Government

While the economy is going down the tubes, now the 3 opposition parties have decided that after only 7 weeks of a minority conservative government, they should form a coalition and oust Steven Harper.  Since when do the Liberals, NDP and the Bloc stick together on anything?  Sounds like there are some hidden agendas that the Canadian taxpayer is going to pay for.  I am no fan of Steven Harper, but he did win the election.  He is prepared to table the budget on January 27th, 2009, so my question to this coalition is what are you afraid of? Is upheaval of the federal government right now the best thing for Canadians when the economy is in the tank?  If there is going to be a change in government, shouldn't Canadian citizens be allowed to vote?  Click here to read the economic package put forth so far by the government and the reaction of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

NVIT Business Case Study

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology is holding their Annual Business Case Study on March 5, 2009.  Tables are on sale now and you can reserve your table HERE by February 23, 2009.  This is a very popular event so don't wait too long to reserve a seat.

Business Leaders in our Community

Norgaard Ready Mix was featured in the Business Thompson Okanagan Magazine this month as they are set to celebrate 50 years in business.  It said they are celebrating this in 2009, but my inside scoop told me that they actually opened in 1960.  What really matters however, is that Norgaard's home office is right here in Merritt.  They have build their business on that old saying "Our customers are No. 1", and it's their service and quality that keeps their customers happy.  Their motto is "we will always look after them and we will do whatever it takes to look after them". Did you know that Norgaard offers 50 colours of concrete?  It's become extremely popular as a flooring choice in new homes, not to mention concrete kitchen countertops are also gaining in popularity.  They also have 40 different mixtures of concrete that go through independent testing labs to ensure the product is exactly what the client ordered.  If you need a metre of concrete to patch a sidewalk or you need 1500 metres of concrete, there is no job too big or too small for Norgaard.  Visit www.norgaardreadymix.com for more details.

Don Brown of DB Financial Services was given top honours recently for outstanding customer service, persistency and sales volume.  Don is the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan Representative for Merritt and I have had the pleasure of meeting him several times.  If you are interested in getting a quote for group insurance for your business, give him a call at 1-866-685-8366 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  You must be a member of your local Chamber of Commerce to be enrolled in this plan, and it doesn't matter if you are a company of 1 or under 50 employees.  You control the cost and you pick what you need for coverage.

Ministry of Small Business and Revenue

Small Business BC is a key resource for small business start-up and growth in British Columbia.  Their services include:

- Business registrations
- Business seminars and workshops
- Market research services
- Business Plan advisory services
- One-on-one export coaching
- E-business services
- Research library and bookstore

You can also access BizPal at www.bcbizpal.ca for a personalized list of permits and licenses from all levels of government entrepreneurs need to start a specific business activity.

A video conferencing network has been established to deliver these services which can be access through Community Futures Development Corporation here in Merritt.  For more information about this program, visit www.smallbusinessbc.ca or call 1-800-667-2272.

Another initiative is the LiveSmart BC program where BC Hydro will do a free energy assessment of your business to help you take the necessary steps towards improving energy efficiency.  For more information about this program visit www.bchydro.com/powersmart/news/article57187.html .

Or maybe your business would like to become a supplier of the government.  The public sector of government spends about $8 billion dollars a year on good and services.  Why not see if you can get in on the action by visiting http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/resource-centre/stg/index.htm .  This web site will give you the resources and information you need to see if you can become a supplier to the many schools, crown corporations, hospitals, government offices, etc.