We fly on your schedule. The Board of Trade’s Your priorities can change quickly, so we fly when you want to. Awards No waits, no line-ups, no hassles. of Valour Call us today. hours7days      londonair.com See page 2 for details.

“We firmly believe that Canada needs a more progressive approach to air policy.” Chair Elio Luongo on ‘Open Skies,’ page 3 "6 ,ÊÓä£ÎÊUÊ6"1 ÊxÎÊUÊ 1 ,Ê££ THIS ISSUE ‘We share economic destinies’ Air Canada CEO on Alberta Premier gets competing globally · 2 standing ovation from Board to honour men and B.C. business crowd women in uniform · 2 at Energy Forum 2013 Business groups push for ‘Open Skies’ · 3 BY GREG HOEKSTRA

Is B.C. really open for Just one hour after unveiling a business? · 4 new energy agreement between Alberta and B.C., Premier Alison Redford stood before a sold-out Developing a vibrant regional economy · 6 crowd at The Vancouver Board of Trade and emphasized the crucial need for cooperation between the New program expedites two provinces. business travel to Asia · 6 “B.C. is Alberta’s gateway to Asia, and our second-largest Board CEO joins CETA provincial export market, while Alberta Premier Alison Redford delivers a keynote address at The Vancouver Board of Trade’s sold-out Energy Forum 2013, held Nov. 5 discussion · 7 Alberta is B.C.’s entry point to the at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Photo by Sara Borck Photography North-American heartland and, Shipbuilding industry by far, its biggest provincial export Canadian Energy Strategy. The forum kicked off in the police, firefighters, and fixed pot- prepares for job boom · 8 destination,” said Redford, in her “We are in a battle for Canada’s morning with a keynote address holes,” said Anderson. keynote address at Energy Forum future,” said Redford, to a room by Ian Anderson, President of Anderson’s presentation was Province releases Small 2013, held Nov. 5. “Our provinces packed with many of B.C.’s busi- Kinder Morgan Canada, on the followed by remarks by Greg Business Profile 2013 · 9 share economic destinies.” ness leaders. “Our provinces both economic opportunity presented Stringham, Vice President of the The framework agreement have unemployment rates well by the proposed Trans Mountain Canadian Association of Petro- Photo highlights from between the two provinces was below the national average. We Pipeline Expansion Project. leum Producers, who expressed recent events · 11 announced by Redford and B.C. both anticipate strong economic In his remarks, Anderson optimism at the positive step Premier Christy Clark earlier that growth in the natural resources stressed that the expansion project forward announced by Clark and morning, after officials from both sector and we are both looking had the potential to greatly impact Redford that morning. Avoiding the dreaded dividend cut · 13 provinces “worked through the for emerging economies to export and improve communities along “We still know there’s a ton night” to finalize the deal. to across the Pacific. Together the existing pipeline route. of work left,” he told the room of Under the framework, Alberta we are truly Canada’s economic If approved, Anderson esti- nearly 400 delegates. “It was very Why business etiquette still has agreed to B.C.’s five conditions engine.” mated that $423 million would good to see that they can come matters · 14 for new oil pipelines – including Following her keynote address, be spent in communities during together and say, ‘We’re going the right for B.C. to negotiate with Redford took part in a “fireside construction, and another half a to work to try to resolve these @boardoftrade industry on “appropriate econom- chat” on stage with Gary Mason, billion would be paid over the next things.’” ic benefits” for our province. National Affairs Columnist for The two decades through increased For more on Energy Forum /VancouverBoardofTrade In return, Clark agreed that B.C. Globe and Mail. The candid con- property taxes. 2013, or to view a full photo gallery will not seek a cut of Alberta’s royalty versation about Canada’s energy “An additional $500 million in from the event, visit www.boardof- boardoftrade.com or tax revenues, and pledged our future concluded with a standing property taxes paid on the expan- trade.com or www.facebook.com/ province would support Redford’s ovation for the visiting Premier. sion over 20 years – that’s a lot of vancouverboardoftrade.

2 events and speakers Sounding Board November 2013 Operating in a globalized world Port Metro Vancouver CEO Air Canada CEO to share strategies during Nov. 13 address gives annual update Join The Vancouver Board the world is crucial to keeping of Trade on Wednesday, Nov. Canada competitive in the global 13 for a keynote address by Air marketplace. As Canada’s Pacific Canada’s President and CEO, Gateway, how does B.C. fit into Calin Rovinescu. Air Canada’s global strategy? Air Canada is Canada’s largest Get your boarding card to domestic and international hear directly from Rovinescu, as airline, serving more than 175 he outlines his airline’s strate- destinations on five continents. gies for operating in a globalized The airline is among the 20 world. largest airlines in the world, For more information, includ- and in 2012, it served close to 35 ing how to purchase tickets, visit million customers. www.boardoftrade.com/events Connecting passengers and or email reservations@boardof- Calin Rovinescu, President and CEO, goods with destinations around trade.com. Air Canada

EVENTSEVENTS CALENDARCALENDAR UPDATE UPDATE See our full events calendar at boardoftrade.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013 Leaders of Tomorrow Long-Term Infrastructure The Vancouver Board of Development Night: Planning: Sustaining a Trade’s Awards of Valour Business Etiquette Livable Region 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. Training 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Robin Silvester, President and CEO, Port Metro Vancouver Hyatt Regency Vancouver — Pinnacle Ballroom Carey McBeth, —Regency Ballroom 1128 Hastings Street West, Business professionalism 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver Vancouver On Nov. 26, Port Metro Van- 160 economies annually. and etiquette expert couver President and CEO Robin It manages land, water and Greg Moore, Chair, Metro Silvester will deliver his annual assets along 600 kilometres of SFU Segal Graduate School Vancouver Board of Directors and FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013 address to our city’s business shoreline in 16 Lower Mainland 500 Granville Street Mayor, City of Port Coquitlam, Leaders of Tomorrow leaders at The Vancouver Board municipalities, and acts as one British Columbia Executive Roundtable of Trade. of the region’s most important WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 Media Partner: with JOEY Restaurant Join us as Silvester shares job creators. The Vancouver Sun Group Air Canada: Operating insights on the Port’s current A dynamic gateway for do- in a Globalized World 7:30 – 9 a.m. projects and programs, and mestic and international trade WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. Joey Bentall One discusses what lies ahead in and tourism, Port Metro Vancou- Women’s Leadership 505 Burrard Street 2014 for Canada’s largest and ver strengthens the foundation Calin Rovinescu, Circle Special Event busiest port. of the regional economy, and President & CEO , Air Canada Event Sponsor: 5 – 7 p.m. Joey Restaurants As the most diversified port plays a very important role in the in North America, the Port national economy as well. The Boathouse Restaurant WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 handles $172 billion in goods Visit www.boardoftrade. — Kitsilano WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013 Members’ Reception – or one-fifth of Canada’s total com/events for more informa- 1305 Arbutus Street at The Blackbird Public The Vancouver Board of goods trade – with more than tion or to purchase tickets. House & Oyster Bar Trade’s Holiday Lunch and SOLD OUT TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 Year-End Wrap Up 5 – 7 p.m. Robin Silvester, 11:15 a.m. – 2 p.m. President and CEO of The Blackbird Hyatt Regency Vancouver Port Metro Vancouver: Board to honour men 905 Dunsmuir Street — Regency Ballroom Annual Address 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver

11:45 am – 2 p.m. PANELLISTS and women in uniform WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013 The Fairmont Pacific Rim Jas Johal, Networking Breakfast — Star Sapphire Ballroom Senior Reporter, Global Television First-ever ‘Awards of Valour’ ceremony on Dec. 4 Series: Orientation and 1038 Canada Place Additional panellists to be Roundtable Be a part of The Vancouver ever, we will also be honouring Robin Silvester, announced soon. Board of Trade’s history on Dec. exceptional members of the 7 – 9 a.m. President and CEO, Port Metro 4, as our organization hosts Royal Canadian Navy and Ca- Renaissance Vancouver Vancouver Harbourside Hotel its inaugural Awards of Valour nadian Army. Presenting Sponsor: CN ceremony honouring men and These individuals have dem- 1133 West Hastings Street Supporting Sponsor: Global women in uniform. onstrated the best characteris- Event Sponsor: Container Terminals Canada Previously known as the tics of bravery, dedication, and Worldlynx Wireless Community Heroes Luncheon, humanitarianism. this special event will recognize Be sure to attend this feel- What speaker, topic or issue do you want explored? We’ll look into it. individuals that have gone above good luncheon and let these and beyond the call of duty. hard-working representatives E-mail: [email protected] In 2013, we will once again know that you and your company recognize the Police Officer of support their efforts. the Year and Firefighter of the Visit www.boardoftrade.com/ Register now at boardoftrade.com/events Year. However, for the first time events to reserve tickets. November 2013 Sounding Board member news 3 Business groups push to ‘Open Skies’ in Canada Vancouver Board of Trade and Richmond Chamber get joint resolution approved at national level

BY GREG HOEKSTRA Canada needs a more progressive approach to air policy.” The Vancouver Board of Trade and “Enhanced air access policy is vital to Richmond Chamber of Commerce are Richmond, British Columbia, and the entire moving the dial forward on improving air nation,” said Howard Harowitz, Chair of the access in Canada. Richmond Chamber of Commerce Policy In late September, the two organiza- Advisory Committee. “International flights tions joined forces to bring the issue to the not only carry passengers, which are key attention of business organizations from to tourism and business, but also cargo across the country, during the Canadian imports and exports, essential to interna- Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General tional trade and our Canadian economy.” Meeting in Kelowna. It’s estimated that every time a 777 or Over the course of several days, repre- larger aircraft lands at a Canadian airport, sentatives from the Richmond Chamber of 1,700 hours of labour demand are created. Commerce and Vancouver Board of Trade Just one plane per day of this size, in one advocated for their joint policy resolution airport in Canada, would create at least 310 — Improving Air Access for the Benefit of family-supporting jobs. the National Economy — both in private “The time has come for us to acknowl- A sea of red cards as delegates vote on a proposed resolution at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Annual meetings and on the floor in front of 600 edge that the current system is holding us General Meeting, held in Kelowna in late September. Photo by Mark Coffey delegates. back,” added Vancouver Board of Trade Despite some dissenting views initially, President and CEO Iain Black. “Simply put, Skies” agreements, which are market-driven government to review and reduce the gov- the two organizations were ultimately suc- our aviation industry is not as competitive and allow for airlines to determine the ap- ernment-imposed taxes, fees and charges cessful in swaying opinion in favour of as it should be, which is driving both cargo propriate level of capacity and competition on air travellers, to further improve Cana- their policy, which was formally adopted and travellers across the border to U.S. air- in the marketplace. da’s ability to attract international tourists. by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce ports and costing our economy dearly.” Of particular importance is the need to The Richmond Chamber and The on Sept. 30. The Vancouver Board of Trade and Rich- negotiate Open Skies agreements with Asia Vancouver Board of Trade continue to col- “This is a huge win, not only for our two mond Chamber of Commerce prepared Pacific nations. This region presents one of laborate on issues of regional importance, organizations, but potentially for consum- their joint resolution earlier this year, and the largest growth opportunities, however in conjunction with the BC Chamber of ers and businesses across Canada,” said submitted it to the Canadian Chamber of restrictions in certain bilaterals do not Commerce, including issues pertaining to Elio Luongo, Chair of The Vancouver Board Commerce for consideration in late July. allow Canadian airports — and therefore Vancouver International Airport. of Trade, following the AGM. The resolution stresses the need to move Canada’s economy — to effectively compete To read the full resolution and its six “We pushed this issue on to the national from “Blue Sky” bilateral agreements with in this vastly expanding marketplace. recommendations for government, visit agenda because we firmly believe that foreign airlines to more progressive “Open The resolution also calls on the federal www.boardoftrade.com.

Stephan Wackerhagen / lonetrails.com

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PUBLISHER: Business in Vancouver Media Group Keeping B.C. EDITOR: Greg Hoekstra, 604-640-5450 ADVERTISING SALES: Katherine Butler, 604-608-5158 DESIGN: Business in Vancouver Media Group ‘open for business’

As the official publication of The Vancouver Board of Trade, the Sounding Board newspaper provides analysis and discussion of regional and national issues BY ELIO LUONGO ators of this province – we have an facing the business community, along with input from member companies, obligation to remind our staff, our allowing them to raise their profile in the business community. Last week, I had the honour of neighbours, our friends and even Sounding Board is published 12 times per year by Business in Vancouver Media Group in partnership with The Vancouver Board of Trade. chairing what I believe was one of our families that our quality of Sounding Board is read by leading business executives and their employees. The the most important events The life in British Columbia is directly paper has a primary circulation of 12,500 and a conservatively estimated total Vancouver Board of Trade has linked to our economic success. readership of 37,500. hosted in the past decade – our Yes, there is no question that ABOUT THE VANCOUVER BOARD OF TRADE sold-out Energy Forum 2013. we need to have an eye forward 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 As you will see on the cover – that we need to economically Elio Luongo, Chair, World Trade Centre Vancouver is the international division of The Vancouver of this month’s Sounding Board, diversify and invest in new tech- The Vancouver Board of Trade Board of Trade and is affiliated with more than 300 WTCs worldwide. Alberta Premier Alison Redford nologies – but we also have to OUR MISSION STATEMENT delivered a keynote address at acknowledge that our province example. “The will of the people” 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 the forum, only an hour after she is reliant on the extraction of our notwithstanding, we have now centre for trade, commerce and travel. and B.C. Premier Christy Clark natural resources. reverted back to a provincial tax

OUR BASIC PRINCIPLES announced a crucial new frame- It’s a fundamental part of who system that has been rejected The Board of Trade believes that the market system is the only system that work agreement that will help we are. It’s how we built British and abandoned by 123 juris- works effectively in the allocation of scarce economic resources for efficient and stable economic growth and job creation. The Board of Trade recognizes the move Western Canada’s energy Columbia into one of the greatest dictions around the world. We imperfections of the market system and supports the need for publicly provided products to foreign markets. places to live in the world, and it’s have reintroduced a system that services such as social services, health services and public education. The Board supports the philosophy of less government involvement in the business sector Needless to say, the new agree- the key to unlocking even greater costs small businesses enormous and believes that governments should not do what can be done in whole or in ment will have sweeping implica- prosperity as we forge ahead. money, and that makes it harder part by the private sector. tions for both our provinces, and It’s also directly linked to the to employ people, and more ex- PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT No. 40011551 The Vancouver Board of Trade is provision of roads, hospitals and pensive to build factories, homes, The Vancouver Board of Trade, World Trade Centre extremely proud to have played schools in the Lower Mainland. and sawmills. Suite 400, 999 Canada Place Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3E1 even a small role in helping to Are we obliged to find balance? In addition, we live in a region [email protected] facilitate dialogue and coopera- Absolutely. There are risks that that has 17 different govern- tion between B.C. and Alberta’s come with resource extraction ments, mayors, bureaucracies BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013-2014 business communities. – including the safety of our – each with its own set of rules EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The agreement reached by forests, the ecological preserva- and nuances for the businesses Chair Elio Luongo Canadian Managing Partner — Tax our provincial leaders is really tion of land near or around our that operate within them. We KPMG LLP part of a broader discussion mines, and the threat of a pe- also have an additional layer of Senior Vice-Chair Janet Austin Chief Executive Officer that is thankfully gaining much troleum spill near or around our municipal government, which YWCA Metro Vancouver needed profile, and that is the water. Our solemn – and legal! spends more than $600 million Vice-Chair Tim Manning Regional VP, Commercial Financial question of whether we as the – obligation is to progressively annually, primarily on business- Services business community are doing and responsibly deliver on true incurred expenses. RBC Royal Bank Vice-Chair Tamara Vrooman our bit to ensure our province – “responsible stewardship.” It is incumbent on us, as the Chief Executive Officer and our country, for that matter – Projecting that we have struck association that represents busi- Secretary-Treasurer George Cadman, QC is really perceived as being “open this crucial, delicate balance nesses across Metro Vancouver Shareholder for business.” between resource stewardship and beyond, to ask the tough Boughton Law Corporation Finance and Audit Committee Chair Jon Schubert In recent years, our govern- and extraction is the signal that the questions on your behalf to Policy Council Chair Robin Silvester ments have made some impor- rest of the investing world needs ensure value for your business President and Chief Executive Officer Port Metro Vancouver tant strides to attract foreign to hear, when they contemplate tax dollars is being maximized, Immediate Past Chair Ken Martin investors and improve our com- doing business with Canada. and that taxation systems going President and Chief Executive Officer Pacific Blue Cross petitiveness in global markets. We need to acknowledge that forward reflect the needs of Member at large Maninder Dhaliwal Yet despite these initiatives, our country has a small, open those of us who, with the stroke Executive Director of a pen, actually create jobs and Tradeworks BC there still seems to be a great deal trading economy, with 80 per cent Member at large Member at large Tracey McVicar of misinformation in the general of its population living within an build communities. Simply put, Partner hour’s drive of the U.S. border. We we have to best position our busi- CAI Capital Management Company public – particularly here in B.C. – Member at large Member at large John Nightingale that is negatively impacting how live next door to a country with a nesses to compete; to create the President and Chief Executive Officer we are viewed on the world stage. population ten times the size of economic activity that, in turn, Vancouver Aquarium President and CEO Iain Black Lately, it seems that much of our own. Meanwhile, politicians sustains the lifestyle we’ve come The Vancouver Board of Trade the public debate has been based of every stripe, at every level of to take for granted. BOARD OF DIRECTORS on a very rudimentary under- government, are publicly advo- Like the dialogue of our Penny Ballem City of Vancouver Dave Cunningham Corporation standing of our economy and how cating for us to engage more with western premiers, this will require Lara Dauphinee Fiore Financial Corporation, Fiore Group it truly functions. Take the debate Asia – a region whose population some more, informed discussion. Mary Anne Davidson Acciona Infrastructures Canada over pipelines, for example, in is more than 100 times (!) the size It will also require acknowledging Anne Giardini Weyerhaeuser Company Limited Calvin Helin RCI Capital Group, Inc. which much of the dialogue is of Canada’s. and facing the growing opposi- Craig Hemer Odgers Berndtson emotionally driven, with very As business leaders, we must tion to our way of life. Robin Hemmingsen BCIT School of Business David Hoff Ledcor little interest in the facts. encourage more, informed dis- As many of you know, we at The Terry Hui Concord Pacific Developments Inc. Unfortunately, what many cussion about the implications Vancouver Board of Trade are in the Richard Jaffray Cactus Restaurants Ltd. Moray Keith Dueck Auto Group British Columbians aren’t real- of embracing – and, on occasion, midst of reinventing our policy de- Sacha McLean The McLean Group izing is that job and wealth- confidently rejecting – some of velopment framework, with a goal Evi Mustel Mustel Group creating capital is highly mobile. the utopian concepts that are of bringing businesses together for Gordon Nelson Rogers Communications Group Jatinder Rai Response Advertising Inc. It doesn’t see provincial and being batted around in the public this very purpose; for ensuring we Elise Rees Ernst & Young LLP national borders. What we need these days. are known around the world as Dr. Mark Schonfeld Dennis Skulsky BC Lions Football Club British Columbians to under- Too much of the dialogue being “Open for Business”. Lorne Segal Kingswood Properties Ltd. stand is that we can no longer lately has been emotionally We invite you, as always, to Denise Turner Bravura Business Solutions Inc. take our economic well-being driven, and often knee-jerk re- join us. for granted. actions. This hurts our economy Elio Luongo is 2013-2014 As B.C.’s business community and threatens our way of life. Chair of The Vancouver Board – as the employers and job cre- Take the return to PST, for of Trade. NFP GOVERNANCE ESSENTIALS PROGRAM

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Jointly developed by: 6 guest column Sounding Board November 2013 Developing a vibrant regional economy Metro Vancouver Chair discusses growth and infrastructure projects in the Lower Mainland

BY GREG MOORE between retaining the uniqueness of the against the need to ensure that we can many municipalities, communities and collectively make strategic decisions that Metro Vancouver, which provides neighbourhoods that we call home, and enhance the sustainability and livability of regional-scale utility services and politi- coming together when necessary to make the region overall. cal leadership to more than 50 per cent of plans as a region that help position us in Essentially, that means actively en- British Columbia’s total population, is a a world that is increasingly indifferent to couraging individual municipalities to critical player in supplying the commu- arbitrary political borders. maintain and protect their economic, nity infrastructure necessary to support a That theme of partnership and coop- social and cultural identity, while taking a thriving local economy, while protecting eration is embodied in our very deliberate macro view our natural assets and the environment. Regional Growth Strategy, in planning for the region’s Over the next 10 years, Metro Vancou- which focuses on land use ºœV>Êˆ˜vÀ>ÃÌÀÕVÌÕÀiÊ long-term economic and ver will be investing upwards of $5.5 billion policies to guide the future is the very environmental viability. in our drinking water, sewerage and solid development of the region And that broad view is waste infrastructure, which will create an and support the efficient foundation upon increasingly seen as criti- estimated 32,000 direct and 18,000 indirect provision of transportation, cal to the future growth of job-years between now and 2022. regional infrastructure and which economic the region. That makes us one of the biggest utili- community services. activity is based.” Join me Nov. 20 as I ties in the province, and certainly means It does so in part by address The Vancouver that we have a critical role to play in secur- Greg Moore, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s board of targeting two-thirds of Board of Trade, and we ing a livable and sustainable future for the directors and Mayor of Port Coquitlam. growth in urban centres and other transit- discuss not only Metro Vancouver’s role Metro Vancouver region. accessible locations, protecting industrial as a major utility, but also the critical The reason for that is simple: local in- like parks and recreational opportunities lands and providing guidance on transit role we play in building a vibrant re- frastructure is the very foundation upon to attract the skilled workforce they need infrastructure investment. gional economy and contributing to the which economic activity is based. to succeed. The Regional Growth Strategy is a truly outstanding quality of life we enjoy as a Residents demand clean water and Metro Vancouver and the 24 local gov- unique accomplishment in many ways, region. effective waste management systems in ernments that comprise its membership because it buttresses the often fiercely Greg Moore is Chair of the Metro Van- choosing where they live, businesses need have risen to this challenge by working held autonomy of the individual local couver board of directors and Mayor of high-quality road systems and bridges to together, as partners, in providing the governments within Metro Vancouver Port Coquitlam. deliver their products and services to con- urban infrastructure that has helped the sumers, employees need efficient transit to Lower Mainland develop into a growing Greg Moore will address The Vancouver Board of Trade on Nov. 20. connect them to their jobs, and companies and vibrant regional economy. To purchase tickets, visit boardoftrade.com/events rely on excellent community amenities That means striking a delicate balance

New federal program expedites business travel to Asia The Vancouver Board of Trade helped bring issue into national spotlight two years ago

BY GREG HOEKSTRA “This pilot project will help Canadian businessmen and A new program announced women travel more easily to by Prime Minister Stephen the Asia-Pacific region, one Harper last month could have of Canada’s export markets of huge benefits for B.C.’s business choice. This just makes good travellers. business sense.” While attending the APEC “This is great news for Summit in Bali, Indonesia, business travellers across the Harper confirmed that Canada country, particularly here in B.C. will launch a new pilot project where trade with Asia is so criti- this winter, the Asia-Pacific Eco- cal to our economic success,” nomic Cooperation Business said Iain Black, President and Travel Card, aimed at improv- CEO of The Vancouver Board ing Canadian business travel to of Trade. countries across Asia. “Our organization has been Under the program, pre- advocating for an expedited approved Canadian business business travel card for several people will be eligible for ex- years. We’re encouraged to see pedited travel to participat- the federal government moving ing countries, as well as faster forward with this important Prime Minister Stephen Harper takes part in day two of the APEC summit in Bali, Indonesia. border clearance upon return program, which will strength- to Canada. en ties between Canada and Trade championed the resolu- British Columbians who travel business travellers from other “Our Government is commit- Asia.” tion at the Canadian Chamber back and forth between Asia for APEC nations. This also has the ted to making it easier for Cana- In 2011, The Vancouver Board of Commerce’s Annual General business — including many of potential to further increase dian business people to travel to of Trade prepared a resolution Meeting on Sept. 18, 2011 in St. the women and men who make trade with Asia, and, in turn, participating APEC economies calling for the federal govern- John’s, Newfoundland — suc- up our membership,” said Elio increase Canada’s GDP.” to expand their businesses’ in- ment to implement the APEC cessfully pushing the issue onto Luongo, Chair of The Vancouver For more information on ternational reach, with a view Business Travel Card for Cana- the national agenda. Board of Trade. the program, or the Asia-Pacific to creating jobs and economic dian business people. “This is an important step “This provides Canadians Economic Cooperation, visit growth,” said Harper. The Vancouver Board of forward for the thousands of with a level playing field with www.apec.org. November 2013 Sounding Board member news 7 Board CEO joins discussion on CETA’s benefits

BY GREG HOEKSTRA of B.C.’s workforce. he added. Black also has a personal “Under CETA, we will see the The Vancouver Board of connection to the agreement. elimination of tariffs on some of Trade’s President and CEO, Iain As B.C.’s former minister of B.C.’s key exports — everything Black, participated in a round- economic development, he pre- from seafood and agri-food table discussion Oct. 25 with viously participated in the sub- products, to metals, minerals federal Minister of International national negotiations on behalf and forestry products. Simply Trade, Ed Fast, on the recently of our province. put, this agreement will make signed Canada-EU trade deal. As a result, Black understands many B.C. companies more The roundtable, which took the challenges that were en- competitive in the European place at Port Metro Vancouver, countered, and thus, the great Union — the world’s largest inte- brought together business and accomplishment this historic grated economy, with more than industry leaders to share ideas agreement represents. 500 million consumers.” and hear from Minister Fast “CETA is a huge win for our Black also pointed to a joint about the benefits of the new country. Economic impact aside, Canada-EU study, which esti- Comprehensive Economic and it was groundbreaking because mated a free trade agreement Trade Agreement (CETA), includ- all provinces were included in could boost Canada’s economy ing how it will create jobs for the negotiations,” said Black. by $12 billion annually, while The Vancouver Board of Trade’s President and CEO, Iain Black, speaks to media following Canadians and foster long-term “It’s no secret that this historic increasing bilateral trade by 20 a roundtable discussion on CETA with Ed Fast, Canada’s Minister of International Trade. economic growth. agreement will have widespread per cent. Black attended the meeting benefits for nearly all Canadians. In addition, the new agree- in the EU than European busi- For more information on on behalf of The Vancouver But what’s really exciting for ment will lead to predictable nesses, as well as provisions that the Comprehensive Economic Board of Trade’s 5,000 business us in British Columbia, is the investment rules, which will will provide greater certainty, and Trade Agreement, visit the members, which collectively potential this has to strengthen ensure Canadian businesses transparency and protection for federal government’s website represent more than one-third some of our leading industries,” are treated no less favourably investors in both regions. actionplan.gc.ca/ceta. Transportation Minister gives first Board of Trade address next month The Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased appointed Minister of Transportation Before being elected to the B.C. Leg- Nicola-Cariboo United Way, the Kamloops to announce that B.C.’s Minister of Transpor- and Infrastructure one month later. He is islature, Stone was founder and CEO of a Chamber of Commerce, and the Insurance tation and Infrastructure, Todd Stone, will current Deputy House Leader, and serves Kamloops-based software company. He is Corporation of BC (ICBC). address members on Dec. 3. as a member of the government’s Priorities also the former vice chair of the board of gov- Don’t miss Stone’s first address to The Stone was elected MLA for Kamloops- and Planning Committee and the Cabinet ernors of Thompson Rivers University, and Vancouver Board of Trade. Register at www. South Thompson in May 2013, and was Committee on Strong Economy. has served on the boards of the Thompson- boardoftrade.com/events.

MJS: TSX-V AOBK1D: FSE

Long-Term Infrastructure Planning: Sustaining a Livable Region

Wednesday, November 20, 2013 | Hyatt Regency Vancouver 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Large NI 43 101 gold resource

Increasing gold production year on year Greg Moore r Located in a prolific gold producing region c e Chair, Metro Vancouver Board of Directors and u Strong, experienced management team d a Mayor, City of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia o in r h Join us as Greg Moore, the Chair of the Metro Vancouver p C l d , Board of Directors (and Mayor of Port Coquitlam), makes o e his inaugural address to The Vancouver Board of Trade. He g nc g vi will provide insight into the major capital projects for which n o Metro Vancouver is responsible and share his perspective g i Pr e r g as to how Metro’s Regional Growth Strategy can support a e m on vibrant and sustainable economy for our region. A n nd Sha i n Media Partner: VIEW WITH 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 8 member news Sounding Board November 2013 ‘Speed dating’ for airports B.C.’s airports connect with airlines from around the globe at World Routes conference in Las Vegas

BY REBECCA CATLEY

Imagine 3,000 participants looking for the right fit and a lasting partnership. But they’re not people in search of love — they are airlines and airports, looking to link up with new, profitable flights. This speed-dating for avia- tion event happened last month at World Routes, a global event in Las Vegas. And, just as in romance, the stakes were high. Three of B.C.’s regional air- ports — North Peace Regional Airport in Fort St. John, Kam- loops Airport and Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook — were represented on this world stage by Vantage Airport Group, an industry- leading investor, developer and manager of 11 airports around the world, founded in 1994 by Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR). World Routes is an annual Let the speed dating begin! The Vantage Airport Group team in Las Vegas is ready to meet and greet airlines from around the world. Submitted photo conference that brings together route planners from over 300 Service Marketing for Vantage Smaller, regional airports bardier Q-400 turboprop service of building and sustaining long- airlines and air service marketing Airport Group. may not have the resources in- to Vancouver and Calgary. Later term relationships by working in representatives from more than “We have to present them house to attend World Routes or in the year, that same effort paid partnership with local stakehold- 1,000 airports. Through three with a solid demonstration of aggressively market themselves off, with WestJet announcing ers to identify the challenges and days of 20-minute meetings, the benefits of our airports and and their communities. Vantage Encore service for Kamloops as opportunities in each market. the airlines and airports plan, the vibrancy of our communities. brings experience, expertise, and well. For more information on develop and extend commercial When we meet with airlines, our the strength of its network to Founded 20 years ago by Van- Vantage Airport Group, visit aviation service to destinations proposals compete against those provide the representation that couver Airport Authority, Vantage www.vantageairportgroup.com. around the world. of other airports, so it’s important often leads to new route develop- Airport Group is an industry- For more on World Routes, visit “Airlines add flights based that we put the best case forward. ment for its airports. leading investor, developer and www.routesonline.com. on a number of factors, most We know how important addi- For example, in 2013, Vantage manager of airports around the Rebecca Catley is senior di- importantly on whether they tional air service is to stimulating helped North Peace Regional globe. With a current portfolio of rector of communications and can profitably fill their seats,” local business and tourism here Airport become WestJet Encore’s 11 airports on three continents, marketing for Vantage Airport said Lee Lipton, Director of Air in B.C.” launch destination for its Bom- Vantage understands the value Group. B.C.’s shipbuilding industry prepares for hiring boom New campaign aims to raise awareness about careers shipbuilding and repair

The B.C. Shipbuilding and building and ship repair sector,” Point Hope Maritime). West Coast. Maritime. Ship Repair Board (SSRB), with says Lisa Bumbaco, VP of Human “We are all shipbuilders, and Over the next decade alone, “We are looking for the next support from the B.C. Ministry Resources at Seaspan and Chair this contest is aimed at everyone B.C.’s employers will need over generation of skilled and dedi- of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Train- of the SSRB Communications who works or has worked in B.C.’s 4,000 individuals to meet ex- cated individuals to work with ing, is kicking off its Shipbuilders and Marketing Sub-Committee. shipbuilding and ship repair in- isting and future job openings us well past 2020,” adds James campaign with an online contest “We felt it was important to dustry: from those who recently in both the shipbuilding and McFadden, President of Meridian at WeAreShipbuilders.ca. present different methods of joined and are enjoying learning repair sector and the directly Marine Industries. Current and past employees entry that would appeal to all of the ropes, to our more experi- affiliated metal plate and fab- The campaign is geared at of B.C.’s shipbuilding sector are our workforce.” enced workers with great stories rication sector for such profes- raising the awareness of career encouraged to enter the “Get on Selected stories and ele- to tell,” says Mark Wilson, SSRB sions as welder, marine fitter, options and opportunities in Board!” contest by visiting weare- ments of the survey will be used Chair and VP of Engineering for electrician, pipefitter, trades B.C.’s thriving shipbuilding and shipbuilders.ca. Individuals can throughout the development of BC Ferries. supervisor, machine fitter, repair industry, and highlighting participate in the campaign and the Shipbuilders campaign, and The “Get on Board!” contest marine engine mechanic, and the advantages of working for win a chance at one of three three finalists will be chosen by marks the first phase of the many more. a growing, safe, high tech and cash prizes with a total value of a jury of industry experts to take SSRB’s website, a highly an- “B.C.’s shipbuilding and ship stable industry that offers excel- $6,000 by sharing a story, video, home cash prizes of $3,000 for ticipated industry-wide resource repair sector is collectively facing lent working conditions on the or answering a survey about their first place (donated by Seaspan), tool that will help raise awareness the dual challenge of replacing beautiful West Coast. experiences in the industry. $2,000 for second place (donated of B.C.’s shipbuilding and ship an aging workforce and meeting The contest launched Oct. 28 “The shipbuilding industry by BC Ferries), and $1,000 for repair sector, and provide infor- future requirements driven by and runs until Dec. 20. For more is composed of a wide-variety of third place (jointly donated by mation on career and training the upcoming hiring boom,” says information, visit www.weare- jobs and skill sets within the ship- Meridian Marine Industries and opportunities available on the Hank Bekkering of Point Hope shipbuilders.ca. November 2013 Sounding Board member news 9 Small Business Profile released at Board of Trade

BY WU XU programs, such as the business mentor- ing program, which has been received The Vancouver Board of Trade’s enthusiastically by roundtable partici- Small Business Council held a round- pants. table discussion with the Honourable Yamamoto then introduced the Small Naomi Yamamoto, B.C.’s Minister of Business Profile 2013, a document with State for Tourism and Small Business, comprehensive information on small on Oct. 29. businesses in B.C. Released annually by Speaking to an audience of small busi- the ministry, the Small Business Profile ness owners from distinct backgrounds, aims to promote public awareness of Yamamoto stressed the contribution of small business by detailing the sec- small businesses to economic growth, tor’s impacts on the B.C. economy. This employment and trade in B.C. year, The Vancouver Board of Trade was Yamamoto also called attention to chosen as the official venue to release provincial achievements in reducing the document. regulations and red tape that hindered At one point, Yamamoto asked the small business growth. She noted that roundtable participants to follow her the province has eliminated more than on Twitter, which raised some chuckles. 40 per cent of regulations and imple- There is little doubt, however, that the mented a zero net increase policy. The ministry is keen on connecting with B.C.’s Minister of Small Business, Naomi Yamamoto, speaks to members of The Vancouver Board of Trade’s Small reductions aim to simplify complicated small business owners across the prov- Business Council on Oct. 29, after releasing Small Business Profile 2013. Photo by Greg Hoekstra processes such as applications for gov- ince through new avenues, such as social ernment contracts and procurement by media. owners for a 50-minute discussion, with is mandated to connect, educate and small businesses. The ongoing effort to develop effi- topics ranging from internship hiring inspire business owners throughout the Yamamoto spoke extensively about cient, direct communication channels policy and small business classification, province. The council advocates for its the Small Business Accord, a document between the government and small to taxation and the small business infor- members on policy issues at all levels, outlining government commitments to businesses is best exemplified by the mation portal. provide platform and resources, and deepen engagement with small busi- ministry’s Twitter town hall meeting on The Small Business Council is a periodically organize events such as the nesses at the policy level. Those commit- red tape reduction, which attracted 140 program initiated by The Vancouver roundtable with Minister Yamamoto. ments include creating a small business participants in late September. Yama- Board of Trade, connecting small busi- For more information on the Small awareness strategy and adopting a coor- moto also mentioned a variety of small nesses in a wide range of industries Business Council, visit www.boardof- dinated approach during business policy business awards, which encourage com- across B.C. trade.com. For more information on formulation. munity building and engagement. Recognizing the critical importance Small Business Profile 2013 or the B.C. In addition, the Small Business Accord Following her presentation, Yama- of small businesses to the provincial Government’s Small Business Accord, covers a number of developmental moto opened the floor to small business economy, the Small Business Council visit www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca.

The Vancouver Board of Trade’s The Vancouver Board of Trade's Awards of Valour Holiday Lunch and Year-End Wrap

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 Wednesday, December 11, 2013 11:15 a.m. − 2 p.m. 11:15 a.m. − 2 p.m. Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Hyatt Regency Vancouver

This year will be presenting the following awards:

Vancouver Police Department: Police Officer of the Year Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services: Firefighter of the Year Canadian Army: 39 Canadian Brigade Group Commander’s Award Featuring this year’s panellists: for Outstanding Performance Jas Johal, Senior Reporter, Global Television Royal Canadian Navy: Commander Royal Canadian Navy Bravo Zulu Award Jeff Lee, Reporter, The Vancouver Sun for Outstanding Achievement Treena Wood, News Director, News1130 Radio

Moderated by: Join us in honouring individuals that have demonstrated the best Iain J.S. Black, President & CEO, The Vancouver Board of Trade characteristics of bravery, dedication, and humanitarianism.

Register online at boardoftrade.com   

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SOXVDOODSSOLFDEOHWD[HVIRUWKH¿UVWGD\VSOXVWD[HVHYHU\GD\VWKHUHDIWHU November 2013 Sounding Board member news 11 Around the Board Photo highlights from recent events and activities at The Vancouver Board of Trade

Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO Iain Black speaks to communications students at BCIT on Oct. 21. Black’s discussion centered on the ‘sustainable competitive advantage’ of communication skills, and included tips on how students can develop as ‘whole’ human beings. Photo by Scott McAlpine

City of Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson speaks to reporters following his Oct. 16 address to The Vancouver Board of Trade on his vision for the future of Vancouver. Photo by Kim Stallknecht

Members network at The Edge Social Grille & Lounge on Oct. 22, prior to a Small Business Council event on Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations speaks to The Vancouver Board of Trade on Leading Organizational Change, featuring a presentation by Board of Trade CEO Iain Black. Sept. 27, sharing ‘a First Nations perspective on Canada’s Development Agenda.’ Photo by Kim Stallknecht

On Oct. 17, The Vancouver Board of Trade hosted an earthquake preparedness seminar for businesses with Steve Yendall, Vice President, Western Region, RSA Insurance. Following Yendall’s presentation, he was joined on stage The Vancouver Airport Authority’s new President and CEO, Craig Richmond, delivered his inaugural address to a by Marshall Oliver, Director of Technical Services for BELFOR Property Restoration, and Kevin McIntyre, President sold-out audience at The Vancouver Board of Trade on Oct. 23, continuing a long-standing tradition between the of the Underwriters Insurance and Guardian Risk Managers, for a panel discussion. Photo by Tyson Jerry two organizations. Photo by Sara Borck Photography 12 member news Sounding Board November 2013 Entrepreneur’s vision remains Krystol Clear after 40 years

BY SARAH RIPPIN Yuers partnered with a chemist under a single roof — The Boeing in Vancouver to develop a surface- Developmental Center in Seattle. Ron Yuers is exactly where applied cementitious slurry coat Boeing used KIM in the tunnels he thought he would be after 40 system, what we know today as which delivered parts to where years of building his company. Krystol T1 and T2. Based on the they were manufacturing 747s. Yuers’s vision of wanting to create success of his first project and The structure remains waterproof products that actually work, and knowing the void in the market- today. would continue to work through place the decision was made to To help improve international the test of time without sacrificing manufacture and sell the new trade, Yuers joined The Vancouver quality or revenue, has become the product under the name Kryton. Board of Trade in 1984, serving on mantra of his successful concrete During these early years, Yuers many committees and as a tour waterproofing company. put everything he had into getting director, as well as a director for the “I never diverted my thought Kryton off the ground, and he Board of Trade from 1985-88 and patterns. If you’re going to succeed found the best way to get global again from 1989-1992. Through Ron Yuers (centre), founder and current chairman of Kryton International Inc., saw the in anything and excel, you have distribution was to buy a one-way these positions, Yuers helped form company he started in 1973 celebrate its 40th anniversary in September. Behind Ron to have a plan. You need to have ticket somewhere, and not buy a a committee to study a potential stands son Kevin, Vice-President of Kryton; and daughter Kari, President and CEO. a goal and know how to get there. ticket home until he sold some- bilateral trade agreement with Money is not the goal. It’s the thing. His wife Jeanette would the U.S. He felt strongly that the with their category-defining prod- Forty years after he first created reward,” says Yuers. “I had every manage the business back in study should be Canada-wide, as ucts, meant they boxed above their Kryton, Yuers can proudly say he intention of making Kryton and Vancouver. small businesses were suffering weight-class, winning projects has built a solid company. With the product Krystol the most used By 1979, there were many com- as a result of having their incomes against tough competition from over 50 distributors in 43 countries, material of its kind in the world — panies manufacturing new ways to impeded by high import duties. larger companies. Kryton is featured in hundreds of simply because it was, and still is, waterproof concrete, usually as a Prime Minister Brian Mulroney The Kryton team went on to projects annually. a product that has always worked brush-on product. His team began stood behind the committee’s win Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur “Though you must keep your as it was meant to work.” experimenting with adding Krystol findings and campaigned for what of the Year Award and Hanley thinking organic to survive in In 1973, Yuers co-founded as an admixture directly to the would become the Canada-US Wood’s Most Innovative Product the construction industry, as it is Canwest Waterproofing Company, ready-mix. After some testing and Free Trade Agreement. Award in 2003. In 2006, they again constantly reinventing itself, your initially specializing in concrete innovation, the new product suc- By 1994, Yuers had refocused won Most Innovative Product for vision must remain sound,” says restoration work. Frustrated with cessfully waterproofed, strength- back on Kryton’s expansion. By their Krystol Waterstop System. Yuers. “If you have clarity from the poor quality of the products ened and rendered concrete crack that time, his son and daughter had Most recently, the Yuers’ com- the beginning, and commit to available in the market, Yuers resistant – a huge breakthrough. joined the company, and together mitment to Kryton’s company that vision, you will most certainly began thinking about improve- This admixture, Krystol Internal they began to explore how to in- culture has resulted in being achieve your goals.” ments and resolved to develop a Membrane (KIM), was subse- crease their brand’s awareness on a named one of the “Best Companies Sarah Rippin is multimedia product that reacted internally and quently used when building the global level. Their straight-talking, to Work for in British Columbia” for coordinator for Kryton Interna- remained permanent. world’s largest volume building ethical business style combined four consecutive years. tional Inc.

Thank you sponsors!

For your generous contributions throughout October

CANADA’S LARGEST COMMUNITY BUILDER

Without your support, our events would not be possible November 2013 Sounding Board member news 1313 Avoiding the dreaded dividend cut

BY MICHAEL ARMSTRONG payout ratio. The payout ratio is When we run a simple screen AND ANDREY SCHMIDT simply the percentage of a com- for companies with the highest pany’s earnings that are paid out dividend yields, we often see a Most investors fear the pros- as dividends to shareholders. A dog’s breakfast of companies with pect of a company’s dividend lower payout ratio means that high payout ratios, companies in being cut. As commonly known, the company has more flexibility declining industries, like fixed- some companies pay a portion to continue to pay dividends at a line telecom, natural resource of their profits to shareholders time when its earnings are tem- companies with depleting assets, as dividends. These dividend porarily depressed. On the other companies with lots of debt, and payments tend to be completely hand, a high payout ratio may even foreign-based companies discretionary, meaning that a mean that there is little margin where shareholders face currency company’s board of directors for error. exchange risk. We are not saying may, at any time, decide that Second, do not expect all all high-yield companies are bad; it is not in best interests of the companies in cyclical or volatile rather, we are simply suggesting Andrey Schmidt and Michael Armstrong of Armstrong Schmidt Investment Management. company to continue paying the industries to pay uninterrupted that investors be skeptical. dividend. steady dividends. An oil pipe- Let’s look at a concrete but since this company has been full range of investment ser- Any corporate decision to line company with steady cash example. In July, American coal losing money recently, it seems vices to both retail and corporate reduce or eliminate a dividend flows is far different from an producer Walter Energy Inc. pretty obvious. clients with a specific focus on has consequences. If the deci- oil tanker company with expo- (NYSE:WLT) cut its dividend We have mentioned some discretionary portfolio manage- sion is unexpected, some existing sure to volatile tanker rates. A by over 90 per cent – from 12.5 risks and situations to avoid, but ment. The partnership operates shareholders will probably react regulated utility is far different cents to 1 cent per quarter. The inverting our message, when we under the corporate umbrella negatively and sell their shares, from a homebuilder. Sustainable company had little choice in the find companies with substantial of Raymond James Ltd., one of driving down the share price. The dividends go hand in hand with matter, as prices for the com- (but not extremely high) dividend Canada’s leading full-service in- shareholders who stick around sustainable underlying busi- modity it produces, metallurgi- yields, moderate payout ratios vestment dealers. The views and may be forced to re-evaluate nesses. Cyclical companies have cal coal, had dropped sharply, and sustainable business models, opinions expressed in this article their reasons for investing in the to be closely monitored. When and its lenders demanded the it is usually worth doing further are those of Armstrong Schmidt company. a cyclical company’s results are change. The company’s shares research. The upside of a great Investment Management and These consequences are not weakening along with its indus- declined by more than 15 per dividend stock is a profitable not Raymond James Ltd. This particularly palatable, which try, a dividend cut can come at cent in one day in response to multi-year hold period that in- article is not a solicitation and raises the question - what can be any time. this news. Evaluating this situ- cludes a healthy, or even rising, is for information purposes only. done to avoid investing in com- Third, view an extremely ation, we reiterate that cyclical dividend payout to the share- Raymond James Ltd.is a member panies that are about to cut their high dividend yield as a pos- companies like Walter cannot all holder. We want to be involved of the Canadian Investor Protec- dividends? We have some basic sible red flag. The market may be expected to pay uninterrupted in those situations. tion Fund. For more information suggestions. be anticipating a dividend cut in steady dividends. Our point Armstrong Schmidt Invest- about our services, please visit First, pay attention to the advance of an announcement. about payout ratios also applies, ment Management provides the www.armstrong-schmidt.ca.

Welcome to some of our newest members

2P Agency Soft Inc. Dauratus Research Inc. Herbenus B.V. Real Board Solutions atbos.com dauratus.com [email protected] realboardsolutions.com [email protected] [email protected] 604-354-8366 [email protected] 604-639-2011 604-879-8080 604-608-6153 JarvisLegal Law Corporation Atlas Courier Ltd. Decked Out Construction Inc. jarvislegal.ca Starfish Channel Builders atlascourier.com [email protected] [email protected] starfishcb.com [email protected] 778-888-3185 604-637-8711 michael.desandoli@starfishcb.com 604-875-1111 604-505-6761 Gilmour Knotts J. Robert Thibodeau Crawford & Company Chartered Accountants Architecture + Design Inc. Westland Insurance Group Ltd. ca.crawfordandcompany.com gilmour.ca gotad.ca westland-insurance.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 604-554-0268 604-888-4200 778-330-1139 604-543-7788

Commissionaires of BC Haida Enterprise Corporation Microsoft Canada Vancouver Community commissionaires.bc.ca haico.ca microsoft.com College [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] vcc.ca 604-646-3330 604-278-3130 604-263-2016 [email protected] 604-871-7000 Leadership loves company 14 member news Sounding Board November 2013 CYP lends a hand to shoreline cleanup Volunteers participate nationwide in environmental initiative started by Vancouver Aquarium

BY RYAN LERMITTE Each year, hundreds of thou- sands of kilograms of garbage Vancouver’s natural beauty are cleaned up from Canada’s is one of its greatest treasures. shorelines by thousands of vol- From the mountains to the sea, unteers. This waste is being one can appreciate our city’s true diverted from the ocean, lakes, beauty and splendor. and rivers, reducing the amount However, this beauty also of harm to the ecological diver- needs to be protected. That’s sity and keeping the ecosystems why members of The Vancouver robust. This diversion away from Board of Trade’s Company of the waters is very important, as Young Professionals program garbage has a dramatic effect joined a group of nearly 50 like- on marine life and is one of the minded volunteers – ages four to leading causes of death and 75 – to participate in the Great illness. Canadian Shoreline Cleanup In 2012, 416,996 cigarettes at Olympic Village in late Sep- and cigarette filters were di- tember. verted from Canadian waters, This amazing group of people along with other tops offenders persevered through pouring – 98,835 food packages, 69,790 rain that was sometimes even plastic bags, and 69,725 bottle Volunteers braved wind and rain to participate in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup at Olympic Village on Sept. 22, including blowing sideways to collect more caps. members of The Vancouver Board of Trade’s Company of Young Professionals program. Submitted photo than 20 kilograms of garbage! And if you are wondering The Great Canadian Shore- what some of the weirdest finds issues by encouraging Cana- give back to the community in member of The Vancouver Board line Cleanup was founded in have been, one year an 18k gold dians to rehabilitate shoreline which you live? of Trade’s Company of Young 1994 by a group of volunteers ring was found. In Surrey, a car areas through cleanups.” This Join the Shoreline Cleanup in Professionals (CYP) Program. at the Vancouver Aquarium was recovered from a river. For mission is being lived out on a September 2014 and get in the CYP is a leadership development looking to clean up an area of the Olympic Village clean up, daily basis and the world is a spirit of giving in Vancouver. program which engages those beach around Stanley Park. This the most interesting find was a better place because of it. For more information on under 35 through leadership, small group has evolved into a “Hello Kitty” thermos. Do you love running, biking, the Great Canadian Shoreline networking, and volunteerism nationwide movement in part- The mission of the Great or walking along the seawall? Did Cleanup, visit www.shoreline- opportunities. To engage your nership with the World Wildlife Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is you grow up on a lake playing cleanup.ca. company’s emerging leaders or Fund (WWF) and the Vancouver to “promote understanding and games in the summer? Do you Ryan Lermitte is the owner of learn more about the program, Aquarium. education about shoreline litter simply love nature and want to Umbrella Properties Ltd. and a visit www.tcyp.ca. Business etiquette: Does it actually matter? Yes, it does! Why courtesy and manners are still a crucial part of doing business

BY CAREY MCBETH message, even if it is just to ac- North American business arena. Thank-you notes knowledge you have received It is a non-verbal ability to com- State why you’re writing. For The word “etiquette” often the email and are working on the municate and should be made example, “Thank you for the gets a bad rap. For one thing, it details. 40-60 per cent of the time. When taking the time to visit our office sounds pretentious and dated. Social media you maintain eye contact, you yesterday.” Next, elaborate. “It It is perceived as a set of rules Watch what you post or tweet, present confidence in yourself was extremely valuable to have that are intrusive to our sense of and never post or tweet in heat. and what you are communicat- our executive team meet with you individuality and freedom. Stay away from controversial ing. Lack of eye contact is often face to face.” Finally, continue to In reality, etiquette is a criti- topics, negative comments, and perceived as a lack of interest or build the relationship. “We look cal part of business. It is about avoid the use of profanity. Re- an indication of a short attention forward to working with you to fostering business relations based member your digital footprint is span. increase your exposure to new on integrity, best practices, and essentially visible to everyone, Dining for dollars markets.” Taking the time to write cultural sensitivity: the guiding and it will never go away! Sixty per cent of business is a handwritten thank-you note principles for success in busi- Small talk conducted over a meal. Ensure shows your clients that their busi- ness. Carey McBeth Never underestimate the you know how to navigate the ness truly matters. Knowledge of proper busi- value of “small talk.” It is about business meal. As the host, it is Carey McBeth is a business ness etiquette will minimize any during meetings. It is considered building relations with your your responsibility to take care etiquette and modern manners misunderstanding or business rude and gives the perception colleagues, clients and boss. of every last detail, know when to expert. She is an accomplished blunders that can ultimately kill a that a potential caller or email is Stay well informed on the latest start the meal, engage in business speaker and popular media re- deal-in-progress. While the pres- more important than the person news and events (local, national conversation, and take care of the source. Carey is routinely quoted ence of business etiquette might in front of you. Consider this — and international) and avoid bill in a sophisticated manner in national media including the not be immediately apparent or the President of the United States, talking about religion, politics (away from the table). National Post and The Globe and visible, the lack-of it will certainly who is considered the most pow- and health. Know how to finesse Mail. She is a frequent guest on impact the bottom-line. erful man in the world, does not Listen, listen, listen embarrassing situations Global News, CBC Newsworld, Here are some of the top busi- have a cell phone present during People love to feel important Knowing whether or not to CTV, CKNW and CBC. For business ness etiquette tips you can’t afford meetings. and the way to do that is to give tell your CEO that he has spinach etiquette and modern manners to ignore. Email them your undivided attention. stuck in his teeth is a test of one’s tips, follow Carey McBeth on Smartphone Reply to all emails within Eye contact business etiquette skills. (Answer: Twitter at www.twitter.com/car- Put your Smartphone away 24-48 hours after receiving the Eye contact is vital in the Tell him, but discreetly). eymcbeth. November 2013 Sounding Board member news 1515

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CIRCLE® Shining a light on B.C.’s unsung heroes How early childhood educators bring value to our communities and our economy

BY CHRISTINE BUTTKUS couraged to lead from where they conflict among adults with young ing how ECEs contribute, inte- are. Through the five cohorts of children costs the Canadian grating Aboriginal cultural values November 20 is International the leadership initiative, we have health care system $2.5 billion into care and learning, brain Day of the Child and a time to had a chance to see the incredible annually, and the child welfare development, school success in reflect on efforts to enhance the leadership capacity that is often system another $1.2 billion per children, and more. well-being of children, our com- untapped and under-recognized year. Come learn more about these munities, and the related impact in community. What’s more, the report says professionals, who contribute to on the economy. Because many ECEs do that investing in child care has a future development of healthy This article draws attention to not earn a living wage, receive bigger job multiplier effect than communities and economic the work of Early Childhood Edu- minimal benefits, and receive any other sector, with more em- vibrancy. cators (ECEs) in B.C. who uphold minimal professional develop- ployment per dollar of activity. For more information about rights and advocate for children ment support, ECEs have been We invite the business com- the issues and the projects visit as part of their professional code particularly grateful for the op- munity to remain educated and www.ecebc.ca or search for of conduct. portunity that they receive to engaged in this economic issue, ECEBC Leadership on Face- As experts in early care and Christine Buttkus re-energize during the leadership to assist in finding solutions that book. learning, they hold college and initiative. However, research work and to help support the Christine Buttkus is a con- university-level training and There is a critical loss of ECEs informs us that our work that ECEs who support our workforce sultant and member of The Van- are licensed to practise in our by the fifth year of their careers, enhances quality of work life is and the development of future couver Board of Trade. She is province. They work in a range posing a tremendous capacity not sufficient in absence of a leaders. contracted to ECEBC to keep the of capacities, including child care loss to the sector and, of course, living wage. On Nov. 26, ECEBC is hosting spirit of learning flowing between centres, schools, after-school ripple effects on the families High-quality early care and its fifth annual showcase at Van- the ECEBC Leadership Initiative programs, and as community served. learning programs support in- couver Community College. The participants, alumni and the consultants. Through ECEBC’s Leader- creased participation of women event will profile projects that community. Christine can be These leaders support healthy ship Initiative, and with support in the workforce. Those of you focus on children’s rights, healthy reached at 604-849-2252 or chris- child development in the class- from the Vancity Community who are parents will recall the child development, understand- [email protected]. room and beyond. The impor- Foundation, ECEs selected to challenges of transitioning to tance of the work that ECEs do participate in the annual leader- family life and needing the con- Join The Vancouver Board of Trade’s Women’s Leadership Circle was highlighted in The Vancou- ship initiative are able to profile fidence that allows us to return for a night of networking at The Boathouse Kitsilano on Nov. 20. This ver Board of Trade’s own Kids ‘N their successes in classrooms and to work. lively reception will be a great opportunity to mix and mingle with Crime report in 2010, under the in the community. An ECEBC fact sheet titled members of the WLC’s advisory council. Visit www.boardoftrade. headline “pay now or pay more This is a critical form of It Makes Good Dollars & Sense com/events to register. later.” support where leaders are en- states that stress from work-life

Board submits comments regarding women in leadership roles

BY GREG HOEKSTRA Women’s Leadership Circle members of the Women’s Lead- its planned steps in order to our member organizations grow solicited input from local busi- ership Circle support the OSC’s achieve greater representation their businesses and attract, The Vancouver Board of ness leaders who have extensive suggested model of disclosure of women at the board level and develop and retain the best Trade has submitted comments corporate management and requirements regarding women in senior leadership roles. talent from a diverse pool of to the Ontario Securities Com- board experience and particu- on boards and the accompa- 5. We must provide sug- candidates,” wrote Black. mission (OSC) in response to lar insight into how to address nying “comply or explain” gested policies and content to “In fact, the vision of our the OSC’s consultation paper, gender diversity issues in Cana- approach to such disclosure support Canadian businesses Women’s Leadership Circle is Disclosure Requirements Re- dian workplaces. requirements. as they strive for greater gender for an inclusive business com- garding Women on Boards and In brief, The Vancouver Board 3. Similar to Canada Labour diversity in their ranks, and munity, which embraces diver- in Senior Management. of Trade’s key recommendations requirements, each reporting support them to track their sity. We are achieving our vision The letter, submitted by The were as follows: issuer should be required to progress and performance; by helping to elevate women Vancouver Board of Trade’s 1. There are a number of ef- disclose on an annual basis however, we must not be too through meaningful connec- President and CEO Iain Black fective policies that reporting their own performance regard- prescriptive given each organi- tions, leadership development last month, strongly commends issuers could adopt for increas- ing representation of women zation will be different depend- and advocacy.” both the OSC and Government ing the number of women on on their board and their senior ing on the nature of its business, To read the full submission, of Ontario for investigating ways boards and in senior manage- management team. its industry sector, the diversity visit the “News” section of The to increase the involvement of ment in areas such as recruit- 4. Each reporting issuer of the pool of talent, and the Vancouver Board of Trade’s women on boards and in senior ment, succession planning, should be required to develop diversity of its customer base homepage at www.boardoftrade. management positions. leadership training, recognition and disclose the policies and and the communities in which com. In order to arrive at in- and mentorship. procedures, appropriate to it operates. For more information on the formed recommendations, 2. The Vancouver Board of their organization and market, “The Vancouver Board of Women’s Leadership Circle, visit The Vancouver Board of Trade’s Trade‘s board of directors and that it has implemented and Trade is committed to helping boardoftrade.com/wlc. IF YOU’VE GOT LIGHTS WE’VE GOT A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU.

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