The Mission Record Thursday, May 10, 2012 23

BusinessTRACKc o n n e c t • i n f l u e n c e • p r o s p e r

M i s s i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

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When was the last time a customer told you how exceptional your service

was? As a customer, how often do you vote with your feet based on your experience? In this new economic realty it is fundamental to any business to forge relationships that will build sales.

In his Ted Talk, marketing guru John Gerzema talks about the post-crisis consumer. He lists four shifts in values of consumerism: déclassé consumption, ethics and fair play, durable living and cooperative consumerism. He notes consumers are educated to marketing techniques and are looking to reconnect with how they spend their money. This is a 180 degree shift from the mass consumerism that we have all witnessed prior to the economic crisis that has come in waves to our community.

Most customers, whether they are consumers or business, shop in a place they know has the product, based on price and where they are known. Beyond the product they are looking for respect and to be valued as part of the experience.

Building a relationship is more than ensuring customers are on the e-newsletter list or carry your loyalty card; it is about building a future transaction or referral. Creating a positive and engaged experience develops the relationship.

On April 19, Worldhost Master Trainer Suzanne Carter brought her customer service expertise to the

Chamber luncheon. She shared a great story about an amazing customer experience that she had in Mission though she lives in North Vancouver.

Suzanne was thinking of buying a Jeep and had time to kill before meeting her parents for dinner at Mission Springs, so she stopped in at Pioneer Chrysler. In her story, she relayed how well she had been treated and how the salesperson valued her time and interest. The outcome was she bought the Jeep and continued to

have it serviced in Mission as long as she owned it, even though she lived over an hour away.

Suzanne’s story illustrates how one interaction can leverage further business, but by sharing it with the group, how referral stems from these positive experiences.

Being viewed as a “small town”, Mission has a competitive edge to attract business by leveraging the customer service experience. Building on Suzanne’s testimony, it was this

individual customer care that caused her to act as a consumer. This sense of value that we can communicate to any customer changes how our business is viewed.

So are you leveraging your “small town” appeal? Do your customer walk away feeling valued?

Build your customer experience skills further on May 31 and join Worldhost Master Trainer Suzanne Carter for Worldhost Training. For more information call 604-826-6914.

Leverage your small town appeal with customers

604.820.1112604 820 1112swingoptical.comSIGHTSIGHT

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Building a relationship with your customers involves more than simply putting them on an e-mail newsletter list.

24 The Mission Record Thursday, May 10, 2012

BusinessTRACK

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Helping people Changing Lives Building Communities

All week long there’s something for every senior!

Free concert, dancing, social events, pancake breakfast, high tea and much more!

Be sure to check out the Mission Record May 31st for the Schedule of Events. You won’t want to miss it!

Mission Senior Week - June 2-10

33179 2nd Avenue Mission, BC V2V 1J9604.826.3634

info@missioncommunityservices.com

www.missioncommuni tyserv ices.com

2012

BOA

RD O

F DI

RECT

ORS

Elyssa Lockhart PRESIDENT

Todd BuggeDIRECTOR 2011

Sean MeliaVICE PRESIDENT

Trevor GirardDIRECTOR 2012

Satti GrewalDBA LIASON

Attila DavalovskyDIRECTOR 2011

Cal CrawfordPAST PRESIDENT

Pam AlexisDIRECTOR 2012

Tony LaPointeTREASURER

Vicki GouldDIRECTOR 2012

Ann HarperDIRECTOR 2011

Charles Vander BylDIRECTOR 2011

President's message

Apply to be on The Big Decision

In 1893 the Mission City Board of Trade (now the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce) was established by Harry French. Since then, we have developed and grown with the business community.

Through a survey, you have let us know that you agree we should celebrate our 120 years in the community. An extraordinary event and commemorative items topped your list of expectations. Nine members have offered to form a task force, to help the board develop a plan for this momentous milestone.

At the end of this month, I will be attending the BC Chamber of Commerce AGM, along with director Ann Harper. We will be presenting both our provincial and federal Fraser river management policies, and seeking support from the chamber network. It will be the fi rst time the Mission Chamber has developed and proposed policies for adoption on the provincial level. I am looking forward to reporting the successful adoption of our policies in our June newsletter.

Whether it is participating in task forces, volunteering at events or simply participating in surveys, your voice is ours. Over the course of the next year, I look forward to enhancing opportunities for more of your input.

Enjoy your read!

The producers of CBC’s hit show Dragons’ Den are looking for Canadian companies to participate in the second season of the reality business show The Big

Decision.

Canada’s top investors are on a mission: to spend their time and money to turn around struggling Canadian companies. These wealthy investors have founded companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Now, they will roll up their sleeves and visit the factories, shops, and offi ces of Canadian companies in need — providing expert business advice and a possible fi nancial investment.

CBC is sending out the call to business owners who would like to participate in the second season of this show. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to partner with a Dragon and receive national exposure for your company.

What type of companies can apply?

• Must have been in operation for at least three to fi ve years, or more;

• gross revenue of at least $500,000 per year;

• more than fi ve employees;

• privately held businesses, family businesses, partnerships,

limited partnerships;

• must be willing to commit to being fi lmed on camera for up

to a two-week period;

• a business registered in Canada, and;

• fl uent English speakers.

Here’s what our past participants have to say about their

experiences on the show:

“The benefi ts of the insights into your business and the

opportunities presented are large and worthwhile.”

Jennifer Williams, CEO, Camino.

“People keep coming by to see us because of ‘The Big

Decision.’ The show gave us great exposure and we’re so happy

to have participated.”

Karen King, co-owner, The Ice House.

To apply, visit cbc.ca/thebigdecision to complete an

application. Applications close June 8, 2012.

Allan MainLIAISON, C.F.N.F.

MayorTed Adlem

DOM LIAISON

The Mission Record Thursday, May 10, 2012 25

Membership of the Mission Chamber continues to grow in many different sectors.

Store front businesses with less than fi ve employees and home-based businesses see the many advantages of being part of the Chamber. Money-saving discounts, endless networking opportunities and community connections that are offered by the Chamber continue to be valued. Educational seminars offered throughout Small Business Month help Mission businesses acquire the skills to work on the many obstacles and challenges small and large business face each year.

The community is moving forward with development and with that comes new businesses.

Join us in welcoming 24 new Chamber Members that signed on this year:

BusinessTRACK

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Our constituency office is here to assist you with:•GOVERNMENT RELATED ISSUES •INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

•CERTIFYING YOUR COPIES •ARRANGING CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES

Randy HAWES, MLA Abbotsford - MissionMarc DALTON, MLA Maple Ridge - Mission

Marc DaltonMLA

Maple Ridge - Mission

Randy HawesMLA

Abbotsford - Mission

33058 First Avenue Mission, B.C. V2V 1G3 PHONE: 604-820-6203 TOLL FREE:1-866-370-6203 FAX: 604-820-6211

EMAIL: randy.hawes.mla@leg.bc.ca www.randyhawesmla.bc.caEMAIL: marc.dalton.mla@leg.bc.ca www.marcdaltonmla.bc.ca

CHAMBER COM

ING EVEN

TSMay 17

Chamber luncheonSpeaker: HR in a Box

Place: Mountain Room, Best Western

Time: 11:30 am to 1 pm

May 23Business After Hours

Members onlyPlace: Centennial Place

33032 11 Ave. Time: 5 to 7 pm

June 7Chamber Golf Tournament

Place: Mission Golf andCountry Club

SOLD OUT

June 9Building Community

Leadership SeriesHow the Table Works

Place: Mission LibraryTime: 9 am to 3:30 pm

June 13Business After Hours

Members onlyPlace: 2 - 33231 First Ave

Time: 5 to 7 pm

June 21Picnic in the Park

District's report to businessPlace: Fraser River

Heritage ParkTime: 11:30 am to 1 pm

Scan this QR code with your

smart phone to see

details on our website

Chamber membership growing

Lauri and Amber McConnell show off some of the high-visibility safety wear available in their newly opened store, Industry, on First Avenue.

Kane Shannon and Weiler,Barrister and Solicitors Lawyerswww.ksw.bc.ca604-746-4357

Your Getaway CoveragePet Services and Home Sittingwww.yourgetaway.coverage.ca604-302-1419

RJ Leger CGA Accounting and Bookkeeping604-826-5517

Tyler Dental ArtzDental Offi cewww.tylerdentalartz.ca604-826-9014

Artisan Log and Timber HomesContractorswww.artisanlog.com604-302-7929

Jackie McSween Training andDevelopmentEducationwww.jackiemcsween.ca778-240-1250

Life 472 Emergency PreparednessEssentialsEmergency Kitswww.life472.com604-302-5005

Oxy Blast InternationalAgriculturalwww.oxyblast.org604-826-8368

Image ImpactGraphic Designwww.imageimpact.ca604-850-2838

Mediast ServicesWeb Designwww.Mediast.com1-800-633-4278

Gara ConstructionConstruction604-462-8010

The FacilitatorsConsultants604-287-3331

Mike’s Computer ShopComputer Services and Sales604-746-0268

Excalibur ElectricElectricianwww.excaliburelectric.ca604-556-9903

Canamex International TradingCorp.Marketing/Distribution604-820-0012

Focal Point Landscaping DesignLandscaping604-826-0048

Personal Sleep SolutionsHome Furnishingswww.personalsleepsolutions.com1-888-501-1586

Accelerated JourneysConsultantswww.acceleratedjourneys.com604-217-6753

Valley PersonnelEmployment Serviceswww.valleypersonal.com604-859-6511

24 7 Security Ltd.Security Services604-625-0247

Maple Leaf Visas ServicesConsultants604-302-6952

Virtual Advantage New Media andMarketing Inc.Marketing/Web Designwww.virtualadvantage.com604-826-3949

Dougness Holding Ltd.Consultantswww.dougnessholdings.com604-826-7297

Mission Minor BaseballCommunity Organizations604-826-1229

Kerr Properties 002 Ltd.Real Estate and PropertyManagement604-856-9772

Blanket BC SocietyCommunity Organizationwww.blanketbc.org778-242-9940

Industry Work WearRetailwww.industryworkwear.ca604-287-2219

Casa del Sol Tanning and PiercingStudioTanning Salonwww.casadel.ca604-820-8010

26 The Mission Record Thursday, May 10, 2012

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BusinessTRACK

INTERIOR DESIGNR inside and out • Commercial & Residential • Colour Co-ordinating• Design - Advice - Assistance • Renovations - Construction• Decorating - Furnishings • “Staging” to sell

INTERRIO

For a consultation callGail Hanslo registered interior designer“Creating Beautiful Spaces Since 1981”

604-826-0594 gailhanslo@shaw.ca

Protecting families and businesses through Life insurance, Health & Mortgage insurance

Developing wealth and retirement strategies through smart investments with guarantees

Trevor Girard – A Valued Advisor Relationship focused, not transaction focused

Call: 604-287-5586 for your free consultation and quotes! Email: trevor.girard@futureright.ca Website: www.futureright.ca

FUTURE RIGHT

MMMMMiiisssssssssssiiiiooooooonnnnnnnnnnClay WClay Worrrrkkksssss

Discover

Unique Pottery

and Jewelry

33038 238 2ndnd AvenAvenue, Mission

(entrance and parking via the alley)h alley)

604-556-1501604-556

www.missionclayworks.com

We offer

classes for

adults &

children

“Promoting Business and Tourism Development in Mission”I N F O R M AT I O N AVA I L A B L E

• Mission Community Profi le• Commercial and Industrial Property Inventory

• Business Opportunities34033 LOUGHEED HWY., MISSION, BC V2V 5X8Tel: 604.820.3789 • Fax: 604.820.6738 • Toll Free: 1.866.814.1222

email: edc@mission.ca • www.mission.ca

P ti B i dd

Prospera Credit Union cares about your financial well-being.

See our investment experts for your complimentary financial plan and enter to win* a trip for two to Las Vegas!

Talk to us today1.888.440.4480 prospera.ca

*Round trip for two, includes flights and accommodation on the Vegas strip. No cash value. See branch for contest dates, rules and regulations.

Loans for business start-ups or expansions

604-826-6252 info@northfraser.org www.northfraser.org

2012

CHA

MBE

R TE

AMChamber supporting Wren Street project

M i s s i o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c ew w w. m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a 6 0 4 - 8 2 6 - 6 9 1 43 4 0 3 3 L o u g h e e d H w y, M i s s i o n B C V 2 V 5 X 8

"Membership has its

benefits!"Also, your centre for Mission & BC TouristInformation

Angel EliasMembership Co-ordinator

mem

bers

hip_s

ervic

es@

miss

ionch

ambe

r .bc

ca

Allison JackTourism Co-ordinator

tour

ism_s

ervic

es@

miss

ionch

ambe

r .bc

ca

Michelle FaveroManager

man

ager

@m

ission

cham

ber .

bc c

a

Heather KardalVolunteer Co-ordinator

volun

teer@

miss

ionch

ambe

r .bc

ca

STORE HOURS: MON - FRI 9AM -9PM; SAT & SUN 9AM - 6PM

Available only at the Mission Location

All types of Sand, Gravel & Topsoil

•Excavators •Low-beds •Topsoil •Loading •Trucking •Cats

DAVIESDAVIESSand & Gravel Ltd.

604.826.6736

11496 DEWDNEY TRUNK RD., MISSION, BC • MAIL - BOX 3663 • V2V 4L2

The recent development approval of the Carhoun and Sons application situated on

Wren Street and Lougheed Highway is a positive for Mission. Supported by the Chamber, this development fi ts within the OCP developed by the community in 2009.

As commercial infi ll, this development will add signifi cant commercial tax revenue for the district. Mission’s reliance on residential taxes to support municipal services discourages not only opportunities for growth and development, but also available services.

Additionally, the project offers other advantages that will offset district costs and meet identifi ed

community needs. Environmental compensation relating to the proposed development will include the gifting of high-value ecological land for trails and green space as well as redirection of un-detained storm water outfalls to address slope stability issues. Each of these items identifi ed are out of fi scal reach of the district.

While recognizing change is diffi cult, developing recognized commercial infi ll that will provide increased municipal revenue, long-term environmental benefi ts and value additions to municipal services, the Chamber fully supported the application and is pleased to see the project moving forward.

For more information on the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce,

go to www.missionchamber.bc.ca.