Web Version I Update preferences I Unsubscribe

September 30, 2014

Encouraging Economic Development and Diversification in Prince George, BC

September 2014 'On the Move' Newsletter

Each month, Initiatives Prince George distributes an e-newsletter called 'On the Move' that connects

people with news about economic activity in Prince George and the surrounding region, as well as

with information about events, services and opportunities that are of value to local and regional

businesses. During 2014, a 'New Business of the Month' will be highlighted in each e-newsletter. If

you have an idea for an article in an upcoming e-newsletter, please submit it to Christina Doll at

doll@initiativespg.com for consideration.

Video: New Business of the Month

New Business of the Month: Vintage Accounting

Vintage Accounting's slogan of "Old time

quality with modern flair" is immediately

visible. The office is painted a soft blue, and is

furnished almost entirely with antique

furniture and decorations. This, of course, is

no coincidence.

The idea was first thought of by Svitlana Jeck, co-owner of Vintage Accounting. "We often heard

people say, 'Accounting used to be so simple. When did it all become so complicated, stressful and

impersonal?' In this way, we wanted to take the service back to a time when companies got to know

their clients on a personal level, and there was less anxiety." Thus the name and theme of Vintage

Accounting, an accounting firm focused primarily on servicing small- to medium-sized businesses and

individuals, was born. Co-owner Barb Mcleod explains how the office's setting is important for their

customers. "It is a nice calming environment," she says. "When people come in stressed because of

huge tax bills or bookkeeping issues, we are here to help them and it also relaxes them to be in an

environment like this. It really makes them feel more comfortable."

Indeed, their distinctive take on accounting has received a lot of support from the community. In a

city where sales are often generated from word of mouth, the owners of Vintage Accounting have

been delighted to note that people are talking about their exceptional work environment. "It is so

unique that people who come in often tell others about it. Even if they come in just to see the office

it is great to have people through the door!" says Mcleod.

Both owners also see a benefit to starting a small business in Prince George. 'There are nice people

here in PG; they are all very friendly and polite, which you don't always get in a bigger city. It is easy

to reach people here and the city is growing so there is a lot of potential for new businesses," notes

Jeck. Mcleod adds that her roots in the city help spread the word about the business. "Even though it

is growing, it is still a manageable size. For me, starting a business in Prince George is a benefit. I was

born and raised here so I know lots of people in the city. People who know me talk about the

business, which is a huge help compared to a bigger city where I wouldn't know anyone."

If you are in need of accounting services with a personal touch, or even if you're just a fan of antiques,

be sure to drop by Vintage Accounting at their offices located at 1633 I 5th Avenue in Prince George

or find them online.

You're Invited!

Workshop to Prepare Businesses to Deliver Service under Pressure during the 20 I 5 Games

The Canada Winter Games in February 2015

offer exciting opportunities for Pr ince

George's retail, hospitality and other service

businesses to showcase their products and

generate additional business. In order to help

business owners, managers and supervisors

prepare effectively for visitors to Prince George during the 2015 Games, Initiatives Prince George, in

partnership with Northern Development Initiative Trust, Community Futures-Fraser Fort George

and Downtown Prince George, is offering a three-hour workshop on October 20 and 21, 20 14.

The workshop will be delivered by Ted Topping of Creative Insights Inc.

In this session, Ted will help you:

• Deliver a unique experience through your place, product, process and people

• Define appropriate service standards for both the 2015 Games and the longer term

• Maintain those standards under pressure using the process of "service netting" • Manage high-volume traffic effectively and avoid potential "system stress"

• Think "2015 Games big" relative to the service that your business normally provides • Plan the implementation of your service strategy

Feedback from the workshop Ted hosted in September about planning staffing and inventory for the 2015 Games:

• "I really enjoyed the whole presentation. I honestly didn't realize just how big this event would be and I now have a more enlightened idea of it all."

• "Ted Topping was absolutely hands down one of the best speakers for this event." • "Ted was fantastic. I am looking forward to October."

Register online to attend one of the three workshop sessions. The cost to attend is $15 + GST per

ticket.

WorldHost Customer Service Training

Free Workshop being Offered to Prepare Local Businesses for the 2015 Canada Winter Games

Is your business ready for the 2015 Canada Winter Games? Start preparing today by signing up for

one of several FREE WorldHost Customer Service Training Workshops being offered by Tourism

Prince George in collaboration with Destination British Columbia and the Northern British Columbia

Tourism Association in November 2014 and January 2015. The workshop is called " Remarkable-

YOU!" and will prepare service oriented businesses to not only meet, but exceed the expectations of

visitors to Prince George during the 2015 Games.

Benefits of World Host "Remarkable-You!" Training:

• Improved levels of customer service for residents and visitors

• Enhanced community pride and learn about the upcoming 2015 Canada Winter Games • Heightened employee pride and sense of responsibility

• FREE high impact customer service training • Association with a nationally and internationally recognized program

• New skills to enhance people's resumes and improve job satisfaction

• Satisfaction of contributing directly to the positive profile of the community and the business community

Register for this workshop today or contact Liz Bennet, Visitor Services Assistant Manager, at

admin@tourismpg.com for more information.

Mark your Calendars! Business Retention and Expansion Survey Report to be released in October

The results of surveys conducted by Initiatives Prince George (IPG) with 158

small, medium and large businesses across all sectors in the city will be

unveiled in a report presented at a luncheon on October 30, 2014. The

information gathered through the surveys will be used to create a Business

Retention and Expansion Program to be delivered in 2015.

IPG will also unveil its expanded Prince George Business Directory during the luncheon. IPG is

developing the Directory with the assistance of local web design firm Sticky Wicket. The Directory

will be searchable, user-friendly, detailed, and will include all companies and sectors of the Prince

George economy. The Directory will connect Prince George businesses with each other, businesses

with customers, and will be used by IPG to showcase the depth and breadth of Prince George firms.

If you want your business to be included in the Prince George Business Directory for FREE, please

contact Neil O'Farrell, Business Development Officer, at ofarrell@initiativespg.com.

Initiatives Pr,nc:e Georges monthly 'Economic Upcftate' documents pro,,ide a brief summary of economic performance in the City of Prince G~ Each report also features an artiele about a specific issue related to the f1rm1e George economy.

• Get the latest update

Feature Employment Opportunities on the 'Move Up Prince George' Website for Free

A new website and marketing campaign has

been launched by Initiatives Prince George

(IPG) to help connect local employers with

skilled employees living in Prince George and

in other Canadian cities, as well as to

promote the city in target markets.

The 'Move Up Prince George' website

features a career search page that includes all

available jobs in Prince George that are

posted online. Local Employers can create an

account in order to feature their jobs in a

prominent position on this page for free. They

can also access a suite of digital and print tools

that can be used to promote Prince George in

their employee recruitment efforts.

Employers are encouraged to direct potential employees to the 'Move Up Prince George' website as

it contains detailed information about living in Prince George. It highlights the top 10 reasons why

Prince George is a great place to call home, a searchable amenities map, videos of people who have

moved to and found success in Prince George, and a blog that provides personal perspectives on living in Prince George.

IPG is advertising this new website in Toronto, Windsor, Vancouver, Victoria and Edmonton. IPG is

also attending career fairs in these cities to further raise the profile of Prince George and knowledge

about career opportunities in the city. Businesses should expect interest from job seekers in Toronto

and Victoria, as IPG recently attended career fairs in these cities and has had interest from a number

of professionals, including engineers, accountants and IT specialists.

If you're a local employer, visit www.MoveUpPrinceGeorge.ca today to create an account and start posting featured jobs for FREE.

New Tutorials Available to Help Employers Hire New Canadians

Im (C.~I •IIUI\ (1.1 .. : . 1 lt.(1"0 - fV" '""" e

Eifliliitiit1ri

RESOURCES

Hiringln1mlgr•ntT1hmt ~ (1.0CHRP CreditsJ ~

;-:~tt -•~ C''ff l : ;•.i::--ec,•~e-cc1

t• sv~., ... H ? t"~ ~'l ... ~ ..-J ... ~ .... S.:~t'- ,'Y.,.~tf, ' "l'"e

• te.;ie••:Jt.X- : 1)~S- ~' . KCt'l'

;:: .. ~~ .. ~~:~~,:.\:-::~~:~: t'- =-,~~1"..>,·,r • ! ;• f"' - " Q

~~:A• •,., - •r.i.~IUt"I n-:".t."W --:~ .:.t.· , ... ~ t~ .. ~.:•• · ~ '

Tho S.ven Pitfa.ll1 for Vlom1n Litad1r, IFrotl

~:;;t~ ;';.:~:::..~::/:~~~-:: _,. '"-t-~"S ,.,:-•d '-'• .. ::.1 .. Jt r ·· I ..., ~ ...... .. -t-'].,' t :) : ,:, , ,e - "',t

Ol..'L',",cf : '"X ,:-~• !<-~• t"<t'.,' t5 •tC =~:-tl•-t ''""-'".':! c ; · ~ , ~'- ·-, ie .-f""•,ev,

./'l::: .'f · ,.;.,-_ r:•!·~,c ~-•· ~':' ':· r-,J- -zf,~.,.., ·r·-t •cr

,,, ~ t I ~ • "j,;.<' ... # .,. •1, , .

• • ·1 • d .. t ' :: •. ~ • '

~--

Bullying & Har.usmtnt Prevention Policy Update1 t1.S CHRP Crr-ditsl

1'·:r1- 5,, -,... • Ellt::- T'•· ~- ,;<

' : • 1-• I •

~ .. , • • . •t, • •::t. =~ .. -<: .,- .i ...... ~.~ •t" -''"'ff-cr,j , • .,j .. r

... ~ ' f

""t-";' •• _.. ·•·e ' : ,.- i

:. . ... - . ·~·- .. · ,-,., ,. ,., .

A series of free online tutorials have been developed to assist small- to medium-sized businesses

struggling to fill job vacancies attract and hire skilled immigrants who are living in BC.

0

Every year, BC attracts almost I 0,000 highly skilled immigrants, many of whom settle in Vancouver.

The five tutorials developed by the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) and the Human

Resources Management Association (HRMA) will assist employers in Prince George with attracting

these skilled workers to live and work in Prince George.

The tutorials feature industry-tested tools, practical tips, videos and resources. Tutorial topics range

from how to attract and hire new Canadians, to how to assess language proficiency, foreign

experience, and academic and professional credentials. Viewers will learn how to create barrier-free

job descriptions and define roles using key knowledge, skills, and abilities. Tips on where to advertise

job openings, as well as a list of programs and services that connect employers with qualified

immigrant candidates are also featured.

The new immigrant talent tutorials will be featured on HRMA's new Professional Development

on demand web portal and can also be accessed through the IEC-BC website.

Registration Open for the 20 I 5 BC Natural Resource Forum

Registration is now open for the 20 15 BC

Natural Resource Forum (BCNRF) being

hosted in Prince George from January 20th

to 22nd, 20 IS. The forum will feature

several new events, including a

Commencement Dinner and a Minister's

Breakfast. The BCNRF will also feature two Keynote Luncheons and a Wine & Cheese Reception.

Make sure to register early to secure your tickets for the 2015 BC Natural Resource Forum.

Registration for the 3rd annual Market Expansion Forum, which is being hosted by Initiatives Prince

George on Tuesday, January 20, 20 IS from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Ramada Hotel, opens on

October 15, 20 14. Mark your calendars and stay in touch with I PG for the release of registration

details.

Funding Applications being accepted for the Western Innovation Initiative

The Government of Canada is currently accepting applications for funding through the Western

Innovation (WINN) Initiative. WINN is a $ I 00 million five-year federal initiative that offers

repayable contributions for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with operations in Western

Canada to move their new and innovative technologies from the later stages of research and

development to the marketplace.

Objectives of WINN:

• Commercialize innovative technology-based products, processes and services;

• Stimulate greater private sector investments in commercialization activities;

• Increase the number of jobs for highly qualified personnel in Western Canada; and • Assist in industry growth.

Visit How to Apply for more information about the application process. See Frequently Asked Questions or contact Western Economic Diversification Canada by email, telephone, fax or

mail.

Funding Support Program Available for BC Micro­Businesses

Funding is available through the new Micro-Business Training Program, which has been created to

help micro-business owners improve their businesses through training. Eligible business owners can

receive up to $1,000 in funding for training in general business skills such as:

• Bookkeeping

• Marketing/Sales

• Social Media

• Computing (Word, Excel, Photoshop, Simply Accounting and more) • ManagementfHR/Leadership

• Website Design and SEO

In order to be eligible for a grant, the following criteria must be met:

• The applicant must be a business owner

• The business owner cannot be a full-time student

• The business owner must be over the age of 19

• The business owner must have fewer than five employees

Interested business owners are encouraged to complete an online application form. For more

information about this program, visit www.BCMicroBusiness.com or contact Katie Caplan at

Katie@BCMicrobusiness.com.

Additional Tenants Announced for River Point Landing

National retailers Party City and Sleep Country will be joining existing anchor tenants Goodlife

Fitness and PetSmart for the first phase of River Point Landing. Party City is the largest specialty party

goods chain in North America and Sleep Country is the largest mattress retailer in Canada.

Construction of the first phase of River Point Landing will begin in October, with store openings

planned for the summer of 2015. River Point landing, located at 3030 Recplace Drive, will be directly

adjacent to the River Point Shopping Centre, which is a 70,000 square foot centre.

Bike Racks Coming to Downtown Prince George

.,. , Sept. 30, 201,.4.

Downtown Prince George

_.. ' Twev,.t!:J Two Thousand -:-- $ 22,000.

~ Dow•tow,, PC B;k, Rocks

The Rotary Club of Prince George is investing $22,000 to install bike racks in downtown Prince

George. The project is being managed by Downtown Prince George. The goal is to encourage more

people to visit the downtown, increasing visits to and sales at local businesses.

Discussions with local fabrication shops and the City of Prince George are in the works to determine

the design of the bike racks. A custom design will be required to ensure the new bike racks are

suitable for narrow sidewalks in the downtown and winter weather.

The current funding of $22,000 will be invested in installing bike racks primarily along George Street,

between 3rd and 7th Avenues. The hope is for future installations that will enable the creation of a

comprehensive Downtown Rotary Bike Rack Network.

Have an Idea for an E-Newsletter Article?

Our monthly e-newsletter provides updates on Initiatives Prince George activities and events, as well

as information about resources available through other local organizations.

If you have an idea for an article in an upcoming e-newsletter, please submit it to Christina Doll at

doll@initiativespg.com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!

l)Uke I o o • 1 //l!!tt. SHARE ~ ' _, THISEMAIL

Initiatives Prince George Suite 201 - 1300 First Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3Y3

Ph: 250.564.0282 Fax: 250.649.3200 www. in itiativespg. com

You're receiving this email because you subscribed to it. Click the Unsubcribe link below to unsubscribe.

> UNSUBSCRIBE