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There is now a locally owned trust company right here in the Okanagan. After applying to the Financial Institutions Commission of British Columbia to form a “Trust Only” Trust Company, Community Western Trust Corporation located at 1679 Pandosy Street was formed. This is a new non-deposit taking trust company, specializing in wills and estates. Community Western Trust offers residents a choice in naming their executor. At present that may include family, friends, a solicitor, accountant or if you wish to name a corporate executive, a bank owned trust company. Individuals can be assured that their estate can be professionally administered locally. The branch is managed by Ian Williamson, former branch manager of Montreal Trust and subsequently with Scotiabank. Acting as a consultant to the company is Don McIntosh, former manager of Royal Trust. Both are well-known in the local financial industry. Call 860-4626.
After over 35 years with TELUS, 25 of those in Kelowna , Technology & Operations service manager Bill Checkley has retired.
Predator Ridge Shuttle has changed their name to “Falcon Bus Charters”. Owned by Tom O’Rourke with Gerry Ellchuck as operations manager, the company offers visitors to the Okanagan a very reliable, efficient and most luxurious way to reach their destinations. They service the entire valley traveling to local golf courses, hotels, restaurants, or any of the four local ski hills. They transport teams, weddings, corporate and group charters of all sizes. Their fleet consists of two, 20 passenger and one 16 passenger mini buses. Their newest fleet member is a 47 passenger MCI Tour bus completely equipped. One thing I’m sure, if Gerry or one of his driver’s is hosting you, you can be sure you will get there safe, have a fun time and the cost will be affordable. There’s a neat story behind the name. Last year Gerry hauled the “Kelowna Falcons” baseball team owned by Dan Nonis. He enjoyed them so much and with his already made “Falcon bird logo” it all just fit! Call toll-free 1-866-764-1911; local at 503-1510; e-mail quotes@falconbuscharters.com or web-site www.falonbuscharters.com
Formerly with Investors Group Securities, Arvind Sharma, CIM, FCSI is a new financial consultant with Scotia Private Client Group at 488 Bernard Avenue . Arvind specializes in estate planning and investment advice. Call 712-7203.
Lots happening at Gallagher’s Canyon and the Okanagan Golf Club. Starting off the new season, general manager of both clubs, Tammy Munn is taking a sabbatical until December 31 and Dan Matheson at The Okanagan Golf Club and Peter Hopley at Gallagher's Canyon will be the two acting general manager's in her absence. Jon Kadin is the new golf professional at Gallagher’s Canyon and Jason Laczkovics the new golf professional at The Okanagan Golf Club. Also, accountant Rosemary Eaton has retired and was recently married in Kauai to Brian Vance. Replacing Rosemary is Mena Lacaria, formerly of the Kelowna Golf and Country Club.
Two great gals have new positions at the L.A. Weight Loss Centre. Alex Taylor is the new assistant manager and Barb Lloyd the new director of operations and marketing. L.A. Weight Loss Centre is opening a new clinic in Prince George in September, 2006. Melonie Dodaro is the owner of L.A. Weight Loss Centres in Kelowna and Kamloops and the new one opening in Prince George .
Lisa Hobson has been appointed the new executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Okanagan (BBBS). She takes over from Leanne Hammond Komori who held the position for the past four years. Lisa most recently was the BBBS’s renew crew operations manager for six years and has an extensive background in finance, business management and human resources. With over 200 children on the wait list the BBBS board of directors feels Hobson is the right person to deliver on the vision of “Every child who needs a mentor has a mentor.”
A.O.G. Air Support Inc., a leading provider of aerospace safety and performance modifications announced that Dave Barron is their new president and CEO and that Gerald A. Stevenson will assume his new role as CFO effective immediately. Doug Kobayashi was the former president who has moved on to other endeavors. Barron previously held the position of CEO since 1997 and stepped down in his role as president to bring on Doug Kobayashi. He was also the company’s founding president. Gerald Stevenson is a certified public accountant.
Had a chat with Norbert Gelowitz, general manager, B. C. Retail Properties of Oxford Properties Group (Orchard Park Shopping Centre) and he was hoping that they might be able to make an announcement about the new tenants at the old Wal-Mart site in about two-three weeks. We’re all ears!
The same great bakers and friendly staff are at Granada Bakery at 189 Highway 33 East, but the bakery has new owners and a whole new look. New owners Natalie and Heath Parker recently emigrated from England (stayed in Hope, B.C. for a month and they’re not sure why) and have completely renovated the bakery adding new equipment and a brand new delivery van. Granada Bakery has been in business for over 15 years and specialize in and are well-known for their wide selection of donuts. Since Natalie and Heath have taken over they are introducing new products such as new bread varieties. Call 215-3048
Arby’s on Harvey has a brand new look. They have completely renovated sporting a whole new colour pallet in the latest earth-tone colours. The store has new booths and tables, Corian countertops; beautiful plank flooring, rock pillars and rock accessory walls, new front entry tiles and the bathrooms have also been redone. They have also implemented some new services, including the new single line service (like the banks and airports) and now have a new self-serve condiment bar. It’s really neat. The restaurant has been closed for the renovations but re-opened today (Wednesday). Arby’s is owned by Bob and Pat Laurin and Rob Belanger is the general manager. They are open seven days a week with their drive-thru open 24/7.
The Kelowna Hotel Motel Association has a new 2006 Board of Directors. Congratulations to president, Stan Martindale (Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre); treasurer, Heather Schaub (Casa Loma Resort); secretary, Karen Stevenson (Accent Inns) and past-president Graham Allen (GPA Property Management). Directors are Basil Zailo (Vineyard Inn), Glen Standon (Royal Anne), Heather Schroeter (Manteo Resort), Rod Shuttleworth (Witmar Holdings) and Rosemary Patterson (Best Western Inn).
Making Waves Hair Salon & Spa has new owners and has been completely renovated with a whole new transformation of the shop. Owned by Steve Pilon, who has been in the industry since 1978 and is the day to day guy and Warren Felsterman who takes care of the accounting, the shop is located in Plaza 33 next to Coopers in Rutland . They have five stylists and are open seven days a week. Along with the latest in hair techniques, the shop provides esthetics services with bio-sculpture nails. They also have a state-of-the-art sun tan booth. Call 765-3531
It’s here again by popular demand! The United Way is having their 6th Annual Tasting & Fundraising Event “Cheers for Charity” on Thursday, March 16th from 5-9 at the Coast Capri Hotel. The theme is St. Patrick’s Day with Irish music and “green is the theme”. There are eight breweries participating including Granville Island Brewing, Freddy’s Brew Pub, Mark Anthony Brands, Okanagan Spring Brewery, Pacific Western Brewing Co., Cannery Brewery, Tree Brewing and The Tin Whistle. What a line up. The tickets are only $20 per person and includes two tastes (more can be purchased), keepsake glass, great appetizers and a silent auction. It’s sure to be an “Irish good time”. Purchase tickets at the United Way office at 249 Lawrence or Freddy’s Brew Pub or call 860-2356. All United Way Director’s also have tickets for sale, including myself.
Congratulations to Sid and Tomi Tamaki on their 50th Anniversary on February 23.
Had a really neat experience I’d like to share with you. I took the sea plane over to Victoria on Thursday, February 16th and was invited by MLA Sindi Hawkins to attend a special lunch at the legislature. To thank all the people who worked with and supported Sindi during her illness, her mom and dad Manohar and Sharan Ahluwalia, along with their good friend, Baljindar Tekhi, a chef in Victoria, prepared an authentic Indian cuisine lunch for all the people that work in the legislature buildings, including staff, assistants, government officials, MLA’s and Ministers. Sindi’s brother Lucky also came over from Kelowna to help them. Sindi and I gave out the dessert and it was overwhelming to see all the people in Victoria in one place. Over 250 people attended the luncheon with nothing but rave reviews. It was fabulous. Imagine cooking for 250 people. I think it took them over two full days to prepare and the whole morning to set it up. What a nice thing to do! Sindi’s mom and dad are very genuine people with hearts of gold. Nothing is ever too much trouble for them.
Tourism Kelowna ’s Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting is being held March 8 from 2-4:30pm at the Coast Capri. This year, they are broadening the picture of our tourism destination by bringing in guest speaker Michele McKenzie, CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission, which moved to Vancouver January 1. She will speak to what the CTC does to promote tourism outside of Canada , and provide a sense of how Tourism Kelowna fits into the big picture of promoting tourism in Canada . This year, the meeting is open to the public who may want to find out more about our tourism industry. There is no charge to attend but you must pre-register and reserve by calling Jennifer at 861-1515, ext.26 or e-mail. There are no voting privileges for the general public but hearing the speaker might be something local entrepreneurs may find useful.
Pioneer Market on Benvoulin Road has re-opened for the season for breakfast, lunch and coffee. They are still offering their ever-popular bread, baking, take-away meals and much more.
The next Kelowna Women is Business meeting is Wednesday, March 8 at The Harvest Golf Club at 5:30pm . Brenda Tournier of the Women’s Enterprise Centre is the keynote speaker. Register on-line at www.kwib.ca or call 861-4266 or e-mail kwib@shawcable.ca. No registration at the door.
There are only a couple of tables and a few tickets still available for the event of the year, being The Cops for Kids RCMP Regimental Ball on March 9th at Prospera Place . I’m honoured to have been asked to be “Honourary Chair” of the event. Call Thom and Associates at 712-3050.
Speaking of Scotiabank, for all you Scotiabankers or retired Scotiabankers who knew Jack McKinty, I attended a retirement party in Vancouver for him last week. Jack was a well-known vice-president of the bank, servicing our area for many years. He was with the bank for over 43 years and retired as district vice-president on the Island . He is retiring in Victoria .
Accolades to sales manager Susan Stobbart of The Bay for her excellent customer service.
Quote of the week – It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see. (Henry David Thoreau)
Birthday of the week:
- Happy 81st Sid Tamaki (March 10)
- Vern Nielsen (February 28)
- Mike Brooks (former Mickie’s Pub Manager) February 27
- Kit Carson, Peachland (Feb. 25)
Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna hotelier. Phone her at 979-4546, fax 860-3173, E-mail maxdehart@telus.net and web-site www.welcometokelowna.com (click on Business)
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