The Mission Record Thursday, July 11, 2013 15

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

www.m i s s i o n c h amb e r. b c . c a

Downtown plan implementation now underway

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The downtown planning process is now complete and the implementation of

the plan is well on its way. Two important components of the planning process were to con-sider implementation of the plan right from the beginning of the process; and to ensure meaning-ful public engagement through-out the process. As the process unfolded, the participation by the community built enthusiasm and a vision for downtown as the community gathering place that it was in the past.

People would start with, “I re-member coming downtown for …” and often veer into nostalgia or a fit of laugher as they recalled happy times in the area with fam-ily and friends.

The plan has 10 Big Moves framed around five Fundamen-tals. Fundamentals are givens; things that are so important or expected that they are considered fundamental to the economic, social and environmental health of Mission. They include multi-modal transportation, a mix of high-density land use at the core of the community where there are services and transportation connections, high-quality public realm, parks and open spaces for the community to enjoy and share with visitors, social needs and community issues emphasize the importance of a safe and vibrant downtown, and economic conditions for success of a thriving community with the downtown as a key indicator of a vibrant community economy.

The planning process has brought attention to Mission from businesses and developers who may not have looked this far east in the past. The five fundamentals link downtown initiatives with other activities happening within

Mission such as tourism and the Municipal Forest project, the fact that existing buildings at the Silvercreek Industrial Park are at capacity, and increasing interest for developing the waterfront. By clearly articulating the direction for re-development of the core of the community, the downtown economy will improve along with the sense of pride for the commu-nity. As the plan is implemented, any business thinking of moving to Mission will get a positive feel for the community by visiting downtown.

The 10 Big Moves represent a series of actions intended to in-vest in public spaces and prepare the downtown for private invest-ment. They include moving the regional traffic off First Avenue and lining the streets with trees, benches where shoppers can rest and plazas where pedestrians can enjoy community events. Organizing and promoting events within the downtown and other venues within Mission will give people more reasons to come downtown. Creating a sense of excitement will turn downtown

into the urban village it wants to be; a place where residents can live, work, shop, learn and play.

The plan emphasizes the im-portance of the downtown as a civic and educational centre that supports retail and service uses. Incentives for developing down-town are proposed for a short period of time to improve the viability for development. A new approach to improve safety and security is proposed. It combines an ambassador and clean streets program, both of which have proven successful in other com-

munities.While moving regional traffic

off First Avenue will improve the experience for pedestrians, the enhanced streetscape, gateway features and public art will draw people to downtown’s plazas, parks and businesses. The public investment proposed for public spaces will invite people to come to downtown to celebrate Mis-sion’s rich culture and authentic urban village setting, which other communities strive to create, but that Mission already has in its unique compact downtown.

A reworked post office area on Welton Street is part of the suggestions in the downtown plan.SUBMITTED IMAGE

16 The Mission Record Thursday, July 11, 2013

On July 2 the revitalized Oyama Friendship Garden was rededicated by Mayor Komiyama (Oyama, Japan) and Mayor Adlem. It marked the coming together of the sister cit-ies as well as the work of many hands.

The original garden, the work and vision of Bert Pulles (Mole Man) was built as recognition of the Sister City relationship on the original site of the Visitor Centre A-frame in St. Mary’s Park. In need of some tender loving care, the garden had long been an oasis for travelers and community members. With a design donated by Focal Point Landscape, the Gorilla Gardeners, Parks and Recreation and the Chamber worked to revitalize the garden.

The new garden en-

trance gate sports red posts, topped by local cedar. The Oriental-themed garden also includes a bridge made from Mission trees and the original dedication obelisk.

The Chamber would like to extend thanks to those that donated mate-rials. Davies Sand & Grav-el, S. Sharpe Timber, Fra-ser Valley Buildings Sup-plies, Holdsworth Lumber, K.Z. Auger Services, and Nutek Signs. And those many hands that volun-teered their time.

Interested in being a patron of the garden? Me-morialize your support of the Sister City relationship or your family’s connec-tion to Mission by dedi-cating a planting. Contact the Chamber for more in-formation 604-826-6914.

BusinessTRACK

www.m i s s i o n c h amb e r. b c . c a

2013

BOA

RD O

F DI

RECT

ORS

Sean Melia PRESIDENT

Ann HarperVICE PRESIDENT

Pam AlexisDIRECTOR

Cal CrawfordDIRECTOR

Corey JongDIRECTOR

Christopher RobertsonDIRECTOR

Dave SawatzkyDIRECTOR

Elyssa LockhartPAST PRESIDENT

Tricia TownsendDIRECTOR

Carol HamiltonDIRECTOR

Trevor GirardTREASURER

Satti GrewalDIRECTOR

Renovated garden now open

“Shop Local, Spend Local, Eat Local, Enjoy Local.”This is the mantra of the Chamber for the start of summer; a follow up to

the highly successful “Pay It Forward” program initiated in November last year. As a Chamber our focus continues to be on strengthening the local business community through advocacy and programs to increase aware-ness of and activity for local business.

In order for a community to retain businesses and services they must be patronized. If no one goes swimming there won’t be a pool, likewise, if no one shops locally there will be no local shopping. Ask any community and/or non-profit groups and they will tell you that when it comes time to look for non-government support for their cause or service, they look to local business first. Keep this in mind, because as you shop local you are also helping to support local community and non-profit organizations.

While you may not be able to get everything you need at a local business or market, you can probably get more than you think.

To piggyback on the local theme, there is considerable momentum for moving forward with the Downtown Action Plan, designed to create an enhanced and inclusive downtown area for all to enjoy. The initial report which compiled information gathered during the process that started in October 2012 was on display at the recent public open house. There was a good crowd of curious Mission residents and business owners in atten-dance to hear the presentation with a general positive reception to the “10 Big Moves.” The plan represents considerable potential to create a more successful Downtown Mission. If you haven’t seen the draft action plan it is on the district website. Have a look and feel the excitement it generates!

Allan MainLIAISON, C.F.N.F.

MayorTed Adlem

DOM LIAISON

President's message

Your Comfort is our Calling.

Serving the Fraser Valley for over 13 years.

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The Mission Record Thursday, July 11, 2013 17

By Kathleen Rake

“We are passionate about helping people all over the world achieve clean, safe, nutritious water,” said Zak Motala, president of Pu-roxi Pure Water Global Inc. “Water is life.”

Headquartered in Der-oche, just east of Mission, Puroxi’s established and well-trained international dealer network has been helping farmers, NGOs and individuals achieve clean water since 2008.

“While we serve clients worldwide and definitely

have a big-business attitude,” said Zak, “we are proud of our small-business, home-town heart.”

Puroxi uses hydrogen per-oxide as the base for its puri-fication systems.

“I discovered hydrogen peroxide’s benefits when I was experiencing a personal health issue,” shared Zak. “And that’s how it all started, way back in 2003,” he added.

Puroxi is USDA organic ap-proved, plus, NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) product is available.

But we’re more than full-service water purification

systems for industry, agri-culture and municipalities,” Zak explained. “We have products for personal use. Personal water safety is im-portant — always. Take our SolarBag, for instance. It’s ideal for individuals who like to hike, boat and camp. And it’s perfect for the home emergency kit.”

This award-winning tech-nology uses the power of sunlight to provide three litres of pure drinking water in as few as three hours. No batteries, chemicals or filters are needed.

Zak is proud to be a mem-

ber of the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“The Chamber has helped us keep in touch with our community and made sure we are always aware of changing rules and legislation as they relate to business.”

He credits his put-people-first attitude with the growth of his business.

“Always be ethical and sin-cere with everyone, regard-less of their position,” he said. “Insist all your suppliers and associates do the same.”

For more information, visit puroxi.com or call 604-826-8368.

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w w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a

When you know the local real estate market like I do, sales happen faster.

Looking? Listing? CALL TODAY!

604-854-039232386 Fletcher Avenue,Mission

email: calinmission@hotmail.com

Cal CrawfordOver 30 years experience

CHAMBER COM

ING EVEN

TSAugust

Speed NetworkingPlace: Boston Pizza

Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

September 12Annual Golf TournamentPlace: Cedar Ridge Golf

CourseShotgun start at noon.

September 19Chamber luncheon

Place: Chapel Room, Rockwell's Bar and Grill

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

September 27Curling Night Mixer

Place: Mission Curling Club

Time: TBA

Come hang out with Stan at the Visitor Centre this

summerE-mail Chani Webster

at volunteer@missionchamber.bc.ca

Scan this QR code with your

smart phone to see

details on our website

Putting people first key to Puroxi's business success

Chamber Snapshots: A close-up look at members that keep Mission humming

Zak Motala, president of Puroxi Global Inc., offers USDA organic approved water purifier and solar bags.CLICK MEDIA WORKS PHOTO

18 The Mission Record Thursday, July 11, 2013

w w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a

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“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

2013

CHA

MBE

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AM

Shift 10% of where you spend your cash

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

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When dollars are spent lo-cally, they can be re-spent locally, raising the overall

level of economic activity, paying more salaries, and building the local tax base. This re-circulating of money leads to an increase of economic activity. The degree of ex-pense is entirely dependent on the percentage of money spent locally.

Recent provincial programs such as the 10% Shift argue that if ev-eryone in BC shifted 10 per cent of their purchasing to local it would boost our community’s economies and create sustainable local em-ployment.

It is estimated that Mission has more than 80 per cent retail leak-age. What does that really mean? On average more than $100 million is spent in retail stores in neigh-bouring communities. Imagine what shifting $10 million into the local economy would do. Local economic impact multipliers of that shift in spending bring that value

to $43 million. That $10 million will circulate seven times in the local economy before leaving.

It’s also important to remember that in addition to buying from a local business or service, shifting can still involve the purchase of products from national chains. For example, locally made products are sold in many of the larger retailers in Mission, bringing the ability to shift even easier.

Make a pledge to shop local (www.shoplocalmission.com) and try to shift 10 per cent of your spending.

For more information on the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce,

go to www.missionchamber.bc.ca.

Allison JackAdministration

Adm

in@M

ission

Cham

ber.b

c.ca

Michelle FaveroManager

exec

dir@

Miss

ionCh

ambe

r .bc

ca

Clare SeeleyVisitor Services

Info@

Miss

ionCh

ambe

r.bc.c

a

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The Mission Record Thursday, July 11, 2013 19

www.m i s s i o n c h amb e r. b c . c a

120

YEAR

S ST

RON

G

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Taylor, Tait, Ruley & CompanyB A R R I S T E R S & S O L I C I T O R S

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Eleanor L. MacDonald B.A., LL.B.

• Real Estate & Mortgages• Wills/Estate Planning• Committeeships• Separation Agreements• Uncontested Divorces• Marriage Contract • Estates

Chris Stenerson B.A., LL.B

• Divorce/Family Law Litigation• Separation Agreements• Marriage Contracts • Personal Injury (ICBC claims)• Wills/Estate Planning• General Litigation• Collections • Foreclosures

Troy A. Dickson B.Comm., J.D.

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Shop local feels like a new concept however the Chamber has been a promoter of shop-ping local since the beginning with the

original land sale.More recently, in the mid-1990s “Mission

bucks” were given out as no-interest loans, which could be spent in participating local businesses. This was tied in with radio and newspaper ad-vertising. There was even a Mission shop local jingle! And a “shop local” float in the Candlelight Parade.

By the start of the new millennia Santa’s Bus encouraged buying your Christmas shopping in Mission. It picked up local residents and took them to the Downtown, Mission Hills and the Junction.

Last year saw the launch of the successful Pay it Forward campaign, giving the Mission com-munity the opportunity to collect the receipts of local retailers from Nov. 16 to Dec. 15. For every receipt collected, the Chamber donated 10 cents to the Mission Christmas Bureau. Exceeding ex-pectations, 48,623 receipts were collected, result-ing in a donation of $4,862.30.

Now we are asking you to pledge to shop local, if you haven’t taken it already, go to www.shoplo-calmission.com.

Did you know? When you shop local, of every $100 spent at a locally owned store, $73 stays in the community; when you shop in the large chains $47 stays in Mission. This money contin-ues to circulate up to seven times in Mission.

120 years of talking shop local

Numerous shop local campaigns have happened throughout Mission's history.SUBMITTED PHOTO

W W W. S H O P LO C A L M I S S I O N . C O M