Business Excellence Dec 2010 by Abbotsford News

Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

EXCELLENCE Honouring outstanding organizations and individuals in Abbotsford who strive for excellence in the community.

See inside for

Top 100

Most Influencial People in Abbotsford! Dan Stefanson Tourism Abbotsford Rob Lepp Lepp Farm Market Doris Woodman-McMillan Numbers Unlimited Bookkeeping

PRESENTED BY

Chamber of Commerce abbotsford

Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

JOHN MORROW photo

Rick Rake of Click Media Works presents the award for Home-Based Business to Sue Kavelman of Clayburn Comforts Soap & Bodyworks.

And the award goes to…

CLAYBURN COMFORTS SOAP & BODYWORKS

EXCELLENCE AWARD Sponsored by

CLICK MEDIA WORKS

The Home-Based Business Award is granted to a home based business that has demonstrated excellence and quality in their product and/or service. PRESENTED BY

Chamber of Commerce abbotsford

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OTHER NOMINEES IN THIS CATEGORY:

Sue Kavelman found a niche in linking small business with local history -- and her success has landed her a trophy. Kavelman’s Clayburn Comforts Soap and Body Works was the recipient of the Home-Based Business Excellence award at the 15th Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards. “I was totally surprised and very pleased and honoured,” Kavelman said. “You could have knocked me over with a feather. “When you work really hard for something for a long time, it’s nice to be appreciated and acknowledged, that’s for sure.” Located in the historic village of Clayburn, originally a brick-plant town established in 1905, Kavelman’s home-based store is the refurbished cottage of a former plant foreman. In a small building separate from her residence Kavelman makes and sells her line of self-made soaps and other aromatherapy products -- which includes a soap bar designed to replicate the old Clayburn company’s bricks. Business has grown steadily since her store opened six

years ago, she said, especially through tourism. She hired her first part-time assistant this year. Next up is an updating of her website, which will include the addition of an online shopping feature. Kavelman believes a commitment to top quality, all-natural products as well as the hands-on character of her shop have been keys to her success. “People can put a face to the person who made the product, I make it all right here,” she said. Kavelman said her business evolved from first taking courses in soapmaking 12 years ago as a new hobby to enjoy with her daughter. Meantime she and her husband bought their century-old Clayburn home in 2000 and painstakingly refurbished it, literally brick by brick -- she estimates she had to clean 8,000 bricks in the process.

“...it’s nice to be apppreciated and acknoowledged, thaat’s for sure.”

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GINGERBREAD HOUSE PRESCHOOL THERESA CHEVALIER

Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

JOHN MORROW photo

Showcasing success It was a record-setting evening for the Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards on Nov. 24, as close to 500 people attended the prestigious event staged by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and the Abbotsford News. Among the special guests were local MLAs Mike de Jong and John van Dongen, as well as Mayor George Peary and a complement of Abbotsford councillors. Local singing sensation Victoria Duf-

field performed several songs as guests mingled prior to an excellent dinner served by CTC Catering. Décor at the Tradex venue at the Abbotsford airport was provided by Valley Weddings. Opening the ceremonies was MC Allan Asaph, chair of the business excellence committee, who noted the excellent quality of the 120 nominated businesses and entrepreneurs, from which the winners were chosen by a panel of

judges, who conducted interviews with the nominees. Abbotsford News publisher Andrew Franklin announced the winning businesses, inviting representatives to the stage, along with the category sponsor. A brief profile of each winner was read by Abbotsford News editor Andrew Holota. After the first seven award recipients, the receptive audience was entertained

by musician/comedian Todd Butler, who had everyone in stitches with his witty revised lyrics to popular tunes, which poked fun at politicians and provided humorous takes on current events. From AC/DC to Willie Nelson, Butler also had the crowd rocking with his amazing guitar licks, which included a rendition of Duelling Banjos, played behind his head, and accompanied by kazoo! To watch a video clip visit facebook.com/myabbynews

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ecting life i 2’ n Abbots ford since 192

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1.604.853.1144

Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Congratulations to all Business Excellence Awards winners and nominees!

PROSPERA IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE ABBOTSFORD BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS At Prospera, community is at the heart of what we do. No, really. We mean it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our aspiration to support the neighbourhoods in which we live and work. For more information contact 1.888.440.4480 or visit prospera.ca

Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

JOHN MORROW photo

Bruce Howell, President and CEO of Prospera Credit Union presents the award for Retailer Excellence to Brent Valder of The Mad Butcher.

Andd the award goes to…

EXCELLENCE AWARD Sponsored by

PROSPERA CREDIT UNION

The Retailer Excellence Award, sponsored by Prospera Credit Union, is granted to a business that has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the retail sector. PRESENTED BY

THE MAD BUTCHER

A hands-on approach to operating his store as well as a quality staff are what Brent Valder believes were the keys to his success at the 15th Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards. Valder’s The Mad Butcher was the recipient of the Retailer Excellence Award. It was the first such award for the business, which has an affiliation with a chain of the same name in Valder’s native New Zealand. “It was a great achievement, I thought it was excellent,” he said. Asked about the major factors in The Mad Butcher’s success, Valder said he is an active participant in his store’s daily operations, which include grocery products and a deli as well as a wide range of meats. “I think customers like to be able to speak to the owner when they come to a shop,” he said. “When you put in the hours like that, not just being in and out every two or three days, I think it pays off.”

He also gave much of the credit to his staff, which has more than doubled in size in the shop’s 10 years of operation in Abbotsford. “They are definitely a big asset,” he said. Valder and his business are involved in a number of charitable community programs such as those for youth, women and schools. It has also participated in Access Abbotsford‚ and 10 x 10 Challenge, a program promoting the employment of individuals with disabilities. Valder first ran a Mad Butcher franchise in New Zealand for five years before moving to Canada and setting up shop in Abbotsford, establishing the only affiliated store in North America. The business moved to its current location, 33344 South Fraser Way, about two years ago, increasing its floor space. It now has a customer base of about 2,500 per week.

“It was a great achievement, I thhought it was exxcelllent”

Chamber of Commerce abbotsford

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OTHER NOMINEES IN THIS CATEGORY:

0 HOMESTEAD NURSERYLAND & FLORIST KINGSTON FLOORING KITCHEN & BATH CLASSICS LIFE CYCLES BIKE SHOP

ROSES & RUTABAGAS SIMPLY PERFECT FLOWERS THE VALLEY FEED BAG TIME MASTERS JEWELLERS VALHALLA PURE OUTFITTERS

Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Thank you Abbotsford for awarding us Retailer Excellence! Thank you also to our great staff and loyal customers. We appreciate your support. 33310 South Fraser Way Abbotsford

The softer side of Clayburn Bricks

CLAYBURN c o m f o r t s soap & body works In Historic Clayburn Village

34866 Clayburn Road, Abbotsford

604.853.6300

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Proud to be recogniz e as this yea d r’s “Home-Ba sed Business” award winn er.

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We were delighted to be nominated for Established Business of the Year, together with such outstanding businesses.

Share a little magic with a young person

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Thank you for your excellent service to our community!

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T hank you to everyone who nominated us as: NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR!

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Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

JOHN MORROW photo

Wendy Schultz, General Manager of Sevenoaks Shopping Centre presents the award for Manufacturing & Producer to Bob Kaszonyi of Unitex Sales Ltd.

Andd the award goes to…

UNITEX SALES LTD.

EXCELLENCE AWARD Sponsored by

SEVENOAKS SHOPPING CENTRE The Manufacturing & Producer Excellence Award, sponsored by Sevenoaks Shopping Centre, is granted to a business that has demonstrated outstanding achievement manufacturing or producing a product. PRESENTED BY

Chamber of Commerce

A year that began with a major deal at the 2010 Winter Olympics is ending with another feather in the cap for Unitex Sales Ltd. The Abbotsford-based uniforms supplier was chosen as the recipient of the Manufacturing and Producer Excellence trophy at the 15th Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards. “You could say I’m honoured but humbled,” said Unitex owner Bob Johnson. “It’s extremely gratifying to be recognized.” Unitex, which specializes in supplying uniforms for the grocery industry, security companies and pharmacies, started 2010 on the right foot when it landed the uniforms contract for volunteers at Vancouver International Airport during the Olympics in February. “Being chosen for that for our expertise without paying any licensing fees, it’s pretty unique for Abbotsford to have a company to be able to pull that off,” Johnson said. Unitex employs a staff of 10 at its Simpson Road base, up from just three employees when the business was purchased 15 years ago. Johnson said it is enjoying retail volume in-

creases of about 10 per cent per year. Doing “a lot of little things correctly” is among the keys to the company’s successes, Johnson said. It owns its own building and equipment, and has a “unique niche” in the marketplace, he said. Unitex supplies uniforms for a large proportion of security firms in the Lower Mainland, and its grocery clients include the Thrifty Foods supermarket chain. Other clients come from across Canada, including security for the Saskatchewan Roughriders football team. Johnson said his business relies greatly on working relationships developed over his 30 years in the industry. It was also the master merchandiser at the Abbotsford Air Show, responsible for promotional items such as hats and sunglasses. Johnson added that thanks were due to his staff and the Abbotsford business community for their contributions to receiving the business excellence award.

“You could saay I’m hon noured buut humbled”

abbotsford

0 CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OTHER NOMINEES IN THIS CATEGORY:

ABSTRACT ALLOY MANUFACTURING

VALLEY MASTER MASON MARBLE AND GRANITE

Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

TD Canada Trust congratulates Nutriva Group on winning the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Agricultural & Agri-Business Excellenceâ&#x20AC;? Award. TD Canada Trust in Abbotsford is working together with the Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards to a make a difference in our communities.

Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

JOHN MORROW photo

Bill Vanderkooi of Nutriva Group accepts the Agricultural & Agri-Business Excellence Award from sponsor, Karen Landon, District Manager Agriculture Services with TD Canada Trust.

An nd the award goes to…

NUTRIVA GROUP

EXCELLENCE EXCELLENC EX CE AWARD Sponsored by

TD CANADA TRUST

The Agricultural & Agri-Business Excellence Award that is sponsored by TD Canada Trust is granted to a business that is considered a leader in their industry and has made a positive contribution to agriculture in Abbotsford. PRESENTED BY

Chamber of Commerce abbotsford

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OTHER NOMINEES IN THIS CATEGORY:

An innovative approach to developing new, healthier dairy products has earned special recognition for Abbotsford’s Nutriva Group. Nutriva was named the recipient of the Agricultural and Agri-Business Excellence award at the 15th Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards. “I was honoured and humbled at the same time,” said chief executive officer Bill Vanderkooi, who operates Nutriva’s three business units with his brothers. “We’re in pretty good company because Abbotsford is a progressive city with a lot of progressive businesses.” While some of its operations date back to 2000, Nutriva was formed as a group in 2009. Its rapid expansion is marked by a staff increase to 50 from only 10 to 15 when it was established about two years ago. While the group offers a range of agri-foods services such as trucking and specialty-ingredient distribution, Vanderkooi said the company intends to increase its focus on developing healthy food products. “We’ve found our mission which is to bring healthy foods

to the world, and now it’s about dialling in on that,” he said. “We have a real focus on innovation, and part of that is being the incubator and taking those ideas close to commercialization.” Through its Vitala brand, Nutriva produces milk and egg products that are nutritionally enriched by way of the diet fed to the animals. More recently it has added a new lowsugar yogurt product, and is also developing a new sportrecovery beverage. Vanderkooi said Nutriva does about 80 per cent of its trade in B.C., but has also entered strategic partnerships with firms in Ontario and Quebec, and aims to “go global” with some of its new products. He added that attracting high-calibre employees has been a key to success. “It’s very important having the right people in the right positions,” Vanderkooi said.

“I was honouredd and humbbled at the same time”

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MT. LEHMAN WINERY

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Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

EXCELLENCE

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Mayor George Peary smiling after completing his dance routine with “Business In Black” dance troupe at the 2010 Business Excellence Awards.

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“Dedicated to excellence in hearing care.”

DVA APPROV ED

ABBOTSFORD 604.852.9188 201-2151 McCallum Rd

MISSION 604.820.2110 2A-32540 Logan Ave

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WHITE ROCK 604.531.2661 LANGLEY 604.530.6107 CHILLIWACK 604.792.1186

“There is more to hearing than just great prices. It’s the quality of care and service that sets us apart. It is a privilege to have been nominated. ” Mike Keller

Hearing Practitioner/Manager

Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

JOHN MORROW photo

Chris Johnston, Customer Relations Manager for Firstbase Services presents the award for Service Industry Excellence to Daryl and Rick Francoeur of 360 Fabrication Inc.

And thee award goes to…

360 FABRICATION INC.

EXCELLENC EXCELLENCE NC AWARD Sponsored by

FIRSTBASE SERVICES

The Service Industry Excellence Award is granted to a business in any sector that provides outstanding services to individuals or businesses. PRESENTED BY

Chamber of Commerce

It wasn’t the first award for Abbotsford’s fast-growing 360 Fabrication Inc., but it was the biggest so far -- and it took the company’s owners by surprise. Rick and Daryl Francoeur’s vehicle customizing and collision services firm was the recipient of the Service Industry Excellence trophy at the 15th Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards. “I honestly think Daryl and I were a little shocked,” Rick Francoeur said. “Some very impressive companies were nominated and it was one of the biggest categories. “We’ve won lots of awards, but this is the biggest one, for sure. It was an honour just to take part in the event and we’re very grateful.” The award caps a highly successful year for 360, which opened only four years ago. The Francoeur brothers’ business moved to its own property at 31450 Peardonville Road, which is roughly double the size of its old facility on nearby Wheel Avenue. It also reached a landmark agreement with CARSTAR vehicle col-

abbotsford

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OTHER NOMINEES IN THIS CATEGORY:

lision service, which will see 360 open nine more collisionspecific locations throughout B.C. “The expansion will allow 360’s new Abbotsford base to focus more on vehicle customization,” Rick Francoeur said. The 360 group customizes a variety of vehicles for other companies’ marketing purposes: Toyota and Red Bull are two of the high profile companies. 360 Fabrication also specializes in building custom cars and restoration for the public. Anything you can think of they can handle! The firm now employs 22 staff, up from just three when it opened its doors in 2006, and Francoeur envisions that number could rise to 30 by next summer. “We’ve had our failures too, but we just keep going, and we’re willing to learn from others’ mistakes as well,” he said. “We’ve had a clear business plan from the start and have just kept pushing forward. I think it shows that hard work and determination still equal success.”

“We’ve won lots of awards, but this is the biggest one, for sure”

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Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

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T O

THE NAMES Bryce Towson Abby Flames, Soccer Coach Amandeep K. Bath Remax Realtor Barry Marsden Cascade Aerospace/Conair, Abbotsford Heat Keith Izatt Educator Suzanne Greening Executive Director, Reach Gallery & Museum Kathy Doerksen Manager of Addictions, Abbotsford Community Services Dr. Elizabeth Watt Corrections/Community Services Barbara Suek School Secretary, Community Volunteer Mary Boonstra APD, Community Volunteer Laura Menagh Educator Daneen Jensen Abbotsford Child & Youth Mental Health

Dr. Marilyn Hamilton Past President, Abbotsford Community Foundation

Rod Santiago Executive Director, Abbotsford Community Services Janna Dieleman Abbotsford Community Services Ken Funk Abbotsford Rotary Club Laurie Shopland Campaign Manager, Canuck Place Jane Cooper Executive Director, Volunteer Abbotsford Julie Macrae Superintendent School District Gerry Palmer Lawyer David Robinson Rotary Club of Abbotsford Paul Esposito Sr. Esposito Group

Bruce Nicholson Former Educator, Community Volunteer

Dave Stephen Communications Manager, School District Musleh Hakki Multicultural Society

Marion Keys AHS Capital Campaign Manager

John Smith City Councillor

Dan Ratzlaff Builder, Community Supporter

Bob Bos President, Abbotsford Downtown Business Assoc.

Alexandra Mitchell Community Volunteer Angela Montgomery Kindergarden Teacher, Matsqui Elementary School

Whether it be politicians, coaches, business profession

we wanted to know their names. The readers h

top 100 most inﬂuential people as chose

Irene Peterson Irene Peterson & Associates

Dave Holmberg Bobcat Country

David Sheach Executive Director, BBBS

1 0 0

WE ASKED OUR READER WE RE THE MOST I NFLUEN

Leona Fountain Fraser Valley Child Development Centre

Stan Petersen Former Educator, Community Volunteer

Deborah Lehmann Executive Director, Abbotsford Hospice Society

Diane M Delves Quantum Properties Gerri Charles Champagne & Lace

BARRY MARSDEN Barry Marsden was one of the founding principals of Conair Aviation 30 years ago, and has gone from flying water bombers to becoming company president and CEO in 1991. He is now chairman of the board for Conair and Cascade Aerospace, with more than 800 employees. He has been a leader in the field of aerial firefighting methods and procedures, held numerous high profile positions in the aviation industry, and in 2009 was inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame. In 2008 he was appointed to the B.C. premier’s economic advisory coun-

cil. He has been chairman of the Abbotsford economic development commission, director of the Abbotsford A i r p o r t A u t h o r i t y, and in 2004 received an honourary Doctor of Technology degree from UFV for contributions to the Canadian aerospace industry.

DE B LOWE LL Deb Lowell is best known in Abbotsford for her work with the Salvation Army, and that has been her life passion. The Abbotsford PR director has served the Sally Ann in Nova Scotia, Yellowknife, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Prince George and Chilliwack, before arriving in Abbotsford eight years ago. She comes from a family with a strong belief in volunteerism, and Lowell has given her time to numerous local causes. She is a director on the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, a Rotarian and a founding mem-

ber of the City of Refuge group – Christian people working to fill gaps in the city’s social services. She still finds time to take her family to Abbotsford Heat hockey games, and is a season ticket holder.

PAT R I C I A R O S S Patricia Ross is one of the most popular members of Abbotsford city council. Each municipal election, she is one of the city’s top-polling politicians. She has had six terms on council, and takes an avid interest in environmental issues. Her appointments include chair of the Fraer Valley Regional District, and of the FVRD air quality and environment committee. In 2009, she was selected Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Abbotsford and Mission, and she was also the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce newsmaker of the year.

In 2007, she was granted the Paul Harris Fellow award from the Rotary Club for her dedication to her community. She speaks with community groups about environmental issues and politics, and in 2004 spoke at the International Climate Change conference in Buenos Aires.

Dave Kandal Abbotsford Airport

Baraa Safaa Ali Musician, Community Volunteer, UFV

Brian Lee Lee’s Fine Jewellery

Aird Flavelle MSA Computers

Dorothy Dyck Abbotsford Printing

Ken Hildebrandt Gallery 7 Theatre & Performing Arts

Christine Wiebe Community Volunteer

Dan Stefanson Executive Director, Tourism Abbotsford

Angelo Rea AHS Board Chair

Darryl Plecas Criminology Dept. UFV

Manpreet Grewal Community Services

THE A RESERVED FOR A

Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

R S T O L I S T W H O T H E Y F E LT T I A L P E O P L E I N O U R C I T Y. . .

nals, teachers or just someone you feel makes a difference,

have spoken. The following is a list of Abbotsfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

en by you. The list is in no particular order.

was also president of Pacific Raspberry Co-op, director with Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, and director of the New Cultural Center of Abbotsford.

Dave Towson, Bryce has been a coach for 11 years, and says he still loves it, and would never give it up.

Deputy Chief Rick Lucy Abbotsford Police Dept.

Patricia Sapielak President, Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce

Harry De Jong President, Agrifair

Tom Mauthe President, Abbotsford Heat Chief Bob Rich Abbotsford Police Dept. George Peary Mayor of Abbotsford Shirley Wilson School Board Trustee

Mike de Jong Liberal MLA, Abbotsford West Richard Korkowski Joshua House Const. Ian MacDonald Abbotsford Police Dept. Dr. Mark Evered President, UFV

BBOTSFORDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BE ST

Judy Whyte Executive Director, Abbey Arts Centre Jack Goeson President, Abbotsford Pilots Jay Teichroeb Economic Development Manager Enrica Huston Abbotsford Neighbourhood Ball Andy Holota Editor, Columnist, Abbotsford News Milt Walker Executive Director, Kinghaven Dianne Common Professor, UFV Bev Brown CEO, Envision Credit Union Bruce Beck Manulife Securities Chief Don Beer Abbotsford Fire Dept. Pamela Brenner GM, Agrifair Mark Taylor Abbotsford Parks & Recreation

Suzanne Blakley-Oaks Business Advisor, Community Futures

Deborah Bullock Executive Director, Abbotsford Community Foundation

Les Barkman City Councillor

Janet Barrie Hub Financial

Pastor Jeff Bucknam Northview Community Church

John Wittenberg Community Volunteer

Pat Christie Abbotsford Community Services

Christine Lane Ramada & Conference Centre

Barb Schimnowsky WestView Executive Search

Frank Pizzuto City Manager

Lane Sweeting Ramada/Abbotsford Heat

Moe Gill City Councillor

Dr. Dalip Singh Gill Educator Retired, Community Volunteer

- L I ST ...

Deb Lowell PR Director, Salvation Army

Tanya Curtis Nutriva Group

ing his tireless efforts. Walker has lived in Abbotsford for 26 years. He has been connected with the Kinghaven addiction treatment facility for much of that time, and presently serves as executive director.

THE NAMES

Ed Fast Conservative MP

M I LT W A L K E R Milt Walker has taken on volunteer positions in Abbotsford that involve a high demand for professionalism and competence. This community advocate was the president of the B.C. Summer Games which Abbotsford hosted in 2004, as he mobilized a team of thousands of volunteers. He is the chairman of the Reach Gallery Museum board, and played a key role in bringing the $10 million art museum to fruition. He was recently honoured by his peers in the arts community with a service award recogniz-

Jatti Sidhu Businessman, Volunteer

B RYCE TOWSON Bryce Towson is a much-loved soccer coach. His nomination carried with it numerous letters from parents of the children on the Flames U-10 soccer squad, whom he mentors on the pitch. He is involved in coaching three teams this year, which means there is only one night per week, Friday, when there is no soccer in his schedule. Towson said he simply emphasizes fun, and it has worked. The Flames were unbeaten for two and a half seasons, until they suffered a loss this year. The son of an avid coach, his father

John van Dongen, Liberal MLA, Abbotsford South

J AT I N D E R S I D H U Jatinder Sidhu is a longtime resident of Abbotsford and a successful businessman of 30 years. He settled in Mission after immigrating to Canada in 1974, and started his farming career in Abbotsford in 1977. In 1987, Jatinder started building single family homes and soon found himself involved in residential development. He is a member of the Abbotsford Police Board, has served as a director of the Agrifair Board, and as commissioner of the B.C. Vegetable Marketing Board. He

Allan Asaph SunLife Financial/Chamber of Commerce David D. Hull CEO, Chamber of Commerce Andrew Franklin Publisher, The Abbotsford News Balbir Kambo President, Fraser Valley Indo-Canadian Business Assoc.

Madeleine Hardin Professor, UFV, Community Volunteer Gord Huston Community Volunteer Patricia Ross City Councillor Joanne Field Abbotsford School Board Lynne Harris City Councillor Ron Price President, Abbotsford Airshow

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Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Good luck to all those nominated for a Business Excellence Award.

EXCELLENCE

The Rotary Club of Abbotsford since 1950 The Rotary Club of Abbotsford-Matsqui since 1985 The Rotary Club of Abbotsford-Sumas since 1996

Service Above Self

Thank You Abbotsford for nomination of Retailer Excellence.

The “Bravest” Man of the Evening Douglas MacAdams of MacAdams Law Firm, introducing entertainer Todd Butler at the 2010 Business Excellence Awards.

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Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

JOHN MORROW photo

Ron Howardson and Lenora McQueen, Rotary Club Representatives presents the award for the Eric Vanderham Young Entrepreneur to Kelsy Vanerhorst of KV Bijou.

And the award goes to…

OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by

ROTARY CLUBS OF ABBOTSFORD The Eric Vanderham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is granted to a young individual, age 30 or under, who has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills in building his/her own business, or as part of an existing business.

PRESENTED BY

Chamber of Commerce

KV BIJOU

Abbotsford’s Kelsey Vanderhorst was just a kid when she started making bracelets for her mother and friends. Now the jewelry she designs through her company, KV BIJOU, can be seen worn by Hollywood stars and fashion models. This rapid rise hasn’t escaped the notice of the local business community, which chose her for the Eric Vanderham Young Entrepreneur of the Year award at the 15th Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards. Despite her high-profile successes, Vanderhorst said she was “very shocked” when her name was called for the local award. “I wasn’t expecting to win, so it was definitely an honour,” she said. Vanderhorst, 27, started her business on a part-time basis in September, 2008, then going full-time just four months later. With word-of-mouth help via internet sites like Facebook and Twitter, by this summer the demand for her jewelry designs -- which include rings, necklaces, earrings and

bracelets -- had surged to the point where she had to put in 90-hour work weeks. Some big-name exposure also contributed to this success. She has been invited to contribute work to award shows and film festivals, and most recently her jewelry is being worn by the star of “The Bachelorette,” an American reality-TV show. “That got me into the U.S. market and since then sales have been unbelievable,” she said. Vanderhorst says she feels she’s now at a crossroads, considering offers to invest in her business and deciding whether to hire staff for the first time. Meantime she’d like to keep the workload within manageable proportions. It’s all a rather heady experience for a young woman who was told she was crazy for quitting her full-time job during a recession to pursue her dream just a couple of years ago.

“I wasn’t expectiing to win, soo it was definiitely an honour

abbotsford

0 CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OTHER NOMINEES IN THIS CATEGORY:

DANIELLE KNOWLES, RED PENCIL EDITING SERVICES

DUSTIN RUSSELL, LAUNCH MAN SHYLA SLADE, VALLEY WEDDINGS

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Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

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MACADAMS LAW FIRM Tel: 604-850-1675 Fax: 604-850-1937 205-2955 GLADWIN ROAD ABBOTSFORD, BC V2T 5T4

website: www.macadamslaw.com

Proud to be a Platinum Sponsor for the 2010 Business Excellence Awards Douglas MacAdams, Q.C. adm@macadamslaw.com

A Familiar Face

Marc A. Misner mam@macadamslaw.com

Sales Manager Don Curtis of Magnuson Ford enjoying some networking at the 2010 Business Excellence Awards.

Congratulations to all the winners of the 2010 Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards!

JOHN MORROW photo

Supplying temporary and long term workers for office or labour positions, specifically matched to suit employers’ needs. www.valleypersonnel.com Unit 101 - 2469 Pauline Street | 604.859.6511 Clerical | 604.504.0644 Labour

LAYNE MAGNUSON AND YOUR MAGNUSON FORD TEAM WOULD LIKE TO THANK ABBOTSFORD FOR THE NOMINATION OF:

20 10 N OMI N EE

NEW BUSINESS O F

T H E

Y E A R

On behalf of the Abbotsford Community Services Food Bank and Christmas Bureau we would like to thank everyone who nominated us for the honour of receiving the 2010 Non-Proßt Business of the Year award. We are truly blessed to be a part of a great organization that has the privilege of serving such a great community. We want to express our appreciation as well to all our donors and volunteers. Without their support we would not be able to accomplish what we do. Sincerely, The Abbotsford Food Bank Staff

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Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

JOHN MORROW photo

Kathy Doerksen of the Abbotsford Food Bank accepts the Non-Proﬁt of the Year Award from sponsor, Ron Kelly, partner of Baker Newby.

And thee award goes to…

ABBOTSFORD FOOD BANK

OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by

BAKER NEWBY

The Non-Profit of the Year Award is granted to a Non-Profit organization, charity or society that has made a significant contribution to make our community a better place to live, work or do business.

PRESENTED BY

Chamber of Commerce

It’s the not the sort of business in which one likes to see the yearly numbers to go up, necessarily, though Dave Murray allows that his organization’s own initiatives have contributed to a sharply increased client count. Whatever the case, the Abbotsford Food Bank’s extended reach through the community has helped make it the recipient of the Non-Profit Organization of the Year award at the 15th Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards. “We’re blessed first by the nomination, then to be selected,” said Murray, the food bank’s director. “Every charity there was deserving and I’m quite humbled in a sense, but thrilled for my staff. “They work really hard so it’s nice to see them get a pat on the back. It’s a real team effort.” Murray said the food bank served 800 clients a month when he first arrived about a decade ago. Now that number is up to about 4,500. “Some of that is our own fault, so to speak, because we’re

abbotsford

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OTHER NOMINEES IN THIS CATEGORY:

more than just a food bank,” he said. Part of the Abbotsford Community Services organization, the food bank added a free dental clinic last year after finding through surveys that about half of its clients had never been to a dentist. It also runs the Christmas bureau, extremeweather shelters, a school-supplies program and more. Those efforts along with broader economic issues have caused the dramatic increase in the numbers. The food bank now has 10 full-time staff as well as more than 350 volunteers to assist in the cause. “We just look for needs in the community and try to meet those needs,” Murray said. The local food bank is also the only one of its kind in Canada, he added, in that it receives no government funding. It relies entirely on fundraising for its budget, likely also a factor in being chosen for the excellence award.

“Every charity there was deservingg and I’m quite humbled”

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Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Congratulations to the nominees and recipients of the Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards KPMG’s team of professionals are here to serve your business needs. Contact us to ﬁnd out how we can help your business.

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Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

JOHN MORROW photo

Rudy Paxian, Associate Partner with KPMG presents the award for New Business of the Year to Charlotte and Rob Lepp of Lepp Farm Market.

Andd the award goes to…

OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by

KPMG ENTERPRISE

The New Business of the Year Award is granted to a “new business” established within the last 3 years, that has demonstrated outstanding characteristics in all areas such as performance, leadership, innovation, management, marketing and service. PRESENTED BY

LEPP FARM MARKET

The green corn shack remains, by popular demand. But it’s the Lepps’ new store next door that has earned special recognition. The Lepp Farm Market was named New Business of the Year at the 15th Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards. “We were humbled that we were nominated to start with, so to win it, we were just elated,” said Rob Lepp, who runs the operation with his wife Charlotte. The Lepps opened their 1,300-sqmetre (14,000-sq-foot) store one year ago on the corner of their farm, at Clayburn Road and the Abbotsford-Mission Highway, on the same spot they’ve had a small corn stand for 15 years. The dream to evolve the stand into a full-blown store with a genuine farmers’-market feel began about nine years ago, he said. The little green shack is still up to sell corn because many of their long-term customers kept asking for it, Charlotte Lepp said. “We tell them it’s the exact same corn that’s inside the

market, but they say it just tastes better,” Charlotte said with a laugh. Still there’s been no shortage of interest of what’s inside the new market, which sells a wide range of meat, fruit and vegetables as well as featuring a deli and bakery. The Lepps have had to increase their staff from 25 at opening to more than 40 full- and part-time employees now to keep up with the demand. In April they acquired a multi-fruit orchard in Osoyoos to supply their market with Okanagan fruit. Most of the rest of their produce, though, is locally grown. The Lepps credit their staff for much of their success. “The dream doesn’t get realized without an incredible staff and amazing support from the community,” Charlotte Lepp said. “We couldn’t do this by ourselves.”

“...to win it,, we were just elated”

Chamber of Commerce abbotsford

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OTHER NOMINEES IN THIS CATEGORY:

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Thank You

Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

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for nominating us for ESTABLISHED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR. Congratulations to all Winners & Nominees.

All Smiles at the Business Excellence Awards

Ask us about our NEW Outside Catering Service including including:: Turkey . . . TO GO! GO! and enjoy the best Christmas dinner you never made!

David D. Hull, CEO at the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce enjoying the evening’s festivities with Allison Longshore, Manager of Tourism Abbotsford.

36035 North Parallel Rd., Abbotsford 604.870.1050 www.ramadaabbotsford.ca

Proud to be nominated for

SERVICE INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010

Congratulations to this year’s winners!!! JOHN MORROW photo

r e s t a u r a n t

restaurant62.ca

R N NEER N N I I W W

2010 2010 New New Business Business OF OF THE THE YEAR YEAR

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Lepp LeppFarm FarmMarket Marketisisproud proudto to

Established Business of the Year

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(1 - 19 employees).

of of Commerce Commerce as as Abbotsford’s Abbotsford’s

Congratulations to all nominees & winners.

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Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

JOHN MORROW photo

Dan Stefanson, Executive Director for Tradex presents the award for Established Business of the Year Award (1-19 Employees) to Doris Woodman-McMillan and staff from Numbers Unlimited Bookkeeping.

And thee award goes to…

OF THE YEAR AWARD (1-19 EMPLOYEES) Sponsored by

TRADEX

The Established Business of the Year Award with less than 20 Employees is granted to a business established more than 3 years, that has demonstrated outstanding characteristics in all areas such as performance, leadership, innovation, management, marketing and service. PRESENTED BY

Chamber of Commerce abbotsford

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OTHER NOMINEES IN THIS CATEGORY:

NUMBERS UNLIMITED BOOKKEEPING

It started as a modest, one-person undertaking in her basement 11 years ago. Now Doris Woodman-McMillan’s business has a trophy to display proudly in its street-level office. Woodman-McMillan’s Numbers Unlimited Bookkeeping was chosen as the recipient of the Established Business of the Year (1-19 employees) award at the 15th Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards. “It was very exciting and an honour, actually,” she said. “That’s high praise from your peers.” Numbers Unlimited now has a staff of six at its Walsh Avenue office, near South Fraser Way. There was only WoodmanMcMillan and one employee when it moved there in 2005. Much of the firm’s workload involves income-tax filings, and most of its clientele is from the Abbotsford area. But Woodman-McMillan said her company also sometimes works from distance via computer, for example getting a call in October from a community in Manitoba. “We can do remote help so it doesn’t really matter where

they are,” she said. “We get income-tax returns from just about everywhere.” Woodman-McMillan said her firm enjoys a very high level of retention of clients, sometimes continuing to receive income-tax work from former Abbotsford residents even after they have moved to other parts of the country. As for the key factors in receiving the business excellence award, cited her company’s involvement in the community as well as the work of her staff. “It’s not just me, there’s a real attitude of integrity and ownership throughout the staff,” she said. “We’re really working together as a team.” So is the new trophy on display in the Numbers Unlimited office yet? “You bet,” Woodman-McMillan said with a laugh. “We’re pretty proud. My staff were pumped, they all went up to receive the award.”

“That’s high praiise from your peers”

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Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

EXCELLENCE

Congratulations to the Abbottsford Business Excellence Award Winners!

Our Shining Star

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Victoria Dufﬁeld, Abbotsford singing sensation, entertaining guests as they arrive for the 2010 Business Excellence Awards.

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JOHN MORROW photo

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Abbotsford News I Tuesday, December 7, 2010

JOHN MORROW photo

Andrew Franklin from The Abbotsford News presents the award for Established Business of the Year (20+ Employees) to Dan Stefanson, Bill Tavares, Vali Marling and Linda Moore of Tradex.

Andd the award goes to…

OF THE YEAR AWARD (20+ EMPLOYEES)