SmallBusiness Week

October 18 - 24, 2015

IN THE NORTH OKANAGAN

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www.vernonmorningstar.comZ2 Sunday, October 18, 2015 - The Morning Star

What Makes

Downtown Special?

www.downtownvernon.com250-542-5851

Vitality

Economic SignificanceHistoric Context

Centrality & Accessibility

Density

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SerendipityAmenity

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Beauty

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Festivals & Events

C i t y C e nt re

Small Business Week Tweet-Up Wednesday Oct 21st 7:30-9:00am

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www.vernonmorningstar.comThe Morning Star

Small Business Week 2015

What makes a downtown unique? Is it the historic buildings that provide a link between past and present giving a glimpse of what the city was like years ago? Is it the variety of small businesses downtown that provide the diversity of people that visit downtown? In fact, according to Edward Lawrence of the Downtown Research Company there are nine characteristics that combine to make downtown a special place.

1) Economic Signi� cance Downtown creates a critical mass

of activities where commercial, cultural, and civic activities are concentrated which facilitates business, learning, and cultural exchange.

2) Historic ContextDowntown is the oldest part of

city and holds a special place in the history of the city. Historic buildings permit a variety in scale and a diversity in the types of uses that can be accommodated.

3) Centrality and AccessibilityBeing the focus of the city’s

transportation and communications network helps generate a high degree of activity and vitality by making possible for a large number of shoppers, workers, and visitors to easily reach downtown.

4) DensityDensity consists of high land

coverage by low rise buildings set closely together.

5) Diversity� ere is a tremendous diversity in

the age, size and style of buildings because of the evolution over many years. � is helps to make downtown more interesting from an architectural history point of view, but it also permits a variety in the types of uses that can be accommodated downtown, and therefore in the people that use downtown.

6) Continuity� e downtown

retail district has a continuous frontage of active uses at street level. � is continuity of active uses encourages pedestrian movement and adds to the activity and security.

7) VitalityVitality is the unique excitement

and activity found in downtowns successful retail district or o� ce district. � ings that add to downtowns vitality include; outdoor cafés, benches, restaurants, bars, and theatres.

8)      Serendipity� e sudden pleasure of an

unexpected surprise, and walking through the vibrant downtown provides many positive surprises

of many di� erent forms. It is the diversity of downtown buildings, uses and activities that permits serendipity to occur.

9) AmenityDowntown has a high

concentration of urban amenities that make it an interesting, enjoyable, and exciting place to visit. Landmark buildings, interesting architectural detailing, unique shops with interesting store windows, street vendors, cultural facilities, the community market, public

parks, an historic theatre, unique restaurants, and

a variety of others that can be itemized only by walking through the downtown area.

� ese factors are all highly inter-related and

reinforce one another with perhaps the most important

characteristic being vitality, which cannot be described, it can only be experienced. Vitality in a downtown is created by the combination of the diversity of its small businesses, the variety of people, and its historic context.

An increase in the number of small businesses in Vernon’s downtown core in the past year illustrates the attraction and the viability of being located downtown. New boutique-style retail shops including 104 Grey,

Scarlett Studio & Artisan Market, and � e Haberdashery complement the list of existing quaint, one-of-a-kind stores. � e opening of new restaurants like Eatology and Kawa Kubo demonstrates that downtown is the obvious choice for a foodie looking to have a distinctive eating experience. While longstanding small businesses in the community like the Bean Scene Co� ee Househave worked to create an important sense of place, it’s the traditions and rhythms that bring people downtown. Acting as generators to attract related businesses, such as book stores, they help to diversify the mix within the business community.

Small business is fundamental to the success of our economy. While contributing to the ongoing sense of vitality, small businesses � ourish and grow enhancing the economic and civil capital. In Downtown Vernon, not only do they meet local needs (e.g. hairdressers and � nancial consultants) but they also serve requirements of larger businesses (e.g. photography services, printing, catering). Working directly with downtown’s small businesses has its bene� ts; the personal relationships they build with customers, the � exibility they have in dealing with problems or challenges, and the freedom to be innovative.

Small business makes downtown exceptionalDina Mostat, DVA Member Services Co-ordinator

‘‘Small business is fundamental

to the success of our economy.’’

www.vernonmorningstar.com Sunday, October 18, 2015 - The Morning Star Z3

Small businesses are the engine of our economy. Keep our community

strong by shopping locally.

Greg KylloMLA Shuswap

250.833.7414

greg.kyllo@mla.leg.bc.ca www.GregKylloMLA.ca

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www.vernonmorningstar.com Sunday, October 18, 2015

Small Business Week 2015

A new award to recognize young entrepreneurs was launched recently as our government kicked o� Small Business Month.

� e new Celebrate Entrepreneurship Award - launched in partnership with Junior Achievement British Columbia (JABC) - will recognize the student-led company that demonstrates the most innovation in their business.

� e winning company and recipient of a $3,000 cash prize will be announced at JABC’s awards ceremony next June.

� e announcement of the program coincided with the release of the Small Business Roundtable’s 10th annual report, which highlights a decade of accomplishments and upcoming priorities.

� e roundtable was established in 2005 to engage in a dialogue with small business owners to identify the key issues and opportunities they face. Priorities identi� ed for the next year include:• High-speed Internet access for all small

businesses in B.C.;• Participation in locally driven Business Walks;• Support for the Small Business Awareness

Strategy; andª Promoting succession planning.

For more than 60 years, Junior Achievement BC has been a part of an international non-pro� t organization that delivers business training programs through partnerships with local schools together with volunteers from

local business communities teaching work-readiness, entrepreneurship and � nancial literacy.

� e B.C. government created a permanent Small Business Roundtable in 2005, giving small businesses a voice in government. Roundtable board members are recognized as leaders in their community and represent all regions of the province.

Small Business Month o� ers opportunities for small business owners and operators to network, develop and share business ideas,

and learn about government programs and resources. For the remainder of

Small Business Month, the Greater Vernon Chamber is holding three events:• Business A� er 4 Trade Show, Oct. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express. Free admission;

• Maximizing the Value of Your Membership, a free seminar on

Oct. 28 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Chamber boardroom;

• Governance 101, a workshop for board directors, CEOs and those who are interested in becoming directors, Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Chamber boardroom.

Small Business Month is near and dear to my heart as a long-time business owner in this region, and in my role as Parliamentary Secretary for the B.C. Jobs Plan.

� is month, join me in thanking and supporting small businesses in the North Okanagan and Shuswap.

In honour of young entrepreneursGreg Kyllo, MLA Shuswap

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Small Business Week 2015

� ere is no denying the importance of small business to B.C.’s economy.

Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities. � ey support families and keep local economies strong. � e owners include parents, coaches and volunteers in Vernon who make a di� erence every day.

In the Vernon area, three organizations are speci� cally geared to assist small businesses - the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Vernon Association and Community Futures North Okanagan.

All are vitally important resources for the business community.

� e Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in Vernon since 1951. When a business joins the Chamber, they learn about current government issues that a� ect business, and can add their voice to the Chamber’s e� orts to address them.

It is also important for entrepreneurs to know that the Chamber can support them on issues that concern their business.

Every year, the Greater Vernon Chamber presents its Business Excellence Awards, which recognize the accomplishments and successes of local businesses during the past year.

For more information on the Vernon Chamber, go to www.vernonchamber.ca

� e Downtown Vernon Association (DVA) is a key resource for downtown merchants. Representing more than 550 businesses, it promotes downtown Vernon as a destination for goods, services and entertainment, and is focused on strengthening downtown and its merchants.

� e DVA was created by local merchants in 1967 with the aim of revitalizing and promoting the downtown core. � e BIA

is centred on marketing downtown and fostering its growth. It is also a lobby group and a networking organization.

For details, go to www.downtownvernon.com

Community Futures North Okanagan is a community-based not-for-pro� t corporation that is focused on economic development, and o� ers many services for businesses and employers.

Community Futures North Okanagan has been involved in community economic development activities since 1984. It o� ers employment, business and economic development services to help people build their future and strengthen the community.

� e organization has been rooted in the North Okanagan since 1984 and serves the communities of Armstrong, Cherryville, Coldstream, Enderby, Grindrod, Spallumcheen, Lumby and Vernon, as well as the Okanagan and Spallumcheen Indian Bands.

For more information, go to www.futuresbc.com

Small business owners help build strong local economies, and a strong B.C. economy ensures that the North Okanagan and communities throughout our province remain vibrant.

Small businesses pack big punch in boosting economyEric Foster, MLA Vernon-Monashee

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3001 - 30th Ave, Vernon • 250-542-3010(Corner of 30th Ave & 30th St) • www.brendahalaphotography.com

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www.vernonmorningstar.com Sunday, October 18, 2015 - The Morning Star Z5www.vernonmorningstar.com Sunday, October 18, 2015

Small Business Week 2015

476 Pottery Road, VernonPhone: 250-558-5159Cell: 250-308-9814

www.southofpine.com

South of Pine Streetis a charming heritage home on Pottery Road � lled with ladies fashionable treasures! Carrying designer lines such as Sympli, Cut Loose, Velvet, Chalet, Sandwich, Tribal, Jag, Mac Jeans, Neon Buddha, Boo Radley, and more, Shella Ledingham, owner operator provides a unique shopping experience for ladies looking for affordable quality clothing.Stop by and check out the latest selection of jewelry by Karyn Chopik and Susan Richards, the fun colors of the ever popular Hanky Pankies or the weather girl hat from Nelson’s own Lille and Cohoe’s hats.Each year, South of Pine Street hosts two fashion shows at the Vernon Golf and Country Club. All proceeds from these fun events, which includes dinner and fashions, goes to Vernon Hospice House. Store hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10:30-5:00.Drop in, have a latte and biscotti while you enjoy a quiet, non-pressured shopping experience!

We believe in small business. At VantageOne Credit Union no business is too small or too new to operate with us. Join us today for business advice, customized solutions and a relationship you can bank on.

Our business is built on relationships!

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778-475-61772203 18th Ave. Vernon, BCstonecastimpression.com

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Small Business Week 2015

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A quick question for you: Wha t do Piscine Energetics Inc., Caul� elds Engraving, Top Knot Events and Bannister Honda all have in common? Yes, they are all members of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. And yes, all were recognized at the 2015 Business Excellence Awards, but more importantly, they are part of a massive small businesses sector that is driving the local economy.

Almost half of the members in the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce are businesses with less than 10 employees. Provincially, 98 per cent of businesses are small businesses and they create opportunities for the nearly 1 million people they employ. At the national level, small and medium-sized enterprises represent 99.9 per cent of all companies in Canada and they employ more than 60 per cent of private sector workers.

As B.C. marks Small Business Month, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the vital role small businesses play in our area.

Small businesses make up a major part of Vernon’s business community and they play a critical role in driving our economy and creating jobs. Small Business Month is a great opportunity for our community to celebrate these hard-working businesses that bring great ideas and entrepreneurial spirit to our city and region. � is is our chance to recognize the tremendous contributions made by small businesses. � ey support families and keep local economies strong, and they are, in essence, the

heart and soul of communities like ours.  � e owners are parents, coaches, entrepreneurs and volunteers who make a positive impact on the community every day.

As a member of the BC Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Vernon Chamber is part of active advocacy to support small businesses, including:➤ � e creation and implementation of the BC

Small Business Accord;➤ Cutting red tape by exempting thousands

of businesses from the MMBC recycling regulation and working to implement

mobile business licences in regions across the province.

As well, the Greater Vernon Chamber is dedicated to advocating for businesses at the local level.

Some of our recent e� orts include:➤ Working with Junior Chamber

International (JCI) to stage a Federal All Candidates Forum to raise awareness of business issues.

➤ Staging numerous networking events ranging from our golf tournament to our October Business A� er 4 Trade Fair.

➤ Partnering with KPMG to recognize the area’s Top 20 Under 40.

➤ Continuing to advocate for lower municipal business taxes, streamlining of regulations and greater regional cooperation among local governments.For more details on our major initiatives and

activities over the past year you can check our recently released Annual Report available on our website www.vernonchamber.ca

Small business drives local economyDan Rogers, General Manager, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce

250-549-0402 • www.centralanimalhospital.ca

New clients welcome!We offer a full range of services including • wellness exams & vaccinations • orthopaedic & soft tissue surgeries• dental cleanings• digital x-rays• ultrasoundDr. Trinity Smith Dr. Carey Keith

1901 Kalamalka Lake Road

‘‘Small businesses make

up a major part of Vernon’s business community... ’’

www.vernonmorningstar.com Sunday, October 18, 2015 - The Morning Star Z7

3212 30th Avenue, Vernon • 778-475-4603

Our CHRISTMAS TREASURESare coming soon! Stop in today.

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www.vernonmorningstar.com Sunday, October 18, 2015

Small Business Week 2015

POTENTIALSLEARNING CENTRE

SINCE 1989

Tutoring can be a option to help your child

get on track if he is falling behind. Students who are years behind in reading, math, and/or spelling catch up and go on to excel at school. This unique program, directed by Ms. Leanne Topham, a specialized learning therapist, has helped students who have suspected or diagnosed learning disabilities (like dyslexia) to overcome their challenges. At Potentials Learning Centre, the biggest reward is to see a student finally ‘get it’, and see the difference it makes in his or her confidence and self-esteem.Potentials is a 1-on-1 specialized tutoring program for children and adults that uses a whole brain approach to leaning. It strenthens auditory, visual and tactile perception. It is successful, fun and affordable!

250-545-7766 okanaganpotentials.com

More than 25 years of solving the learning riddle.

Kalamalka Travel

300, 3115 - 48th Avenue, Vernonin the Andres Plaza next to Sweet Caroline’s Bakery

250-549-4432

Where do you want to travel?

We look forward to customizing your vacation to help you create those special moments and memories.

www.uniglobekalamalkatravel.com

Stephanie

Maria

Sandi

Stop in and see us!

Nadine’s Fine Art & Frames has been in business since 2005 at the same location and happy to be providing customers from Vernon and environs with the � nest quality in art supplies and personal and corporate framing.

Nadine Wilson has had a lifelong interest and involvement in visual arts and has been custom framing for over 25 years. Nadine’s Fine Art also

represents 30 of the most popular successful artists in the Okanagan in this intimate little gallery. You can also � nd dozens of happy students painting, as Nadine teaches � ne art in several mediums throughout the year. The staff of Nadine’s Fine Art & Frames strive to provide excellence in service and customer satisfaction. We are the � ne artists’ supplier of choice and the specialist in object framing in the North Okanagan.

November 27th marks our 11th annual Christmas Open House. Please join us to celebrate this milestone!

Nadine sits on the Board of Directors for the Caetani Cultural Centre, the Downtown Vernon Association and is an Independent Consultant for Arbonne International.

3101 - 31st Ave, Vernon P: 250-542-8544nadines� neart@shaw.ca C: 250-308-0758

www.nadines� neart.com

Fine Art & Frames

nadines� neart@shaw.ca C: 250-308-0758nadines� neart@shaw.ca C: 250-308-0758

On her journey to make a career change, Diane Kelm found her way to the doors of Community Futures. � e sta� provided her with encouragement, training and support, which ultimately led her to decide to pursue self-employment. Diane was able to access services that helped her solidify her business concept and ensured that she had a � rm grasp of what it means to be a business owner. � e Self Employment Services o� ered by Community Futures assist eligible clients with developing their business plan, and provide guidance throughout the process of getting their business started. During this 48-week program clients attend several workshops aimed at developing the business plan and helping them to be successful when they open their business. Additional assistance is provided regarding market research, marketing and sales, and � nancial management. Marcel Korver, Self-Employment Coordinator, states, “� e services are designed to assist entrepreneurs to start a business with the best possible chance of success.”

On October 1 of this year Diane launched her business, the Healing Arts Finder. It is an online directory for holistic healing and intuitive arts practitioners. It is not only a directory but an educational tool which helps people locate nearby practitioners who can help them with a particular issue or concern. “People are able to search by

treatment bene� t and � nd all the unique healing methods that can assist with your individual needs,” states Diane. Additionally, each listing contains an educational component which allows the viewer to acquire information about the healing method. To assist viewers in selecting the right practitioner for them, the site includes ratings and reviews, a gallery with images and customer specials, as well as a directional map to the practitioner’s place of business.

Diane feels that the guidance she received “… allowed me to turn my passion into a blossoming business.” She goes on to thank Community Futures for helping her to understand herself and supporting her to follow the path she wanted to take. “I am excited for the future and am enjoying the process of learning about business and the variety of gi� ed practitioners in the Okanagan Valley.”

Turning a passion into a businessLeann Wilhelm, Community Futures North Okanagan

Diane Kelm

www.vernonmorningstar.comZ8 Sunday, October 18, 2015 - The Morning Star