Port celebreated for year of achievement

Saturday nights Chamber of Commerce awards show was a bona fide love in for the Port of Prince Rupert and its various partners.

With the Fairview Container Port the symbol of a new era for transportation on the North coast and for the Pacific Gateway, it was no surprise that the past year's events on the Prince Rupert waterfront dominated much of the night's discussion and celebrations.

The Daily News reviewed some of the highlights of the celebration of the year of the Port.

Port partners thrilled with chamber accolade
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Page three

Prince Rupert turned the corner in the business world during the past year, and while many people were responsible for the growing prosperity of the community, one group shone brilliantly in the starry sky.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority, along with its Fairview Container Terminal partners CN Rail and Maher Terminals of Canada, were awarded Business of the Year at Saturday's Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. After being announced winners of the category, ahead of nominees the Crest Hotel and Northern Savings Credit Union, representatives from the three Fairview partners addressed the audience.

"I'd like to thank the Chamber for recognizing this as a partnership. This dream would not have occurred without that partnership," said Don Krusel, president and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

"Without CN, we wouldn't have the corridor, and without the commitment from Maher very early in the game this facility would not have occurred."

Representing Maher Terminals Canada was Mark Schepp, assistant vice president of terminal operations, who has been heading things locally for the company since moving to Prince Rupert from his home in New York back in the middle of 2007. As excited as Schepp is about an upcoming visit from his wife, he was clearly elated at the level Maher has been embraced by the business community.

"What an honour, and on behalf of Maher we're very happy to be a part of the community here," said Schepp. "As Don mentioned our partners, I'd like to mention that an important part of what's happened here is the local labour. We don't do anything at our facility unless the men and women who walk through those gates do the work, and that's a part of this community I'd like to acknowledge."

Last on the mic was Chris Daniele, mechanical supervisor with CN Rail and the company's representative in Prince Rupert.

"I was born and raised in Prince Rupert, and I'm very proud to be a part of a project that's helping not only the economy in Rupert, but the community itself," he said. "I just want to thank everyone for their hard work in contributing to this project, and on behalf of CN, thank you."

Praise and applause for the port didn't end there, as the Prince Rupert Port Authority was also crowned Newsmaker of the Year for putting Prince Rupert in the media spotlight worldwide.
"It wasn't that long ago that we had to go through a lot of effort just to let people know where Prince Rupert was, or that the Port of Prince Rupert existed" said Krusel after taking the stage to a standing ovation.

"I still remember being in a boardroom at a shipping line in another part of the world, and we were trying to sell Prince Rupert as a future container port. And we quite literally had to get a map off the shelf to show them where it was. It's a David and Goliath story that we're able to tell, making it inviting for media all over the world to tell the story, and it's exciting to be a part of it."

Star Gazing at Chances

With a brand new convention hall as the setting, the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce introduced their Stars for 2007 on Saturday night.

The local businesses recognized in the course of Saturday’s gala ranged from clothing and food services to marine transportation, as the business class mixed with politicians and local residents at the new convention hall in the Chances Entertainment Centre.

While the attendess, sampled the fine fare of the Chances kitchen and waited for a chance to head upstairs and perhaps throw a few loonies at the video terminals, they saluted the following businesses for their achievements in 2007.

Rookie Business of the Year, sponsored by the Hecate Strait Employment Development Society, went to Anna's Couture.

Totem Press sponsored the Small Business of the Year award and was given to Adventure Tours/West Coast Launch.

The Northern Savings Credit Union was presented with the Community Living sponsored Community Involvement Award.

The Customer Service Award was awarded to the Crest.

The Prince Rupert and Hecate Strait Rotary clubs were named Non-Profit of the Year.

Charlotte Rowse was awarded with the City Ambassador Award.

The Looking Good Award, sponsored by RBC and Port City Ford went to Pizza Hut Prince Rupert.

The BDC sponsored Business of the Year was shared by Fairview Container Terminal Partners, CN Rail, Maher Terminals of Canada and the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

While the Newsmaker of the Year honours went to the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

The Daily News provided all the details from the red carpet to the almost after parties as part of their front page story in Monday’s paper.

CHAMBER HONOURS ITS STARS AT GLITZY AWARDS CELEBRATION
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Monday, January 28, 2008
Pages one and five

In what was called the equivalent of the Gemini or Academy Awards for Prince Rupert, 176 guests gathered in Chances's new lower-level convention facility for the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards on Saturday night.

Attendees were informed Billy Crystal wasn't able to make it, and that Doug Kydd would have to suffice as the MC for the evening, just before Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce President Wendy Prystay began with a warm welcome.

"This is a celebration of our whole community of business, and what a community this is," said Prystay, who pointed out that winners could be drawn from chamber members and non-members alike. "We've really been tested over the last decade, and we've seen a very negative economy and yet we've hung on. We're believers. We know that when you have a community that is as naturally beautiful as this one, made up of doers and creative people who are willing to contribute, we cannot fail."

Mike O'Neill, the B.C. Chamber of Commerce District 13/14 Director also addressed the audience, reminding everyone that the 2008 B.C. chamber's general meeting would be happening in Prince Rupert.

"I've worked very hard to get it here, and there's lots of obstacles to overcome, but with the great facilities that we see here today and all of the wonderful things that are developing in Prince Rupert, I'm sure it will be an absolute success," said O'Neill.

Because it was the inaugural event for Chance's convention floor, Craig Briere was excited about being able to preview what the facility had to offer before the grand opening this weekend.

"Our staff have been working diligently over the past several weeks, and more particularly the past several days and hours to get this room ready for tonight," said Briere. "We're very proud and very pleased that you're able to join us at the facility tonight. This is a community in our estimation that has such a tremendous amount of potential and such a bright future, We're very proud to a part of the chamber and the business community."

After a meal and service that received such praise as "flawless" and "exceptional" from some attendees, it was time to find out who won.

Nomination forms for the awards were distributed throughout the business community, and finalists for the awards were chosen by votes from Chamber members.

Rookie Business of the Year, sponsored by the Hecate Strait Employment Development Society, went to Anna's Couture , while the Totem Press sponsored Small Business of the Year award was given to Adventure Tours/West Coast Launch . The Northern Savings Credit Union was given the Community Living sponsored Community Involvement Award, and the Customer Service Award was presented to the Crest Hotel by Brian Musgrave of Rainbow Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ltd. The Prince Rupert and Hecate Strait Rotary clubs were crowned Non-Profit of the Year by Lucy Mackey of TD Canada Trust, and Prince Rupert Port Authority President Don Krusel presented Charlotte Rowse with the City Ambassador Award. The Looking Good Award, sponsored by RBC and Port City Ford went to Pizza Hut Prince Rupert, and the BDC sponsored Business of the Year was shared by Fairview Container Terminal Partners, CN Rail, Maher Terminals of Canada and the Prince Rupert Port Authority. Finally, the Prince Rupert Port Authority was named Newsmaker of the Year.

And the nominations are…

The award season is about to arrive on the North Coast as the Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce seeks out candidates for its 2007 Business Excellence Awards.

Member businesses can download the nomination forms from the Chamber of Commerce website at www.princerupertchamber.ca and they must be returned by December 14th to the chamber office.

The Award winners will be chosen by a committee and handed out at the Chambers gala event on January 26th.

The Daily news provided details on the categories and nomination criteria in the Monday paper.

Chamber looking for best in the business
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Monday, November 26, 2007
Page one

The Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce is seeking the cream of the crop for its 2007 Business Excellence Awards.

"These awards are membership driven," said Wendy Prystay, president of the chamber. "Please take five minutes to look over the nominations and fill them in."

The nomination period closes Dec. 14 and the award winners will be recognized during a gala event Jan. 26.

"Be ready to pull out your tuxedos and beaded dresses for this gala event," she said.
Categories include Business of the Year (in business for longer than three years with more than 25 employees,) Small Business of the Year (in business longer than three years with less than 25 employees,) Rookie Business of the Year (in business less than three years), City Ambassador Award (for a business, organization, individual or group that demonstrates enthusiastic support for and promotion of the community,) Non Profit of the Year, Customer Service Award, Community Involvement Award (presented to a business that contributes significantly to recreation, amateur sports, arts, education, business development or the promotion of Prince Rupert) and Looking Good Award (presented to the owner of a commercial or industrial property that has been renovated or restored to the extent it has a positive impact on the community.) The winners are chosen by a committee and kept a secret until the night of the red carpet gala.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Chamber of Commerce website at www.princerupertchamber.ca and returned to the chamber office or faxed to 624-6105.

Chamber of Commerce prepares for year’s major fundraiser

Saturday October 20th will be auction night in Rupert as the Chamber of Commerce presents its annual dinner and fund raising auction night.

It’s always a much anticipated evening of food, entertainment and the chance to pick up some great prizes or goods through auction. With proceeds destined to help the Chamber continue to provide support services to Prince Rupert's merchant class.

The Daily News had details on the night’s planned events in the Wednesday paper.

Chamber auction tickets an easy sell
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Pages one and three

Businesses large and small are being encouraged to support their chamber during the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce annual auction Oct. 20.

At the September Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Wendy Prystay, chamber president, explained that the entertaining evening will be the chamber's major fundraiser for the year.

Money raised allows the chamber to continue to promote and improve the business climate for those operating in Prince Rupert.

"This year's auction should be a very exciting evening," she said.

The line-up includes dinner, a live-auction with dynamic auctioneers, silent and 'toonie' auctions and entertainment.

Whether guests come on their own or with a group of friends, everyone who attends is automatically entered into the draw for the Grand Door Prize - two return tickets to Vancouver, sponsored by Hawkair.

The selection of goods and services up for auction this year is extraordinarily varied and consequently, whether people are looking for items for work, home or recreation, or if they are just trying to get in a little early holiday shopping, there will be many items to spark the interest.

On the block are a variety of tours - helicopter, whale and grizzly bear - golf packages, excavating, automotive and marine services, wonderful gift baskets, adult cheer, framed photographs, electronics, a downrigger rod, dinning certificates and much more.

In past year's, tickets have always gone quickly, so people are being encouraged to book early.
The Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce acts as the voice of business at all three levels of government, facilitates business events and offers members the opportunity to promote their businesses and find cost-savings through chamber programs.

"We hope to make this the most successful auction to date," said Prystay.

Anyone who would like tickets or who needs more information can contact Lynne at the Chamber of Commerce at 624-2996.

Meanwhile, the chamber is also looking for volunteers to host the first event associated with the B.C. Chamber of Commerce 2009 Annual General Meeting in Prince Rupert.

At the 2008 AGM in Whistler, the Prince Rupert Chamber will host an evening to invite people to the 2009 event, said Prystay. The 2008 AGM takes place in May.

"We are looking for members to help plan an event to put Prince Rupert on the map," said Prystay.

The chamber announced in June that it has successfully won the bid to host the 2009 BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting in Prince Rupert. The annual general meeting regularly attracts more than 400 business leaders from all parts of the province, provincial ministers, and representatives from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber of Commerce to offer its services to help address the skills shortage

While the on line Help Wanted listings at the local Job Bank or ads in the local papers don’t really show any massive upswell in the demand for workers just yet (Friday’s Daily News still features almost as many out of town job listings as it does local opportunities), it is said that soon the wave of opportunities will crest in Prince Rupert as it has in the rest of the province.

Rupert isn’t yet like Grande Prairie or Fort McMurray in Alberta, where employers are regularly seeking ways to entice workers to sign up for a shift, and it seems that local businesses seem to be getting caught up in the excitement of the container port start up, suggesting that everyone has abandoned job seeking in the small business world to wait for the Port Jobs to come. Considering the real boom in Port related jobs probably won’t arrive until after 2010 or later with phase two, that should still give local businesses the pick of the crop should they offer competitive wages and reasonable working conditions.

However, all of that aside, the government of BC is predicting that over the next twelve years, there will be a need to fill over a million new jobs in the province, a situation that is expected to lead to a huge labour crunch if not addressed properly. With that statistic staring down BC’s employers, the Prince Rupert District Chamber of Commerce is looking to help ease the strain on local employers.

Included in their plans is the need for local business to fill out a survey on employment issues in the area to help with their planning for a fall seminar. You can look it over here.

In an article in the Friday edition of the Daily News, The Chamber outlined it’s thoughts on the potential skilled labour shortages that could be coming our way.

CHAMBER TACKLES SKILL SHORTAGE
Survey out to determine how businesses can keep their most talented
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Friday, August 31, 2007
Pages one and three

With the job market opening up and local businesses scrambling to retain a skilled workforce, the Prince Rupert District Chamber of Commerce is taking action to help its members.

The chamber will start by first assessing the situation and then organizing a work shop to help member find and retain the labour force they need, said Wendy Prystay, chamber president.

“The Chamber sees this as an area where it can provide real value to its membership and to others in the business community, said Prystay.

The Daily News reported earlier this summer that managers at local businesses were struggling to retain workers due to the lucrative job possibilities being offered with the opening of the container port.

The high-paying, unionized jobs that have opened up in the city are proving too tempting for many residents to pass up.

The Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce recognizes that this is an extraordinarily exciting time for Prince Rupert, but that economic growth is not without challenges.

In response, the Chamber, together with B. C. Ferries and other community partners, will host a one-day seminar/workshop designed to assist smaller businesses, in particular, attract, retain and retrain workers.

The seminar is slated to take place this fall.

Prystay recognized replacing members of staff, who move on is extremely difficult. Smaller businesses do not have full time human resources and marketing departments they can rely on.

However, the shortage of skilled labour is not unique to Prince Rupert – it is a problem currently faced by communities across B. C. Over the next twelve years, the Ministry for Economic Development predicts that more than a million new jobs will need to be filled in this province. The snag is there are currently only 600,000 children in the B. C. school system.

Businesses will, therefore, have to be creative if they are to meet their labour needs.

One option, she said, is to tap into sectors of the population that are traditionally underutilized – including skilled immigrants, people who are untrained, people with disabilities and seniors, providing these groups with the skills employers need, she said.

To begin to address the challenge, the chamber is asking its members to fill out a short survey on the chamber’s website.

The survey will help the chamber determine what type of seminar will best help its members.

“We will be proactive in providing our members with access to the skills they need to meet challenges associated with this amazing time in Prince Rupert’s economic history,” said Prystay.

The chamber’s website is located at http://www.princerupertchamber.ca/. People are requested to complete and return the surveys to the chamber by fax (624-6105) or mail (100-215 Cow Bay Road, Prince Rupert, B. C. V8J 1A2).

Copies of the survey are also available at the Chamber office.

For more information contact Lynne Graham at the Chamber office (624-2296)

Chamber of Commerce excited about opportunity to host 2009 Annual General Meeting

After a fair amout of hard work and handshaking the Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce won the right to host the provincial chamber's annual General Meeting for 2009.

An even that could attract up to 400 participants ranging from business leaders to politicians.

Brigning the event to Prince Rupert, will help the city to showcase a number of economic positives that should be in place by that time and re-empahsize that the city and region are open for business.

The Daily News reviewed the details of the bid and what may be ahead for the city, as part of the Friday paper.

Chamber lands chance to host B.C.-wide event
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Friday, June 22, 2007

Page Three

This week, a long-standing effort of the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce came to fruition.

The local chamber of commerce announced it has successfully won the bid to host the 2009 BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting in Prince Rupert.

"We are very excited by the opportunity to showcase our community as well as the entire Northwest region. This represents a significant business and marketing opportunity for local businesses," said Wendy Prystay, chamber president.

The annual general meeting regularly attracts more than 400 business leaders from all parts of the province, provincial ministers, and representatives from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The announcement was made at the recent B.C .Chamber AGM which took place May 23-27, 2007 in Victoria.

District Director Mike O'Neill was pleased to advise local manager Roberta Bowman that her dedication and creativity in preparing the bid had been successful.

"It was no small feat," said Bowman. "Our chamber was in competition with many other communities. This is a real feather in our cap."

During the next two years, the Prince Rupert chamber, alongside the B.C. Chamber of Commerce will be busy putting together a world-class event, beginning by hosting a Prince Rupert Night at the 2008 AGM to be held in Whistler, B.C.

"This is a major opportunity for us," said Bowman. "I am so happy that we won, being able to bring the B.C. Chamber and its delegates to Prince Rupert at a time when our city is the focal point of the world with the opening of the container port in the fall. Certainly, all the press and media play about Prince Rupert will attract outstanding attendance."

The B.C. Chamber of Commerce represents the views of more than 130 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 31,000 businesses of every size and from every region of the province. It considers itself and is recognized as the Voice of B.C. Business'.

This year's annual general meeting is being held at the Fairmont Express Hotel and Victoria Convention Centre. Gloria Macarenko of CBC will be the master of ceremonies at the event, and guest speakers will include Gail Stephens, CEO of the British Columbia Pension Corporation and Dr. Paul Cappon, president and CEO of the Canadian Council of Learning.

The speakers will help participants learn about the topic of education, an issue the B.C. Chamber has taken to heart, given the predicted labour shortages in B.C. and Alberta.

Change in Leadership Personnel, no change in vision

The Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce will install a new leadership group at the end of March, as current President Mike Jackson hands passes on the torch to Wendy Prsytay. But it's not expected that any major changes will be made to the structure of the organization or the path it's on to re-invigorate the business climate in the city.

The changeover is part of the annual movement of officers in and out of positions at the Chamber of Commerce.

A review of the past year and a look ahead to the new board was profiled in the Daily News on Wednesday.

NEW CHAMBER LEADERSHIP SET TO KEEP FORGING AHEAD
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

After two years as the president of the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce, Mike Jackson will be handing over the reigns to Wendy Prystay at the end of March.

But the vision and direction of the chamber will remain consistent.

“We do succession planning like you would do for everything else,” said Jackson, manager of accounting for the Prince Rupert Port Authority. “We have a series of long-term goals ... I think Wendy will do an incredible job keeping it going the way it is and watching it grow.”

Prystay, managing director of the Career Resource Centre, has been on the chamber board for a number of years, filling the role of second vice-president during 2006.

The new board members for 2007 will officially be appointed at an installation dinner March 31.
Jackson had the unusual responsibility of holding the title of president for two years. Usually, the position turns over to a vice-president after one year. However at the end of 2005, both vice-presidents were leaving the community, so Jackson agreed to stay on for another year.
“I think it has been very rewarding and challenging,” he said.

Jackson has had the opportunity to work with many different types of business, from small businesses to non-government organizations, to major industry, as well as networking on behalf of Prince Rupert businesses at the provincial level by attending B.C. Chamber of Commerce meetings.

Joining Prystay on the 2007 executive will be first vice-president, Deb Stava campus manager of Northwest Community College, second vice-president Bart Carrigan, manager with Farwest Coastal Bus Lines, and treasurer Alan Hooper, chartered accountant. Jackson will remain on the executive as past president.

The chamber also elected three new directors last week. They include Geoff Gould, executive director of the Area“A” Crab Association, Brian Munson, manager of Overwaitea, and Craig Briere, business manager of the new Chances Community Gaming Centre.

These three join directors Bill Myers, human resources coordinator for Ridley Terminals, Dan Lorette, accountant for Prince Rupert Grain, Mark Mastroianni, commercial accounts manager for Northern Savings Credit Union and Dwayne MacNeill, owner of Entire Automotive.

Jackson said the long term goals for the chamber include increasing membership and focusing on the needs of small retail businesses.

To focus on the small business sector, the chamber is bringing back the annual trade show this April as well as holding several workshops a year focused on the retail sector.

“Working for small businesses is one of our big projects,” he said.

In addition, the chamber has applied to host the 2009 B.C. Chamber of Commerce Annual General meeting. At the 2008 AGM in Whistler, the Prince Rupert Chamber will host a Prince Rupert night and make their case to the B.C. Chamber’s Board of directors.

And this fall, once the cranes have arrived for the container terminal, the chamber is also hoping to host a meeting for the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and World Trade Centre. The Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce accepted membership in the Edmonton World Trade Centre last year. It provides free access to World Trade Centre facilities in Edmonton for all Prince Rupert chamber members.

“The Edmonton chamber board is very interested in what is going on in Prince Rupert,” said Jackson.

This would give Prince Rupert the opportunity to host a roundtable event and invite all the chambers from the Northwest to attend.

Restaurants rule the day at Chamber awards

The Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards night last weekend and local restaurants seemed to take the bulk of the recognition.0

The Celebration of local Excellence recognized achievement in eight categories, three of which went to establishments that provide for your dining needs.

The Daily news provided a review of the night’s celebration in their Thursday edition.

CHAMBER HONOURS THE BEST OF LOCAL BUSINESS
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Page One

The best and brightest of the business community were recognized for their contribution to Prince Rupert on the weekend.

In an event dubbed a ‘Celebration of Excellence’ the Prince Rupert District Chamber of Commerce handed out eight awards in the formal Mardi Gras-themed gathering Saturday.

In the category of Rookie Business of the Year for operators of less than three years, Rain Dining Lounge walked away with the accolade. The tapas bar with a water theme opened in late 2004 and has since held a number of unconventional events including an evening of extreme snowboarding videos, a rum tasting night, and a volleyball tournament that turned a local gravel lot into a beach. The award was sponsored by the Hecate Strait Employment Development Society.

It was the Cow Bay Café that took Small Business of the Year honours, for those businesses with more than three years under their belt but less than 25 employees. Chef Adrienne Johnston’s waterfront spot is a favourite of locals and many who visit the community.

“Small business is, as you know, the backbone of any city or town,” said Bill Parmar, representing award sponsor Excel Printing.

In the field of Community Involvement, Overwaitea Foods was recognized for its contribution to everything from sports, the arts and local community groups. It is a contribution the company pledged to continue in the future. The award was sponsored by Community Futures Development Corporation of the Pacific Northwest.

The award for Best Customer Service, sponsored by Rainbow Chrysler Dodge Jeep went to the Crest for their “exceptional customer service on a consistent basis.”

“We hold this award in the highest regard, said Scott Farwell, Crest Hotel operations manager.

For Non-Profit of the Year, the Prince Rupert Wildlife Rehabilitation Shelter took the award for their work with animals from around the region. Recipients Gunter and Nancy Golinia have spent their retirement tirelessly looking after sick, injured or abandoned wild animals often at their own expense. Their award was sponsored by RBC Financial Group and Port City Ford.

The Chamber’s integrity Award went to a company with a new name that still believes in old values – CityWest.

“A company doesn’t have integrity, the people do,” said CityWest representative Chad Cunningham. The Award was sponsored by SpeeDee Your Office Experts.

The City Ambassador program was given to Walter Smith for his enthusiastic promotion and support of the community.

“I’m going to accept this on behalf of not just myself, but all ambassadors,” said the modest Smith whose long standing commitment to Rupert is well documented.

The award was sponsored by Standard Radio.

The final award of the evening for Business of the Year went to a 72 year old institution – Storey’s Excavating. The award was sponsored by the Chamber.

Past presidents of the chamber selected the nominees for the awards and members decided the winners.