This Competitive Assessment of the Oceanside Economy is the first step in an emerging initiative to attract new business investment to the Oceanside region of Vancouver Island. It provides an analysis of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the region from an investment attraction perspective and matches those characteristics to potential growth industries.

For Immediate Release

March 4, 2013

Parksville, BC –The Parksville & Community Conference Centre was alive with energy and excitement; from the opening reception to the parade of nominees to the presentation of the awards themselves, it truly was an evening to remember.  

Photo Credits:  Island Moments Photography

The Awards night was not only a chance to recognize and celebrate the successes of the all the nominees, but a great opportunity to meet with the many contributors of the community.  

The evening’s emcee, Gord Tupper of CHEK News brought his enthusiasm and experience to the podium as he presided over the ceremonies and introduced each of the 20 nominees in the seven categories.   And the envelope, please…

The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be working in partnership with Junior Achievement.

Junior Achievement (JA) is the world’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating youth about business and leadership. Junior Achievement has been active on Vancouver Island for nearly 15 years and each year provides programming to more than 6,000 school-aged youth in the region.

Junior Achievement partners with educators and business professionals to bring a real world experience into the classroom.  JA programs give students the confidence and skills they need to become the next generation of business and community leaders. All programs are facilitated by volunteers from the local business community and are provided at no cost to the schools and students.

Junior Achievement is seeking support from Chamber members to assist with upcoming programs at Springwood Middle School and Ballenas Secondary School. During school hours, visit a classroom and lead students through Junior Achievement curriculum while sharing your own real-world stories and experiences to help inspire our local youth to succeed.

If you are in the process of starting a small business, you have probably talked with consultants and financial advisors, studied market research and read dozens of books on the innumerable aspects of beginning a small business.  In short, you’ve left no stone unturned in finding out everything you can about how to make a small business successful. 

But there comes a time when you need to begin assembling the pieces involved in moving your idea from paper to reality.  To do this, you should prepare a comprehensive checklist that includes everything that you may need to accomplish to get your business up and running. 

A great checklist can be found on the Small Business BC website. 

Too often when British Columbians hear the term 'prosperity', the belief is that the rich are simply getting richer and the poor poorer. In fact, in a recent survey commissioned by the Business Council of British Columbia found 84% of British Columbians believed this to be true. While the reality may not be quite this stark, there is no question that many BC families have accumulated higher levels of debt and are under increasing financial pressure in their day-to-day lives.

Why should BC businesses care about this widely held sentiment in BC?

Running a small business is challenging and the Chamber is always looking for tools and benefits to assist business in our community. We have initiated a relationship with Small Business Solver a web based company offering tools to help businesses to start, grow and succeed.

Small Business Solver offers a number of free webinars to help business owners evaluate their service and to help the Chamber determine the demand from our members.

Should there be sufficient demand we will work out a volume price package with Small Business Solver for our members.

To register for the scheduled webinars please access by clicking on the link.

I have spoken often in this space in the past about the benefits of managed growth. Since it is a new year, I thought I would put a new spin on the same subject.

One of the concerns I hear as I speak to my neighbours and friends is that growth is inconsistent with retaining our current need to improve the environment and the services that contribute to our current lifestyle.

The tree is up, the outside lights are on and I have even managed to do some shopping. As we head full tilt into the festive season, and brace ourselves for another festive onslaught, it can be a good time of year to pause and enjoy some perspective on how far we’ve come. Perhaps take a moment to pat yourself on the back for a job well done, and then turn your thoughts to things other than work, such as friends and family, and Christmas giving.

Reflection starts at home and I would be remiss if I did not start by giving our Board of Directors my sincere thanks for their faith and support.

To the fine group of Chamber staffers I work with, their patience and ability to both educate me, and learn from me, has made such a difference, a difference that has translated into a fun and efficient workplace.

To The City of Parksville, a pat on the back for getting the boardwalk started (hopefully there is a phase II & III), installing some excellent signage; beautifying the entrance to the Visitor Centre with the treed boulevard of Exit 46 and doing a spectacular job of maintaining our parks and streets.
To the residents of Parksville who have finally become involved in the decision making process. Well done. Respectful open communication is the only way we can work together to accomplish all the things that get talked about but rarely acted on.

To all the great volunteers in our community that enhance our quality of life. Thank You. Without you it wouldn’t be Parksville.

To the business community that gives and gives and gives; without you our community would not have the great events; sports teams and social organizations that are the lifeblood of this community.

During this Christmas season, May you be blessed
With the spirit of the season, which is peace
The gladness of the season, which is hope
And the heart of the season, which is love

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year.

Kim Burden

Executive Director

Autumn's magnificent gifts are all around us. It's not surprising a great number of people we see in our centre are newcomers who have decided to make Oceanside their home. It is a growing trend over the past few years. Here are a few questions newcomer’s frequently ask:

Q.  I've sent out dozens of resumes since I moved here in May, and I haven't had one call for an interview. Are the employers here biased against applicants from other provinces?
A.  Absolutely not! Many of our clients from out of the area have successfully found work here. Employers welcome the skills and experience of these individuals. Most importantly, they want someone who is a good fit. There could be several reasons for the lack of response. Have you had a career professional in this area review your cover letter and resume? The style you used in the past may not work for your job search here and now. Have you researched the companies before writing the cover letter so you can catch the employer's attention? Are the skills you highlight transferable to the type of business you are applying to? Can the employer easily see the value you would bring to the company? Employers value people who can describe their ability to save time and money or increase the organization's “bottom line.” Companies are hiring now, so if you aren't getting interviews it's time to change your resume and cover letter.

Q.  Many of the jobs here are part-time or casual, and I want full-time work. What should I do?
A.   Do your best to get an interview and see what happens. Sometimes employers hire staff on a part-time or casual basis to start. They know they need to fill a position, but they may not be clear on what they really need. Your job as a potential employee is to convince the employer you will contribute to the objectives of the organization. Then, when you start the job, demonstrate the unique strengths you bring. We have countless stories of people who have started this way, and before they know it, they are working more hours. Consider it your opportunity to show your dedication, work ethic, new approaches, creative problem solving, or your unique skills.

Q.  My family is advising me to take training to work as a care-aid because there are so many seniors here. Should I do that?
A.  Yes, but only if you are clear about the duties of that job, you sincerely enjoy the type of work, and you can work through the process of being a student. However, if you don't like the duties of the job, you are doing it for the wrong reasons. This is setting yourself up for disappointment. We strive to support our clients to find work that is both interesting and satisfying. The labour market needs people who thrive in “helping” occupations and people who thrive in many other occupations. Stay focused on your goal. Let us help you find the right job for you.

Submitted by: Janet Kimmel, Career Centre, Parksville

As part of the Ministry of Labour, there is no cost for the services of the Employers’ Advisers office, as they are funded through the assessments employers pay to WorkSafeBC. In the Nanaimo office, there are three advisers capable of providing professional advice and assistance for your business. These advisers can help you manage workers compensation costs by offering same-day telephone assistance; representation at WorkSafeBC, WorkSafeBC Review Division and WorkSafeBC Appeal Tribunal; and keep you up to date about your rights, responsibilities and obligations through their complimentary training seminars. For a full list and description of the seminars offered, please visit www.labour.gov.bc.ca/eao. The Nanaimo office is located at 404-495 Dunsmuir Street, 1-886-827-2277.