Page 6B The unemployment rate reported by Statistics Canada for the KOOTENAY COLUMBIA REGION 92 (Nelson, Castlegar, Revelstoke and Salmon Arm) continued to decline to 7.7 per cent in October/93 down significantly from 10.4 per cent in October/92 This is the lowest unemployment rate since 1981 The unemployment rate for this region continues to be lower than the provincial rate at 8.4 per cent for October /93 and is the second lowest in the Province, Congratulations Castlegar, keep up the good work by supporting your local businesses. The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has just introduced the Food Industry Market Devel opment Program - better known as BUY BC - a five year, $9.5 million initiative designed to increase awareness and use of British Columbia products grown, raised, caught or proc d in communities throughout the province. BUY BC has been careful ly developed The ministry has worked in partnership with industry stakeholders that the Minister's Council on The Castlegar Sun Kootenay-Columbia unemployment rate the Food Industry, a very active body which encom: passes a wide range of perspectives including vrow ers and harvesters, processors, labour restaurateurs and retatlers Together, pilot projects and focus groups have been conducted to canvass the Consumer. Through this extensive consultation process they have discov red that, when clearly identified, British Columbians will choose BC products over foreign products, If you would like more information, please contact the Chamber office Business proposals from the Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Industry has recently been received at the Castlegar Chamber Business Infor ure. They also have available their videoconference service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry If anyone is interested in pursuing this avenue, please contact the Castlegar Chamber office for more information Why is Voice Mailbox a good idea? It's personal, confidential messages can be sent and received, direct, detailed messages can be stored ion Cen. or transferred ‘to others; it’s a personal memo ser Vice. increases message detail/accuracy. Climinates telephone tag by delivering, receiving messages CHAMBER NE WS CASTLEGAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE instantly, significantly reduces paper memos; offers group message distribution with a a single call, it’s an inexpensive, after-hours message service with pro- Wednesday. December 8, 1993 continues to decline fessional quality and feature to name just a reasons. What's Happened to Business Communication? Seventy-five per cent of all business calls are not completed on the first attempt, 91 per cent of all mes sages are incomplete and require further contact between caller and recipient, 46 per cent have only Name and number, message taking is labour intensive and costly; 58 per cent: of voice mail users are able to replace 24 long distance calls per month, 66 per cent of voice mail users replaced 18 memos per month - to name just.a few of the statistics Voice mail is the communications tool of the 1990's. It’s designed to alleviate many of the con cems we experience day by day. If these figures are anywhere close to accurate for the typical business, consider organizing your schedule with the benefits of true. voice mail The Castle gar and District Chamber of Commerce would like to hear your comments on voice mail and if your business is interested in voice mail. Please give us acall = Tourism ‘goals Commerce encourages the NAFTA. vote President of Commerce speaks out on free trade agreement defined in booklet The Minister of Small Business, Tourism and Culture has provided the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce with a copy of the 1993/94 Tourism Business Plan which clearly identifies the tourism goals, activ- ities and priority projects of the Province of British Columbia for the fiscal year. The actions and corporate priorities outlined in this plan are focused on increasing tourism’s potential for creating sustained economic growth and new employment opportunities. By meeting these goals and objectives, the ministry is helping to fos- ter a long-term vision for the tourism industry which offers continued benefits to all British Columbians Tourism will be a major economic and social force in the province over the next decade. The industry currently contributes direct revenues of over 5.5 billion dollars to the provincial economy and employs over 180,000 people. The Minister believes that we can build on this base and create The 170,000 member Canadian Chamber of Commerce, a strong proponent of both the Trade Agreement with the U.S. and the ‘A, strongly encouraged the Government of Canada “to ensure that Canada is ready and has satisfied all domestic requirements” and to implement the Agreement on January | The Cai an Chamber of Commerce has been a very active player over the past few years, both publicly and behind-the-scenes, in the development and public debate of both the Free Trade Agreement and the North Ameri can Free Trade Agreement and is heavily involved in trade promotion activity in several key international markets on behalf of its members. The B.C. Chamber of Commerce is encour aged by the NAFTA vote. “This agreement will create one of the largest free trade areas in the world,” commented Dean Cooper, Presi dent of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce “And it is imperative that B.C. business take advantage of this trade opportunity. The B.C. economy is dependent on trade and to maintain our competitiveness in the world economy, it is first vital that we strengthen our already strong ties with our traditional mar kets, then we can look to compete in our non New members of the Castlegar Chamber of Com- merce for this month are A Castlegar welcome RHC Realty, located at 343 Columbia Avenue. Phone 365-0022 traditional markets. It is now a challenge for the B.C, Government to convince the other provinces that all inter-provincial trade barri- ers be removed so Canadian business can truly participate in a free trade environment. We are also hopeful the NAFTA decision will result in a quick conclusion to the current round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Because of the importance of trade to the B.C. business community, the B.C. Cham- ber supports the development of free le throughout the world. We hope the NAFTA vote will help towards having this happen,” Mr. Cooper concluded Auto Body & \ Hull Painting tourism strategies for significant growth while meeting our mutual goals of sustainability and regional development comes your comments or inquiries on this document. Please contact the Castlegar Chamber office for a copy The Minister wel- Modem Reflexology run by Viviane Dupuis located at 2808 Columbia Avenue 5121 to make an appointment Call 365- P.C.O, Services. Call Blaine McDonald at 368-3633 for your pest control needs. wee Discussing the vitality of small businesses The Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce Executive, Board of Directors, and staff would like to wish evervone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Please shop local and suppor your communi- ty. HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY. The Castlegar and District Chamber of office will be closed on December 24, 1993 and will re-open on January 3, 1994. We apol- ogize for any inconvenience Business news Recently received at our Business Informa- tion Office is a discussion paper from the Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Cul- ture, regarding the Province’s commitment to Small Business. Small business is vital to the growth of B.C.’s economy. The government's determination to meet challenges faced and identified by the small business community will be with common sense and practical solutions that work in business. This discussion paper summarizes what small businesses have told the government and proposes some possible solutions. They peruse this discussion paper, ph nt the Chamber office The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has just released a book on their positions on Selected National and International Issues The resolutions were discussed, amended and: approved during a debate, at which time accredited Voting delegates from across the country considered. The resolutions will be brought to the atten tion of appropriate federal government offi cials and other bodies to whom the recommendations are directed. The method of presentation of each item will be determined by a number of factors, including subsequent events and legislation which may affect the subject matter, additional information that may become available, the timing of a presen tation, etc Throughout the year, Chamber members will be updated and advised of the action(s) taken on each of these position by way of summaries and reports. This book is available at the Castlegar and District Chamber of Com- merce Business Information Centre The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has just released its five p \ Canada’s largest business association released its top five pnionties for the next 12 months The Board of Director we member ship of the Canadian Chamb. decided this year to focus its er and deficit/debt reduction, because both go hand in hand. Our priorities are linked to these ays Canadian Chamber Presi vy on job creation two key areas dent Tim Reid. ‘The Chamber of course, will continue its efforts in other key policy areas, as outlined in the 1993-94 Policy Book.” (As noted above) The top five priorities are as follows 1. Creating a climate that will allow our entrepreneurs To hire more people 2. Small and medium sized businesses fueling our engines to growth 3. Debtideficit reduction 4. Training 5. Opening international markets “We look forward to working with the new government on these and many other areas that Chamber delegates voted on at our recent ICBC Claims Handled Promptly Complete Auto Body Repairs - Custom Painting Refurbishing - Gel Coating - Factory Paint Matching - Keel Capping 1364 Forest Road (Labatt's Bldg.) 365-2505 Hwy. to Grand Forks - turn in at 14th Ave. (Emcon) Complete Boat Repairs and Paint Refinishing Boat Detailing "bringing the office together” ie ) Office Systems Ltd Come see us for your office needs | ¢ Fax machines ¢ Voice mail ¢ Phone systems ¢ Photo copiers <."| © Office furniture systems SS 640 Front Street ¢ Nelson Tel: (604) 352 212 22 © Fax: ( Taylors Place Family Restaurant FULL FAMILY MED? DOURKHOBOR CUISINE | | | | | Wednesday, December & 199 The Castlegar Sun Page 7B Our Community Cares about Drinking and Driving 0 matter where you're headed, when you drink and drive any road could lead to a dead end. Statistics show that even one drink can impair judgement and reflexes, so all it It's the End of the Road 5 PAINT [oes WALLCOVERINGS * WINDOW BLINDS Bring a friend home for Christmas — don't let friends drink and drive. Kootenay Computers Inc, 2313 - 6 Avenue, Castlegar, B.C. Phone: 365-2323 € wr —(Lbg" PHOTO Fine Portraits & Cameras For All Your Photographic Needs Flke portraits « Custom framing + Cameras » Accessories graphic processing Is. jentally friendly, & we recycle. ; 1125 - 4th Street, Castlegar + 365-7515 (ee. takes is one driver who's had one drink to set the scene for y tragedy. Make sure your holiday season has a happy ending. If you plan to drink, ask a friend to drive or travel by taxi. We want you to have a safe and happy New Year. G@ Cohoe Insurance Agency Ltd. WE MAKE BUYING INSURANCE EASY 1127 - 4th Street Castlegar, B.C. VIN 2A8 Canadian Accredited Insurance Brokers SLUMBER LODGE Inns & Motels Across B.C. [= DON'T DRINKAND DRIVE — | We recommend General Paint Products 611 Columbia Ave., Castlegar * 365-6214 Be a designated driver and make sure everyone gets home safely. Stay safe this holiday season.., Stay with us RESERVATIONS CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-663-2831 You can save a life—bea designated driver. 365-3138 Make sure your Christmas ‘cheer’ includes “I’m the designated driver.” oes ae: Walk, take the bus or taxi if you've been drinking. If you are going to have a ‘Merry’ Christmas, make sure SAN UP someone else drives. Slocan Forest Products Ltd. Slocan B.C., Canada VOG 2CO Telephone: (604) 355-2216 ACE DISPOSALS 369-7007 want to hear your opinion. If you would like Annual Meeting,” says Reid DISPOSALS LTD And the winner of the new home is... Alberta woman wins $200,000 home in NRS contest — B.C. Zayadi and Jay Gardiner, a Submitted partner with Price Waterhouse, drew the winning ticket from the Hani J. Zayadi, President and _ hundreds of thousands of entries Chief Executive Officer of received across Canada and the National Real Estate Service, is U.S pleased to announce the winner “I was flabbergasted. I just of its $200,000 WIN A HOME didn’t believe it. Never in my CONTEST. wildest dreams did I expect this,” Mrs. Bessie Gingrich, a retired commented Gingrich upon being citizen of Stony Plain, Alberta, notified of her win Gingrich says Canada, was the lucky winner in she will use the $200,000 to build the random draw that took place a new home ona plot of land she on November 22, 1993 at the currently owns in Stony Plain, offices of Price Waterhouse Char and rent out her current home tered Accountants in Vancouver. Bom in Heatherdown, Alberta Gingrich has lived in Stony. Plain most of her life. She has six chil- dren, 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren “For many retirees, singles and families alike, owing your own home is still the biggest investment of a lifetime. We're proud to be able to provide Mrs. Gingrich with the opportunity to build her new dream home,” says Zayadi, who notes that the $200,000 prize may be one of the biggest giveaways ever by a real estate company The NATIONAL WIN A HOME CONTEST ran from May 15 to October 31, 1993 in Canada and the U.S. To enter, contestants simply filled out free entry forms at open houses and participating offices in the NATIONAL family (which includes NRS, Red Carpet and Gallery of Homes offices throughout North America). ‘NATIONAL would like*to thank all those people who partic ipated in the WIN A HOME CONTEST,” adds Zayadi. “The contest was a lot of fun for all of our brokers and sales associates, See WINNER 6B ceung Banquet facility Ken, Gail & Taylor Gedd Proprietors 908 COLUMBIA AVE. C = HES (604) 365-5516 ASTLEGAR, B.C. VIN 1H2 ADVERTISING SYSTEMS INC. e produce all Wasneee locally, from design concepts, through fabrication, to S CLEAN-SCENE CARPET CLEANERS + PROFESSIONAL CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING With Complete Rinsing For § * FLOOD CLEANUP SPECIALISTS * TRAINED PROFESSIONALS With Over 26 Years of Combin THE CARPET CLEANERS MOST PEOPLE RELY ON OUR REPUTATION SPEAKS FOR US. FOR A FREE ESTIMATE CALL 365-6969 @ CANADA LIFE Watch For Our Grand Opening In Castleaird Plaza Jan. 3rd, 1994 Cliffe Churches Insurance Specializing in: ¢Family Insurance * Disability Income ¢ R.R.S:P Castlegar 365-6136 Licensed & Sponsored through Canada Life Colourmix also provides pai * screenprinting, hats and t-shirts * banners, banners, banners * decals ° * WHMIS labelling contracts for industrial, commercial and residential applications. Phone us for your quote. ¢ Electric signs ¢ Plywood/plastic foam signs routered signs * Industrial safety signs * wall murals * computer generated vinyl letters and graphics * magnetics * truck/car/boat lettering ' 2327 - 6TH Ave., Castiecar, B.C. Fax: 365-7692 1-800-667-2455 365-7672 Castlegar Foods 635 Columbia Ave., Castlegar Site 3 - Comp. 27 - RR#1 GIENGER Castlegar, B.C. ¢ 365-5221 Alcohol and driving don't mix. Be responsible this Christmas season. Arrange for a designated driver, Capitol Tractors 4130 Minto Rd., Castlegar * 365-6747 \ JOHN DEERE Celebrate Life CELEBRATE LIFE Please Don't Drink and Drive BChydro & Be a member of the majority — don't drive if you've been drinking. FS PHARMASAVE 1128 - 3rd St. (Downtown) Castlegar 365-7813 Think Twice...Before You "Tie One On." Don't Drink and Drive. a4 1306 Columbia Avenue PROPANE Castlegar ¢ 365-5154 STEER CLEAR Let's work together to accelerate our efforts in Drinking Driving Counter Attack.