A Matter of Survival How ISO 9000 helps smail business stay alive “More and more Requests for Proposal are asking how we manage quality,” says Anthony Sani, vice- president, Northway Map Technology Limited. “Saying we meet ISO 9000 standards is an easy way to answer that question.” Northway’s 35 full-time employees pro- vide digital topographical mapping, geo- graphical information system, surveying and ‘photomechanical services, Since 1985, the company has done:a lot of business in the U.S, and Caribbean. But to keep getting those contracts and to expand into other markets, Sani says, ISO 9000 was essential. _ Who Needs. ISO 90007 “No company is too small to benefit from 1SQ 9000,” says Lise Moquin, Director, Innovation, Business Development Bank of Canada. “It depends on the nature of the company’s business.” If it supplies a multi- national or wants contracts outside Canada, it will probably have to be ISO 9000 certified. Multinationals, like DuPont and IBM, require their suppliers to be ISO 9000-cer- tified because their customers in Europe and Asia insist on it. In Canada, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have all set the end of 1997 as the deadline for suppliers to have ISO certifica- tion. Truck manufacturers are doing the same. The federal government's departments of National Defence and Supply and Services require suppliers to be [SO certified. Provincial governments are also moving in that direction. This explains why by June 1995, some 1,500 Canadian companies and 80,000 world- wide were ISO certified or weil into the process. Making the Grade ISO 9000 is an internationally recognized series of quality standard puidelines for areas like production, sales and quality control. While the standards themselves aren't all that complicated -- any well-run company can meet them -- getting certification takes several months (Moquin says the average for a small business is eight months to a year). After a benchmark assessment, a work plan, which describes in detail the quality systems that are or must be put in place, is prepared. This plan, or manual, is submitted to a registrar, who sends an auditor. If the audit confirms the company’s employees are actually following the procedures in the manual, the registrar arranges for ISO 9000 certification. Getting Help Becatise of the time and cost involved, many companies look outside for help. One possibility is the Business Development Bank of Canada’s ISO 9000 program designed to provide cost-effective certification services to small enterprises. “You don’t have to be an existing Bank customer,” says Moquin. “In fact, we get a lot of referrals from other finan- cial institutions.” “We lead the company through the pro- cess,” explains Mike Nasser, the Bank's Program Manager, Quality Management Division. “Part of our job is to find the right practitioner for our clients.” The Bank also makes sure contracts signed by its clients are appropriate and tracks these jobs to ensure they're done properly and on time. Northway’s experience was typical of the Bank's ISO 9000 clients. “We found going through the ISO 9000 process really helpful,” says Sani. “Sometimes we'd have to repeat projects because there was confusion over specifications. That doesn’t happen any more because we've clearly defined our pracesses and lines of communication.” That means everyday savings and a healthier bottom line, The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, October 30, 1996 - C5 More Than Jusi Horse Supplies one The most successful business ven- tures grow out of personal interest. That's what led sisters Cathy and Peggy Jackson to start Northern Horse Supply. Now six years nto business, Cathy and Peggy are able to help other riders find needed supplies, and at the same time, Support community riding activi- ties through the Totem Saddle Club. The store itself caters to Westerrn and English-style riders alike, and off- ers specialized gear for folks who care about horses. Beyond that, both riders and non-riders seek out their trendy western clothes, particularly brand-name fashions like Roper, Wrangler and MWG. “We carry a lot more than just horse supplies,” Cathy points out. Like many enthusiasts, Cathy and Peggy also put their energy into encouraging others to discover and enjoy horse riding. Northern Horse Supply is open 5 days a week. Northern Horse Supply 638-7252 3083 River Drive Keeping you on the move for 15 years. Thick mud, rough water or deep snow, Ken's Marine has a | vehicle to get you through the toughest conditians. And with 15 years of service experience behind them, they can keep B you going for years to come. 4 ©From snowmobiles, to ATVs and boats, Ken's Marine has it A all. Yamaha, Mariner and Volvo are just a few of the top name brands they carry, along with a wide variety of accessories. Of course, Ken's carries all the latest models, including @ Yamaha's newest snowmobiles. “Snowmobiles have come a long way in the last 10 years,"’ says Ken's manager, Trevor Gibson. And no matter what the make or model, odds are the skilled f crew at Ken's Marine can take care of your needs. = ~ Our service is really strong," says Trevor. ~“And the staff is mall very knowledgeable. They really know the products.” Ken's staff really knows safety too, and they carry a wa complete jine of boating safety equipment, from flares, to life wee jackets and floater-suits. KEN’S MARINE 635-2909 4946 Greig Ave, Terrace tion to hair accessories and gifts. Hair Gallery. great hair cuts too, of course. The front shelves are brimming over with vases, clocks, frames as well as a number of accessories, including belts, purses, earrings, and bridal jeweliery. “People started coming in looking for gifts,” says Betty Ross, describing how the store started branch- ing out. She and Carol Adam are co-owners of The [& The two women discovered many of the customers kept wanting to purchase items the store had on display. So they started bringing in new items. “It was a trial and error process,"’ says Adam. A customer would mention a particular product line, and they'd bring itin, to see how many people were interested. It all ties into their philosophy of giving their customers the best service they possibly can. And More Than Great Hair Styling The Hair Gatlery has expanded enormously over the past 17 years, as it responds to custamer’s needs, The hair styling salon sells a very comprehensive selection of halr, bath and skin care products, in addi- B The Hair Gallery also carries a vast array of professional skin care and hair styling products from Joico, Redken, Rusk, Slolage, Matrix and much, much more. 4711D KEITH AVE. ‘HAIR GALLERY 635-3729 A Lot To Offer With the cold, rainy weather, it’s hard to get Fe enough exercise. Lying on the couch seems more appealing, but doesn’t do much for that slimmer tummy you've always wanted. Owner Kim Croot and her team at Northe Coast Health and Fitness can set you up on a person- alized training schedule to help you meet your fit- ness hoal, the service is free with a membership. . “We have a lot to offer” says Kim. On the left is the Apex Total Body Circuit. These user friendly machines work every part of your body without using free weights, 7 On the right are the 4 stairclimbers, 2 Life Cycles, treadmill, plus a wide array of free weights. Northcoast also has a tanning bed for those sun worshippers. Whenever you need encouragement or advice, they'll be there for you, Northcoast Health And Fitness 4550 Greig Ave. 635-6500 Fort St. John ond down te Quesnel. Fresh Icecream And Milk Produced And Processed Locally In The North To keep the milk produced, processed and sold docolly, Bulkley Yalley Milk Ld. opened it’s doors Jonuory 15, 1996 and since then has grown to service the whole Northern Area from the Queen Charlotte Islands, up to SERVICE & SELECTION Service and selection are two of the hallmarks of Erwin’s Jewelry in the Skeena Mall. Selection, because Erwin's offers a huge selection of brand name watches tike Seiko and Lorus, along with wedding bands and quality gold chain. Plus they carry an array of diamond engagement rings for every taste and budget. ee et eet a And service because Erwin's is constantly striving to improve customer relations, “Service is the name of the game," says Lori Parr, Erwin’s owner. ““We listen to our customers. They run the business." . That's why all the staff at Erwin's have completed their DeBeers diamond courses. And that’s why the Erwin's Skeena Mall location has just been renovated f to serve the customers better. Erwin’s also does engraving, sizing, jewelry repair and service, all at competitive prices. ““We strive for honest value and friendly service,” Lori says. So whatever your jewelry needs, the odds are the friendly folks at Erwin’s can help you find just what you're looking for. We opened up the Horther White Scoop Shop on Lakelse Ave, June 6, 1996. We sell our full product line of milk, chocolate milk, gourmat ice- cream and juices. In: the near future we will be serving a variaty of specia!- ty desserts. Bulkley Valley Milk ond Norther White Scoop Shop has provided emplayment for 32 loca! people, We ore environmentally concerned and recycle oll aur own containers. Mode nearby. Fresher by for. Skeena Mall, Terrace 635-5111 . SINCE 1910 4736 Lakelse Ave. Terrace Serving the Community For Over 20 Years For more than two decades ona family has gained the trust of focal residents when it comes (0 insurance. on Wayne Braid and his threa sons Shayne, im Sean and Jayson togalhar operate Braid § * Insurance Agancies Lid. I's an: example of 2 successful local smal business wilh established roots that’s built a solid local reputation in the community. A youthful Wayne Braid got his start in the business working after school at an insurance agency in Kitimat. gb! He eventually opened up shop In Terrace and would ga on to bury out the Kitimat firm ha originally Started al. pe toot The business took on a new dimension in recent years when he added a notary public servica — G.W. Wayne Braid Nolary Public. oO (pan In the last year they proved again their roots are salld by canying out an expensive renovation to the offices, which now sport elegant caramic tiling and tasteful decor. “It's pretty much a new building,” says Shayne, “We gutted it and redid if.” ; The familly also believes in investing their time back into Terraca. They sponsor hockay, are active in the annual Riverboat Days paratle, and two of the brothers are hockey coaches Wayne Braid has extensive community involvernent in the Norther 6.C, Winter Games organization, a8 a former school trustee and as a coroner in recent years. Shayne says customer service Is the kay to their success in praviding a ranga of general, Autoplan, proparty and commercial For All Your Garage Door Needs When on opportunity come lo stort his own business last May, Ken Comeau coukln't resist. And new Stellar Doors is keeping kim and bis wife Susan extremely busy. Ken was fhe Service Superintendent of the o local Overhecd Door Compony, When the compony gave him the thance to buy aut the division's stats and inventory, he thought it wos o great opportunity, How Stellar Dooss salls, installs ond services residential ond commercial garage and overhead doors. They tho provide dock seok, levelers and bumpers for commertial applications, That's nol all. Stellar Door ako selk sliding and rolling grill closures, to prated storefronts from ‘'smash and grabs.” And they supply rlling steal curtis cnd truck corgo doors Ausiness hus been very steady since Ken took over. Ha has chents from Queen Charfottes to Yonderhoof, ond is now fooking at hiring additional staff. The business is based oul of the Corneau’s home for ney wil a warehouse in Thornhill. However they'd like fo eventuclly have o storefront location, insurance. so they could branch info resideniial interior ond exterior doors, Wit their commitment and friendly, professional approach, i's easy to see why the family has become tha trusted (nsuranca advisors of so many Terrace residents. Phone: 638-1036 noon 638-8581 ee Gz owe PP cia Braid Insurance Agencies Fax: 638-7701 —— -