Kamloops Economic Newsletter 

Sun Rivers Boosts Kamloops
Economy - Offers New Housing Options

New homes sales are skyrocketing at Sun Rivers Golf Resort. Almost 300 new homes are complete on this landmark site, generating 700 new jobs and adding $30 million in wages to the Kamloops economy.

“Only thirty percent of the new residents are here for golf,” says Leslie Brochu, VP of Marketing and Public Relations at Sun Rivers. “The majority of new homebuyers are attracted to the resort lifestyle, outstanding weather, and proximity to the downtown city centre of Kamloops.”

“Our Calgary initiatives are paying off. We are seeing more buyers from Alberta. And now have more than 500 residents living here in Canada’s first geo-thermal community. We have created our own utility company where residents start saving 50% on energy costs the day they move in,” Brochu added.

The master planned development site at Sun Rivers Golf Resort promises investors a long-term commitment to building a world-class community centered on golf, nature and hospitality. The community boasts extraordinary vistas, exceptional amenities and natural green space, ideal for adults, golf enthusiast’s, seniors and those wanting an a better lifestyle. All this and more are nestled in a warm, vibrant and cultural diverse community.

The next phase of construction will see a focus on multi family developments. Estate lots are available, including development and business opportunities.

Sun Rivers Golf Resort is designed around a championship golf course and an award winning master plan. 2000 homes, a resort hotel, village centre and community amenities surround a centerpiece of natural beauty and varied recreation. estate lots, adult living and townhomes offer a wide variety of real estate opportunities designed for year round residence or vacation homes.

To learn more about this impressive development visit: www.sunrivers.com.

Sun Rivers is the recipient of the 2007 Keystone Award for the Best salesperson or team in new-home construction.

Living Kitchens has doubled its milling capacity, expanding its cabinet manufacturing operation with 20 employees into a new 10,000 square foot building featuring a full-service showroom.

The new facility located at 1361 McGill Road, is part of a larger complex housing  complimentary businesses, including building component and technology related companies. Construction of the 3-acre site was made possible through a partnership between Brian Vermey, (President of Living Kitchens), Business Development Bank (BDC), and A&T Developments.

“The BDC gave us the momentum to develop our vision and expand our cabinetry business,” says Vermey. “It was a 2-year process of developing the raw land, and working with consultants and contractors to construct the new facility as a Centre for Building Products.”

“Forintek helped us enhance our competitiveness through providing process optimization strategies and introducing staff to the Lean Production Principles. The strategy was a re-engineering exercise that ultimately improved the plant layout and production flows on the shop floor. Best of all, the Lean Principles engages the staff, develops leadership and ownership of the new processes and changes,” Vermey added.

Living Kitchens is becoming an employer of choice for many British Columbians. The cabinet company has retained long-term skilled trades people and the newer employees are involved in apprenticeship training. The entire team works in a brand new environmentally friendly facility.

Brian Vermey, Managing Partner, Living Kitchens

As a result of the technology transfer & innovative partnership, Living Kitchens has reinforced their competitive edge by improving on product quality, retaining skilled labour and providing excellent customer service.

Contact: Living Kitchens at Tel: 250-372-1846 

• About Forintek

Think Asia - China 2008

Venture Kamloops delivered its second "Doing Business in China" Workshops Series on September 17 at the Interior Savings Centre with a presentation of the British Columbia Ministry of Economic Development Think Asia – China 2008.

Designed for Kamloops’ small and medium enterprises, more than 20 businesses gained the introductory knowledge required for an insightful perspective on the opportunities and challenges of the China market.

One such insight is Guanxi, the Chinese word for the “art of networking” - a critically important activity in the Asian business culture. In comparison to the North American approach, businesses typically discuss price and product guarantees at the outset, then establish client rapport much later in the business relationship.

When doing business in China, the opposite is customary. Nurturing a business “friendship” through government connections and referrals are mandatory, first, as it provides immediate credibility.
Details of price and product guarantees are discussed after a relationship is in place.

“The workshop delivered a honest and factual representation on the real way business is done in China. It’s not all easy," says Fiona Chan, Manager, Business Development Bank of Canada. "There is major opportunity and a different business culture to understand. The workshop generated new clients tor us interested in developing markets in China."

(From left to right) Jeff Putnam, CEO Venture Kamloops and Jay Silverberg, Think Asia Workshop Facilitator, 2010 Commerce Centre, BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretatiat.

Delegates also learned how to take advantage of the Canada Pavilion in Beijing, and received a comprehensive 70-page workbook.

For more information

Visit the BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat website: www.bcsecretariat.gov.bc.ca

Call Venture Kamloops at: 250-828-6818 or email info@venturekamloops.com






 

China-Based Trade
and Development Service

Venture Kamloops has signed a two-year agreement aimed at securing trade development and investor immigrant attraction services for Kamloops companies planning to do business in China.

The new business relationship and memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Venture Kamloops and International Education Alliance (IEA) encourages economic diversification through business and investor immigrant attraction.

IEA has well established operations in Vancouver and Beijing, and has been promoting Kamloops and Thompson Rivers University throughout Asia for years

(Right) Connie Chan, Venture Kamloops China Trade Facilitator, hosting Madam DAI Wei, Vice-Mayor of Changping District, China (Middle)

"I am very excited to assist Kamloops businesses getting a foothold in the potentially lucrative Chinese market," says Ms. Connie Chan, President of IEA, "Kamloops and TRU World can benefit from our market intelligence, staff resources and deep understanding of the Chinese business culture."

The purpose of the business relationship is to provide;

• A meeting place for Kamloops delegates while in China for business purposes,

• Co-ordination services for Kamloops companies wishing to travel to China and meet with potential investors, customers or suppliers,

• Translation services for Kamloops client, and

• Marketing and promotion services highlighting Kamloops as a prime destination for Chinese skilled workers and business immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program.

"China is already a major market for Kamloops exporters such as Domtar Pulp Mill and Thompson Rivers University", says Jeff Putnam, CEO, "Our new trade development service will enable other Kamloops businesses an efficient, cost-effective method to facilitate trade with the Chinese market."

Kamloops businesses can access these services, effective Nov.1, 2007 by contacting Venture Kamloops office at 250-828-6818 or email info@venturekamloops.com

Related Links

• Provincial Nominee Program
• IEA

Venture Kamloops is set to implement its Workforce Development Strategy on Monday, October 29.

The strategy will be initiated with a community presentation, panel discussion and the distribution of employer tool-kits outlining how to better engage, retain and recruit skilled labour in the region.

The presentation will provide a public venue to everyone to find out about the study process and the report findings. There will also be opportunities to ask questions of local human resource experts and practitioners during a panel discussion on the best practices of attracting skilled labour.

Venture Kamloops’ objective in conducting the strategy was to find ways to increase the short term and long-term availability of skilled workers in the region; increase labour force participation rates; and to develop, promote and distribute locally relevant Human Resource Kits.

Small and medium size business in the Kamloops will now have the resources to improve the community’s capacity to meet evolving economic and labour market needs.

British Columbia has a skills shortage and it's hurting business all across the province. With increasing retirements and a hot economy, many business owners throughout BC are unable to find the skilled staff they need to operate and expand their business - the new Employer Tool-kits will improve Kamloops’ competitiveness.

For more information on the upcoming workshop email info@venturekamoops.com