Business Connections
By Kim Miller
The annual Horizon Business Awards is undergoing some major renovation, starting with moving it from its traditional November date to February 5, 2011. A few new awards are being discussed that we anticipate will fully encompass the business community. A beautiful new design for the actual awards will also be unveiled at the ceremony in February.
Fibre artist Shaunalee Yates and painter Monique Labusche have opened The Silk Purse, The Sow's Ear, a working studio on Marine Avenue. Yates who has been "upcycling" furniture years says she has been making silk purses out of sow's ears all her life. "I just change things," she says. "I love the transformation process of creating altered couture."
Kewldogz Graphic Design is a new company that provides desktop publishing solutions for local business and personal interests. Owners Ron Fox and Sherry Risby have a goal of using only sustainable resources and recycled materials in their printed products. They are developing a line of locally themed postcards available at www.kewldogz.com.
Modern Windows has a couple new additions. James Forsyth is the company's new sales representative for Powell River, the Sunshine Coast and Texada Island. James previously worked for The Brick. Modern also has a new sales manager for Vancouver Island. Jason Clayton, previously of Impact Visual Communications, is the company's sales and marketing manager. Welcome James and Jason.
X-Stream Clean is Powell River's new and only automatic touchless drive-thru car wash. It features triple foam conditioner, RainX, wheel cleaner and an undercarriage cleaner, all while you sit in the comfort of your car. Owners Jan Russell and Gary Fredsberg promise a fast and effective car wash that will make your car sparkle and you smile. X-Stream Clean is located at 7245 Duncan Street. The automatic car wash is open 7 days a week and prices range from $8 to $14.
With the recent launch of Lowell Morris Portraits & Fine Arts, Powell River residents can commission professional, classic-style, portraits of their favourite people, pets, homes, cars, boats--you name it! Beautifully rendered black ink, pencil drawings and colour paintings are available at reasonable prices. Morris works from photographs and subjects may be from the past or present. "I am excited to capture what's special to community members," he says. To view samples of Morris' artwork and for more information visit www.LowellMorris.com or call 604 483-7982.
A new sushi store is opening on Marine Avenue. Ayu Sushi to Go, owned by Yoshi and Miki Takahashi, will make fresh sushi for people to take out. "People order it, and we make it," said Yoshi, who worked for a sushi catering business and restaurant for several years in the Interior. Ayu Sushi to Go will also include a Japanese grocery.
Don't miss the grand opening at the Phoenix Centre on the corner of Joyce and Duncan and SUN-FM Radiothon in support of the Youth Resource Centre on Tuesday, November 16 from 6 am to 6 pm. Great deals, discounts and specials. Pledge your financial support for the Powell River Youth Resource Centre and be entered into draws and instant win prizes. Donations can be made through SUN-FM live on the air, or in the "drive-thru" at the Phoenix Centre or at the First Credit Union.
The Powell River Chamber of Commerce is Supporting the Business Leaders of the Future through the Powell River Youth Resource Centre (YRC). The Powell River YRC will support local families by providing a safe space for teens that is positive, nurturing and fun. The YRC will assist youth to make positive connections and grow up to be healthy, well-rounded young adults. The teen years is a time of becoming more independent, getting a first job, and doing community service. The YRC will teach these essential skills and help build better futures for our youth!
Did you know that BC will be short 350,000 workers over the next 12 years? How will your business handle the growing worker shortage? On October 21 from 1 to 4:30 pm, a free interactive, results session called MATCH (Meeting a tremendous challenge) will connect Powell River employers to the untapped labour force. Keynote speaker Stuart Ellis Myers will talk about hiring workers with disabilities and Trina Bucko, National Director of Organizational Strategies with the Aboriginal Human Resources Council, will help businesses position their workplaces as employers of choice in recruiting Aboriginal talent. From 10 am to 4:30, a free MATCH 2010 session will be provided for employee assistance service provider. For more information or to register call the Model Community Project at 604 485-2688 or visit www.match2010.ca for more information.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Chamber luncheon and presentation on Friday, November 19 at noon at the Town Centre Hotel with special guest Kevin Evans the CEO of the Industry Training Authority. The ITA is a crown corporation that was established in 2004 to oversee and expand BC's industry training and apprenticeship system. ITA works with industry and employers, trainees and apprentices, labour unions and training providers, to meet the industry's current and future labour force needs. RSVP to the chamber office at 604 485-4051, $15 at the door.
Powell River Women in Business was formed in February 2007 to provide women who own and work in all sorts of businesses with networking, marketing and educational opportunities.
Members are involved in home-based businesses and large businesses with headquartered here in Powell River or elsewhere in the country. We meet 10 times a year at local businesses and other locations. Our meetings generally contain both an educational and networking component and are always fun!
For more information visit prwomeninbusiness.ca, contact Bonnie at bonnie@prliving.ca or by phone 604 485-0003.
