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Small Business Week

A history of celebrating canadian entrepreneurs

For the past 16 years, the end of October has come to mean something special to small business owners across the country, and to the Business Development Bank of Canada. It has come to be a time when the Bank and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce -- with the help of regional and local co-sponsors --

. have organized Small Business Week.

While this. one-week . celebration . of entrepreneurship attracts tens of thousands of small businesspeople, its origins are some- what more modest. The story begins in British Columbia in 1979 when the Bank’s

- Lower Mainland branches (Vancouver, North

Vancouver, Vancouver East; New Westminster, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack’ and Richmond) pooled their resources to hold small business manage- ment sessions under a Small Business Week banner.

While the main reason for combining their efforts was to save money, the B.C. branches quickly realized they had struck something remarkable. Small businesspeople were not only interested in learning how to better manage their businesses, they wanted to

meet their fellow entrepreneurs, and attract

public attention.

Small businesspeople wanted to tell the country about the important economic bene- fits they produce. They wanted to tell people about the jobs they create, about the products they develop and about the new markets they explore. Most importantly, they were anxious to tell people that small business had come of age; that they were just as commit- ted, daring and innovative as their big busi- ness counterparts.

Riding high on the success of the 1979 experience, Bank staff in British Columbia repeated Small Business Week in 1980 and tripled the number of sessions held for local

business. In 1981 the Week was adopted nationally by the Bank and endorsed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Since that time, the Bank and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, along with co-sponsors in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies and Northwest Territories, and B.C. and Yukon, organize business fairs; exhibits, workshops, confer- ences, luncheons, award ceremonies and much more,

Each year a theme is chosen for Small Business Week which reflects the current interests of small business. This year’s theme is New Markets, New Challenges .. . NEW ECONOMY!. .

As the theme suggests, Small Business Week ‘96 will help Canadian entrepreneurs understand that the world economy is being transformed by the power of advanced tech- nologies, and that thousands of Canadian small businesses are harnessing that power to produce wealth and high-paying jobs.

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,

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.

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

OVER 65 YEARS OF QUALITY SERVICE

A solid reputation is priceless when it comes to moving. For over 65 years, Williams Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in the moving business.

By container or van, the folks at Williams pride themselves on making your move easy and worry-free, whether it’s across town or around the world. While Williams Moving & Storage is a hometown small business, it's also member, of the United Van Lines network.”

The company reaches to all points in |

Canada and the U.S.A, along with world- wide and overseas destinations.

Backed by years of experience, the Williams staff can give you time-tested advice on your next mave, offering tips, estimates and options to save you time,

money and hassles, Pictured here is Marianne Weston, of Williams Moving & Storage.

WILLIAMS MOVING & STORAGE LTD 5130 Park Avenue "__Local & Long Disiance, 635-2268

The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, October 30, 1996 - C7

CONSTANTLY GROWING

Over the fast 6 years Karlene Clark's hairdressing business has grown from a one-woman shop to a thriving full service salon which employees 12 people.

“We're constantly growing," says Clark.

And that means the stylists and estheti- cians at Images by Karlene must stay on top of the latest trends in the beauty industry.

For instance, says Clark she and some : a of her-staff just took partin a long hair design course which gave them t new ideas for holi- day hair styles.

And taking part in cutting classes allows her staff to learn new techniques and styles.

“We offer a high quality service in a friendly atmosphere," says Clark. She says her staff as definitely the salon's strongest asset. .

“We try very hard to accommodate our clientele however we ean” says Clark, pointing out that the salon is open till 7 p.m. each night,

Images by Karlene

4652 Lazelle Ave. 635-4997

Service &. Support

Extensive experience is what is quickly making Twilight Spas and Pump Supply a leader in hot tub sales and service both in Terrace and across the northwest.

Owner/operator Ron Gowe brings 15 years in the plumbing busi- ness ta his new venture, which got off the ground a year ago in the Keith Ave. Mall.

He started out selling and servicing hol tubs, spas, and billiard equipment, and has branched outta water pumps and filler systems. Gowe's latest deal makes him the warranty dealer and authorized service depot for Myers Pumps —a big name in the industry.

He also handles Cal Coast Spas, Cal Spa Billiards and Petwa filter systems,

A full line of chemicals, hot tub accessories. in-store water [ab and water analysis round out the store.

‘Twilight's product range and experience in service has inatpeal trail a substantial customer base in Kitimat and Prince Rupert as well,

Gove says he's over the major first-year hurdles like Gnancing, business plan and location now.

“It's been a good first year,” he says, “We're here now and we're here to stay.”

He says customer service is key in the hot tub industry,

“We try to support the customer as much as possible to make looking after their hat hs as casy as possible,” he says,

TWILIGHT SPAS G@ PUMP SUPPLY

* SALES «SERVICE + INSTALLATIONS phone 638-0947

fax 638-0948

4704 Keith Ave., Terrace

~ al trends.”

Flowers For Everyone

Grace Fell Florist hos been brightening kitchen tables and foyers in Terrace for over 30 years now.

Gail Comeron has been with the store for 19 years, and owner for 10 years. She says its interesting how flor- al trends have chenged in that time.

“I's not so toditional onymore,"' says Cameron, *'Peo- He don't like things os formed.”

Cameron does most of the design work for the stere,

and enjoys the challenge of keeping up to date with Rar

Flowers such os freeslas, which have an incredibfa fra- graree, are gaining in popolority over traditional favour- ites. Dut roses ara still tops for most peaple. Cameron's favourite flowers ara c little more on the wild sida. Sha prefers tropicals, such os the elegant bird of poradise,

If you'd like help in creating your own rzangement, or a gill for someone special, Carmaran or any of her three staff would be glad to make suggestions or answer any of your questions.

Grace Fell Florist 4603 Lakelse Ave. 635-6339

The Fabric Boutique a successful small business.

altention ta their customers.

ates a lot of excitement and stimulates business.” through the slow months.

the beginner cr expert sewer needs.

interested and busy.

Offering a wide range of classes for their clients is what's made

Audrey and Don MacKinnon have owned the store since 1986, and business is booming, thanks to their policy of paying careful

About four or five years ago Audrey noticed that her clients were interested in making some of the sample sewing projects dis- played in the store. So she started offering courses a how-to course for children, adult beginner classes, quilting classes and more advanced workshops, such as sewing a gortex jacket. “We bring In expert teachers from all over,” she says. “It gener-

Classes run from September {ill April, which keeps interest high The Fabric Boutique is also a dealer for Husqvama sewing machines and sergers, so tha store can offer everything

Business has been so good that Audrey and Don opened a second store In Prince Ruperl two and a hail years ago. As for any further plans for expansion, Audrey says that for now two stores are more than enough to keep them

3308 Kalum, Terrace

El. Che Fabric bric Boutique

638-1335

The Only Name you Need To Know

With more than 1,000 fromes to choose from and some-day service, Benson Optical is the only nome you need io know for eye wear.

Whatever your naeds, from bifocals fo sunglasses, the four liented opticions at Benson can da it in their full-ser- vite tab, and usually on the some day. Benson aims to be nothing ‘short of the best

“ur goal is quolity product ond the highest leve! of servica in the northwest,” ‘says awner Brod Berson, *‘And at reasonobte prices.”

Thal kind of dedication comes fram Benson's 15 years at servicing the northwest f from their two retail outlets, in Terrace and Prince Rupert, and fram mobile clinics that travel as for os the Yukon.

““Qur service is definitely our strangih,” Brad says. “We do our best for every customer that comes through the door."

And with o selaction ranging from budgat frames to fashion styles and everything in between, you're guarenteed ta find samething that’s easy On Your ayes,

Benson Optical Laboratories Ltd.

4613 Lakelse Ave., Terrace _638-0341

On The Move.

Dream Car Detailing is thriving today, but il was a matter of sur- vival wher Bob and Lennie Thurow started the car cleaning busi- ness in 199%,

They had arrived back here in Lennle’s hometown from California and Bob was to work at Alcan's Kemano Completion Project. Three weeks alter they arrived the unthinkable happened: KCP was shut down, they were out of work, and jobs were in short supply.

The couple eventually seized on the suggestion of antique car buff Bob Wilkinson thal they open a car detailing shop.

Local car dealerships pave them steady work from the beginning, and demand has steadily increased.

“Tt keeps geiting bigger and bigger," says Lennic.

They've had to move to bigger shop once already, and on Nov. 15 they'll move again — switching from thelr present lacation on Greig Ave. to larger quarters al 3138 Koloed Dr.

Detailing consists of prafessional car cleaning -—- motor shampoo, interior shampoo, wash, wax and polish, Lennie says the professional cleaning can increase the sale price of a used car by upwards of $500.

“The better they look, the better the price of them,” she says. “It makes a big difference.”

Ki must. Dream Car Detallingis now booking appointments two months in advance.

Dream Car Detail

. Again!

638-1275

Convenient Professional Care

Lorraine Moth believes in beac in in pet core: every cnl- mal deserves to be professionally groomed.

I's thot principle (hat prompled her to nome her pet qcconting business Muttly Crew and ge! ewny from the stereo- type of fussy purebred poodles in bows.

“Grooming is nat [ust for pedigreed animak,”’ Lorraine says, “Mixed breeds ond crosses are (* a important lo the farty as ony pedigieed cnimol would be, Greoming is abaut making lifa clan and comfortable for bath the owner and the pat.”

Lorraine moved to Terrace threa years ogo, got pat grocm- 9 training, ond opened her store on Greig Ave. 18 months

* storefront location and an attitude of treating the pels os if thoy were her own hos made Lorraine's Muttly Crew the fist choice in professional grooming in Terrace,

She's gone through the all-important one-year milestone ond is now odding more reloil stock to further build her outlet,

Muttly Gew now stocks Nutro’s Natural Choice pet food, brushes, shampoos, ond svrenters ond raingeot for dogs. Lorraine will ako be stacking toques ond mittens made from deg fur lor people for the holiday season. Lorraine's hud her share of nips ond bites, but loves her business. “I's very much fike going toc hatedresser,” she says. “You establish a relationship and you get to know what reriain pets like ond dislike, You do handle them individvally.

ae

me 638-0929

4450 C Greig Ave.