A12- The Terrace Standard, g, Wednesday, ‘uy 17, 2002 LOCALS listen to Skeena Cellulose CEO Dan Veniez’ s presentation to the Ter- race and District Chamber of Commerce tast Friday, Veniez gets easy ride from business crowd By JENNIFER LANG HE’S ARGUABLY the most important business man in northern B.C. right now, but no one asked any questions when Dan Ve- niez wrapped up his speech to the Terrace and District Chamber of Com- merce last week. The new Skeena Cellu- lose boss outlined his “Fresh Start” prescription for the beleaguered forest company to a packed ban- quet room at the Terrace Inn July 12. It was Veniez’s first public appearance in Ter- race since the early spring, He told the crowd of mostly business leaders the company’s unions and management, which have a long, bitter history, must come to an agreement by Aug. 15. That would pave the way for a Nov. 1 start up date for the company’s idle sawmill operations. “Ill either happen or it~ will never happen,” pro- nounced local logging contractor and former chamber of commerce pre- sident Justin Rigsby. He found few surprises in what Veniez had to say, but Rigsby agrees the troubled company needs a big change in the way it does business — including paying workers less to help reduce operating costs, “He’s bang on,” Rigsby From front said following the meeting. Some city councillors also appeared to like what they heard. “IT think Veniez is right,” councillor Val George said. “We need a very fundamental change in the way the company operates if it’s going to survive.” Few attending the meeting had much sym- pathy for SCI's sawmill and pulp mill workers, who are being asked to take a 20 per cent wage cul. “I’ve always run my own business and | never pot paid that kind of money,” councillor Rich McDaniel said, referring to present hourly rates. “To me, it’s a good deal.” McDaniel also likes the fact that the employees are being promised a share of the company’s future profits if they do so. “l'd be delighted to work under profit sharing.” Northwest Loggers’ As- sociation general manager Bill Sauer agreed with much of Veniez’s assess- ment of the factors affect- ing SCI’s ability to make money, including the long standing antagonism be- tween the employees and the higher ups. But Sauer said Veniez’s plan sends mixed -mes- sages. “He wants a fresh start, he wants it new,” Sauer Ferry service cuts proposed presented its report on north and mid-coast ser- vice to northwest com- munity representatives at a June 3 meeting in Prince Rupert, Representatives from Terrace wha were at the meeting say both of BC Ferries’ service options for next summer appear to be a reduction in service. Some, including Ter- race cily councillor Rich McDaniel, even walked out before the BC Ferries presentation ended. "Tt's a marine highway,” McDaniel said, stressing the importance of the ferry system as a trans- portation link for both tour- ists and goods. McDaniel, a former food and beverage supplier to the Queen Charlotte Is- lands, is alarmed by the ferry corporation's proposal From front to reduce in service be- tween the Islands and the mainland to just ance a week. Other changes - from privatizing service on mid and north coast routes ta tedesigning the routes themselves — are being considered, BC Ferries wants to save money and find a way to cope with an aging fleet and has indicated it will try to serve the north- ern and mid-coast routes with two main vessels in- stead of three. Its June Northern Ser- vices Consultation report says BC Ferries is also considering eliminating the Bella Coola stop on Route 40, the Discovery Coast run that also con- nects Bella Bella, Klemtu, Ocean Falls, and Shear- water ta Port Hardy, Veniez upbeat if workers sign time trying to protect fictional gains from a bankrupt company.” Long-serving workers who want to take early relire- ment would be offered packages within 12 months of an agreement, Veniez said. He remained upbeat about Skeena Cellulose’s future if workers sign on: “We will be a profitable company by the second quarter of next year,” he said, He predicted the. company will be able to pay: back current property taxes owed the City of Terrace and other towns by the end of the year. And he said he’s optimistic back taxes can be paid back at an accelerated rate over five years, rather than the nine-year schedule set out in SCI’s restructuring. said. “Except the three management personnel aren't new, They’re old management with that old management style.” -Sauer said Veniez should be more flexible when it comes to the 20 per cent wage reduction. He alse pointed out people in Terrace are won- dering about the new ow- ners’ ability to finance the company because they haven't paid about $800,000 in property taxes that were due to the city of Terrace July 2. “They're saying, ‘How can you have credibility, how can you be a leader if you can’t pay your taxes??” SUMMER MAINTENANCE OFFER INCLUDES: * Lube Oil & Filter * Top up Fluids * Goodwrench 15 Point Vehicle Inspection * Tire Rotation * Visual Brake Inspection Environmental Handling Charge «Free BC Area Road Map Introducing | | Lighter Choices’ Menu. There’s a little effort in everyone to live a more balanced lifestyle. But it isn’t always easy. So at McDonald's, we're doing our part to help with our ag new Lighter Choices Menu. A collection of delicious salads, sandwiches and a great tasting snack for you to enjoy. www.mcdonalds.ca For complete nutritional information see our Lighter Choices* Menu Food Facts brochure in restaurant, ©2002 McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limied. Al particapating McDonald's Restamtanis. For the exclusive use of MicDonali’s Restaurams of Canada Limwted and its tranchsees. High and Low Side Pressure Mode Door Operation ength and Condition of Antifreeze ollen Filter Condition* GM GOODWRENCH TIRE EVENT Excellent tires. Excellent value. Includes installation, balancing, valve stems, and lifetime rotation. PASSENGER TIRES BETTER [¥||*] 23" BF Goodrich Control T/A MBo" 95 195 / 65R15 BETTER [*] *] 46" BF Goodrich Long Trail T/A 189 245 / 75A16 mumaracl L SeCHEL sn BEST [*.[*][.* 15" Michelin X-One .. 128". ~ BFGoodrich