeline premium on their FortisBC tunity to promote a coupon or Because of this, any FortisBC example, customers can monitor quality,” and then adding it to bill to have 10 per cent of their offer to FortisBC’s customers. customer who signs up for it re- their electricity use broken down our natural gas system — giving natural gas usage designated as Renewable natural gas is ceives a 10 per cent credit on the by the hour, track the cost of customers a local, renewable renewable natural gas. certified as carbon neutral in B.C. carbon tax on their bill. their electricity use up to the day source of energy. FortisBC then injects the B.C. by Offsetters (Canada’s Businesses can sign up for before and compare their use to Currently, FortisBC has two equivalent amount of renewable leading provider of carbon- renewable natural gas by visit- similar homes nearby. biogas projects in B.C., an an- natural gas into the pipeline management solutions). ing fortisbc.com/rng. BC Hydro also offers online aerobic digester for farm waste system. That means all significant John Turner is the Director conservation tips to help custom- in Abbotsford and a facility to Businesses choosing this greenhouse gas emissions from of FortisBC’s Energy Solutions ers save energy and save money. capture and clean landfill gas at option will also be designated as the product are balanced out team, which provides innovative To create an online account and the Salmon Arm landfill. FortisBC Green Leaders, which by removing or preventing an energy solutions to large natural switch to online billing, visit This September, we invited provides them with recognition equivalent amount of emissions gas customers. bchydro.com/myhydro. Welcome to some of our newest members A.B. Poelen Financial Solutions Hybris Software Klondike Contracting Corp. Tommy’s Catering sunlife.com hybris.com klondikecontracting.com tommycaters.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 604-438-5528 x 2301 604-655-1908 604-708-3337 604-988-0053 BC Nurse’s Union Iron Mountain Canada Corp. KPMG LLP Wavefront Wireless bcnu.org ironmountain.com Tessa K.H. Marks Commercialization [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Centre Society 604-433-2268 604-451-0618 604-691-3000 wavefrontac.com 778-31-7500 CareVest Capital Inc. It’s Just Lunch Vancouver Metropolitan Hotel carevest.com ijlvancouver.com metropolitan.com Vancouver Lifestyles [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Magazine 604-803-8986 604-633-9980 604-687-1122 vancouverlifestyles.com [email protected] Corus Radio Vancouver JP LED Lighting Peartree Financial Services Ltd. 604-636-7119 CKNW AM 980, AM 730, [email protected] peartreefinserv.com Rock 101 & 99.3 the Fox 778-823-0804 info@peartreefinserv.com 604-687-5177 416-613-3848 604-331-2722 Fax 647-436-7460 Fax Leadership loves company 14 member news Sounding Board October 2013 Encore! Encore! Non-fiction takes centre stage 6ANCOUVER /PERA ELIMINATES DElCIT WITH BACK TO BACK SURPLUSES at Vancouver Writers Fest Vancouver Opera achieved a significant Magic Flute. The cultural oasis of Granville Island urgent exploration of how the world can operating surplus in 2012-2013, allowing The company’s second-ever production has been home to the Vancouver Writers survive with us. the company to complete recovery from of The Pirates of Penzance brought many Fest for 26 years. Events with one Non-fiction events are also part of its accumulated deficit of $831,000 in just new faces to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, hundred writers from around the world festival events on Granville Island. Think two years. and the season closed with the Canadian for readers of all ages — interviews, dis- you know the story of The Last Supper, Audited financial statements presented premiere of Tan Dun’s Tea: A Mirror of Soul, cussions, readings, book signings and Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting? at VO’s Annual General Meeting last month an unusual production that fused eastern performances — take place in intimate Ross King’s Leonardo and the Last reported an operating surplus of $435,483 for myth and western opera to reach a new and venues scattered around the island. Supper dispels many of the myths that the year ended on June 30, 2013, on a budget diverse generation of Vancouverites. This year the Festival is branching out surround this monumental work and of $10.2-million, bringing the company’s ac- VO’s annual major fundraising event, to UBC’s Frederic Wood Theatre, with a presents an original and riveting account cumulated surplus to $169,354. OVERTURE, once again set the standard non-fiction mini-series featuring some of the creation of a masterpiece. “We are very pleased to have finished for glittering galas with an extremely suc- of the most important non-fiction books Amanda Lindhout was a freelance last season in a solid financial position,” cessful evening featuring headlining artist of the year. journalist when she was kidnapped and said VO’s General Director James W. Wright. k.d. lang. The authors appearing in the series held captive for 15 months in Somalia. “2012-2013 was very consciously a mix of In May 2013, Vancouver Opera hosted have written insightful, timely and Her memoir, A House in the Sky, is an traditional, new and innovative productions more than 100 companies from across North cogent books. Fast Food Nation author intimate and harrowing account of her and firmly in line with our strategic plan. America for the annual OPERA America con- Eric Schlosser’s new book Command captivity, and ultimately a story about It’s exciting to see audiences responding so ference and Opera.ca colloquium. Delegates and Control is an illuminating investiga- the power of compassion and forgive- enthusiastically and we are greatly encour- from all areas of the industry, as well from tion of the risks associated with nuclear ness. aged as we enter Vancouver Opera’s 54th local arts organizations were in attendance, weapons and the near misses that don’t Post-festival, the VWF will present a season.” allowing collaboration and a chance to put make the news. special event on Nov. 21 with U.K. author “I am grateful for the leadership of our The O’Brian Centre for Vancouver Opera in The troubled state of the American Jung Chang. Board of Directors,” added Wright. “The the spotlight. union is the theme for esteemed New The best-selling author of the books Board’s support, foresight and collective Elsewhere in the community, VO contin- Yorker contributor George Packer’s Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China experience continue to be instrumental in ued its practise of offering free dress rehearsal lyrical requiem The Unwinding, told and Mao: The Unknown Story talks about guiding the company through changing tickets to residents of Vancouver’s Downtown through the lives of several ordinary her groundbreaking new biography, trends in the arts.” Eastside at the Carnegie Community Centre. Americans. Empress Dowager Cixi. Vancouver Opera’s 2012-2013 mainstage The 2012-2013 season was sponsored by Alan Weisman’s New York Times best- The Vancouver Writers Fest takes program began with a well received La Goldcorp Inc., in the first of a three-season seller, The World Without Us, imagined place on Granville Island, Frederic Wood bohème, designed in a classic way with a sponsorship. what the world would be like if humans Theatre, and the Stanley Industrial Alli- contemporary audience in mind, followed For more on Vancouver Opera’s 2013- were no longer around with our large ance Stage from Oct.22 to 27. later in the season by an enhanced remount 2014 season, or its new board of direc- and crushing footprint. His new book, For more information on the festival, of the acclaimed First Nations-inspired The tors, visit www.vancouveropera.ca. Countdown is a comprehensive and visit www.writersfest.bc.ca. Connecting Leaders of Today with Leaders of Tomorrow The Vancouver Board of Trade’s Leaders of Tomorrow Mentorship After the Quake: How to Program would like to congratulate all recent graduates for their accomplishments and welcome all new students to the program. Keep your Business Moving Special thanks to all mentors and sponsors for their outstanding contributions. Thursday, October 17, 2013 The Fairmont Pacific Rim LOT is made possible through the support of the following program partners: 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. Steve Yendall Platinum Sponsor: Vice President, Western Region, RSA Insurance Gold Sponsors: RSA Insurance is one of the few insurance providers in Canada to have experience in managing the aftermath, recovery, and rebuilding following a large earthquake. Join Steve Yendall and discover how to keep your Silver Sponsors: business afloat after an earthquake. Presenting Sponsor: Event Sponsors: boardoftrade.com/events October 2013 Sounding Board member news 1515 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CIRCLE® Partnerships: Good for business and the community BY JILL SCHNARR AND therapy, grief and loss coun- and this provincial presence is MARGARET MCNEIL selling including music and another reason the partnership play therapy, and end-of-life works for both. Corporate social responsibil- care. Since its beginnings, it has The benefits to both organi- ity has moved far beyond cor- always relied on significant donor zations are clear and TELUS’ we porate philanthropy — simply support to provide services 24/7 give where we live philosophy writing a cheque and moving on to children and their families, resonates through a variety of just doesn’t cut it anymore. We at no charge. TELUS has been a support initiatives. have entered an era where social- partner of Canuck Place since its By engaging the community, ly responsible consumerism has inception. its customers and its employees gone mainstream. Companies In an increasingly competi- through donations, volunteer are looking beyond providing tive charitable world, Canuck opportunities and cause market- exceptional service and innova- Place and other not-for-profits ing campaigns, TELUS achieves tive products — today’s customer are broadening their strate- brand differentiation in a com- wants to do business with com- gies to find points of alignment petitive marketplace. panies they know are stepping up with organizations seeking to Since 1995, TELUS has in- and doing their part to help build partner employee giving and vested more than $2 million in *ILL 3CHNARR -ARGARET -C.EIL stronger communities. volunteerism, cause marketing, the well-being of children with The partnership between technology, corporate giving and life-threatening illnesses and tant organization in their own merely financial. TELUS’ support our two organizations, TELUS sponsorship with community families from across B.C. through community. reduces the not-for-profit’s oper- and Canuck Place Children’s needs. their commitment to Canuck Beyond financial support, ating costs by providing volunteer Hospice, is an example of how TELUS takes a community- Place. In addition, 2013 marks TELUS engages its team support, assisting with its ability strong community relationships based approach, building part- the ninth consecutive year for the members to give back through to fundraiser and, importantly, can help make that a reality. nerships with organizations that Canuck Place Gift of Time Gala, the Team TELUS Charitable helping to raise the profile of the Believing that in order to do align with values and interests of presented by TELUS. Giving program. By enabling organization and awareness for well in business they must first its customers and team members Not for profits need this con- team members and retirees to the essential work it does. do good in the communities to ensure relationships built over sistency in their corporate part- give to causes they are passionate Ultimately, this is the most where they live work and serve, time are sustainable and provide ners, in order to assure continued about, TELUS provides a positive significant aspect of the relation- TELUS is continually striving to benefit to both partners. support in order to operate and work culture and strengthens ship. Greater visibility for both be a leading corporate citizen, Each year, Canuck Place raises provide the services needed in their reputation as an employ- the cause of Canuck Place and balancing the company’s eco- 80 per cent of its annual $9.7- the community. er of choice. Through the em- the TELUS brand ensures the nomic health with the social and million operating budget. With To support Canuck Place’s ployee giving program, TELUS organizations, and the partner- environmental well-being of the the addition of a second hospice expansion in the Fraser Valley, matches employee donations ship itself, are sustainable for the communities where it operates. in Abbotsford, opening in early TELUS initiated a cause market- (up to $2,500) to the causes they long-term. This is good for busi- Canuck Place Children’s 2014, the need for strong and sus- ing program to support the $13- care about. Since 2000, this has ness, and good for children and Hospice is B.C.’s provider of taining corporate partnerships to million capital campaign. TELUS resulted in a further $192,118 families in need and the greater pediatric palliative care. As the provide services for more chil- gave a $100 gift in the name of donated to Canuck Place. community. first pediatric hospice in North dren and families throughout BC every new Optik TV customer in Moreover, many TELUS team Jill Schnarr is Vice-President, America opening in 1995, and grows. Canuck Place estimates it Abbotsford, ultimately contribut- members and retirees continue Community Affairs, TELUS now, one of only six in Canada, is meeting about 20 per cent of ing $225,000 to the new hospice to donate hundreds of volunteer and Chair, Women’s Leadership Canuck Place provides respite the Province’s need for pediatric which will double patient beds, hours to the hospice, including Circle Advisory Council. Mar- and family support, pain and palliative care at this time, and family rooms and Canuck Place’s maintaining the Canuck Place garet McNeil is Chief Executive symptom management, 24-hour the new facility will allow Canuck capacity to care for children and gardens as part of their annual Officer, Canuck Place Children’s province-wide phone consulta- Place to expand the critical care. their families. This initiative TELUS Day of Giving. Hospice and a member of the tion and in-house clinical care, Both TELUS and Canuck Place enabled TELUS’ customers to The partnership of Canuck Women’s Leadership Circle Advi- art and education, recreation provide services throughout B.C., participate in funding an impor- Place and TELUS is more than sory Council. Connect with the connectors BY JUDY THOMSON Council, are thirteen new advisory council We have thirteen other outstanding the upcoming WLC Morning Leader pro- members with expertise from television members of the WLC Advisory Council, grams. Members of our advisory council Exciting changes have been happen- broadcasting to public policy to brand and six emeritus members. will be there and would love to meet you. ing for The Vancouver Board of Trade’s strategy, just to name a few. Whether you are an entrepreneur, busi- To learn more about our WLC Advi- Women’s Leadership Circle, including In the coming months, they’ll be ness professional, work in the education or sory Council, go to our website at www. the introduction of our new chair, Jill working on delivering new women’s lead- government sectors, or involved with a not boardoftrade.com/wlc. There is a photo Schnarr. ership events, sharing their knowledge in for profit, we know you will benefit from of each member along with a link to their Jill is an awesome community leader articles, and attending events where you’ll connecting with these men and women LinkedIn page. (vice-president community affairs, TELUS) get a chance to meet them face-to-face. business leaders. Judy Thomson, CA, is Chief Operating with one of the most community-engaged And, this is just the “newbies” brain trust So, join a WLC-hosted table at an up- Officer, Shepa Learning Company and an organizations in Canada. Joining Jill, and that we have been lucky enough to add to coming Vancouver Board of Trade event, Emeritus Member of the WLC Advisory the other members of the WLC Advisory our WLC team! attend a WLC reception, or come to one of Council. Subscribe to Digital Access and get unlimited access to all the news and information at vancouversun.com on your desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone, as well as The Vancouver Sun apps for tablets and smartphones. With Digital Access you have the most comprehensive coverage of your community. Along with breaking news, developing stories, local, national and international coverage, you have access to trending videos, slideshows, interactive features and social media options. 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