Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1000, Enderby, BC V0E 1V0 Telephone: 250-838-6727 | Fax: 250-838-0123 www.enderbychamber.com | [email protected]

NEWSLETTER – December 21, 2010

Table of Contents

Holiday Greetings 1 Business News 1 Business and Community 3 Chamber Action 4 Business and Career Opportunities 6 Warren’s Safety Tip of the Month 7 City Hall Notices 7 Recreation 8 Mark Your Calendar 9 Member-To-Member Discounts 9 Contact Us 10

HOLIDAY GREETINGS From the staff and directors at the Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May your holiday be safe, enjoyable, and maybe even slightly relaxing!

BUSINESS NEWS If you have news about your business that you would like to share, please send your announcements to [email protected].

BC 4-H Enrolment Time!! It has been another busy year at the BC 4-H Provincial Office and staff, leaders and members alike are gearing up for 2011 enrolment. With more than 2,350 members across the province, BC 4-H is always excited to welcome new members and leaders to the 4-H community. The 4-H program provides youth with an opportunity to become productive, self-assured adults fostered through project and program work and experience they share with other 4-H members and leaders.

December 21, 2010 Page 1 of 10 Projects are available for youth age 6-21 consisting of everything from Animal & Livestock, Creative Arts, Mechanical, Personal Development and much, much more! For more information about BC 4-H or to learn how to join go to www.bc4h.bc.ca or call 1-866-776-0373

Caravan Farm Theatre Gift certificates are available Are you wondering what to get for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list? Gift certificates are available for Caravan's summer, fall and winter productions. For tickets, call Ticket Seller at 1- 866-311-1011 or visit www.ticketseller.ca.

Case Furniture Christmas Gift Ideas and Boxing Week Sale Case Furniture has lots of recliners in-stock ready to be taken home for any of those last minute shoppers looking for great holiday gift ideas. Case Furniture is also having a boxing week sale with lots of clearance items, including furniture, mattresses, and appliances. For more information, visit http://www.casefurniture.ca.

Kindale Developmental Association Effective immediately, Old Towne Thrift Shoppe in Armstrong is closed for inventory. Kindale Association would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of the people who supported the store by dropping off donations and purchasing merchandise. Additionally, Kindale is very grateful to the dedicated volunteers who have been doing such a fantastic job. Proceeds from the Old Town Thrift Shoppe help ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the services and supports they need to enjoy full and inclusive lives. Please watch for the grand re-opening at 2725 Patterson Avenue in Armstrong! For more information contact Cindy Masters at [email protected] or 250-546-3005.

Our Okanagan Hits 1000 OurOkanagan.ca now has over 1000 business profiles on its website. OurOkanagan.ca is being marketed throughout the valley to make it easy for consumers to shop local and for businesses and non-profit organizations to showcase products and services.

Searching the site for unique products and services is easy: just type in the address “ourokanagan.ca” and start your keyword search. Setting up a profile and creating awareness about what you do only takes a couple of minutes. Let everyone in the Valley know what you have to offer!

Visit www.ourokanagan.ca for more information.

Runaway Moon's Small Miracle Runaway Moon is happy to tell you that their play, "A Small Miracle" is being remounted in Stratford, Ontario by Runaway's very own Varrick Grimes, his partner Keira Loughran and their new pak siew b'y troupe. This play was beautifully presented on the streets and in the businesses of Enderby in 2001. It is based on a book by Peter Collington and adapted by Runaway Moon Theatre

A Small Miracle, the theatrical extravaganza presented by pak siew b’y is Stratford’s newest performing arts initiative. With a mandate to create theatre by engaging the community in new

December 21, 2010 Page 2 of 10 and innovative ways, the creative team behind A Small Miracle has been out in the streets, into the classrooms, and bringing community members and professional artists together in the rehearsal hall. As in the story of A Small Miracle, the spirit of the production has ignited the generous spirit of the community, and the collective results are beautiful to both behold and be part of.

Seward Gallery Retreat The Seward Gallery Retreat would like to wish all a very Merry and safe holiday season. For last minute gift ideas call Jaime and book a private viewing of her paintings. If you are having a hard time choosing, gift certificates are available for commissioning portraits and existing originals and prints. For more information, call Jaime Seward at 250-838-9455.

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY There are many ways in which local business gives back to our community. This section describes some of those activities and contributions.

High School Financial Planning Program Garners Top Marks from Parents, Students, and Educators in Enderby A new component added to the Planning 10 program at A. L. Fortune Secondary has been given an “A” by parents, students and educators. In three sessions designed and delivered by Enderby & District Credit Union and Partners in Planning (PIP) Financial Services Enderby, 71 Grade 10 students learned the basics about budgeting, credit and debt, insurance and investing, all supporting the prescribed learning outcomes required by the curriculum. The Planning 10 unit on finances wrapped up recently with a school barbeque attended by EDCU and Partners in Planning (PIP) staff, parents, students and teachers. Parents had an opportunity to ask questions, while students were presented with a flash drive memory stick loaded with the EDCU/PIP power point presentations as well as links to “student-friendly” websites on basic personal money management, financial planning and scholarship/bursary/grant information.

"This is just awesome," explained Peter Fillion, whose son Jacob just completed the program. "This program has given these kids some real financial tools. Money management and financial planning are topics which are so important and yet many kids leave home and enter the working world unprepared to deal with it." Grade 10 student Jacob Fillion says he found the sessions interesting and feels they gave him some valuable information. "I understand the reasons for saving and avoiding debt, and I found out more about the funding I’ll need to become a mechanic."

"This program is something we’ve thought about for years, and we’re pleased that it came together so well," stated Ted Morrison, general manager at Enderby & District Credit Union. "We are committed to providing this program every year for the Grade 10 Planning class, and we’re just about to give the current class of Grade 12s a condensed version of the sessions. In 2011, we will follow up with this year’s Grade 10 class, offering a financial check-up."

Partners in Planning (PIP) Financial Services Enderby office offers wealth management services at the EDCU branch as part of a referral agreement established in 2009. PIP representative Brad Case was instrumental in developing the investment and financial planning session presented to the students. "We were very pleased with the reception we received," said

December 21, 2010 Page 3 of 10 Case. "The students were courteous and genuinely engaged in the subjects. It’s our hope that we’ve left them with a few messages that will develop their financial literacy skills and have a positive influence in their lives."

The first session focused on students planning their dreams and charting how to get there with a focus on budgeting; credit and debt; and investing or account management. A significant part of the program dealt with the implications of being in debt, and emphasized the benefits of starting to save sooner rather than later. EDCU’s Tina Hawkins was one of the lead architects of the EDCU program. "We were impressed with the questions the students asked at the end of the sessions – ranging from the basics of how to set up an account and writing a cheque to wanting an understanding of the mathematics of compound interest."

"We want to thank Ted, Brad, Tina and others in their organizations who have worked so hard to put these educational sessions together and then presenting them in such an engaging way," said Abbas El Gazzar, principal at A. L. Fortune Secondary. "They were just phenomenal. I think the content really resonated with the students as they were hearing the financial facts from the financial professionals." Career Programs coordinator and Planning 10 teacher Mark Marino agreed. "By bringing these financial experts into our class, the students were able to gain financial insight in an interesting and interactive way. Each of the three sessions were linked to the learning outcomes required by Planning 10, and we really appreciated all the tailored work done by EDCU and Partners in Planning staff to provide a rich learning experience. We also had some laughs through the sessions, as a few kids said they will never leave home!"

"Our technologically-savvy students and youth can look forward to some exciting new advancements in the New Year, as EDCU will be launching a new level of online financial offerings on an integrated website, www.enderbycreditunion.com. Information specific to them will be featured on the site, and they will have increased access to financial products and services along with improved ease of navigation," added Morrison.

"These Planning 10 sessions are supporting our goal to reach out to students and youth, to make financial tools, products and services more understandable and approachable. At the end of the day, we hope to help them grow into responsible and informed money managers as they work toward their educational and career goals, and make the transition to financial independence after secondary school," concluded Morrison.

For more information, please contact: Ted Morrison with the Enderby & District Credit Union at 250-838-6841 or Brad Case with Partners in Planning Financial Services at 250-838-2262.

CHAMBER ACTION

Enderby Chamber Connects Local Businesses to Free Training Funds Recognizing the value of well-trained employees, Enderby and area businesses participated in the Small Business Employee Training Program (SBETP) at a very high rate. Through SBETP, training funds were provided to upgrade employees' skills in consultation with employers.

Eleven out of 60 SBETP participants came from Enderby and the surrounding area. A wide variety of sectors were represented, including non-profit and charitable organizations, community development and tourism, publishing, theatre, childcare, construction, transportation, agriculture, and esthetics.

December 21, 2010 Page 4 of 10 As a result, more than $8000 worth of training was accessed by Enderby and area employees to upgrade their skills!

The Enderby Chamber of Commerce took an active "matchmaker" role in plugging local businesses into this opportunity. "Every business owner knows that a well-trained employee is the foundation for success" says Chamber Executive Director Tate Bengtson. "One of the things that I like best about the SBETP is that the employee training is flexible enough to accommodate a range of needs while linking employee training with business success."

SBETP was funded through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development (now called the Ministry of Regional Economic and Skills Development). SBETP was coordinated provincially by ASPECT and regionally by Community Futures North Okanagan.

Enderby Chamber's "Wood First" Initiative Successful at Regional District Following a presentation to the Electoral Area Advisory Council by Chamber Executive Director Tate Bengtson, the Board of Directors for RDNO gave formal approval for staff to begin drafting a Wood First bylaw.

Chamber Executive Director Tate Bengtson says that a Wood First policy "will help to support forestry and value-added wood producers, which is the cornerstone of the local economy. This policy will encourage contractors to seriously consider wood as the primary building material. It will encourage contractors to develop working knowledge of local opportunities to acquire wood and wood products."

A Wood First bylaw encourages all new buildings owned or funded by the regional district to be constructed out of wood whenever possible. Typically, Wood First bylaws enable preference to be given to design proposals featuring innovative or extensive uses of wood content, particularly those which use locally sourced wood and wood products. The Enderby Chamber has previously, and successfully, encouraged the City of Enderby to adopt a Wood First bylaw.

"Ultimately," Bengtson says, "I see this policy as an important way to encourage further innovation and productivity in the sector, which has important spin-offs for the whole economy. I think that the Regional District's decision to move in this direction sends a powerful and positive signal about its support for the wood industry."

Enderby Chamber Moves on Green Energy As businesses and homes make the shift to green energy, the Enderby and District Chamber of Commerce is questioning why such a positive change should be effectively penalized by BC Assessment Authority.

As investment in green energy solutions such as solar power and geothermal may increase the assessed value of a property, the Chamber is encouraging the government to create a tax credit in order to offset the increase in assessed value.

"Government has a range of incentives in place to encourage investment in green energy solutions, which our members see as a very positive thing," observes Chamber Executive Director Tate Bengtson.

December 21, 2010 Page 5 of 10 "However, in other respects, government is still playing catch up on how it does business. In this case, the BC Assessment Authority has yet to adjust its assessment formula to fulfill the government's green energy priority."

As a result, members of the Chamber voted unanimously in support of a resolution encouraging the Ministry of Finance and the BC Assessment Authority to review its policy on green investment. The Chamber is encouraging government to introduce a credit to offset any increase in assessed value due to investment in this area.

"Our next step will be to engage with the different levels of government in order to raise awareness and build support," notes Bengtson. "I know that government is very interested in ways to increase prosperity through investment in green technology. This issue is important to that larger project and I look forward to engaging with them on it."

BUSINESS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

TEC Canada Business Development Session Featuring: Robert Schmidt Competition – is there any way to eliminate it? In today’s overcrowded industries, companies compete head-to-head with their rivals in fierce battles over market share while searching for sustainable, profitable growth.

Over his career, Robert Schmidt has gained insight into the fact that tomorrow’s leading companies will succeed not only by battling competitors with strategic planning, but also by creating uncontested market space ripe for growth. As Schmidt says, “You can choose to compete over scraps with your rivals or you can be an innovator in your market.” Schmidt’s approach to growth is focused on matching market demand with corporate capabilities. Recognized as a world leader in “fresh market strategy”, Schmidt applies the proven principles of leading business thinkers to everyday growth challenges.

You are invited to hear more from Schmidt on January 12th, 2010 at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna, presented by TEC Canada. To learn more about TEC Canada, visit www.tec-canada.com or call TEC Chair Ken MacLeod at 250-545-7632 or 250-306-5915.

Bridges Program Are you a woman who is unemployed? Are you looking forward to making a significant change? Are you seeking to be independent? The Bridges is a 26 week program designed to help you create positive change in your life through a focus on work experience and optional work placement. Bridges offers a place where women learn to communicate, to be validated, and to be empowered. Bridges helps women make positive change in their lives and in the lives of their children.

Community Futures has been delivering the Bridges Program to the community since 1993. The Bridges Program is offered to women who have experienced abuse or violence and are ready to take their first steps towards financial independence. The Bridges Program focuses on life- management skills, career exploration, and educational planning. Training is presented to the participants in the areas of: personal planning, team building, stress and time management, confidence and self-esteem building, communications, thinking skills, literacy, health, career development, job search skills, assertiveness training, conflict resolution and other such life skills. In addition, skill training is offered in computer fundamentals, First Aid, WHMIS,

December 21, 2010 Page 6 of 10 FoodSafe and customer service, and each woman has the opportunity to gain valuable work experience.

Between 1993 and 2008, 314 women have attended a Bridges Program. A review of the program during different years indicates that an average of approximately 81% of the women have secured employment or returned to school or training within six months after leaving the program.

Course costs are fully funded by the Ministry of Housing and Social Development and there are monies available for both daycare and transportation. For more information or for an application form call 250-545-2215 extension 219.

WARREN’S SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH Courtesy of Warren Smith of RCMP Safe Communities

The local business community has seen an increase in counterfeit twenty dollar bills. Vernon Safe Communities suggests that you remind all employees to be diligent in screening all bills. Screening tips are available at http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/banknotes.

A good way to remember the principles of identifying counterfeit bills is

 Touch the raised ink on the large number, portrait, coat of arms, and "Bank of Canada" text.

 Tilt to verify that the metallic strip with two-tone maple leafs light up and the dashes change from gold to green.

 Look Through the bill to ensure that the "ghost image" (or watermark) in the centre matches the portrait and that the number above the ghost images shoulder matches the bill's value.

 Look at the appearance and action of each safety feature carefully.

Remember, there are no refunds for fake money. Encourage your employees to check each bill at the time of transaction so that you do not lose revenue due to counterfeit fraud.

For more information, contact Warren Smith at Vernon RCMP Safe Communities Unit 250-550- 7843 or [email protected].

CITY HALL NOTICES

Public Notice on Snow Removal Residents of the City of Enderby are reminded that vehicles must be removed from the streets during snow removal operations. This is in accordance with Section 601.31 of the City of Enderby Street and Traffic Bylaw No. 1471, 2010. Please note that property owners are responsible for the removal of snow and ice from their sidewalks within 24 hours from cessation of snowfall, as per Section 4.7 of the City of Enderby Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 1478, 2010. Snow windrows are regrettably unavoidable when the City Crew is performing snow removal

December 21, 2010 Page 7 of 10 from City streets. The City of Enderby does not have the resources or manpower to remove driveway windrows. Your cooperation is appreciated to ensure a safe winter for all.

RECREATION

Enderby Learn to Skate Programs Enderby is now offering innovative learn-to-skate programs that focus on creating a positive and fun learning experience for skaters of all ages. Small classes and qualified instructors guarantee the one-on-one time and attention that participants need to feel successful and have fun!

Ice Puppy 1: Maximum of six skaters. This class is for children (ages 3-6) with little or no prior skating experience but who are ready to participate in a class without a parent. Children will learn balance, safety, and forward movement. Skill Focus: Standing, Walking, Gliding. Mondays, January 10th to February 28th from 6:15-6:45pm. Eight sessions for $100.00.

Ice Puppy 2: Maximum of four skaters. This class is for children (ages 3-6) who can stand up from a seated position in skates and can take 5 to 10 forward walking steps confidently without assistance or falling. Skill Focus: Walking, Gliding. Mondays, January 10th to February 28th from 6:45-7:15pm. Eight sessions for $100.00.

Ice Puppy 3: Maximum of four skaters. This class is for children (ages 3-6) who can push confidently on their own and who are gliding on two feet without falling. Skill Focus: Push Glides, Stopping, Backwards Skating. Mondays, January 10th to February 28th from 6:45- 7:15pm. Eight sessions for $100.00.

Super Skater 1: Maximum of 10 skaters. This class is for children (ages 7-12) with little or no previous skating experience. Children will gain basic skating skills in a positive, learner-centered environment that is designed to meet individual needs. Skaters will learn how to glide and push with weight transfer and good balance, as well as start the skill progressions for stopping and skating backwards. Skill Focus: Push Glides, Balance, Stopping, Backwards Skating. Mondays, January 10th to February 28th from 6:15-6:45pm. Seven sessions for $100.00.

Super Skater 2: Maximum of 10 skaters. This class is for children (ages 7-12) with previous skating experience. Children will learn backwards skating and turns. Skill Focus: Stopping, Backwards Skating, Turns. Mondays, January 10th to February 28th from 6:45-7:15pm. Eight sessions for $100.00.

Super Skater 3: Maximum of 10 skaters. This class is for children (ages 7-12) with good basic skating skills. Children will learn the proper technique for more advanced skills. This program is recommended for novice and intermediate level skaters. Skill Focus: Crossovers, Edge Control. Mondays, January 10th to February 28th from 6:45pm to 7:15pm. Eight sessions for $100.00.

Hot Shots: This class is for children (ages 3-6) with some previous skating experience. Children will learn how to perform basic skating skills in a hockey environment. The focus will be on developing skating skills and an appreciation of hockey. It is recommended that skaters complete Ice Puppy 1 and 2 before joining the Hot Shots! program. Children are required to have a hockey stick, helmet with face shield, and mittens or gloves (hockey gloves are NOT recommended). Skill Focus: Hockey Skating Skills. Sundays, January 9th to February 27th 5:15- 5:45pm or 5:45-6:15pm. Eight sessions for $100.00.

December 21, 2010 Page 8 of 10 Adult Skater 1: This class is for adults and youth (14+ years of age) with little or no recent previous skating experience. Skaters will work on skating stride, stopping techniques, and backwards skating. Skill Focus: Stride, Stops, Backwards Skating. Mondays, January 10th to February 28th from 7:15-8:00pm. Sundays, January 9th to February 27th from 5:15-6:00pm. Eight sessions for $120.00.

Adult Skater 2: This class is for adults and youth (14+ years of age) with some recent previous skating experience. Skaters will work on developing intermediate to advanced level skills. Skill Focus: Intermediate to advanced level skills. Sundays, January 9th to February 27th from 5:15- 6:00pm. Eight sessions for $120.00.

Participants are required to wear CSA approved helmets, skates and mitts or gloves. For information or registration/booking forms on skating lessons, public skates, or ice rentals, please contact Willow at [email protected] or 250-838-2665.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Chamber members: Please contact us if you have an event which you would like to add to this section of our newsletter and our online calendar.

The Enderby & District Arts Council AGM The Enderby & District Arts Council annual general meeting will take place at the Chamber of Commerce on January 19 at 7pm. The agenda includes discussion of EDAC’s 2011 schedule of events and happenings and bylaw amendments. Members (including representatives of Corporate members) are invited to attend and guests are welcome also. For more information contact Alyson at 250-838-2274.

The Salmon Armenians Live at Lorenzo’s Cafe Lorenzo's December 31st New Years Eve Party will feature The Salmon Armenians, winners of the Okanagan Music Awards Best Blues Band for 2007. The eight-member group will deliver an evening of scorching R&B hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, as well as their own original songs. Check them out at http://www.salmonarmenians.com. For more information, contact Lorne at Lorenzo’s Cafe at 250-838-6700

MEMBER-TO-MEMBER DISCOUNTS Start networking and encouraging business today by offering a business-to-business discount. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Advertising The Vernon Morning Star is offering Chamber members 25% off on their first advertising purchase of 2010. Drop by the Chamber to pick up your discount certificate.

Workshop Rentals Gypsy Bazaar is offering 25% off workshop space rentals for all Chamber Members. For more information call 250-838-0587.

December 21, 2010 Page 9 of 10 Consulting MacLeod Consulting is pleased to offer Chamber members 10% off strategic planning, marketing, branding, graphic design, and business coaching services. For more information, contact [email protected].

Crystals Chamber members are invited to enjoy a 10% discount off of their retail crystal purchases on designated open warehouse days at The Crystal Man Wholesale. Keep reading this newsletter for information on the next open warehouse day.

Furniture and Appliances Case Furniture is offering a discount to owners of businesses and organizations who are current Chamber members. The discount offered will be 15% off of furniture and contractors’ pricing on appliances. Visit http://www.casefurniture.ca for more information.

Personal Training Penny Lochhead is pleased to offer a 10% discount on her personal training services. For more information or to book your appointment call 250-838-0425.

Tanning and Beauty Bombshells Tanning & Esthetics is now offering special discounts to Chamber members. Receive $5 off of any tanning package or $5 off of gel fingernails and toenails.

CONTACT US Would you like more information about how the Chamber can serve you? Please give the Chamber a call so that we can schedule an appointment.

December 21, 2010 Page 10 of 10