Focus on your work future with free event

Have you recently been laid off and are open to something completely different work-wise? Wondering if now’s a favourable time to consider switching to a different industry? Not sure what that field might be?

Or maybe you’re curious about a specific career field but not sure if you’ve got the training or skills needed to even think about it yet? Interested in discovering what industries are likely candidates for expansion in the short and long term here on the North Island and further afield?

The Careers of the Future forum at the Community Centre tomorrow, Thursday, June 11, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm is worth checking out for the answers to these questions – it’s a one stop shop for current, relevant employment-related information.

NIEFS and the Mid-Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC) provide a valuable opportunity to research a variety of possible career paths in expanding sectors. Talk to real live people who can answer your questions based on their first-hand knowledge of the industry.

Speakers scheduled:  

• Neucel Speciality Cellulose
•  Millwright and Electrical Programs at North Island College
• Marine Harvest Canada
• Aquaculture Program at Vancouver Island University
• Sealand Aviation
• Aircraft Structures Technician Program at North Island College
• Hillmark Boats
• Silva Bay Shipyard School (Boat Building and Restoration)

 Employers who will be there:

• North Island Film Commission
• Tremain Media
• Plutonic Power
• Chameleon Creative Web and Graphic Design
• Canadian Forces
• Neucel Speciality Cellulose
• Marine Harvest Canada
• Sealand Aviation
• Timberwright Manufacturing
• Hillmark Boats  

Organizations:

• Campbell River Chamber of Commerce
• BC Construction Association
• River Corp
• North Island Employment Foundation Society (NIEFS)
• Mid-Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC)

Training Institutions:

• Discovery Community College
• Vancouver Island University
• North Island College (NIC)
• Silva Bay Shipyard School

Talk to people who can tell you what courses and programs are available to help you qualify for the job you’re interested in. Not all training has to take years before you’re job ready.

Financial Supports:

• New Employee Wage Subsidy (NEWS)
• Training Support Centre

If you’re curious about opportunities in the oil and gas sector or health care, there will also be information on these industries. 

It’s free – and there are door prizes too. Call NIEFS at 250-286-3441 if you have questions or to pre-register for the hour-long presentations that start at 1:10pm and 2:10pm.

Accurate and relevant information is your first step when you’re overwhelmed in this time of huge and rapid change in the world of work. Solid information will help you make decisions about your next steps. Find it at the Community Centre tomorrow. Grab the possibilities.

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Campbell River Chamber honours Business Awards Winners

The Campbell River Community Centre was the place to be last night, Saturday May 30, as a broad range of Chamber members, family, and friends gathered to learn the 2009 winners of the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Awards of Distinction.

Congratulations to these eight winners:

Microbusiness of the Year: Stonehouse Teas, Tanya Hofer Owner.

Other finalists in this category were Two Hills Ventures (Denise Mitchell-Hills Vice President), and Kim Jarvis’ Shadoe Intimates.  This was the first year for this category.

 The finalists for Small Business of the Year were the Campbell River Volunteer Society, ably coordinated by Louise Howes, Needle and Arts Centre, owned and manger by Inga Kettler, and Rehabilition in Motion, Tanya Yardley, CEO.

The award went to Rehabilitation in Motion for Small Business of the Year.  

Next up was Intermediate Business. Chan Nowosad Boates Chartered Accountants took this award for 2009.

Coast Realty Group, Janet Scotland Manager Broker, and Ketza Pacific Construction, with Wayne Schofield leading, were the other finalists. 

 Always a popular category, the finalists for Large Business were John Howard Society, Tanya Storr, Communications Director, Pioneer Home Hardware under the guidance of owner Gary Thulin, and Quality Foods.

The winner of Large Business? Cyriel DeBruyne, Manager, and the gang at Quality Foods.

A new category this year was Family Friendly Business of the Year. The three finalists were Chan, Nowasad Boates, London Drugs, and Rehabilitation in Motion.

It was a two-award evening for Rehabilition in Motion as they made their second trip to the official picture area, this time for Family Friendly Business of the Year.

The importance of  both Young Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders in Campbell River was recognized by the nine member judging panel with the introduction of these categories.

Crowne Pacific Homes owner Brett Giese, Candice Martel of Eden Street Salon, and LA Smith Productions owner Laurie Smith vied for this award.

The Young Entrepreneur Award was in fact brought home by Crowne Pacific Homes AND Eden Street Salon.

Three individuals competed for the title of Business Leader last night. They were Roy Grant, realtor and City Councillor, Doug Preston, the Executive Director of NIEFS and Gary Thulin of Pioneer Home Hardware.

There can only be one winner and for 2009, the first winner in this new category was Doug Preston.

Councillor Andy Adams and Chamber President Andy Leitch provided a highlight of the evening as the former pushed the latter through the crowd to show the snazzy office chair donated by Monk Office Supply. Bill Matthews once again worked his live auction magic, bringing in almost $200 for the chair and more than $150 for two gorgeous hanging baskets donated by Campbell River Garden Centre.

Appetizers, desserts, and hot beverages were provided by a variety of local businesses including The Royal Coachman, Starbucks, Cheesecake 101, and The Willows.

 Silent auction donors included The Mirror, Chameleon Creative, Marine Harvest Canada, Moxie’s Classic Grill, Sonora Forestry, Triumph Vocational Services, and Gina Forsyth (that’s me!).

 Thanks to the judging committee, awards committee, Chamber staff and board, volunteers, and of course emcees Ryan and Brianna from 97.3 The Eagle for a successful event.  See you next year.

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