small businesses can excel at winning christmas dollars is your chance to meet and ex-change ideas...
TRANSCRIPT
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2004 •VOLUME44•NUMBER6
iN ThiS iSSuEBoard Calendar 2Membership News 3,8,24Chairman’s Message 4Around The Board 5SpiritofGiving 6,7Policy Issues 9Spirit of Vancouver ® 10,15GiftGuide 16,17Event Highlights 18,23Recruiting 19,22World Trade Centre 20
CHristmas Continued on Page 8
st. Paul’s Continued on Page 18
boardoftrade.comGet updated event information 24-hours a day, 7 days a week
Last year, more than 200 Vancouver businesses helped raise $1.2 million for St. Paul’s Lights of Hope campaign.
The Lights of Hope Christmas display
outside St. Paul’s Hospital showcases
the names of several hundred Vancou-
ver businesses that support the hospi-
tal foundation’s annual Christmas light
fundraising campaign.
“Support from the business com-
munity is crucial to our success for
Lights of Hope,” explains St. Paul’s
Hospital Foundation executive direc-
tor Jane Adams. “Last year, more than
200 Vancouver businesses helped us
raise $1.2 million for Lights of Hope.
This year we hope to surpass our goal
of $1.25 million.”
Greatly expanded since its begin-
nings in 1998, Lights of Hope provides
an opportunity for businesses or indi-
viduals to make a donation to St. Paul’s.
Donations of $1,000 or more mean that
a company or family name will be rec-
ognized on the display.
Adams notes that the top priority
for 2004 is raising the funds needed
to equip a new Cardiac Procedure
Room to help St. Paul’s provide more
timely access to people from around the
province who need special procedures
like pacemakers, implantable defibril-
lators, angioplasties or electrophysiol-
ogy treatments.
“We need almost $3 million to pur-
chase equipment for the new room.
Patients will benefit directly because
Generosity of business community crucial to St. Paul’s lights of hope
Want to improve your bottom line this
year? Focus on product selection, qual-
ity and great customer service. While
it is no secret that Canadians love to
spend money at Christmas time — Stats
Canada reported $15.4 billion was
spent on retail sales during December
2003, up from a $9.6 billion monthly
average (excluding food and auto pur-
chases) — it is probably less true today
that Christmas could make or break an
independent retailer’s year.
“There are more discretionary dol-
lars floating around in November and
December,” said Kevin Evans, VP, West-
ern Canada, Retail Council of Canada,
“but other selling seasons are emerging,
specifically back-to-school and back-
Small businesses can excel at winning Christmas dollarsBy millie strom to-serious for adults for wardrobe and
home improvement purchases.” Christ-
mas, however, remains an important
time for toy, electronic, book, giftware
and fashion accessory sales.
For those businesses that are look-
ing to make a splash at Christmas,
Evans offers some advice, “Most people
in the baby-boom cohort have already
bought all their stuff, so they’re looking
to buy experiences instead.” Examples
are travelling and dining out, but for
retailers, delivering good customer
service is key.
“Stores have to offer an experience
that is compelling,” said Evans. “While
small retailers cannot compete with
pricing, they can make a difference
with excellent service and product
selection.”
Sam Matino of Montecristo Jewel-
lers Inc. possesses this kind of entre-
preneurial spirit. “We have excellent
quality and service all year round, so
we have a lot of repeat customers and
referrals — friends, acquaintances,
sometimes from overseas,” said Matino.
Montecristo’s sales go up at Christmas,
but as Matino pointed out, “Every
month is good business for us.”
Looking at a service business, Byron
Sheardown, sales manager, Horizon
Publications, said there is an increase,
10 to 20 per cent, in printing sales at
Christmas for the community news-
paper and flyer printer. “Every year
people come up with new marketing
tools such as stocking-stuffer flyers and
song booklets with advertising,” said
Sheardown.
One marketing and advertising
company that realizes a substantial
increase at Christmas is Main River
Company. Owner and president Wil-
liam Graham said he is always startled
by the growth. “Clients plan ahead for
Air travel doesn’t have to bechallenging. With London AirServices state-of-the-art fleet ofLearjet 45s and Challenger 604s,non-stop availability and superi-or customer service, every flightis straightforward and stress-free.
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Learjet 45
Sam Matino displays a handcrafted original Montecristo creation, a beautiful Tanzanite and diamond necklace.
Photo by laUra sChNeIder
2 Sounding Board/November – December 2004 The Vancouver Board of Trade/The Spirit of EnterpriseTM
The Board’s 30-minute time slots are Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
and Sundays at 6 p.m. on Cable channel 4. Air dates are subject to change.
Check schedule at www.boardoftrade.com.
The Vancouver Board of Trade Cable Program Guide
PrOGraM
air daTES
Lights, Camera, Action!
The Vancouver Board of Trade Cable Program Guide
PrOGraM
air daTES
Lights, Camera, Action!
The Vancouver Board of Trade Cable Program Guide
PrOGraM
air daTES
Lights, Camera, Action!
The Vancouver Board of Trade Cable Program Guide
PrOGraM
air daTES
Lights, Camera, Action!
Nov 20Nov 21
Nov 27Nov 28
dec 4dec 5
For full details or to register,
visit www.boardoftrade.com or
call 604-641-1248.
dec 11dec 12
bC hydro’s MaNdate: low Cost, reliable Power for GenerationsBob Elton, President & Chief Executive Offi cer, BC Hydro
2004 Spirit of Vancouver® Awards
PUblIC PrIvate PartNershIPs: From Concept to realityLarry Blain, Chief Executive Offi cer, Partnerships British Columbia Inc.
Greater Vancouver Leadership Summit
WEB BYTES
By Karen grant
22 Distinguished Author Series™
Peter C. Newman
HERE BE DRAGONS: The Life and Times
of Peter C. Newman. Morris J. Wosk
Centre for Dialogue, Asia Pacific Hall.
Reg: 3:30 p.m. End: 6 p.m. Sponsored by
Vancouver International Airport Au-
thority, Simon Fraser University and
The Vancouver Sun. EVENT #050724
23 Managers’ Toolbox™
Shane Gibson, President
Knowledge Brokers
International Systems Ltd.
TALK TO ME: Getting Your Prospects
and Clients to Tell You What They Really
Need. Renaissance Vancouver Hotel
Harbourside — Ballroom. Reg: 7:30
a.m. End: 9:45 a.m. EVENT #050706
23 Distinguished Speaker
Luncheon™
Captain Gordon Houston
President and CEO, Vancouver
Port Authority
THE PORT OF VANCOUVER: Earning
Trust and Respect. The Fairmont Hotel
Vancouver — British Ballroom. Reg:
11:45 a.m. End: 2 p.m.
EVENT #050712
24 Business After Business™
Vancouver’s favourite after-
hours trade show. Presented by the
Small Business Council. Pan Pacific
Vancouver. Trade show: 5-7:30 p.m.
$12 for members and accompanying
guests (incl. GST)/$18 non-members.
$225 + GST display tables — corporate
members only. Tickets at the door; no
pre-registration. Sponsored by Pan
Pacific Vancouver.
25 Spirit of Vancouver®
Paula Knight, Director
Community Affairs
Microsoft Canada
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBIL-
ITY: A Top Priority for Microsoft. Hyatt
Regency Vancouver — Regency Ball-
room. Reg: 11:45 a.m. End: 1:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Credit Union Central
of B.C. Multimedia sponsor is Focus
Audio Visual Services Ltd.
EVENT #050720
25 Lunch Box Workshop
When to Hire and Fire Employ-
ees. Henry Goldbeck, president and
founder, Goldbeck Recruiting Inc. Reg:
11:45 a.m. Sponsored by Alexander,
Holburn, Beaudin & Lang and RBC
Royal Bank. EVENT #050705
26 Special Speaker Luncheon™
Lew Adams, Former Secretary
General, Train Drivers Union
ASLEF (United Kingdom) and
Representative of the UK
Strategic Rail Authority
A PRAGMATIC PERSPECTIVE ON B.C.’S
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS:
From a Union Leader’s Viewpoint. Pan
Pacific Vancouver — Governor General
Suite. Reg: 11:45 a.m. End: 1:30 p.m.
Sponsored by The Canadian Coun-
cil for Public-Private Partnerships.
EVENT #050717
30 Distinguished Speaker
Luncheon™
Anthony Ariganello, President
and CEO, Certified General
Accountants Association of
Canada
TOWARDS A NEW ERA IN CORPORATE
CANADA: Clarity, Transparency and
Accountability in Financial Reporting.
The Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina
— Stanley Park Ballroom. Reg: 11:45
a.m. End: 2 p.m. Sponsored by CGA As-
sociation of BC and Industrial Alliance
Pacific. EVENT #050709
1 Managers’ Toolbox™
Donald Cooper, Certified
Speaking Professional
The Donald Cooper Corporation
THE TWO-HOUR MBA: 10 Things You
Absolutely Must Know About Your Busi-
ness, Your Customers and Your Life!
Location to be confirmed. Reg: 7:30
a.m. End: 9:45 a.m.
1 Members’ Reception at
Jacqueline Conoir Designs Ltd.
This is your chance to meet and ex-
change ideas with other Board mem-
bers. Jacqueline Conoir Designs Ltd.,
46 6th Ave West, 5 to 7 p.m. A compli-
mentary networking event.
EVENT #050808
2 Distinguished Speaker
Luncheon™
Norman Stark, President and
CEO, TSI Terminal Systems Inc.
The Sutton Place Hotel — Versailles
Ballroom. Reg: 11:45 a.m. End: 2 p.m.
EVENT #050809
3 Special Speaker Luncheon™
The Hon. Rich Coleman
Minister of Public Safety and
Solicitor General, Government
of British Columbia
Location to be determined. Reg: 11:45
a.m. End: 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by B.C.
Lottery Corporation. EVENT #050814
6 Members’ Reception at
Absolute Spa at The Century
This is your chance to meet and ex-
change ideas with other Board mem-
bers. Absolute Spa at The Century,
1015 Burrard Street, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
A complimentary networking event.
EVENT #050812
7 Managers’ Toolbox™
Shane Gibson, President
Knowledge Brokers
International Systems Ltd.
CLOSE BIG, CLOSE OFTEN: How Your
Sales Process Should Lead to a Natural
Close. Renaissance Vancouver Hotel
Harbourside — Ballroom. Reg: 7:30
a.m. End: 9:45 a.m. EVENT #050805
7 Distinguished Speaker
Luncheon™
David L. Hahn, President and
CEO, BC Ferries
Location to be confirmed. Reg: 11:45
1. Learn from the masters. Our
recently revamped Board Store
features the Management Li-
brary, a collection of brilliant
business books made available
through our partnership with
Amazon.com.
2. Seek and ye shall find. Zero in
on member-to-member services
using the enhanced search tool
in the Members’ Area.
3. Awwwww, so cute... A new col-
lectible Spirit of Vancouver®
teddy bear every year — available
now in the Board Store.
4. Got jobs? Vancouver Board of
Trade members post free ads in
the Career Opportunities area.
Be sure to take advantage next
12 reasons to visit boardoftrade.com this holiday seasontime you are hiring.
5. Make a hot date. Fill up your holi-
day schedule with the latest local
events and community happen-
ings from our Spirit of Vancouver
Community Calendar and the
Business Datebook.
6. Take control. Customize your
member listing both online and for
the next Roster & Purchasers’ Guide
using the Update Member Record
function in the Members’ Area.
7. Boost your brand. Members al-
ways save at least 20 per cent on
web advertising and tailor-made
sponsorship programs.
8. One-stop shopping. This holiday
season, get cool gifts for staff,
colleagues and all your tough
customers: pens, mugs, comfy
fleece blankets and more in the
Board Store.
9. Catch up. Missed the latest issue
of Sounding Board? Read The
Board’s official monthly newspa-
per online, anytime.
10. Be passionate about policy. Re-
view all the latest policy develop-
ments and The Board’s position
on current issues. A wealth of
content awaits you.
11. Candid camera. If you still have
not attended one of our Member
Receptions, you can browse the
photo galleries online — and next
time, put yourself in the picture.
12. Great big banners. Web Profiles
showcase your company logo
and info on boardoftrade.com for
an entire year. Get yours online
today and find out why the Web
Profile is our most popular ad.
a.m. End: 2 p.m. Sponsored by IBM.
EVENT #050810
9 Distinguished Speaker
Luncheon™
Michael F. Kergin, Ambassador
of Canada to the United States
of America, Canadian
Embassy
Location to be confirmed. Reg: 11:45
a.m. End: 2 p.m. EVENT #050811
10 Distinguished Speaker
Luncheon™
Patrick D. Daniel, President
and CEO, Enbridge Inc.
ENBRIDGE IN B.C.? Past, Present and
Future. Location to be confirmed. Reg:
11:45 a.m. End: 2 p.m.
EVENT #050807
13 Members’ Reception at
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club
This is your chance to meet and ex-
change ideas with other Board mem-
bers. Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club, Century
Hotel & Spa, 5 to 7 p.m. A complimenta-
ry networking event. EVENT #050813
15 Networking Roundtable
Held in participation with the
Small Business Council and facilitated
by the Contact Club, this event is ex-
clusive to Board members. Pan Pacific
Vancouver — Cypress Suite. Registra-
tion: 7:15 a.m. $15. EVENT #050802
For up-to-date event information,
visit www.boardoftrade.com.
On the road? Visit
wireless.boardoftrade.com
Surf The Board at www.boardoftrade.com Sounding Board/November – December 2004 3
Salaries will be going up 3-3.5 per cent in 2005
according to a national survey just released by
Western Compensation & Benefits Consultants
(WCBC). Most employers are expecting to award
slightly higher increases than awarded in 2004
and some of the industries providing the largest
raises will be transportation/distribution, profes-
sional services and manufacturing.
Although the salary increases given in Alberta
over the past few years exceeded those given in
other provinces, this year’s expected increase
in most other provinces will be close to those
awarded in Alberta.
Barry Cook is the partner in charge of
WCBC’s compensation practice. He explained
that executives have enjoyed the highest annual
percentage increase in salaries for nearly all of
the last 10 years.
“While this is still expected to be the case for
next year in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver,”
said Cook, “executives in other parts of Canada
can generally expect to receive the same percent-
age increases as awarded to other level positions
in their organizations.”
Employers face challenges in attracting,
motivating and retaining employees in some
functional areas. There has been growth in these
challenges over the past year with respect to
information technology and production/distri-
bution positions. Employers have responded to
these challenges in a variety of ways, but increas-
ing the base salaries has been the most prevalent
response strategy.
A large proportion of organizations have a
formal short-term incentive plan, such as a bo-
nus plan, which provides for cash compensation
in addition to salaries. Nearly two-thirds of the
organizations indicated that they will be making
payments under their short-term incentive plan
for this fiscal year, while most of the remaining
organizations do not yet know whether payments
will be made.
There continues to be growth in the use of
long-term incentive plans, with stock options
being the most favoured type of plan. However,
according to Cook, “while stock options remain
popular, there is a trend away from vanilla op-
tions towards plans requiring that option holders
meet certain performance criteria before they can
benefit from the options.”
In the employee benefits area of compensa-
tion, employers indicated that they are working
on cost containment strategies.
“With the impact of governments download-
ing medical services to employers, significant
increases in some covered services such as
prescription drugs, an aging population and
less competition in the Canadian group insur-
ance industry,” Cook advised that employers are
now spending more time on benefits costs than
they felt was warranted in the past. “Employers
are reviewing the design of their employee ben-
efit plans, examining strategies to reduce future
claims and attempting to obtain more cost-ef-
fective arrangements with benefit providers and
administrators.
The Vancouver Board of Trade has assisted em-
ployers with their compensation planning needs
for over 50 years. In conjunction with Western
Compensation & Benefits Consultants, The Board
offers employers a comprehensive suite of 11 sur-
veys covering the salaries and other compensation
for over 350 positions. For details on the surveys
and how to order, visit www.wcbc.ca/annual or
call Linda Reid at 604-683-9155.
Salaries are increasing in 2005, according to WCBC survey
Tom Crean is a third-generation funeral director in
Vancouver, managing Kearney Funeral Services,
a family-owned and operated business. Kearney
Funeral Services has been serving the needs of the
bereaved in Vancouver since 1908.
Years as member of The Vancouver Board of
Trade: We have been members for 19 years.
Reasons for joining The Board: It has become
increasingly clear to us, with the roll up of our pro-
fession in the ’80s and ’90s by big funeral chains,
that small business plays an increasingly vital role
in protecting the interests of local communities.
Small businesses can best affect change by par-
ticipating in local civic and business organizations
like The Board.
Member Snapshot: Tom Crean of Kearney Funeral Services
Volunteer contributions: Although my mother,
Ellen Crean, passed away in 1999, she was very
proud of serving on several Board committees for
a number of years. In the last five years, my work
has become quite international, and I have not
been able to be as active at home, although I hope
that will soon change.
Favourite Board event: I really enjoy cultural-
themed events and the culture at The Board.
First job: My first job was a paper route.
Business beginnings: I was a company janitor
and car washer part-time while still in high school
in 1971.
Biggest business challenge: Defending grieving
families from the onslaught of modern marketing.
Best positive networking tip: No matter what
the odds are, if it comes down to principles, it is your
duty to take a stand. The truly astounding thing is
you just might win!
Tip to resolve conflict: Listen, listen, listen,
share, share, share and give away the credit. I
believe it was Jim Pattison who said, “You can do
anything in life that you want to, providing you don’t
care who gets the credit.”
Hobbies: Songwriting, sing-a-longs, guitar,
banjo and fishing.
Passions: Faith, media literacy and institutional
transparency and accountability. I personally be-
lieve that measuring politics on a “left verses right”
scale in the information age is so out-of-date, it is
laughable. To save this precious country of ours,
the new scale has to become “transparency and
unaccountability.”
Favourite sports: Swimming and tennis.
The Victorian Order of Nurses British Colum-
bia (VON BC) is a registered, not-for-profit
organization. VON BC’s registered nurses pro-
vide businesses with health-care services and
use the funds raised through these activities to
support charitable community programs. Busi-
nesses that choose VON BC to provide employee
health services, instead of choosing a for-profit
company, are investing in the health and well
being of their employees and in the health and
well-being of the community, too.
Investing in healthy employees also ben-
efits the financial health of a business. During
a typical flu epidemic, up to 40 per cent of the
workforce may be affected, accounting for 10 to
12 per cent of absenteeism. Employees with the
flu could miss five to 10 days of work, and they
may feel weak and tired for up to a month. The flu
can spread through a workplace quickly, before
symptoms appear.
Good financial health starts with the Victorian Order of Nurses
To help prevent flu in the workplace, VON
BC will send registered nurses to administer
flu shots. It is convenient for your employees,
and it is up to 90 per cent effective in protect-
ing employees from the flu. Plus, while other
organizations provide flu shots for profit, you
can feel good knowing that VON BC uses the
$15.50 per flu shot to fund charitable programs
like Meals on Wheels and VON BC’s Family
Respite Centre.
Some of the health services VON BC provides
include:
Immunization Clinics
Registered nurses immunize more than
29,000 people each year in B.C. for flu, hepatitis,
tetanus and diphtheria.
Occupational Health
Occupational health nursing services include
employee health assessments, physical examina-
tions and other health program initiatives such
as smoking cessation and stress management.
Wellness Clinics
Wellness clinics educate employees about
diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, breast
cancer and prostate cancer. The clinics also
screen for elevated blood cholesterol and glucose
levels, blood pressure and bone density. Coun-
selling and referrals to other health professionals
are provided as necessary.
For more information on VON BC or to book any
of its heath services, call 604-733-9177 ext. 177 or
111 or visit www.vonbc.com.
Photo by dave roels
Tom Crean of Kearney Funeral Services
Get your flu shot this year with VON BC.
How much will Vancouveremployers be raising theirsalaries this year?
Members of the VancouverBoard of Trade receive a20% discount on this andany of WCBC’s 10 othersalary /compensationsurveys.
For more informationplease visit:www.wcbc.ca/annual
Call Linda Reid(604) 683-9155 or(800) 781-2411www.wcbc.ca/annual
WCBC’s recently released 2005 Compensation Policy Survey
shows that 9 out of 10 organizations review salaries
annually and that the first three months of the calendar
year is, by far, the most prevalent salary change period.
Most employers are expecting to award slightly larger
increases than awarded in 2004.
All employers need to know what other companies are
doing with regard to salary ranges and actual salary
increases, along with how those increases vary by industry,
geographic area and position level. Our survey contains
data from organizations across Canada to answer these
critical questions and will prove to be extremely useful in
your HR compensation planning activities.
Our 30+ page report also contains information on incentive
plan prevalence, basis for awards, plus much more. Results
are segmented by employee group,
region, sector of economy and
selected industries.
WCBC BOT Ad CompPol Van 11/15/04 11:36 AM Page 1
4 Sounding Board/November – December 2004 The Vancouver Board of Trade/The Spirit of EnterpriseTM
The Sounding Board is the official publication of The Vancouver Board of Trade and is the major com-munication vehicle with members. The publication is sent automatically to all 4,700 Board members. Additional copies are sent to approximately 7,000 businesses in downtown Vancouver. ISSN: 0381-5471. The views expressed by contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of The Vancouver Board of Trade.
The Vancouver Board of Trade is Vancouver’s chamber of commerce. Since 1887, The Board has been an active proponent of business in Vancouver. The World Trade Centre Vancouver is the international division of The Vancouver Board of Trade and is affiliated with more than 300 WTCs worldwide.
our mission statement 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 centre for trade, commerce and travel.
our basic principles The Board believes that the market system is the only system that works effectively in the allocation of scarce economic resources for efficient and stable economic growth and job creation. The Board recognizes the imperfections of the market system and supports the need for publicly provided services such as social services, health services and public education. The Board supports the philosophy of less government involvement in the business sector and believes that governments should not do what can be done in whole or in part by the private sector.
PuBlICATIoNS MAIl AGREEMENT No. 40011551return unDeliVerable canaDian aDDresses toThE VANCouVER BoARd of TRAdE/WoRld TRAdE CENTRE VANCouVER SuITE 400, 999 CANAdA PlACEVANCouVER BC V6C 3E1 e-mail: [email protected]
ExECuTIVE CoMMITTEE
chairman & chief electeD officer Graeme A.G. Stamp, Executive Vice-President fairmont developments ltd. senior Vice-chair dan Muzyka, dean, Sauder School of Business university of British Columbia Vice-chair frank Borowicz, QC, Senior Partner davis & Company Vice-chair Janette Pantry, Partner Borden ladner Gervais llP secretary-treasurer Grayden R. hayward, President & CEo Carrera Property Group immeDiate past-chair Jeff dowle, Executive Vice-President hSBC Bank Canada managing Director darcy Rezac, Cd, The Vancouver Board of Trade
BoARd of dIRECToRS
chris carty TEluS Corporation bob elton BC hydro grant gisel Sierra Systems Group terence hui Concord Pacific developments ltd. bob laurie CB Richard Ellis limited carol lee linacare laboratories henry lee Tom lee Music wenDy lisogar-cocchia Absolute Spa Group graham maclachlan RBC Royal Bank richarD mahler Partnerships BC jim matkin, qc law Society of BC maureen mckinnon Consultant DaVe l. mowat Vancouver City Saving Credit union john w. nightingale Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre sue paish fasken Martineau duMoulin llP Vic poleschuk British Columbia lottery Corporation wynne powell london drugs limited Don rix MdS Metro laboratory Services lorne segal Kingswood Capital Corporation Dennis l. skulsky Pacific Newspaper Group Inc. beV Voice Scotiabank bill weymark BCR Marine rob whittle ddB Canada freD withers Ernst & Young glenn young IMI International Millworks Industries Inc. susan yurkoVich Consultant
STANdING CoMMITTEE ChAIRS
communications Evi Mustel, Mustel Group ltd.
community affairs Bernie Magnan, Bernard Magnan & Associates ltd.
membership Jack McGee, The Justice Institute of BC
small business council Yvonne de Valone, downtown u-lok Storage
publisher the VancouVer boarD of traDe
eDitor-in-chief Darcy rezac, 604-641-1255 [email protected]
eDitor roDger banister, 604-641-1271 [email protected]
managing eDitor tracy wong, 604-641-1222 [email protected]
Design & layout jennifer bogart, 604-641-1269 [email protected]
aDVertising representatiVes Deborah & gary fach, 604-876-2513 [email protected]
honorary senior aDVisor, east asia william l.w. chong, 604-669-3312
Want more information about joining The Vancouver Board of Trade? Call 604-641-1260 or e-mail [email protected].
The benefits of improved relations between B.C., Ottawa
Graeme Stamp, chairmanThe Vancouver Board of Trade
You cannot open a newspaper these
days without seeing a story about wait
lists. The recent federal/provincial
health ministers meeting, a Statistics
Canada report and a local think tank’s
doctor survey are just three sources of
recent stories. We know many people
are concerned about wait lists, and we
would like to address these concerns
with facts.
But behind the simple term, “wait
list” is the reality that one of the most
significant and complex challenges fac-
ing Canadian health authorities is to im-
prove patient access to health services
by reducing and managing wait lists. It
is a national challenge and one that, in
B.C., is being taken on in a systematic,
collaborative and business-like way.
I am continually impressed by the
dedication and the creativity of phy-
sicians, nurses and other caregivers
within the health-care system for their
dedication to patients. But dealing ef-
fectively with wait lists means we have
to look at the “big picture” to gain a
clearer understanding of factors driving
both the demand for services and the
impediments to obtaining services. And
working effectively means working col-
laboratively through bodies such as the
Provincial Surgical Services Project,
co-ordinated by the Provincial Health
Services Authority.
The project brings together experts
from all six B.C. health authorities to
develop standards and guidelines for
provincial surgical services, create data-
collection processes for better planning
and decision-making and share best
practices among health authorities.
That may sound like a lot of “bureau-
cratese” but the truth is understanding
these issues is the foundation to build-
ing a system based on patients’ needs
and one driven by transparency, con-
sistency, fairness and evidence-based
decisions.
Right now, no province has consist-
ent definitions for “levels” of surgical
need, wait time measurement, pro-
cedures for consistently prioritizing
surgical patients or even consistent
descriptions of surgical procedures. And
that is a problem because it means the
system lacks common definitions and
data and that hinders the most efficient
use of health-care resources.
Building an evidence-based founda-
tion is the long-term solution that will
benefit patients, health professionals
and health authorities. But let’s look at
the situation as it is now and specifically,
at some of the myths and the evidence-
based realities of patient access in B.C.
(Unless otherwise noted, information is
Working together to improve patient access for all British Columbians
Wynne Powell, chairProvincial Health Services Authority
HealtH Continued on Page 21
Many have joked that Fed-bashing has
long been a favourite sport among lead-
ers of this province. A tradition that was
perhaps cemented by W.A.C. Bennett
who, as B.C.’s longest serving premier
from 1952 to 1972, was well known for
jousting with a succession of Canadian
prime ministers.
In the decades that followed, a
number of governments have carried
on Bennett’s legacy of fed-bashing.
However, it was the New Democratic
Party who raised it to new heights,
when, in the late ’90s, they attempted to
block federal use of the navy’s torpedo/
submarine test range at Nanoose Bay
on the East Coast of Vancouver Island.
Needless to say, this hostile attitude
toward Ottawa has resulted in a less
than friendly relationship between the
two levels of government, and lesser
federal attention to, and investment in,
our province.
Thankfully, in the past few years,
there has been a remarkable turna-
round in relations between Victoria and
Ottawa. The current Liberal government
in B.C., under the leadership of Gordon
Campbell, has greatly improved com-
munications and co-operation with the
federal government. The value of this
improved relationship can be tallied
in a substantial list of benefits for the
province, including:
• Over$200 million committed to
the expansion of the Vancouver
Convention and Exhibition
Centre;
• More than $300 million for the
2010 Winter Olympic and Para-
lympic Games;
• $450 million for the Canada Line
rapid transit system connecting
Richmond, Vancouver Interna-
tional Airport and Vancouver;
• $225 million for needed highway
and border infrastructure;
• $100 million in relief funding
for the summer 2003 firestorm
disaster;
• $55 million in compensation for
softwood lumber-dependent
communities;
• $40 million towards pine beetle
research; and
• $28 million to preserve Burns
Bog.
B.C.’s improved relationship with
the Government of Canada has had
many other benefits as well. It has
been instrumental in: winning us the
Olympic Bid; defending Canadian
softwood lumber producers from the
U.S. trade action; making progress at
the First Nations land claims treaty
negotiations with priority empha-
sis on four negotiations; reducing
duplication and overlap in a wide
range of areas; streamlining regula-
tions affecting land use and natural
resource development; upgrading
regional airports (e.g., Cranbrook,
Prince George, Comox); the integra-
tion of federal and provincial student
loan programs; raising B.C.’s profile as
Canada’s Pacific gateway to the world
at the recent Asia Pacific Summit, the
establishment of a Pacific Council of
Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers,
and in working together to bring high-
speed Internet access to rural and
remote communities, including First
Nations communities.
As a show of good faith on his part,
Prime Minister Paul Martin has also
agreed to address B.C. alienation and
undertake an overhaul of West Coast
decision-making in Ottawa. A welcome
first step has been the appointment of
five British Columbians to the federal
cabinet. They are: David Emerson,
minister of industry and co-senior
minister for B.C.; Senator Jake Austin,
leader of the government in the Senate
and co-senior minister for B.C.; Ujjal
Dosanjh, minister of health; Stephen
Owen, minister of western economic
development and minister of state for
sport; and Raymond Chan, minister of
state for multiculturalism. In addition,
Keith Martin has been appointed as
parliamentary secretary to the minis-
ter of national defence and Hedy Fry
has been appointed as parliamentary
secretary to the minister of citizenship
and immigration.
I’d say this new provincial game
plan is definitely starting to pay off.
Let’s stick to it!
What do you think about the premier’s
approach? Send your comments to
Surf The Board at www.boardoftrade.com Sounding Board/November – December 2004 5
Tugboat Media Inc. is proud to wel-
come to Vancouver the newest addition
to its crew, Les Hall as VP of marketing
communications and brand strategist.
He brings a wealth of experience to Tug-
boat Media, having worked on many of
Australia’s largest and most respected
brands. Hall’s prior experience includes
working in the finance, tourism, hotel
and retail sectors with a strong focus on
accountable branding.
Steve Halliday, senior VP of PPHR
America Inc., and GM of Pan Pacific
Vancouver, has appointed Kevin Oake
as director of sales. Oake is a hospital-
ity veteran of 18 years, who joins Pan
Pacific Vancouver following 11 years
with the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts,
holding a variety of progressive sales
and marketing positions in both Van-
couver and Victoria.
Surrey Memorial Hospital Founda-
tion congratulates the members of
its board of directors for 2004-2005:
chair Chris Midmore, vice-chair Bruce
McAuliffe, treasurer Randy Munro,
past-chair Sherrold Haddad, director-
at-large Dale Mumford, Mike Bose,
Jon Caviglia, Jaswinder Cheema, Bev-
erly Crowston, Dr. Peter Doris, Gary
Forbes, Isabelle Hayer, Ron Knight,
Gail Martin, Loretta Solomon, Norman
Stowe and Jacy Wingson.
Tourism Vancouver is pleased to
announce the appointment of Kyle
Matheson as manager, meeting and
convention sales, Washington, DC.
Matheson brings strong experience in
working with convention hotels and
destination marketing companies,
following positions at The Westin Bay-
shore Resort & Marina, and Cantrav
West Services. Matheson will work
alongside Jackie Benear, regional di-
rector of sales for the Washington, DC
market, and sales associate Rachelle
Canotal.
Jonathan Darlington, Vancouver Op-
era’s principal conductor for the past
two seasons, has been named music di-
rector, under a new contract of engage-
ment for a three-year term beginning
with the 2005-2006 season. Darlington
is currently in the third year of his exist-
ing contract. In other company news,
general director James Wright will take
a three-month sabbatical in early 2005.
During Wright’s absence, David Shef-
siek, director of resource development,
will serve as acting general director of
the company.
The partners of Heenan Blaikie are
pleased to announce that Tobin S. Rob-
bins has recently joined the Vancouver
office. Robbins has over 25 years of busi-
ness law experience as both a private
practitioner with a mid-sized Vancou-
ver law firm and corporate counsel with
a Nasdaq-listed advertising company.
His practice focuses on transportation
law, where he has represented a wide
variety of Canadian and U.S. clients.
Midmore Robbins
Oake Hall
He also has expertise in advertising law,
mergers and acquisitions, regulatory
and public law and government rela-
tions and procurement.
Karen Hodson, manager of the Squa-
mish Chamber of Commerce, and Pat
Dejong, area manager for BMO Bank
of Montreal, have been appointed to
the Capilano College 2004-2005 board
of governors. Continuing their appoint-
ments are board chair John Webster,
vice-chair Linda Robertson, Brian
Smith, Richard Davies, Tom Adair,
Daryl Collier, faculty representative
Diane Blaney and student representa-
tives Ben West and Rebekah Alden.
Returning nonvoting board members
include college president Dr. Greg Lee,
Dr. Frank Harris and Itidal Sadek.
Peter Legge has been named outstand-
ing communicator of the year by the
Vancouver Executives Association. The
award ceremony, held at the Terminal
City Club, was in recognition of Legge’s
accomplishments and contributions to
the communications industry. Legge,
a governor of The Vancouver Board of
Trade, is an internationally acclaimed
professional speaker and president and
publisher of Canada Wide Magazines &
Communications Ltd.
Condé Nast Traveler magazine has
voted Vancouver the Best City in the
Americas at its recent annual Readers’
Choice Awards ceremony. Vancouver
won the top spot over Victoria and
Quebec City. At the same ceremony,
readers of the magazine gave top marks
to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in B.C.,
with The Fairmont Waterfront voted
as the No. 1 hotel in Canada. This is
the second consecutive year that The
Fairmont Waterfront has taken this
honour.
Joe and Rosalie Segal were the hosts
of a dinner given in appreciation for
donors to the Envision House Project
benefiting SOS Children’s Village BC.
The organization was presented with a
cheque for $551,501 from the Envision
Credit Union Charitable Foundation.
An additional $10,000 was added later
in the evening, bringing the total do-
nation to $561,501. The project is an
aggressive initiative to build two new
homes for at-risk foster children. SOS
Children’s Village BC provides long-
term, stable family homes for B.C. chil-
dren who are unlikely to return home
or be adopted.
VanCity Credit Union has been chosen
as the best place to work in Canada by
Maclean’s Magazine as part of its annual
Top 100 Employers issue. The organiza-
tions are not ranked, but for the first
time since Maclean’s started publishing
the list three years ago, the magazine
has selected one organization to high-
light as the best place to work in the
country. VanCity was selected for the
breadth of its benefits and its commit-
ment to employees. For this year’s list,
6,000 of the fastest-growing Canadian
employers were invited to complete an
extensive application process and more
than 1,000 responded.
i-Toolkit Web Services Inc., one of Can-
ada’s leading providers of web-based
eCommerce applications, is pleased
to announced that London Drugs will
list its i-Toolkit Website Builder at all
60 stores across Canada. The software
allows consumers and small businesses
to easily and affordably build their own
web site. Visit www.i-toolkit.com for
more information.
Something unusual will be percolat-
ing at the new North Shore Credit
Union (NSCU) branch when it opens
at The Village at Park Royal in the
coming months. The credit union and
Delany’s Coffee House will be serving
up a unique “financial brew” in Brit-
ish Columbia. The Park Royal NSCU
branch will blend banking services with
a Delany’s coffee shop, creating a quint-
essentially West Coast experience.
Vancouver Community College (VCC)
has launched a new bachelor’s degree
in hospitality management to help
B.C.’s hospitality sector meet the chal-
lenges of future growth and the Winter
Olympics in 2010. Full-time degree
classes will start in mid-January; the
program’s first graduation will come
in December 2006. VCC’s degree is wel-
come news to leaders in an industry
facing a growing skills shortage, with
projections calling for an estimated
84,000 new jobs needed through 2010
and beyond.
The Bard on the Beach Shakespeare
Festival has achieved another record-
breaking year with 2004 attendance
exceeding 79,600, up more than 12,000
from 2003. Contrary to other Shake-
speare festivals in North America who
were expecting shrinking audiences,
Bard on the Beach expanded its season
and added more than 16,000 tickets to
the inventory. The lineup for the 2005
season is As You Like It, Love’s Labour’s
Lost, Hamlet and Rosencrantz And
Guildenstern Are Dead.
Western Economic Diversification
Canada has announced funding of
$500,000 to the Human Performance
exhibit that will be part of BodyWorks,
the new Human Life Sciences Gallery
at Science World. The exhibit will use
interactive displays to explain human
performance, testing an individual’s
strength, speed, reaction time and
endurance. Exhibits will also explore
current science and medical research
on human performance, highlighting
B.C.’s achievements in biotechnology.
November 20 — Opera Preview: Ma-
dama Butterfly — Presented by Van-
couver Opera and UBC Continuing
Studies, join VO’s David Shefsiek and
his team of presenters for an in-depth
multi-media preview of Vancouver
Opera’s production of Madama But-
terfly. The lecture will be presented at
UBC Robson Square, call 604-822-1444
or visit www.cstudies.ubc.ca for more
information.
November 24 — Web Site Promotion
Basics: Low Cost Ways to Boost Your
Search Engine Rankings — If you have
a web site for your small business, you
need to make sure that your customers
can find it. Kenton Preston, web site
promotion specialist with Getclicked.
ca, will cover web site promotion and
search engine optimization basics. Call
604-775-7532 or e-mail [email protected]
for more information.
Webster Legge
Congratulations to the following
corporate members who have
reached milestone anniversaries
with The Board:
15 yearsArtland Holdings Ltd.
International Grain Trade Canada
10 yearsCoast Forest & Lumber Association
George Pratt, sculptor
St. George’s School
Chinese Consulate in Vancouver
SAP Canada
MDS Metro Laboratory Services
Knowledge Brokers International
Ltd./Div. of Sales Targeting
Online Inc.
5 yearsKorva World Class Collision
Pacific International Securities
Wood West & Partners
Cypress Mountain
French Economic Development
Group/SDECB
ADP Canada
Canadian Wheat Board
Greater Vancouver Transportation
Authority (TransLink)
EventsIt has been said that people who see Funny Girl are
the luckiest people in the world. The story of fabulous
Fanny Brice, and her meteoric rise to stardom as a
member of the Ziegfeld Follies, will warm your
heart and tickle your funny bone. The musical
features such unforgettable songs as People
and Don’t Rain On My Parade. This production, running
on the Stanley Theatre from November 11 to January 9,
stars Cailin Stadnyk, Ruth Nichol, Don Noble and Todd
Talbot. For schedule and show times, call the Arts Club
Theatre’s box office at 604-687-1644.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was arguably history’s greatest composer and his
Requiem represents the pinnacle of his art, a pinnacle also reached with his
last trio of symphonies — the first of which is Symphony No.39, also featured
in this concert. Join the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver
Bach Choir as they perform Mozart’s works on November 20 and 22 at the
Orpheum. For tickets and more information, call 604-876-3434.
Noises Off is a witty farce that follows the on/off-stage antics of a touring com-
pany as it stumbles from dress rehearsal to the disastrous last night of a produc-
tion. Everything that can go wrong does, as the actors in the cast desperately
try to hang on to their lines, their performances and the furniture... resulting
in a terrifying descent into chaos. The play begins November 20 and ends
December 18 at The Vancouver Playhouse. Visit www.vancouverplayhouse.
com or call 604-873-3311 to purchase tickets.
Ph
oto
by
dav
Id C
oo
Pe
r
Cailin Stadnyk as Fanny Brice.
GET NOTiCEd WiTh GuaraNTEEd liSTiNGS
With a guaranteed listing in Around The Board, you will reach an audi-ence of leaders in the business community. One guaranteed list-ing, which includes a free photo placement, costs $30 + GST and an enhanced guaranteed listing is $50 + GST. The Board reserves the right to edit submissions. Contact Tracy Wong at 604-641-1222 or e-mail [email protected] for details.
6 SoundingBoard/November–December2004 TheVancouverBoardofTrade/TheSpiritofEnterpriseTM
The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada - BC & Yukon Chapterwould like to extend a very special THANK YOU to:
• Alliance Atlantis Motion Picture Distrib.• Air Canada• B & W Insurance Agencies• B & B Contracting Ltd.• BC Lottery Corp & Casinos of BC• BMO Fountain of Hope• BPB Canada Inc. • Beyonce The Spa• Butterley Family Foundation• Canadian Hardware &
Housewares Assoc.• Cedar Park Volunteer Committee • Craig‘s Café• Dave's Piano and Keyboard • Docs Blues
• Fraternal Order of Eagles - 2075 • Global TV - BCTV• International Union of
Operating Engineers • Kamloops Blazers & Acklands Grainger • Laborers International,
Union Of North America • Mission Sports Car Club of BC• Molson Indy Cascar Day- Lynda Bell• Northwest Pacific Choir• Okanagan Trail Ride • One Night, One Wish• Operating Engineers Local 115• Pacific Coast Cruisers Motorcycle Club • Park & Tilford Gardens
• Point Grey Golf & Country Club• PPM Golf Tournament• Radio CKNW 98• Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver• Rental Association Of Canada • Richmond Mandarin Lions Club• Roman Danylo - Urban Improv • S & D Thrift Store• Scotiabank• Telus Mobility • The Stewart & Jean Thompson
Children‘s Foundation• Vancouver Executive Association • Vancouver City Police Athletics Team
for helping BC children with high-risk, life threatening illnesses realize their own special wish
Telephone: (604) 299-2241 1-800-267-WISH (9474)119-4240 Manor Street Burnaby, BC V5G 1B2 [email protected] www.childrenswish.ca
For many charities, the holiday season
is the most important time of year.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas
is the time when they will receive the
majority of their donations for the
year. However, dealing with charitable
appeals can be time consuming and
sometimes annoying for businesses
that are inundated with requests.
After all, how do you go about
choosing between sick children and
endangered species, cancer research
or an AIDS cure, the United Way or
a local homeless shelter? Is it better
to send a large donation to one or-
ganization or give regular donations
to several groups?
These are all important questions
and that is why it is helpful and pru-
dent for your company to develop a
giving strategy before you pull out the
chequebook.
Here are some tips to help.
1. Make room for giving in your
budget and your business plan. In-
clude your philanthropic activities in
your business plan and budget for them
just like other financial obligations.
2. Decide who will be responsi-
does your company have a giving strategy?
By tasHon Ziarable for managing your giving strat-
egy. Identify an individual or set up
a committee within your company to
manage the giving process and have
all requests directed to that person
or group.
3. Review past giving and identify
the causes or issues your company is
most passionate about. It is important
to make thoughtful, strategic dona-
tions that support your corporate phi-
losophy. Take some time to research
and identify organizations working on
long-term solutions in the areas you
wish to support.
4. Develop criteria for your dona-
tions. This makes it easier for those
who manage your giving strategy to be
fair and efficient. It also makes it easier
for them to discourage requests from
organizations that do not fit within
your giving strategy.
5. Make the most of the money
you have. Giving a large gift to one
organization can be a lot more effec-
tive than a series of small donations to
different groups. Try focusing on one
or two main causes and one or two
secondary causes.
6. Consider alternative forms of
giving. Do not overlook the benefits of
bequests, charitable gift annuities, gifts
in kind, endowments and other creative
forms of giving. Ask your tax advisor to
help you make the best plan.
7. Encourage volunteerism as a
form of giving. In addition to financial
support, consider donating time and
skills to a cause. Not only will you help
the organization, you will also expand
your network of contacts, sharpen
your skills and learn more about the
charity you are committing your time
and money to.
8. Put your plan into action. Of
course, you do not have to wait to be
asked for donations. The key to hav-
ing a giving strategy is that you are in
control. Contact the charitable organi-
zations of your choice to discuss how
your gifts can make a difference.
9. Develop a personal giving strat-
egy. No need to leave your giving
strategy at the office. Use these steps
to develop a personal giving strategy
at home and encourage others to do
the same.
10. Relax and enjoy the holidays.
When you take the time to develop
a strategy, it really can be a pleasure
to give.
From everyone here at The Vancouver Board of Trade, we
would like to extend a warm Season’s Greetings to you and
your families. We hope that the new year brings each of you
peace, good health and prosperity. This past year has seen
tremendous growth in our province — both in our outlook
and in our economy, and we all look forward to sustaining the
momentum. The Board is proud to be a leader, on the business
side and in the community, but it is our members who make us
the organization we are today. Thank you for all your support
and enthusiasm in making Vancouver one of the best cities in
the world to live and prosper.
SurfTheBoardatwww.boardoftrade.com SoundingBoard/November–December2004 7
The Vancouver-based Arthritis Research Centre ofCanada is conducting practical research for everyday living. We give people with arthritis better, more timely and cost-effective solutions for living with their disease.
With your help we can find the answers to reduce the burden of arthritis.
To donate, please call 604-871-4505 or visit www.arthritisresearch.ca.
Arthritis Research Centre of Canada895 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L7
More than 500,000 British Columbians are living with arthritis.This number will increase as BC’s population ages.
Outgoing Contact Club president recognized
John Whalen (L), Contact Club president, and Maria Braungart (R), membership services
manager, presenting outgoing Contact Club president Bill Murphy (C) with a commemorative
plaque. Bill, thank you for your outstanding contribution to The Board!
8 Sounding Board/November – December 2004 The Vancouver Board of Trade/The Spirit of EnterpriseTM
Photo by dave roels
Wendy McDonald poses with The Board’s manag-ing director, Darcy Rezac, at B.C. Bearing’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
Over August and September, Leaders of Tomor-
row (LOT) received over 350 student applica-
tions. Each student application is reviewed twice
by LOT alumni before being reviewed a final time
and paired with a mentor by the LOT office. Over
the coming year, the students will have an op-
portunity to attend Board events (at no cost with
their sponsored coupons), meet local business
and community leaders, volunteer and build
their business networks before they graduate.
Look out for 150 newly-minted LOT students
attending Board events, joining Board policy
committees, writing monthly articles in Sound-
ing Board and attending Business After Busi-
ness™ trade shows.
One of the many initiatives LOT is very proud
of is our Community Projects Team. Through
this committee, LOT students have access to
voluntary project-based learning opportunities
through partnerships with various non-profit
societies in the Vancouver community. LOT
tomorrow’s leaderstoday’s issues
leaders of Tomorrow gets involved in making community better
Unlike fairy tales, where the hero charges in on a
white horse and rescues the damsel in distress, in
real life heroes often appear as ordinary people
who accomplish extraordinary feats in response
LOT students taking a break from building houses for humanity in March 2004. LOT will be working with Habitat for Humanity again in spring 2005.
By tasHon Ziara
provides groups of student volunteers to com-
munity not-for-profit organizations to assist in
their initiatives and good works. Some of our
great projects for the year include:
• Returning for another year of partnership
is Junior Achievement of British Columbia
(JABC). JABC is a not-for-profit organization
dedicated to helping B.C.’s young people
unleash their potential and acquire valuable
life skills. JABC helps students gain an edge in
today’s world by exposing them to the practi-
cal side of business and economics. They are
committed to inspiring and motivating youth,
through business education, to take an active
role in their future. Members of LOT will be
volunteering their time to teach elementary
school and middle school students across the
Lower Mainland about business, assisting with
JABC Business Basics and Dollars With Sense
programs.
• New this year, LOT students will be working
with Evergreen Canada, a national non-profit
environmental organization with a mandate to
bring nature to our cities through naturaliza-
tion projects. LOT will be assisting Evergreen
Canada in removing invasive plant species
from our parks and assisting with their Earth
Day celebrations.
• TheImmigrant Services Society assists newly-
arrived government-sponsored refugees in
their resettlement process and in organizing
events to make them feel welcome in Vancou-
ver. LOT students will be assisting with their
Children’s Christmas event
• LOTstudentswillbebusyassistingtheRound-
house Community Centre with their Hal-
loween Carnival and Winter Solstice Festival
events, including lantern making workshops
for children.
• Each year, the Salvation Army sets up and
operates a temporary “toy store” for Christ-
mas, which distributes approximately 20,000
B.C. Bearing has kept wheels of industry moving for 60 yearsto the challenges that life presents to them. And
sometimes, it is the damsel herself who turns out
to be the real hero.
That is most certainly the case with Wendy
McDonald, who incorporated B.C. Bearing Engi-
neers Ltd. (BCB) in 1944 at the age of 22, while her
husband, R.A.S. MacPherson, was off serving as a
fighter pilot in the Second World War.
BCB was McDonald’s inspiration to expand
on the machine shop (Northern Metals and
Engineering) her husband had founded. A year
after starting BCB, MacDonald opened a branch
office in Calgary.
When MacPherson returned from the war in
1946, he was surprised with all that his wife had
achieved; however, he insisted that she return to
her place in the kitchen.
“I went back to being a housewife and had
two more children, says McDonald. “I was happy
I did.”
When tragedy struck in 1950 — MacPherson
was killed when his private plane crashed near
Boundary Bay — the decision that McDonald
would take over the company once again was
fairly cut-and-dry.
“Quite simply, I had four children to feed,”
she says.
Sixty years after her first foray into business,
McDonald is a widow three times over; she is also
a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and
matriarch of a company that earns $140 million
per year.
Today, BCB, which has twice been named as
one of the Top 50 Privately-Owned Companies
in Canada (Financial Post), is an international
distributor of bearings, power transmission com-
ponents, material handling components, variable
frequency drive and systems, mechanical packing
and gaskets and other allied industrial products.
The Canadian operation has 27 locations in
Western Canada while its subsidiary U.S. Bearings
and Drives has 21 locations in the Western United
States. International operations include B.C. Bear-
ing Chile S.A. with five locations, B.C. Bearing de
México S.A. de C.V. with two locations and B.C.
Bearing Peru SRL with one location.
As BCB celebrates 60 years of serving custom-
ers in a wide range of industries, MacDonald,
who was the first woman to serve as chair of The
Vancouver Board of Trade in 1990, reflects on the
elements that have contributed to her success.
“You have to identify where your strengths are
and build on those,” advises McDonald. “Stick
to your core business, make sure you have good
toys to needy children in the Vancouver area.
LOT students will be volunteering to operate
the store and to aid with the replenishment of
supplies on November 30.
Find out more about LOT at www.leadersoftomor-
row.com.
Be everything a Research Analyst should be. Tap into FPinfomart.ca, the leading online resource for Canadian news, business information and corporate data. All in one place. All at your fingertips. Subscribe today and be everything your title demands.
people and train your people.”
MacDonald is proud of a company that has
always played to its strengths.
“We realized a long time ago that we couldn’t
be everywhere at once,” explains McDonald. “So
in order to maintain our home advantage over
the big guys from the U.S., we formed an alliance
with an Eastern company in 1995. That alliance
has served us well.”
The company was also an early adopter in
terms of computer technology, introducing an
in-house computer system in 1978 and the first
Canadian company to establish operations in
Chile.
McDonald is also proud to pass on the family
tradition to the next generation, including her
daughter Wendy Penny Omnès, who is VP of
external affairs and corporate relations, and sons:
Robert MacPherson, vice chairman and CEO
of The B.C. Bearing Group; Scott MacPherson,
president and COO of U.S. Bearings and Drives;
and Bill Dix, VP of International Operations.
“It’s fair to say that we’ve kept the wheels of in-
dustry moving for generations,” says McDonald.
Visit www.bearings.com for more information on
BCB’s 60 years in business.
CHristmas Continued From Page 1
Christmas, with more products each year,” said
Graham.
The business of looking and feeling good also
captures Christmas dollars.
“People want to look good and feel good for
the holidays,” said Shelly Kassam, president of
Yaletown Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Centre.
Some procedures are lengthy, so October through
December is a high season for the six-year-old
business.
“December is generally one of our busiest
months,” said spaethos director Ann Fransblow.
The four-year-old company offers traditional spa
treatments including the French facial product
Darphin.
In contrast, Beyond Fitness Coal Harbour
Club Ltd.’s peak is in January and September,
when people return to work, said owner Michel
Pelletier. Post-Christmas gift certificates are
available.
Managing increased profits while preparing for
the holidays can be stressful. According to Iwona
Kozak, people can easily handle chaos if mind,
body and spirit are well balanced. “We’ll be able
to deal with it in a calm way,” said the founder of
Unlimited Yoga Studio. The downtown Vancouver
studio offers corporate gifts packages and a three-
day retreat to help business people relax.
For more information on the companies
mentioned in this article, visit www.retailcouncil.
org, www.mainriver.ca, www.yaletownlaser.com,
www.spaethos.com, www.beyondfitness.ca, www.
unlimitedyoga.com.
Surf The Board at www.boardoftrade.com Sounding Board/November – December 2004 9
By tHe Hon. JoHn les
deregulation in British Columbia: a focused, responsible approach
Most people understand governments
enact regulations to protect public
health, safety and the environment.
But over the years many regulations
in British Columbia had become dif-
ficult to understand and even harder to
enforce. Worse still, they often ended
up stifling the natural creativity British
Columbians use to address the chal-
lenges they face in their daily lives and
in their businesses.
Our government decided to tackle
this problem by first counting the total
number of regulatory and legislative
requirements across every ministry,
then identifying and eliminating those
regulations that detract from British
Columbia’s competitiveness.
The results were striking. We reduced
the regulations by a net 143,000 require-
ments. As a result we have exceeded our
goal and have reduced the regulatory
burden by more than 37 per cent.
British Columbia now has a more
streamlined regulatory environment.
One that encourages new investment,
stimulates economic development
and promotes innovation and op-
portunity.
British Columbia is experiencing
record-breaking home sales along with
dramatic increases in building permits
and housing starts. B.C. has led the
country in small business growth over
the past two years. The number of jobs
in B.C. has increased by 8.8 per cent
since 2001, a job creation rate that
leads the country.
Raising investment capital is vital
for companies anxious to invest in
new technologies, new infrastructure
and create jobs. Previously, companies
seeking investment capital were often
hobbled by cumbersome, antiquated
rules that prevented them from raising
enough capital to pursue new business
opportunities.
Because of changes we made to
the laws governing small business
venture capital, small businesses can
now raise capital directly from inves-
tors rather than having to establish a
holding company. This has allowed
small businesses to raise a record $80
million to invest in new and expanding
businesses.One key component of the Oil and
Gas Strategy was regulatory reform,
working with industry to identify and
evaluate options for improving the
regulatory efficiency of the oil and gas
industry’s permitting, compliance and
enforcement. Phase I of the strategy
exceeded all forecasts and the industry
employs almost 11,000 directly and
total direct revenue is over $2 billion.
We have achieved a great deal over
the last three years. However, there is
more work to do. We will build on the
strong foundation we have developed.
We will continue to consult with British
Columbians to determine where we
need to go next.
What we have done in B.C. is take
a modern, results-based approach
to legislative and regulatory require-
ments.
In B.C., we are moving from a cli-
mate of over-regulation to a smarter,
more competitive regulatory climate,
but one that continues protects public
health, safety and the environment.
The big winners are British Columbi-
ans themselves, who will benefit for
years to come from the steps we have
taken to establish a sensible regulatory
system, one that contributes to the
quality of life and economic well-being
of British Columbians.
John Les is minister of small business
and economic development and minis-
ter responsible for deregulation.
Dr. Robert Kilpatrick (L) of Technology Vision Group and Bill Newell (R) of QLT present their arguments for supporting biotech in B.C.
Photo by dave roels
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At a recent Policy Forum™, sponsored
by Deloitte and Touche LLP and Pfiz-
er, three noted panelists spoke about
the biotechnology industry in B.C. and
its potential to play a significant role in
the economy.
Bill Newell is senior VP and chief
business officer at QLT Inc., one of
the most successful biotech compa-
nies in Vancouver. Newell listed three
key facts that point to biotech as an
emerging industry in this country:
Canada ranks third in the world behind
the U.S. and the U.K. in generating
revenue; it is second only to the U.S.
in number of biotech companies; and
it is number one in R&D spending per
employee. Newell emphasized that
these figures are not merely a one-year
statistics blip, but follow a trend that
has evolved over several years.
Dr. Robert Kilpatrick is a partner
in Technology Vision Group LLC in
California — the number one location
in North America for biotech. Kilpat-
rick presented a case for B.C. to model
its biotech industry after San Diego.
He noted that San Diego has all the
key elements for a “life science clus-
ter”: science, talent and money. It also
has a similar geographic set-up to Van-
couver; both cities are compact and
contained, and there is close proximity
between universities, educational cen-
tres and biotech companies.
“Vancouver and San Diego also
share a culture of collaboration be-
tween leading public and private sec-
tor organizations, as well as a strong
commitment to the creation of a
sustainable bioscience industry,” said
Kilpatrick. He believes the transition
from a resource-based economy in
B.C. to a knowledge-based economy
including biotech and information
technology is possible by adapting the
San Diego model.
“Are we at the tipping point?”
asked Hector MacKay-Dunn, QC,
senior partner at Farris. He cautioned
that things could go either way in the
biotech industry, given the fragile
and competitive world environment.
However, with the right plan, MacKay-
Dunn believes biotech could also be
taken to a whole new level.
He listed several strengths that B.C.
has going for it in the industry: We’re
recognized as a biotech leader in Can-
ada; we have world-class educational
institutions and key anchor companies;
and we have good government policy
that welcomes new business.
A weakness counterbalancing
these strengths is a lack of manage-
ment expertise, both at the senior level
as well as the board level. Other forces
at play are the inherent risk in the in-
dustry, the time and money it takes to
develop a new drug, the difficulty in
attracting and retaining good people
and significant pressure from other
jurisdictions.
MacKay-Dunn offered some rec-
ommendations to address these weak-
nesses in the industry: the expansion
of the international finance centre
to encourage investment flow into
Canada; minimization of adverse
Opportunity to lead biotech boom within B.C.’s grasp
U.S. tax regulations for U.S. investors,
and finally, the education of potential
U.S. investors about the similarities
between successful American biotech
markets and B.C.’s market.
With these building blocks in place,
MacKay-Dunn believes the balance
will be tipped in B.C.’s favour.
Presentations from this Policy Forum are
available at www.boardoftrade.com.
By tessa maCKinnon
10 Sounding Board/November – December 2004 The Vancouver Board of Trade/The Spirit of EnterpriseTM
®
“Is it appropriate to roast someone
who’s already half-baked?” quipped a
jovial Dennis Hull at the roast of Van-
couver Mayor Larry Campbell.
Hockey legend Hull was last in a
long line of roasters that included Van-
roasters turn up the heat on Mayor larry Campbell
couver Police Department chief con-
stable Jamie Graham, music producer
Bruce Allen, 2010 CEO Jack Poole and
blues singer Colin James.
Concord Pacific, TELUS and The
Vancouver Sun sponsored the Spirit
of Vancouver® (SOV ) event, which
was presented in co-operation with
the Vancouver International Comedy
Festival.
Before Hull launched his attack,
several other roasters were primed to
get a few jokes in at the mayor’s ex-
pense. Jamie Graham told the crowd,
“I have known Mayor Larry Campbell
for a good many years. Larry was a steel
worker in Hamilton, then he was a cop
here in Vancouver... he’s a motorcycle, a
headdress and a sailor’s suit away from
becoming a one-man Village People.”
Even the usually benign Colin
James got a few shots in at the mayor,
reflecting on “Larry the child” and his
fledgling sports career: “Why is it, Larry,
when you were playing goalie in road
hockey, no one ever yelled ‘car!’”
Campbell wasn’t safe from music
producer Bruce Allen, either. “The first
time I saw Larry in his fedora, I breathed
a sigh of relief,” said Allen. “I thought,
finally, someone who’s going to shut
down the Capone gang.”
Jack Poole revealed that during
an overseas trip for the Olympic Bid
process, he made sure an RCMP officer
accompanied Campbell wherever he
went because Poole was nervous about
Campbell’s feisty nature. “We consid-
ered it a successful visit if we got out of
town and Larry hadn’t picked a fistfight
with the locals,” said Poole.
To top off the evening, the mayor
was honoured by a special R-rated
roasting from Trailer Park Boys Julian,
Ricky and Bubbles, characters from the
Showcase original series.
“Mayor Campbell says he wants to
make Vancouver a fun city, but wants
to get rid of the drugs and hookers. So
what’s it going to be, Mr. Campbell?”
asked Julian, clutching his customary
highball.
The evening was emceed by the
most recent SOV roastee Brian Burke
and his wife, CKNW host Jennifer
Mather. Burke introduced Campbell
By rodger Banister
as someone who had grown up in the
sixties — a time of sex, drugs and rock
and roll that was “wasted on Larry, since
he didn’t do drugs and couldn’t keep a
beat OR a girlfriend.”
Mather didn’t miss a beat by having
her own fun with the mayor. “In 1973,
Larry began working on the drug squad.
Soon it became Larry’s mission to crack
down on dope smokers, mostly because
they were the only ones slow enough for
him to catch.”
Following tradition, Campbell had
the last laugh, taking the microphone
to rebut each of his roasters in turn,
concluding with Julian, Ricky and
Bubbles: “You may be the Trailer Park
Boys, but Vancouver is MY trailer park,”
said Campbell.
Additional photos from the event are
available at www.spiritofvancouver.
com.
At the third annual Spirit of Vancou-
ver® (SOV ) Awards, organizations
and members of the community
were honoured for their work in the
city. The awards grew out of the SOV
campaign initiated by former Board
chair Carole Taylor.
“The spirit of the city is about
attitude that recognizes the value of
community service and the impor-
tance of individual and corporate
leadership,” said Graeme Stamp,
SOV and Vancouver Board of Trade
chairman. “The events, services and
programs we so often take for granted
in Vancouver happen because some-
one somewhere decided to make a
difference.”
Dr. Saida Rasul won the Individual
Spirit award for her work as co-chair
of the 2004 Community Campaign
for United Way and for her lifetime of
community service. She became in-
volved in United Way in 1995 and saw
the value of the work the organization
was doing in the community.
Pan Pacific Vancouver was the
winner of the Community Organiza-
tion award for its annual Christmas
Toy Drive Breakfast, which collects
a mountain of toys each year for the
Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau.
Pan Pacific’s GM Steve Halliday ac-
cepted the award and thanked all the
people and organizations that help
put on the Christmas wish breakfast.
Harmony Airways won the Cor-
porate award for its commitment to
enterprise by starting and operating
a new airline headquartered in Van-
couver, and for making “giving it back”
to the community a cornerstone of its
Third annual SOV awards recognizes spirit, service and
commitmentbusiness. Dr. David Ho, chairman and
CEO of Harmony Airways, accepted
the award.
CanWest/The Vancouver Sun won
the Media award for its support of
Raise-A-Reader Day, which provides
resources to libraries and financial
assistance to family literacy programs.
The Vancouver Sun’s Louise Watson
accepted the award and thanked the
newspaper’s staff, sponsors and Pre-
mier Gordon Campbell for partnering
with the program.
The BC Lions Society of Children
with Disabilities won the Special
Event award for “Orcas in the City,” a
public-art project that raised funds for
local charities. The orcas were a popu-
lar attraction for both locals and visi-
tors to the city and the auction raised
$258,000. Stephen Miller, executive
director of the BC Lions Society, ac-
cepted the award, and thanked the
city’s businesses, artists, tourists and
kids who made the project a success.
Brian Burke was this year’s re-
cipient of the Mike Horsey Free Spirit
award. Burke is known for his tireless
efforts in giving back and contrib-
uting to the city of Vancouver, and
particularly for his work at Canuck
Place Children’s Hospice, a charity
that focuses on meeting the needs of
children and family with life-limiting
illnesses. He thanked Dave Cobb,
Dave Nonis and Canucks players,
Marcus Naslund and Trevor Linden,
for their contributions.
“I take pride,” said Burke, “as I see
the Raise-A-Reader program and the
Orcas in the City — the Canucks were
a part of those successes.”
Visit www.spiritofvancouver.com for
complete coverage and more photos.
By tessa maCKinnon
The mayor had the last laugh — Campbell got to rebut his roasters at the end.
Surf The Board at www.boardoftrade.com Sounding Board/November – December 2004 11
Po box 7000 vancouver, b.C. v6b 4e1 tel: 604-419-2200 e-mail: [email protected]
www.pac.bluecross.ca
Pacific Blue Cross health, dental and travel coverage for business and entrepreneurs. PbC members are eligible for 15% off travel coverage. Contact us at 604-419-2200.
* PbC members receive 15% off on travel plans
15% off*
www.dc-infobiz.com
FrEE report
Make your advertising more responsive. Free report, over 120 ways to improve your ads, brochures, web pages and more. visit www.dc-infobiz.com/report.
offer available to members and non- members.
1525 West 7th ave. vancouver, b.C. tel: 604-733-9177 ext. 177 or 111
www.vonbc.com
Victorian Order of Nurses British Columbia Make a New year’s resolution to have a healthier, more productive workplace! voN bC provides workplace immunizations and other health promotion services throughout the province.
31 - 1195 davie st.vancouver, b.C. v6e 1N2 tel: 1-877-426-8811 e-mail: [email protected]
www.4amgroup.com
4AM Group Ltd. 10% off web design, search engine and e-mail marketing packages (www.4amgroup.com/packages/index.html). Free web statistics trial for 2 weeks. e-mail [email protected] for more information.
offer available to board members only.
10% off 4AM Group’s packages
www.patogorman.com
Pat O’Gorman RE/MAX Select Properties
home ownership is an integral part of your future. list your home with an experienced, hard-working professional who gets results. your home — your future.
offer available to board members only, expires March 31, 2005.
250 - 4255 arbutus st. vancouver, b.C. v6J 4r1 tel: 604-813-1521 e-mail: [email protected]
up to $1,000 towards legal fees after list-ing and selling of property
125 debeck st. New Westminster, b.C. v3l 3h7 tel: 604-524-2502 e-mail: [email protected]
www.glennduxbury-inspections.com
Glenn Duxbury & Associates — Building Inspection and Consulting
Mention this coupon when you book your home inspection with us and save on our already competitive pricing for a very thorough, professional inspection service.
$20 off
tel: 604-269-5862 or 604-505-6258 e-mail: [email protected]
www.trans-oceanic.ca
Trans-Oceanic Service Inc. the Chinese economy is booming! learn business Chinese with an experienced instructor in vancouver who will prepare you for your business trip to China. a Chinese business culture seminar is also available. 10% off for board members, no time limit. 10% off for non-members, offer expires de-cember 31, 2004.
10% off
tel: 604-689-4009
www.wa2.ca
WA-2! Water Co. servicing the lower Mainland WA-2! thanks you for making us Cana-da’s fastest growing water company! vancouver board of trade members receive 3-months free trial on a commercial water purification system.
offer available to board members only
FrEE 3-month free trial
12 Sounding Board/November – December 2004 The Vancouver Board of Trade/The Spirit of EnterpriseTM
809 davie street (@howe st.) vancouver, b.C. v6Z 1b7 tel: 604-831-1047 or 604-681-0101
www.organic-health.com
Hitech & Health Store surprise your loved ones with our unique health and wellness gifts! anti-aging, massage devices, ionic air purifiers, cell-phone antiradiation shields, aphrodisiacs, pain relief, vitamins, herbs... Call now!
offer available to members and non- members.
up to 30% off FREE gift wrap, FREE delivery
715 Mcbride blvd. New Westminster, b.C.
www.jibc.bc.ca
Justice Institute of BC securities Compliance and supervision training for Investment dealers. acquire knowledge and skills to keep pace with increasingly complex legal and regulatory demands.
Information: 604-528-5768 [email protected].
1234 hornby st. vancouver, b.C. v6Z 1W2 tel: 604-689-1234 Fax: 604-689-1763
www.marriottresidenceinnvan.com
MiBar and Grill Come experience chef brian McKenna’s intriguing new menu. Mibar and Grill is located in the Marriott residence Inn. Come join us after work for appetizers or stay for dinner.
Maximum two coupons per table; offer expires december 30, 2004.
FrEEPresent this coupon for one free appetizer with purchase
of an entrée
www.acpresentations.com
20% off first presentation; 50% of balance donated to B.C.
Children’s Hospital
AC Presentations Captivate your audience with stunning and memorable slide show presentations for your next meeting or seminar and a special gift for the kids.
offer expires december 31, 2004.
tel: 604-218-9956e-mail: [email protected]
102 - 1193 Kingsway vancouver, b.C. tel: 604-876-2447
www.bigbrothersvancouver.com
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver It’s Mardi Gras Madness during the 2005 bowl for big brothers Classic! Get your company involved today! Call 604-876-2447 or check out www.bigbrothersvancouver.com.
www.Silveradoinvestor.com
Silverado Investments Inc. a town home project in Fernie, b.C., with a projected 75% return and the option to roll the investment into purchasing a town home.
offer available to members and non-mem-bers, expires January 31, 2005.
tel: 604-205-5251
investment Opportunity
555 robson st. vancouver, b.C. tel: 604-643-4747
TELUS Store Get everyone online at the same time with telUs home Networking. visit a telUs store at Metrotown or 555 robson street for a Free in-store demonstration.
1901 rosser ave. burnaby, b.C. v5C 6s3tel: 604-298-6181
www.earthtech.com
Earth Tech earth tech provides full-service engineering consulting in mechanical, electrical, industrial, structural, transportation, environmental, asset management, water and wastewater.
tel: 604-535-0128 Fax: 604-535-0138 e-mail: [email protected]
www.vizibility.net
Vizibility Inc. r U maximizing revenue from the Internet? a different approach! It’s not just your web site that counts!
*25% off for board members; 20% off for non-members on project rates.
tel: 604-681-0839 e-mail: [email protected]
www.coronacommunitycare.com
Corona Community Care one free 2-hour visit on any home Care service (except live-in care) when a client is booked for ongoing service during month of december.
offer available to board members only, expires december 31, 2004.
FrEE home care service
25% off members*
20% off non-members*
Surf The Board at www.boardoftrade.com Sounding Board/November – December 2004 13
www.vancouverchamberchoir.com
2 for 1 TROMBA! tickets
Vancouver Chamber Choir troMba! (orpheum, december 10) a rousing program of Christmas music with vancouver Chamber Choir, vancouver Can-tata singers and touch of brass “tentet.”
Promo code: patapan.
offer available to board members only. subject to availability, some restrictions may apply.
tickets at ticketMaster tel: 604-280-3311www.ticketmaster.ca
Check locations @ www.simply.ca
www.simply.ca
Simply Computing season’s Greetings from all of us at simply Computing. be sure to see our amazing selection of iPod accessories. six months — no payments — no interest oac.
offer available to members and non-mem-bers, while quantities last.
FrEEApple/Stopwatch
with coupon
180 West Georgia street vancouver, b.C. v6b 4P4 tel: 604-681-2211
www.sandmanhotels.com
Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown $89* includes accommodation and a meal voucher for Moxie’s Classic Grill.
offer available to board members only
*offer expires april 30, 2005, subject to avail-ability, add $10 for extra persons
Bed & Meal Package
5961 holland street vancouver, b.C. v6N 2b2 tel: 604-739-9313 or 604-307-7759 e-mail: [email protected]
Casavant Consulting Group CCG works with companies to manage change through program development, organizational seminars and executive coaching. CCG also specializes in health management consulting using the IM3 assessment — a neurochemical diagnostic tool.
showroom: 209 West 6th avenue vancouver, b.C. tel: 604-879-9766
www.uniquegiftbaskets.ca
Classic Greetings’ UNIQUE GIFT BASKETS
Western Canada’s largest gift basket specialists since 1989. spectacular selection of Christmas gift baskets from $14.
tel: 604-730-9350e-mail: [email protected]
White Fire Coaching Inc. ... dare to have it all, at half the price
Christmas present for yourself? or someone special? book by december 31, 2004, start by January 31, 2005. Maximum 3 months.
offer for new clients only
offer available to members and non-members
50% off coaching
www.whitefirecoaching.ca
435 West Pender street vancouver, b.C. v6b 1v2 tel: 1-888-389-5888 or 604-488-1088e-mail: [email protected]
www.ramadadowntownvancouver.com
Historic Ramada Downtown Vancouver eighty-room european boutique style hotel. Continental breakfast included in rate. valet parking available. located walking distance to Gastown, restaurants, theatre, storyeum and other attractions.
offer available to board members only, valid November 1 to February 28, 2005
10% off Internet Rates
www.pbkarchitectsinc.com
PBK Architects Inc. North america’s leaders in:• Recreation and community facilities• Multipurpose spectator buildings• Entertainment performance venues• Public/private sector projects
200 - 1770 West 7th ave vancouver, b.C. v6J 4y6 tel: 604-736-5329 Fax: 604-736-1519
112 - 980 West 1st st. North vancouver, b.C. v7P 3N4 tel: 604-984-7377 e-mail: [email protected]
www.truecolours.com
True Colours Graphics
short run digital printing and large format printing — greeting cards, art prints, posters, brochures retail display, trade show graphics and much more.
offer available to board members only, expires december 17, 2004.
20% off
715 Mcbride blvd. New Westminster, b.C.
www.jibc.bc.ca
Justice Institute of BC
leadership excellence through training. available next spring... Creating Workplaces with spirit and balance — the Power of leadership in Fostering Change.
Information: 604-528-5613, [email protected].
14 Sounding Board/November – December 2004 The Vancouver Board of Trade/The Spirit of EnterpriseTM
tel: 1-866-465-9463
www.dreamedia.ca
Dreamedia Technologies
Who says a technology company cannot pro-vide greater customer service. For all of your technology needs including data manage-ment and web solutions.
offer available to members and non- members.
FrEE technical
assessment
tel: 604-787-4331
www.itsaboutpearls.com
It’s About Pearls
Frankincense, sandalwood and myrrh? this Christmas... give the rare gift of pearls! Pur-chase any pearl jewellery at www.itsabout-pearls.com and receive:• FREE shipping• 10% off your purchase
offer available to members and non-mem-bers, expires december 25, 2004
10% off
www.sauder.ubc.ca/exec_ed
10% offExecutive Education, Sauder School of Business
• Building better customer relations February 2 to 3, 2005• Resolving conflict in the workplace February 10 to 11, 200510% discount to all board members on these new offerings at robson square downtown. offer available to board members only, lim-ited space in courses
tel: 604-822-8400
www.automind.ca
AutoMind Group
autoMind Group, autobody repair service with 4 locations in the lower Mainland to serve you. at autoMind, we mind your auto!
offer available to board members only
*Not valid on ICbC or insurance claims. some conditions may apply.
4 locations in the lower Mainland to serve you
tel: 604-875-6036
$50 off* on collision repairs,
labour only
715 Mcbride blvd. New Westminster, b.C.
www.jibc.bc.ca
Justice Institute of BC
Maximize your leadership performance and fine-tune your business and management skills. We offer innovative training for busi-ness owners, managers and executives.
Information: 604-528-5633, www.jibc.bc.ca/clcl
300 - 1285 West Pender st. vancouver, b.C. tel: 604-694-1705 e-mail: [email protected]
www.beyondfitness.ca
Beyond Fitness Coal Harbour Club Ltd. train smarter — Not harder
our exclusive Fitness studio specializes in “defy-aging Fitness!” We combine technologically ad-vanced fitness testing with the skills of highly quali-fied trainers to produce Results-Giving Programs! offer available to members and non-members, expires January 15, 2005*buy 8 sessions and get 1 extra Free training session + a complete body age assessment
1 FrEE session
when 8 sessions purchased*
101 - 1184 denman st. vancouver, b.C. v6G 2M9 e-mail: [email protected]
www.istcl.com
ISTCL
Happy holidays from ISTCL! IstCl would like to wish its current and future clients a very happy and healthy holiday season. Warm wishes from your solutions partner.
655 burrard st. vancouver, b.C. tel: 604-639-4744 e-mail: [email protected]
www.vancouverhyatt.com
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
30% off meeting room rental when the meeting is booked and actualized by Febru-ary 15, 2005. New bookings only. Please contact roberta blanco at 604-639-4744 or [email protected].
offer available to board members only, valid November 1 to February 15, 2005
30% off
locations across the lower Mainlandtel: 604-542-1243
www.hangersbc.ca
Hangers Cleaners board members enjoy 10% off at hangers Cleaners, where we take pride in using the newest drycleaning technology that keeps your clothes looking like new.
offer available to board members only
10% off
tel: 1-866-465-9463
www.okwineclub.com
Okanagan Wine Club
this year, don’t just give — captivate! have exquisite world-class okanagan wines spe-cially delivered to those who are important to you.
offer available to board members only
20% off 3-month
membership
Surf The Board at www.boardoftrade.com Sounding Board/November – December 2004 15
®
Save big & fly fast this holiday season.
Book by December 5, 2004* to take advantage of our December 20 to January 7 seat sale!
• Only 35 minutes Vancouver to Victoria • Downtown Vancouver or Vancouver International Airport departures• Check-in 20 minutes before departure • Complimentary 24hr Budget Rental car when you book a return trip
Contact your travel consultant or call Hellcat to book your next flight:
1.800.665.4354 . Helijet.com
VICTORIAVANCOUVERRICHMOND
CAMPBELL RIVERWHISTLERSEATTLE
$89
*Restrictions apply. Call for details.
Save big & fly fast this holiday season.
ONE WAYPLUS GST
Student stand by December 20 – January 7
Student fare applies to full-time university or college students with valid photo student ID and government issued photo ID. Other restrictions apply, call for details. $49 ONE WAY
PLUS GST
Book by December 5, 2004* to take advantage of our December 20 to January 7 seat sale!
• Only 35 minutes Vancouver to Victoria • Downtown Vancouver or Vancouver International Airport departures• Check-in 20 minutes before departure • Complimentary 24hr Budget Rental car when you book a return trip
Contact your travel consultant or call Hellcat to book your next flight:
1.800.665.4354 . Helijet.com
VICTORIAVANCOUVERRICHMOND
CAMPBELL RIVERWHISTLERSEATTLE
$89
*Restrictions apply. Call for details.
ONE WAYPLUS GST
Student stand by December 20 – January 7
Student fare applies to full-time university or college students with valid photo student ID and government issued photo ID. Other restrictions apply, call for details. $49 ONE WAY
PLUS GST
Vancouver–Victoria
YVR is the first airport in North America
to offer NEXUS Air, a new FasTrack
Border initiative that will make flying to
and from the U.S. or other international
destinations more efficient for low-risk,
pre-approved air travellers.
NEXUS Air complements the ex-
isting CANPASS Air program, both of
which use cutting-edge biometric iris
recognition technology. CANPASS can
be used by members entering Canada
from anywhere in the world, while
NEXUS can be used to enter Canada
or travel to the U.S. via YVR.
Members of both programs bypass
border line-ups by using automated
kiosks with touch screens to answer
questions similar to those an inspection
officer would ask. Members also have
access to the priority lane at YVR’s pre-
board screening checkpoints, giving
them expedited access to the security
YVr offers the latest in FasTrack servicescreening process for domestic or in-
ternational departures.
The iris recognition process is as
easy as taking a photograph of your eye.
The technology identifies and records
the 266 unique patterns of the iris (the
coloured ring around the pupil of the
eye). Your iris pattern is then processed
and encoded into a record that is stored
and used as proof of your identity every
time you use the automated NEXUS Air
and CANPASS Air kiosks.
Travellers can apply for NEXUS Air
starting November 30. You are eligible
to apply if you are a citizen or perma-
nent resident of Canada or a citizen or
resident alien of the U.S. Applications
are available online at www.nexus.gc.ca
or at the enrollment centre located on
the U.S. departures level of the Inter-
national Terminal at YVR. You will be
asked to provide personal information,
which will be verified by both Canadian
and American agencies. Once your
application has been processed, you
will be invited for the final step of the
enrollment process, which is to come
into the enrollment centre for a per-
sonal interview to verify your original
documents and capture your biometric
information.
NEXUS Air was developed by the
Canada Border Services Agency,
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
and United States Customs and Border
Protection.
CANPASS Air is a joint initiative of
Canada Border Services Agency and
Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Applications are available now at www.
cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel/canpass/canpas-
sair-e.html or at the enrollment centre
located on the departures level of the
International Terminal at YVR.
It is a fact that mammograms help
prevent breast cancer deaths.
Through early detection, small tu-
mours can be discovered and removed
before they become a serious threat to
the health — and lives — of women in
every corner of the province.
In fact, the B.C. Ministry of Health
TEluS Tour for the Cure sends message: detection is your best protection
believes in the value of mammograms
so much, it offers free annual breast
screening for all B.C. women who are
40 years and older.
But despite the proof that mam-
mograms work and access to free
screening, less than half of all eligible
B.C. women take advantage of the
Screening Mammography Program
of B.C.
The participation rate is lowest
in the Kootenays and Northern B.C.,
where less than 40 per cent of eligible
women go in for their free tests.
This is far below the minimum
70 per cent participation rate rec-
ommended by the World Health
Organization to effectively fight this
disease.
So the benefits are clear, but they
might not be common knowledge.
That is why the Canadian Breast
Cancer Foundation , B.C./Yukon
Chapter recently launched the TELUS
Tour for the Cure, in partnership with
TELUS and the Province of British
Columbia.
This huge interactive touring edu-
cational exhibit will travel to 26 B.C.
communities over the next eight
months, to be displayed in local
shopping centres and other public
venues.
“The display stresses the impor-
tance of prevention, detection, treat-
ment options and why screening mam-
mography is crucial in reducing breast
From L to R: B.C. Minister of Health Colin Hanson, Moira Stilwell MD, chair, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, BC/Yukon Chapter, Premier Gordon Campbell and TELUS President and CEO Darren Entwistle push the button to launch the TELUS Tour for the Cure in Vancouver.
cancer deaths,” said Jan Engemoen,
executive director, Canadian Breast
Cancer Foundation, B.C./Yukon Chap-
ter. “We’re thrilled that TELUS and the
Province of British Columbia have
agreed to help us spread the message
about the importance of women’s
health and particularly getting mam-
mograms.”
The exhibit includes video displays,
information and a direct telephone
service that encourages women to
book their mammograms without
delay.
“To say that supporting the foun-
dation’s work is important is an in-
credible understatement,” said TELUS
president and CEO Darren Entwistle
of TELUS’ sponsorship of the tour. “If
we can convince more women to go
for regular mammograms, smaller
tumours could be detected earlier and
fewer women will die.”
Just ask Judy Caldwell. She is
a breast cancer survivor, who told
the gathering at the launch that she
“missed it” in her self-examinations,
and her doctor also missed it. It was
only a routine mammogram that found
her cancer, and today — in her words
— “Everything’s fine.”
The Canadian Breast Cancer Founda-
tion is committed to a Breast Cancer
Agenda that will improve screening
mammography throughout the prov-
ince. More details about breast screen-
ing mammography and the TELUS
Tour for the Cure may be found at www.
cbcf.org/bcyukon.
16 Sounding Board/November – December 2004 The Vancouver Board of Trade/The Spirit of EnterpriseTM
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ivin
gThe customs of giving and receiving
gifts varies dramatically from country
to country. A gift given at the wrong
time or even in the wrong colour can
cause enough offence to cost you your
business deal. So, what initially seems
a harmless and thoughtful practice is
filled with potholes if you do not take
into consideration the nationality
of the recipient. To help you avoid a
cultural faux pas, here are some tips
to remember.
Choosing the right gift for your international customersCausing religious offence will re-
sult in business relations souring rap-
idly so be conscious of this when pur-
chasing a gift. Bottles of wine might
be standard in many workplaces but
will not be welcomed if the recipient
is of a religion that does not allow
alcohol. Dietary needs should also be
addressed if buying a food gift. If you
are not sure of the recipient’s religion,
avoid food gifts altogether.
Of all the regions in the world, Asia
is swathed in the most traditions and
customs. Unsurprisingly, it also has
the most complex rules when it comes
to gift giving and is where you are like-
ly to run into the most trouble. Many
of their beliefs are symbolic — scissors
or anything bladed symbolize the end
of a relationship and clocks are as-
sociated with funerals. In China, red
is a lucky color but white, black and
blue are associated with death; note
this when choosing wrapping paper
for your gift. Similarly, handkerchiefs
symbolize mourning and the numbers
four and nine are bad omens. When
given a gift in China, the recipient will
initially refuse it. But do not give up.
Your role is to insist three times and
on the third time it will be accepted.
Europe is less of a danger zone
when it comes to gift giving though
a few things should be considered.
The French like to be flattered and an
intellectual gift will do just that. Count
your flowers before presenting them
to your Italian host, as even numbers
will cause offence. Giving wine in the
Netherlands suggests their offerings
are inadequate, but over the sea in
Norway, wine is expensive and so a
welcome gift.
All in all, the international world of
corporate gift giving is a bit of a mine-
field. Do not just take the gamble; a
little time research into what to give
and when will pay dividends.
Looking for that special gift? Check out
these two pages in our Gift Giving feature
for wonderful gift ideas sure to please
those hard to buy for individuals.
SurfTheBoardatwww.boardoftrade.com SoundingBoard/November–December2004 17
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18 Sounding Board/November – December 2004 The Vancouver Board of Trade/The Spirit of EnterpriseTM
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Vancouver City Savings Credit Union
(VanCity) has recently been named
by Maclean’s as the number one place
to work in Canada. CEO Dave Mowat
spoke about the reasons behind the
bank’s success at a recent luncheon,
sponsored by McCarthy Tétrault and
Citizen’s Bank of Canada.
Mowat believes it is largely VanC-
ity’s policy of corporate transparency
that has led to the achievement of its
being ranked the best place to work
in Canada.
VanCity made a profit of $78 mil-
lion in 2003, has $9 billion in assets
and provides banking services for one
out of every eight people in the Lower
Mainland and Victoria. Last year was
its strongest year ever, exceeding
a record year in 2002 and earnings
from the first nine months of this year
are set to exceed 2003. Membership
grew by 23 per cent when 22,000 new
members joined.
Despite these impressive num-
bers, when stacked up against the
other banks, VanCity is “not even on
the radar screen,” said Mowat. Nev-
ertheless, VanCity is very competitive
in the market.
“We’re proud of our ability to
compete, but we don’t specifically
set out to achieve the best efficiency
rating,” said Mowat. “Our consuming
interest is to differentiate ourselves
from our competitors. We do that
by offering outstanding service, by
building employee engagements
and by showing up boldly in terms of
community involvement and leader-
ship. When we get these three things
right, a curious thing happens — we
make an awful lot of money.”
Mowat believes that being trans-
parent helps earn trust at a time
when organizations like Enron and
Arthur Anderson have demonstrated
that a lack of transparency can bring
See-through strategies look good on VanCityBy tessa maCKinnon a company down.
Having a reputation as a trust-
worthy company also makes people
want to work for you — VanCity
receives between 800 and 1,000 un-
solicited resumes a month, allowing
it to choose the cream of the crop and
resulting in lower employee turnover,
less training and hiring and stronger
relationships with customers.
According to Mowat, VanCity will
not ever be as big as the Royal Bank,
so it has to add something special
to earn its share of the business.
That something special is customer
service, great employees and com-
munity involvement.
“We work on these things just as
hard as the services we offer,” said
Mowat. ‘These are the intangible
parts of our business, but it requires
an openness in order to excel at
them.”
Dave Mowat’s presentation is avail-
able at www.boardoftrade.com.
Anthony von Mandl, proprietor of
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery in
B.C.’s Okanagan Valley, talked about
his “audacious dream” at an event
sponsored by Scotiabank and Fasken
Martineau DuMoulin LLP.
Von Mandl’s story is one of dogged
determination, starting with an ap-
prenticeship in Europe after gradua-
tion, where he struggled to convince
wine merchants to sell in Canada.
The difficulties continued upon
von Mandl’s return to Canada and a
sluggish wine industry. He relocated
to Los Angeles where he drove around
in a beat-up station wagon selling
cases of wine, but eventually went into
receivership, and a discouraged von
Mandl retreated to Canada again.
Von Mandl decided to make his
own label, St. Jovian, under his newly
created Mark Anthony Wine Mer-
Mission hill Family Estate Winery: a vision with legsBy Karen grant
“Our consuming interest is to differentiate ourselves from our competitors,” said Dave Mowat, CEO, VanCity.
chants organization, and became
Canada’s first wine merchant, akin
at the time to a “hot agency being
discovered.”
With that taste of success, von
Mandl aspired to operate his own
winery — but did not want to leave
his home province to do it. So in 1981,
he purchased an abandoned winery
on Lake Okanagan, christening it
Mission Hill.
But B.C. wines still had a major
credibility problem, and Mission Hill’s
early years were challenging ones,
starting with the discovery of billions
of fruit flies: “My heart sank,” von
Mandl said.
Von Mandl focused on creating
cash flow with cider sales from his
Okanagan Cider Company and by
becoming the Canadian importer for
Corona beer.
He also began his quest for an
experienced winemaker who could
help put his winery on the map, and
in New Zealand found winemaker
John Simes. The collaboration paid
off — two years later, Mission Hill’s
first vintage was awarded top marks
at London’s International Wine and
Spirits Competition.
This gave von Mandl the boost of
confidence he needed to undertake
an unprecedented investment in
the Okanagan Valley: with Simes, he
pioneered the use of technology that
allowed them to optimize the area’s
unique micro-climates.
Von Mandl continued his transfor-
mation of the Mission Hill property
from its unknown status as the “Oka-
something Valley” into a destination
winery.
That project culminated in what is
today a fully functional, modern-day
operation, with hundreds of acres of
vineyards and a collection of Europe-
an-inspired buildings complementing
the beauty of the hilltop location.
Recent articles from the Wine Spec-
tator, Wine News and other industry
publications have lauded von Man-
dl’s achievements, and naturally, von
Mandl is delighted: “After 23 years and
risking every cent I own, I’ve achieved
my dream,” he declared.
specialists in our Heart Centre will be
able to do more procedures every year.
The new room will also mean that some
of the cardiac procedures currently
performed in the operating rooms will
be moved out, providing more time for
a variety of different surgeries,” says
Adams.
A tribute to the efforts of commu-
nity and corporate supporters who vol-
unteer their time to create the display
and help with fundraising, the Lights
of Hope campaign makes St. Paul’s
Hospital impossible to miss during the
festive season.
Adams explains that the campaign
starts early for the volunteers from
the corporate community who begin
asking business colleagues to support
Lights of Hope in the spring. Varshney
Capital Corp. president Hari Varshney
is chairing this year’s campaign and
was the first to sign his company up as
a presenting sponsor for 2004.
The light display is entirely designed
and constructed by more than 200 vol-
unteers using donated products. This
year, there will be more than 8 km of
lights - all of them donated by B.C. and
international companies - in front of
the hospital.
Donations are welcome at any time, but
if you would like to have your compa-
ny’s name on this year’s display, please
contact Jeff Norris at 604-806-8920
or visit www.helpstpauls.com before
December 7.
st. Paul’s Continued From Page 1
Surf The Board at www.boardoftrade.com Sounding Board/November – December 2004 19
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If your company is looking to hire new em-
ployees in the near future, here is some advice
from those in the know: “Don’t
rely on the classified section of the
newspaper,” says Katie Bowkett,
VP of The Personnel Department,
whose company was recently listed
as one of the Top 10 Employers to
Work for in B.C., according to a
survey published in B.C. Business
magazine. “The truth is, the best
candidates, just like the best jobs,
are never advertised.”
In fact, recruiting experts claim
that up to 90 per cent of positions
being filled are within the hid-
den job market. That is, they are
filled by employment agencies or
through referral.
Don Cheevers, Kelly Services’s
senior operations manager for Western Canada
explains why.
“The best candidates, the ones you really
want, are not going to answer your newspaper
ad or post their resume on an Internet job site
because they are already working and they don’t
want their employer to know that they are look-
ing,” he says. “It is far more likely that they will
either respond to an employment agency ad
or call an agency and say, ‘Hey, I’m not happy
at my job,’ because they know the agency will
protect their identity.”
On the employer side, using an agency of-
fers the advantage of finding
a custom fit.
“When you do put an ad in
the paper, chances are you’re
going to choose the five best
resumes and interview just
those five people,” says Peggy
Blumenthal , manager of
Hunt Personnel and a senior
recruiter with almost 20 years
of experience. “The problem
is, if you can only afford to see
those who look good on pa-
per, you’ll miss out on a lot of
creative, energetic, fabulous
people. We interview the peo-
ple who may not be perfect on
paper, the ones who have a
fantastic personality or a great attitude, and we
match them up with the right company.”
Bowkett concurs, “A lot of great candidates
don’t know how to put together a good resume
and that can cause them to procrastinate when
they could be advancing their career. We have
a face-to-face interview with each candidate
and at that point a file is created with interview
notes, skills assessments and references, all of
the essential information an employer is going
to need.”
By tasHon Ziara
“The truth
is, the best
candidates,
just like the
best jobs,
are never
advertised.”
how recruiters can help your company tap into the hidden job market
To be a good communicator, a manager’s actions should speak louder than words, suggests a
new survey. Twenty-eight per cent of workers polled said their bosses could be more effective by
standing up for their staff when needed. Putting a lid on office politics was cited by 24 per cent of
respondents as a way for employers to improve communication.
The poll was developed by OfficeTeam and survey respondents were asked “In which of the fol-
lowing areas do you think your boss could communicate more effectively?” Their responses:
•Standingupforstaffwhenneeded:28% •Encouragingpeopletotakebreaks:11%
•Nippingofficepoliticsinthebud:24% •Somethingelse/noneoftheabove:13%
•Talkinglessandlisteningmore:22% •Don’tknow/noanswer:2%
Survey reveals traits workers want most in their managers
recruiting
20 Sounding Board/November – December 2004 The Vancouver Board of Trade/The Spirit of EnterpriseTM
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The pioneer trade centres were established in
the early ’70s, namely Houston, New Orleans,
New York and Tokyo. These centres organized
a World Trade Centers Association (WTCA),
which is a not-for-profit, non-political associa-
tion that fosters the WTC concept and develops
inter-WTC co-operative programs. There are
almost 300 World Trade Centers (WTC) in nearly
100 countries across six continents.
The general purpose of WTCs is to bring
together businesses involved in international
trade. A WTC provides a collective for global
commerce and exposes businesses to all serv-
ices, organizations and individuals critical for
success in world trade. The WTCA says, “A World
The Freedom Tower, by architects David Childs and Daniel Libeskind, will rise on the New York World Trade Center site and soar 1,776 feet in the sky, becoming the world’s tallest building.
Trade Center is a recognizable symbol of locally
focused economic strength in world commerce.
Anchored by a unique combination of tenants
and visitors, a World Trade Center is a bustling
hub of export activity.”
The WTC in New York City has become ar-
guably the most famous one in the world since
September 11. The former WTC was conceived
in the early ’60s as a way to revitalize the “radio
row” in Lower Manhattan. In 1962, the Port Au-
thority of New York and New Jersey approved
the project and began plans for construction.
An architect by the name of Minoru Yamasaki
was hired to design the new building. Construc-
tion began in 1966 and the north tower opened
in 1970; the south tower opened two years later.
The centre was the world’s tallest building for
only a short period of time, as the Sears Tower
was built a year later in Chicago.
After the attacks in 2001 that destroyed the
twin towers, the City of New York asked for de-
sign submissions for the rebuilding of the site.
In February 2003, Lower Manhattan Develop-
ment Corporation (LMDC) announced that it
had selected Studio Daniel Libeskind’s design.
Libeskind’s design includes a hanging garden,
a memorial, a cultural center and a Freedom
Tower, which will rise to 1,776 feet, taller than
any building standing in the world today. The
building is expected to cost $1.5 billion and
be ready for its first occupants in 2008, while
construction will continue likely into 2015.
LMDC also announced that architects
Michael Arad and Peter Walker had won the
design competition for the memorial com-
memorating the people who died in the ter-
rorist attacks on September 11. Their design,
Reflecting Absence, will be built where the
twin towers once stood. It includes two pools
surrounded by trees, with the names of all the
victims inscribed on the walls surrounding
the pools.
“In its powerful, yet simple articulation of
the footprints of the Twin Towers, Reflecting
Absence has made the gaping voids left by the
towers’ destruction the primary symbol of loss,”
said Vartan Gregorian, who chaired the jury
that chose the winning design.
For more information, visit www.renewnyc.com.
World Trade Centre New York: Past, present and futureBy tessa maCKinnon
Photo CredIt: ©arChIMatIoN
Reflecting Absence MemorialThe Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) launched
the international World Trade Center Site Memorial Competition in
April 2003. In what became the largest design competition in history,
5,201 submissions were received from 63 nations and 49 states. All 5,201
proposals were evaluated by a 13-member memorial jury comprised of
individuals representing various points of view, including renowned art-
ists and architects, a family member, a Lower Manhattan resident and
business owner, representatives of the governor and mayor, and other
prominent arts and cultural professionals.
The design, animation, bios and all relevant information about the
World Trade Center Memorial Competition can be viewed at www.
WTCSiteMemorial.org.
Surf The Board at www.boardoftrade.com Sounding Board/November – December 2004 21
from the Ministry of Health Services.)
Myth: Urgent surgeries are de-
layed.
No, those who need emergency
surgery receive care when they need
it. Ninety per cent of cancer patients
requiring chemotherapy began treat-
ment within two weeks of being medi-
cally-approved.
Myth: The median wait time for all
wait-listed surgeries is lengthy and has
increased.
No. The median wait time was
under five weeks in 2003-04 — half of
B.C. patients waited about five weeks
or less for their surgeries and half
waited five weeks or more. The median
wait time for B.C. patients who needed
non-emergency surgery dropped from
five weeks in 2001 to 4.3 weeks in
2003. The number of people waiting
for open-heart surgery has decreased
more than 50 per cent from January 1,
2003, to July 31, 2004.
Myth: B.C. patients have to wait
longer than other Canadians.
Not so. Statistics Canada says people
in B.C. will see a specialist quicker than
the average Canadian — three weeks in
B.C. versus four weeks across Canada.
As well, the B.C. median wait time for
diagnostic tests (such as MRI and CT
scans) is below the national average.
Myth: The number of surgeries per-
formed in B.C. is not keeping up with the
population growth.
In the last two years, B.C.’s popula-
tion has grown by two per cent, but the
number of surgeries performed has
grown by five per cent. Orthopedic and
cataract surgeries grew by nine per cent;
cardiac surgeries grew by 12 per cent.
Myth: You can solve the problem by
“throwing more money at it.”
Making financial resources avail-
able is important, but it is not the
single “silver bullet” solution. Still, it
is important to understand that the
provincial government has increased
the health budget by more than $2 bil-
lion over the past four years. Since the
beginning of this year, it has invested
nearly $46 million to expand patient
access to surgery, including hip and
knee replacements, cardiac surgery
and diagnostic care.
But the solution to a complex prob-
lem requires more than money, it
requires a commitment by everyone
involved in health care to examine the
issues and to lay a foundation for suc-
cess in achieving a sustainable health
care system in which everyone is able to
access needed care in a timely way.
Wynne Powell is chair of the Provincial
Health Services Authority. The PHSA
plans, manages and evaluates selected
specialty and province-wide health-care
services across B.C., working with the five
geographic health authorities to deliver
province-wide solutions that improve
the health of British Columbians.
“The changes are coming,” said chief
constable Jamie Graham of the Van-
couver Police Department at a recent
Policy Forum™ on crime in Vancouver,
an event sponsored by InterGlobe
Security Corp. & Inves-
tigation Services Inc.
Members of the pan-
el agreed there are many
changes afoot in the city
making a difference in
both the incidence of
crime and approaches
to dealing with it.
Dave Park , chief
economist and assistant
managing director for
The Vancouver Board of
Trade, cited The Board’s
report on crime that
showed Greater Vancou-
ver was proportionately
the worst major metropolitan area for
property crime in Canada in 2002.
The cost of property crime is stag-
Vancouver Board of Trade panel finds new ways to fight crime
By tessa maCKinnon
gering, estimated to have cost $121
million in 2003. Park pointed out that
Vancouver has fewer police than it
should have for its relative population,
and the higher crime rate increases the
need for more police.
“Police, courts and politicians
must demonstrate determination to
overcome the property crime problem
in Vancouver,” said Park. “There is far
too much at stake to allow the situation
to continue.”
Graham cautioned the audience
not to be misled by media coverage
that the Safe Streets Act is an attack
on the poor.
“There is no organization that has
done more in terms of helping people
in need than the Vancouver Police,”
Graham said.
He described the suc-
cess of the police force’s
i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f
“Project Lucille,” target-
ing Vancouver hotels with
rampant drug dealing
and trafficking. The police
force gathered evidence
for a civil standard to pull
the hotels’ business li-
censes.
“That’s going to be an
ongoing way to do busi-
ness in Vancouver,” said
Graham.
He strongly believes
that supporting literacy
reduces crime by keeping people in
school and off the streets: “The best
and most successful societies in the
Chief constable Jamie Graham
world right now are the ones that pro-
mote literacy.”
Lorne Mayencourt, MLA for Van-
couver-Burrard, discussed the Safe
Streets initiative — a collective effort
of people who believe civil order in
communities and consequences for
bad behaviour is necessary.
But Mayencourt said the process is
only just beginning — the law is only
some words on paper and will require
the resources and support of the com-
munity to come alive.
Mayencourt said he is dedicated to
healing the Downtown Eastside so it
becomes a wonderful place to live.
“This job has introduced me to
thousands of British Columbians who
are committed to social responsibil-
ity and it’s a great privilege to work
with them toward solutions,” said
Mayencourt.
Elisabeth Burgess is chair of the
Street Crime Working Group, com-
prised of three provincial court judges,
a Vancouver Police representative,
probation representatives, federal and
provincial prosecutors, a Vancouver
Agreement representative and the Van-
couver Coastal Health Authority.
The group’s focus is visible crime
that affects “the most people most
often.” The mandate is to find more
effective ways to deal with targeted
groups of people: chronic re-offenders,
drug-addicted and mentally disor-
dered offenders.
She notes that Vancouver’s busi-
ness community has been proactive
and has led the way in the fight on
crime: “You have expertise that we
need; we would really benefit from
advice that you may have to help with
our initiatives.” She added, “I think
we’re on the verge of some new part-
nerships that will give us the ability to
tackle some of these problems in a way
we never have before.”
“As vice-chair of The Board’s Crime
Task Force, I am encouraged that the
hard work our members have put into
our latest report is resulting in mean-
ingful debate and indeed, legislative
change,” said Phil Moriarity, president
of InterGlobe, in reference to Burgess’s
Street Crime Working Group. “There is
a lot more to be done, but at least this
government and the judiciary at the
provincial level seem willing to ‘think
outside the box’. As we all know, what
is inside the box now is not working.
We anxiously await the recommen-
dations that her committee comes
forward with.”
Dave Park’s presentation is available
on www.boardoftrade.com.
HealtH Continued From Page 4
“The best
and most
successful
societies in
the world
right now
are the ones
that promote
literacy.”
22 Sounding Board/November – December 2004 The Vancouver Board of Trade/The Spirit of EnterpriseTM
Having trouble finding the right staff
for your company? You are not alone.
According to industry experts, the job
market in the Lower Mainland is red
hot and not expected to cool off any-
time soon.
“Right now, Vancouver is facing a
real shortage of qualified, skilled work-
ers and until the Olympics are here and
gone, I believe the demand is only going
By tasHon Ziara
recruiting expert offers tips for hiring in a hot job marketto continue to grow,” says Andrew d’Eça,
general manager of Angus One Profes-
sional Recruitment Ltd., whose com-
pany serves the permanent, executive,
contract and temporary staffing needs of
businesses in the Lower Mainland.
According to d’Eça, the biggest
challenge for companies in this market
is that they do not move fast enough
when they do find someone they want
to hire.
“The reality is that it’s an employee’s
market,” said d’Eça. “The best candi-
dates are getting multiple job offers
within a day. I compare it to the Van-
couver real estate market where a house
can sell in one day and for $40,000 more
than it’s worth. You hesitate and that
perfect candidate is snapped up by
someone else.”
This can be very stressful for com-
panies that do not have the internal
resources to keep sifting resumes.
“One way we overcome the anxi-
ety of recruiting is to offer the longest
guarantee in the industry,” says d’Eça.
“If our candidate leaves for any reason,
we will replace them absolutely free of
charge, and the new employee comes
with a brand new full guarantee.”
His best advice, “Be ready to move
quickly and deal with a reputable agen-
cy that really knows the local market. A
lot of firms are international companies
with satellite offices in Vancouver,
Angus One, along with its temporary
division, Templine, is a B.C.-owned
corporation that has been serving the
Lower Mainland since 1986.”
More tips for successful recruiting:
1. Trust your gut instinct — beyond
qualifications, if there is something tell-
ing you a candidate just is or isn’t right
for your company, follow your gut.
2. Be detailed in your reference
checks — they can save you a fortune
in time and money. Remember, some
people will say anything to get a job.
3. Always make sure you have a
backup — leave yourself an out just in
case your ideal candidate turns out to
be unavailable. It is important to keep
your second and third choices avail-
able, just in case.
Visit www.angusone.com for more
information.
From sending a shoe to wearing no
footwear at all, many job candidates
have tried unconventional tactics
to get a hiring manag-
er’s attention. In a recent
survey, executives were
asked to identify the most
unique strategies appli-
cants have used to stand
out from the crowd. The
results show that com-
municating your ingenu-
ity, resourcefulness and
creativity to potential
employers can give you a
leg up — or set you back
a few steps.
The poll includes re-
sponses from 150 senior
executives — includ-
ing those from human
resources, finance and
marketing departments.
It was conducted by an independent
research firm and developed by Ac-
countemps.
Those surveyed were asked, “What
is the most unusual thing you have
seen or heard of a job candidate doing
to ‘stand out from the crowd’?” Sample
responses included:
• “A job seeker sent a shoe with his
resume and a note saying, ‘I just
want to get my foot in the door.’”
Executive survey yields unusual job-hunting tactics
• “Onecandidatecameinbarefoot.”
• “A job seeker included an 8-by-10
inch beauty-pageant photo of her-
self.”
•“Acandidateputcon-
fetti in the resume pack-
age, which made a huge
mess.”
•“Onewomanbroughta
poodle to the interview
because she didn’t want
to leave it in the car.”
•“Anapplicantsenthis
resume on a bottle of
alcohol to the company’s
CEO.”
•“All of the important
words were circled on
the resume.”
•“Someonesentapack-
et of coffee with a note
that said, ‘Have a coffee
on me.’”
•“Iwassentapieceofgumwiththe
resume and asked to ‘chew on the
facts.’”
•“Anapplicantcameindressedasa
clown — in a colourful, satin clown
suit with red hair, a bright-red nose
and big shoes.”
•“Wereceivedagiantcookiewithwrit-
ing on the package that said, ‘I’d like
to be a chip in your cookie.’”
“A job seeker
sent a shoe
with his
resume and
a note say-
ing, ‘I just
want to get
my foot in
the door.’”
Vancouver is currently facing a shortage of qualified, skilled workers.
recruiting
Surf The Board at www.boardoftrade.com Sounding Board/November – December 2004 23
John Furlong, CEO to the Vancouver Organizing
Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic
Winter Games (VANOC), has a favourite mo-
ment from the 2004 summer games
in Athens.
On the last day of the Games,
Vanderlei de Lima, the lead runner in
the men’s marathon, was tackled by a
member of the crowd. With the help of
onlookers, de Lima got back on his feet
and kept running, finishing third in the
gruelling race.
“There was a moment,” said Fur-
long, speaking at a Spirit of Vancou-
ver® event sponsored by RBC Finan-
cial Group and Focus Audio Visual
Services Ltd., “when his dream was
almost wiped out, but he realized he had an oppor-
tunity and took advantage of it and demonstrated
to the world that the Olympic spirit is alive and
well, even at the most challenging times.”
“If there was anything I could fix about that
moment,” said Furlong, in his noticeable Irish ac-
cent, “it would be, why did it have to be a defrocked
Irish priest?”
There was a huge amount of negative press
and doubt about Athens’ ability to stage these
Olympics, but now, in the aftermath of what many
consider to be the best Olympic achievement of
all time, Furlong believes the world owes Greece
an apology. It was, he said, an extraordinary
achievement for such a small country with limited
resources, and with the challenges it faced, Greece
deserves absolute respect.
Furlong said the Canadian Olympic
Committee went to Athens with no agenda
except to learn and to see how the logistics
had come together to do a great job. He
cited several aspects of the games that were
staged and executed in a way that Canada
can learn from and emulate. “We can learn
from the lessons of Greece, and take advan-
tage of their experience so that in 2010, we
can get to the finish line in one piece, strong
and healthy, and achieve the admiration of
the world along the way,” said Furlong.
The athlete’s village was an incredible
physical phenomenon, according to Furlong — a
massive infrastructure made of pure white mar-
ble, the village easily housed up to 20,000 people,
which, as Furlong pointed out, was as big as 60 per
cent of Canadian communities. The atmosphere
was communal and friendly and gave the commit-
tee a sense of how important the village is to the
spirit of the Games.
To manage the logistics of transportation in
what is normally a very congested city, Athens
implemented “Olympic lanes,” meaning drivers
Furlong recounts legacies and lessons from athensBy tessa maCKinnon
How many Christmases do you have left? Or, for
that matter, how many birthdays or anniversaries?
Peter Legge figures he has about 23 remaining in
his “runway of life.”
Introducing his book, The Runway of Life:
Lessons on Success from Master Business Leader
Joe Segal at The Vancouver Board of Trade’s new
Distinguished Author Series™, sponsored by BC
Business and Quebecor World, Legge told a crowd
of over 500 that it is imperative to focus on the
important things in life.
“We all strive for success and significance in
our lives,” said Legge. “And no matter how you
define success or significance, you are in charge
of you and your attitude along the way,” positivism
being the key theme of the evening.
The “runway” was defined by Legge as the
amount of time we have left in this world. He first
came across the idea one day when instructed
by his friend and mentor Joe Segal to draw a line
beginning at zero and ending with the number
Legge thought his age would be when he left this
earth. Legge put down 85.
He was then told to bisect the line roughly
where his current age was. So at 62 years old, Legge
had a visual indication that he had only another
23 years left — 23 years in which to be in charge
of his destiny and his effect on others.
The former comedian and current president
and publisher at Canada Wide Magazines enter-
tained the audience with several amusing stories
from his past, including one in which former
Peter legge’s new book, The Runway of Life, is a runaway hitBy rodger Banister prime minister Brian Mulroney was denied extra
butter by a waiter at a restaurant while dining with
Legge and other Canadians while abroad.
“Do you know who this man is?” Legge asked
the petulant waiter while gesturing to Mulroney.
“This man is the current chairman of the board of
Quebecor World, which is in charge of printing all
over the globe — and he was the prime minister of
Canada and used to be in charge of everything!”
The waiter asked Legge dryly, “Do you know
who I am?” “No,” said Legge. The waiter replied,
“Well, here, I’m in charge of butter — and he can’t
have any more.” The story served Legge’s point
that you are always in charge of you, no matter
where you are and what your circumstances
may be.
Legge also took pause to honour his longtime
friend and mentor Joe Segal, his inspiration for
the book. Segal took the podium and told the
audience that the key to life is to have a positive
attitude and to focus on what you have, not what
you do not have and to continue developing the
things that matter most — like love, happiness,
respect and fulfillment.
The Runway of Life is available for purchase at
www.boardstore.com.
could not be in the lanes without a permit per-
taining to the Games. The lanes were completely
respected and made it very easy to get around to
the various venues and events.
Security was not over the top — it was dialed
down but professional, Furlong said. He noted
that this is one of the great opportunities we have
in Canada because our security is considered
internationally to be world-class; we can show
the world we can do it just as well, for much less
money.
Furlong acknowledged there was some disap-
pointment for our own athletes, but this is another
lesson to learn from Athens.
“We’ve got to give our athletes more help,
encouragement and support starting tomorrow if
we want the best athletes in 2010,” said Furlong.
“The Canadian public wants us to do a great job of
execution and they want the team on the podium.
If we do both, this will be the most celebrated
endeavour in this country’s history, and we can’t
settle for anything less.”
Visit www.winter2010.com for more information
on the 2010 Olympic Games.
“The
world
owes
Greece
an
apology.” John Furlong, CEO, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)
24 Sounding Board/November – December 2004 The Vancouver Board of Trade/The Spirit of EnterpriseTM
A04-499
Energize your bottom line withLED exit signs
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BUSINESSES ARE BECOMING MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT.
JUST LOOK AT THE SIGNS.
Power outages do not happen often in
B.C. On average last year, the electrical
system was interruption-free 99.949 per
cent of the time. BC Hydro staff work
diligently to prevent service interrup-
tions to your business and to shorten
their duration when they do occur.
Still, outages are inevitable, so it
pays to be prepared. Planning and
preparation can help you protect your
business equipment, cope with an
outage with a minimum of stress and
help BC Hydro restore your power
more quickly.
Outages are caused by a variety of
factors. BC Hydro’s electrical system
consists of nearly 73,000 kilometres of
transmission and distribution lines.
Much of the infrastructure is located in
mountainous and tree-covered terrain,
with long distances between power
generation sources and customer fa-
cilities — making it vulnerable to both
natural and human impacts.
In 2003, service interruptions were
caused by the following sources:
Adverseweather 24%
Trees 22%
Other 21%
Transmissionoutages 15%
Equipmentfailure 11%
Motorvehicleaccidents 7%
If your power goes out:
1. Determine whether it is a BC Hydro
outage or whether something in your
system has caused it.
• If the outage is in your own system,
contact your electrician or electrical
contractor.
• If it is a BC Hydro outage, report it by
calling 1-888-POWERON. The Pow-
erOn system will take you through
a series of prompts, or connect you
with a representative, to match up
Power outages: Stay safe and work smartyour telephone number, business
address and BC Hydro account
number. Hydro uses this information
to help determine the likely location
of the problem.
2. You can call 1-888-POWERON to
get an estimated time of power
restoration. If you have a laptop or a
computer on a backup power supply,
visit www.bchydro.com/outages for
outage information by region, in-
cluding estimated restoration times
where known.
3. Turn off business equipment and ap-
pliances. Because some equipment
left on will start up automatically
when service is restored, turning
them off can prevent damage, in-
jury or fire. However, leave one light
switch on so you know when power
is restored.
4. When power is restored, turn on the
most essential equipment first, and
wait 10 to 15 minutes before recon-
necting the others. Remember to
reset time and date information on
computers and other digital displays,
automatic timers and alarms.
Your business can be prepared
for an outage through a few simple
steps:
• If a continuous electricity supply is
critical to your operations, consider
installing a backup power supply.
• Encourage your employees to back
up their computer files regularly.
• Have an operational plan ready for
shutting down and restarting electri-
cal equipment.
• Keep an emergency kit where
you can easily find it in the dark,
including:
o Flashlight and fresh batteries;
o Candles, matches and candle-
holders;
o Transistor radio;
o Non-electric clock.
For more information, visit www.bchy-
dro.com/outages. To report a power
outage, call 1-888-POWERON.
1. The first step is finding out about the problem. In many cases, BC
Hydro is not aware of an outage until a customer reports it.
2. By tracking customer calls, BC Hydro’s system identifies the probable
failed device and estimates the size of the affected area.
3. A crew is dispatched. How quickly they arrive is affected by the time
of day, the location and the number of other outages.
4. The crew determines the actual location and cause of the problem,
and then repairs it. If the line is underground or if access is difficult,
this takes longer.
5. The system is tested and re-energized.
For more information, visit www.bchydro.com/outages. To report a power
outage, call 1-888-POWERON.
how BC hydro identifies and fixes outages: The five steps to power restoration
The Wisdom of Crowds — Why the
Many Are Smarter than the Few and
How Collective Wisdom Shapes Busi-
ness, Economies, Societies, and Nations
by James Surowiecki
The biggest problem is not that one
does not know much. It is that much of
what one does know is wrong and out
of date. There is no two ways about it.
People who read widely actually do
learn. And The Wisdom of Crowds is a
good example. Its central idea might
shock you: Large groups of people
are smarter than the elite few. This is
a book every manager needs to read;
this idea has the potential to make a
profound difference (for the better) in
the way you do business.
For example, the Google search
review of The Wisdom of Crowds by dr. Owen andersonsystem is built on the wisdom of crowds
to order the millions of bits of data.
Strangely, companies in general have
remained indifferent to this concept and
are surprisingly unwilling to improve
their decision-making by tapping into
the wisdom of employees and custom-
ers. Now, there are some conditions to
making this crowd concept work:
1. Diversity — we need diversity in
our sample;
2. Independence — we need the
ability of participants to think
for themselves and not merely
think like the rest of the group
(group think);
3. Decentralization — each unit or
level must think for itself;
4. Finally, we need a way to aggregate
all of the diverse opinions we gath-
er into something manageable.
We are on a quest to improve deci-
sions and use our collective wisdom.
We need to move from the telling-
command-control mode mentality to
a participation/asking for advice and
opinions mode. Why? Because it will
yield better decisions. Gains come from
diversity (getting out of our homogene-
ous group). Diversity allows you to con-
ceptualize problems in novel ways.
The opinions we gather need to
be in some sense independent. Re-
member that power does not reside in
one location. There is strength in this
recipe for collective wisdom. Through
research and case studies, the author
concludes that we can and must trust
each other. We can trust our collective
intelligence.
I want to tie all of this into the
recent Darcy Rezac book The Frog
and Prince. If you want to improve
decision-making, you will need to get
information from diverse sources. You
will need to expand your community
and check out independent thought
sources. I recommend you think
about the Wisdom of Crowds, then get
the Rezac book to hone your skills in
asking good questions and expanding
your network.
Put these two powerful concepts
together and improve the management
of your firm.
Dr. Owen Anderson of Hawthorne
Consulting is The Board’s literary critic
in residence and reviews books in The
Board’s Management Library at board-
store.com.
BoardStore.ComGreat books available in the Management Library.