C4 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, October 30, 1996

New economy offers a world of opportunities to Canadians

While it's been called many names — the high-tech era, the information revolution or the new economy — the meaning is the same: unprecedented change and seemingly unlim- ited opportunities for growth.

The world economy is being transformed by the power of advanced technologies and thousands of Canadian small businesses are harnessing that power to produce wealth and high-paying jobs.

“Every so often the world is changed ~ look back to the industrial revolution, look back to the manufacturing revolution; now it’s an information technology revolution,” said Nuala Beck, author of Shifting Gears: Thriving in the New Economy and Excelerate: Growing in the New Economy.

“You can’t afford to lose sight of the fact that there is something new, something growing, something profitable and wealth- creating happening.”

Evidence of Canadian success in the new economy can be found in the vitality of export-driven companies operating in sectors such as computer technology, telecommuni- cations, biotechnology, health care and agri- food.

These high-growth companies are suc- ceeding mostly by selling their goods and services abroad. The Canadian information technologies industry, for example, exports more than 70 per cent of its output.

“Everywhere that computers go is where our products can go — it’s a huge market,” said Gord Almond, co-owner of Spider Manufacturing in Kelowna, B.C. which makes enclosures that bring together outlets for power communications and data transmission.

Traditional sectors of the Canadian econo- my are also benefiting from advanced tech- nologies to increase their productivity and keep them ahead of foreign competition in their export markets.

Microprocessor Driven

At the root of the new economy is the

integrated circuit or microprocessor that has produced phenomenal advances in informa- tion processing, automation and research and development.

‘Added to the power of the microprocessor are new telecommunications . technologies ©

that allow information to move instantane- ously around the world.

‘The rapid growth of knowledge-based companies has produced new opportunities for the Canadian economy but it has also created challenges. ,

‘New economy companies are-often start-. -

ed by individuals or groups whose assets are in their knowledge or in their innovative pro- ducts and services and who therefore have little in the way of traditional collateral as security for loans.

So banks and others lenders have had to quickly create innovative financing tools and forge new alliances to meet the needs of new economy companies. :

But rewards for overcoming the challeng- es and the inherent risks of investing ‘in young high-tech companies are impressive - successful new economy companies are gen- erating outstanding returns on investment and creating quality, high-paying jobs.

Small businesses will continue to lead the way and create the majority of net new jobs in the new economy because of their capacity to innovate, penetrate new markets and respond quickly to client needs.

The federal government estimates. that Canada’s information technology and tele- communications sector alone generated $54.6 billion in revenues in 1994 an increase of 10

per cent from 1993. The 15,000 companies in |

the sector employed more than 300,000 people.

“We are very quickly creating a country that is information driven,” said-Bob Bell, ‘a partner with the Ernst and Young manage- ment consulting firm. “Knowledge-based industries are the growth imperative of Canada.” :

The Fun Shop

The next time you hear an ‘engine . hum, think of Terrace Equipment Sales,

_ ~ Built on 30 years of service, Terrace fF Equipment Sales carries a full line of = Ee small motor products, from power saws Bia and generators to snowblowers and ‘Skidoos,

That includes sales, service, and parts. “We handle everything in small motors,” Says manager Mike Maroney. “Everything.” He lists boats, motorcy- cles, all-terrain vehiclas and beyond.

“Basically, we can meet all your small motor needs.”

Mike says this family business also holda a full-service shop with factory- trained mechanics: “We service all the linés we carry and. any others, too.”

* He says it's the skill and experience of nis staff that makes Terrace Equipment Sales a leader in small engine products.

Pictured here are.

_ Larry Nordstrom & Mike Maroney.

Terrace Equipment Sales Ltd.

4441 Lakelse Avenue 635-6384

An Eye To The Future

Extensive mechanical experience and an eye to the future is what's mode - ond kept - Farwest Fuels the number one installer of natural gas systems in the northwest.

Twelve yeors ago the firm moved inte the natural gas conversion business when owner Alvin Zoharke recognized the potential of alternate vehitle fuels,

“He's the one thot foresaw the change ond the need - end became o strong advocate of natural fuels for the environ- meni,” says Farwest manager Michael Docherty.

Todey 700 cars are running on Farwest natural gas sys- fems in the northwest, and the firm is pumping nearly 2.3 million litres of nctural qo w 5 per YeOr.

Tha experienced staff of fiva includes 12-year veteran mointenance superintendent John Geier ond twelve-yeor mechanic Harold Westwaod.

Akey part of the business for Docherty is acting os a business advisor ta other businesses throughout town.

The stable price of natural gas - which has remained af 28.5 cents per litre far the last six years - allows him to open clients’ eyes fo the poten- tial cost savings and relatively quick payback of natural gus systems.

The challenge for the 23st cenuy! Meeling the expected tremendous growth in demand: oll federal and provincial government vehiles must by low be converted to alternate fuel copabilities within two years. Forwest Fuels has focctions in Terrace, Kilimot, Smithers & Prince Rupert. =”

Farwest Fuels 4904 Hwy. West, Terrace 635-6617

a new home or remodelling your existing home. Whatever your needs - fram vinyl floorig and carpet, to lighting and mirrors, or

- Your Decor can provide the products and services you need.

You'll find top quality brand-name pro- ducts, a wide selection of colours and styles, and services for any budget. Most important, you'll find friendly, professional advice. “All the staff are well-trained aiid

“We can coordinate everything for a home, whether it's for renovation or buildng,” she explains. “And we're up-to- date on the latest trends, styles and colours.”

For both large and small projects, Your

al installers for carpeting, vinyl, hardwoods, ceramic tiles and window coverings.

Personalized Service

Here’s a full-service centre for decorating

custom window treatments and ceramic tile -

versatile,” says manager Janice Paulitschke.

Decor also provides a network of profession-

Your Decor

Terrace Carpet Centre Ltd. “3202 Munroe St, at Hwy. 16 W., Terrace 635-2976 « 1-800-665-1657

For All Your Carpet & Linoleum Needs

When you need fo purchase carpel or linaleum, you're quorantaed to get a good price at End of the Roll,

The Terrore store hos been open a year and o half, ond itis one of 32 in Conada.

“We're growing copidly," says franchise owner/ma- nager Craig Wales. And the ability to buy volume is key, he says,

“When our head office goes to the toble to negotiate prit- ing it makes a big difference.” And what ore people locking for these days.

“Berbers ore becoming very popular,’ says Wales. Berber catpel is durable ond easy to maintain, and very competi- tively priced, So End of the Rall is stocking more barber for its customers.

One of the bast features chout the store is that custom- ers con buy their lino or corpel, and wolk out with if that day. And if you want to do a whole house in one colour of carpet, the stare has plenty of large rolls,

A s the northwest continues to grow, sa will End of the Roll. The fulure might ses satellite stores in Prince Rupert and Smithers, bul Terrace wil

WA End&R Ol

#7 4717 Lakelse Ave., Terrace 635-7700 CARPET: a VINE DISCOUNT. CERTRES”

CONVENIENT AND CLEAN |

Friendly conversation and solid reliable machines are what keep customers coming hack to Wayside Laundry on Tetrault $1,

Wayside has been owned for the last two and a half years by Brent Webb, also owner of Webb Refrigeration. His expertise in appliance repair ensures “Out of Order” signs are a rarity on the laundry’s 28 machines,

Breat credits his friendly staff member Bev Rosenberg with the out- let's success.

“She is the key ta the operation,” he says. “People go there just because of her. She's friendly and she can talk your ear right off.” The laundry got a. good facelift after the Webbs took over in 1994, Many customers comment on the pleisant decorative stencilling. “It’s bright and well-lit and a it’s a warm and friendly place,” Brent

says. The outlet is also known for its immaculate cleanliness anditsdrop- off service.

A load of laundry can be washed, dried and folded by the staff there for $6. Further renovations are planned, adds Brent. And he says the proximity of f Wayside Groc Groceries makes location an advantage.

Wayside Laundry

4711C Keith Ave. Terrace, B.C. Located in All West Centre

Northern Light Studio. .. One ? of a Kind

{t's time to start thinking about Christmas gifts, and if you're looking for that one-of-a-kind item, be sure to visit Northern Light Studio.

Owners Matt and Kaye Ehses are back, and they bring 15 years of experience to help you make the perfect choice.

New limited edition prints by Robert Bateman and Carl Brenders are now available, and if you'd like them framed, Northern Light Studio has a wide selec- tion of frames to choose from.

Or perhaps you have a special needlepoint you'd like to have framed. Just bring it in and they'll help you match it to the right matting and frame style.

There's & new selection of gold and silver jewellery by Nisga’a master carvers Murphy Stanley and Alver Tait. Northern Light will also take orders for wedding bands.

Or if you're looking for semi-precious jewellery, the Ehses have stocked the shelves with amethyst, amber, hematite and more.

So when you're making § your Christmas list, and checking it twice, be sure to visit Northern Light Studio.

638-1403

4820 Halliwell, Terrace

Stability & Experience

in the insurance business, the key is slability and experience. Wightman and Smith Insurance Agencies has plenty of both. With an almost 70-year history in Terrace, the firm has been in business for nearly as lang as Terrace has existed.

Over those years, thestaif of Wightman and Smith have built and maintained a loyal following of longtime customers.

“We've had a lot of people who's been with us for years and years," says Wightman and Smith's owner and manager Doug McLeod. “One customer who just waved at us from the street has been with us 30 years,”

Among thelr longtime customers Is Bety Wightman, widow of the original Morris Wightman who started the business.

Doug has been with the firm for 21 years now and co-worker Jean has 25 year's with the business.

‘They offer a full range of gencral insurance including property, busi-

ness and ICBC Autoplan coverage. The group turied a tw page in the business’ listory a year ago when they moved into the Terrace shopping Centre. The new location has given them improved visibility, and McLeod says Wightman and Smith will continue to grow with Terrace,

wes Wightman & Smith Insurance Agencies Ltd. @

Your "Terrace insurance Brokers" fax: 635-6681

638-1424 4645 Lakelse Ave.

It's sometimes said they don’t make ‘em like they

used to.

But a lot of people in town think Brent Webb and the _appliance geniuses down at Webb Refrigeration know

how to make them even better.

Webb refurbishes fridges, freezers, vacuums, dish-

washers, washer/dryers and other appliances.

They're stripped down, rebuilt and resold — backed

by a six-month warranty — and many happy customers

will attest to the machines’ reliability.

The business was started by father Bill Webb and run

out of the back of his hobby shop in the late 60s. ; ;

They opened the storefront operation on Lazelle Ave. in 1987 and they’ ve been building a solid repu-

tation in tawn ever since.

Customers seeking repair service are usually surprised by the prompt service. Brent Webb or one of —

his staff of five often shows up within minutes,

Webb says that prompt service and reliability have made the business a success.

The newest change for Webb Refrigeration is that they've just begun servicing and selling the Eureka

line of builtin home vacuums,

—

WEBB REFRIGERATION

MAJOR APPLIANCE REPAIRS 635-2188

4637 Lavelle Ave. FAX: 045-2498