Move Up ~ Issue 6

#L i fesBet te rUpHere | SPRING 2015 MOVE UP 1

TAKE ONE

LOCAL FEATURES | NEWS | EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES

12SUPERHERO BUSINESSESCommunity-minded companies that give back p. 21

DON'T FEAR THE

Grimshaw's Roller Derby TeamGets Ready for a New Season P.58

GOMighty Peace

REAPER

2 MOVE UP SPRING 2015 | www.moveupmag.com

our loyal guests and our guests who are yet to be, It is with sincere appreciation that we extend a heart-felt thanks to each of you for being our valued and loyal

guests of our businesses for the past 14 years!

It has been our pleasure serving you and getting to know many of you over the years. As you can imagine, we simply could not do what we do, or be as successful, were it not for guests like you.

In running our restaurants, there is always so much activity and personal business to attend to that it is easy to forget to thank our valued customers, like you, for supporting us each day. We in turn support our local communities groups and organizations because of your tremendous patronage.

We would like to take this special opportunity to extend our

personal thanks to our friends, our families, our fabulous Team Members, our loyal guests and those we have not yet had the pleasure of meeting to extend our very best wishes. It is people like you who make being in business such a pleasure day to day throughout the years. Our restaurants are a source of pride to us and with guests like you, we find going to work each and every day a rewarding experience. We raise our coffee cups to you with sincere gratitude!

See you tomorrow!

Barb and Gord Drummond & FamilyTim Hortons - Peace River & Valleyview

To


SPRING EDITION 2015 VOLUME VI

PUBLISHERS Tormaigh Van Slyke //[email protected] Lizotte

EDITOR Jenelle Lizotte

ADVERTISING SALES Tormaigh Van Slyke //[email protected]

LAYOUT DESIGN Aimie WilliamsTormaigh Van Slyke Jenelle Lizotte

AD DESIGN Aimie Williams

PHOTOGRAPHY Paul Lavoie Images, Tormaigh Van Slyke, Jenelle Lizotte

WRITERS Matt Belliveau, Melanie Bekevich-Joos, Communi-ty Futures Staff, Dan Dibbelt, GPRC Staff, Jenelle Lizotte, Tony Nickonchuk, Jessica Parker, Drew Rogers, Cris Seppola, Brian Siddle, Tormaigh Van Slyke, Lydia Zilahy Move Up is published by Platos Cave Publishing. No content herein can be reproduced without written consent of the pub-lisher.

12,000 copies are printed and distributed throughout the Mighty Peace Region, Alberta and beyond.

Move Up is 100 per cent funded by advertising dollars.

PREDAPEACE REGION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL LAVOIE (TAKEN IN THE COUNTY OF NORTHERN LIGHTS)

FIND MOVE UP IN ALL 15 FRESON BROS. LOCATIONS

MOVE UP IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE PEACE REGIONAL ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

our loyal guests and our guests who are yet to be, It is with sincere appreciation that we extend a heart-felt thanks to each of you for being our valued and loyal

guests of our businesses for the past 14 years!

It has been our pleasure serving you and getting to know many of you over the years. As you can imagine, we simply could not do what we do, or be as successful, were it not for guests like you.

In running our restaurants, there is always so much activity and personal business to attend to that it is easy to forget to thank our valued customers, like you, for supporting us each day. We in turn support our local communities groups and organizations because of your tremendous patronage.

We would like to take this special opportunity to extend our

personal thanks to our friends, our families, our fabulous Team Members, our loyal guests and those we have not yet had the pleasure of meeting to extend our very best wishes. It is people like you who make being in business such a pleasure day to day throughout the years. Our restaurants are a source of pride to us and with guests like you, we find going to work each and every day a rewarding experience. We raise our coffee cups to you with sincere gratitude!

See you tomorrow!

Barb and Gord Drummond & FamilyTim Hortons - Peace River & Valleyview

To

GOOD DESIGN:3 hElpS yOu achIEvE yOur GOalS3 MakES yOu lOOk GOOD3 MakES yOur lIfE EaSIEr3 rEDucES yOur StrESS

bad design:Make your company look bad does not produce desired results may deter people from using your products/services. Make your company look bad does not produce desired results may deter people from using your products/services.Make your company look bad does not pro-

duce desired results may deter people from

using your products/services. Make your company look bad does not produce desired results

SavE facE. SavE tIME.hIrE VAULTdesign780 624 1985


Contents

12 Superhero BusinessesMighty Peace Region Community-Minded Businesses are Featured for their Heroic Contributions

21

Mom-trepreneur Sharlane Morrison hosts North Peace Reptile Parties in the Peace64

Grimshaw Roller Derby team gears up for new season

58

06 News Highlights from the Mighty Peace Region

13 Agriculture: Nutri-Boosting Soil and Crops Using Biosolids in your Fields to Strengthen Yields

27 Go Mighty Peace Your Guide to Exciting Activities and Events

62 Column: GPRC Preparing Teachers for the Classrooms of the North


The Teacher Education North (TEN) program at GPRC is a unique program designed to prepare teachers for northern and rural schools. Offered in collaboration with the University of Alberta, the degree may be fully completed on campus at GPRC Grande Prairie. Program highlights include courses such as Teaching in Northern Alberta Communities and Aboriginal Histories and Culture.

Preparing Teachers for the Classrooms of the North

w w w . g p r c . a b . c a

Grande Pra i r ie Regional Col lege


COLLEGE POWERS ENGINEERING PROGRAM

NEWS

In February, Northern Lakes College opened the Shell Canada Power Engineering and Technology Centre and began admitting students with the intent to lessen the gap between the high demand and low supply of power engineers in Northern Alberta.

In the works since 2012, Northern Lakes College started a $2 million fundraising effort in order to bring the power engineering

centre to fruition. The fundraising project was made possible most notably with the help of a $1 million contribution from Western Economic Diversification Canada, a $500,000 contribution from Shell Canada, a $200,000 joint contribution from the Town of Peace River and Northern Sunrise County and a $100,000 contribution from Penn West Exploration.

The power engineering program offers five-week,

full time courses for fifth, fourth and third class power engineering certification. In addition, flexible hours and schedules are offered to suit the needs of students who are working during the day, as well as high school dual credit students, for third and fourth class power engineer certification. Every year, as many as 80 students will have the opportunity to receive the necessary steam time needed for certification.

Funding educational institutions and initiatives across the country is a key area of focus of our social investment program, said Ginette MacIsaac, Shells Carmon Creek Operations Manager. As a long-time supporter of Northern Lakes College, we are proud to lend Shells name to a facility which will help to meet an important need for power engineers across the province.

Ribbon cutting (pictured left to right): Power engineering student Gertrude Chikuni; Garret Tomlinson, Reeve, Northern Sunrise County; Ginette MacIsaac, Carmon Creek Operations Manager, Shell Canada; Daniel Vandermeulen, Chair, Board of Governors, Northern Lakes College; Ryan Gardner, Production Foreman, Penn West; Tom Tarpey, Mayor, Peace River; Ann Everatt, President and CEO, Northern Lakes College; Power engineering student Howard Young


NEWS

The year is off to a great start for the Curtis Marshall Memorial Skatepark Committee. The committee has received a handful of

sizeable donations from local municipalities and businesses putting them well on their way to making the grassroots skatepark a reality.

Its been a long hard battle for us and there were a lot of questions along the way on whether or not wed actually finish this project, said committee President Kris Scobey. So for us to be able to stand tall with this funding behind us means a lot.

The skatepark committee was recently able to secure donations from the County of Northern Lights, Northern Sunrise County and the Town of Peace River (TOPR) for $50,000 each, a donation from DMI for $10,000, a donation from Accurate Hydraulics for $5,000 and a donation from Plains Midstream for $2,500.

According to Scobey, the recent donations have restored faith within the committee.

People are really standing behind the idea that our core group has spent the last four years defending and advocating for. Its a huge deal for us, said Scobey. Our committee lives and breathes with this park. When it does well, so do we. This outpouring of support and positivity has been a breath of fresh air for this committee. Honestly from the bottom of all our hearts were thankful for every like on Facebook, every share, every comment and every donation.

The committee, which was founded in 2010, has been working tirelessly to fundraise for a permanent concrete skatepark in downtown Peace River and was donated land by the 2012 TOPR council. The committee has hired New Line Skateparks, a company out of Langley, BC, to design the park.

The Curtis Marshall Memorial Skatepark committee was awarded the 2012 Community Spirit Award by the Peace River Chamber of Commerce.

Big Investments in Peace River Skatepark

A rendering of the proposed Curtis Marshall Memorial Skatepark done by New Line Skateparks


A TALE OF TWO BUSINESSES MODERN PAINT TURNS 20, UNITED FLOORS TURNS 50

Top Left: Modern Paint and Decor in its current location on Peace Rivers West Hill, Top Right: Modern Paints downtown location, Bottom right: Modern Paints River Road location. [Photography submitted]

NEWS

Even after several expansions, moves, ownership changes and splitting into two separate businesses, United Floors and Modern Paint and Dcor are still making history together. This year marks a milestone for both businesses, as Modern Paint and Dcor celebrate 20 years and United Floors celebrates an astounding 50 years in business.

Modern Paint and Dcors current owners, Terry and Leanne Naturkach, acquired the business in 1995, but the story begins 1965 when Ken Horneland, Leannes father, and his partner Bob Clarke opened Modern Paint & Home Furnishingsa paint, wallpaper and flooring store in downtown Peace River.

The partners moved to a larger facility almost a decade later and expanded their focus to decorating products, which complemented their paint and wallpaper supplies. In 1976, Horneland and Clarke sold the business to Jim Ashton and Cliff Weger. Then, a year later, Aston bought out Weger and joined forces with his wife, Judy.

In 1979, the Ashtons moved to a new facility on River Road. In the 1980s, the Ashtons would become a Benjamin Moore paint retailer and join the United Carpet family, which had 40 stores across western Canada at the time. Also during this time, the name changed to United Floors as the company moved

toward becoming a one-stop decorating centre.

In 1987, Terry Naturkach began working at the store in a retail sales position. In 1994, Lyle Horneland, Ken Hornelands son and Leanne Naturkachs brother, began working alongside his brother-in-law, Terry, at United Floors.

In 1995, Terry and Leanne bought the paint and sundries part of the store and Modern Paint & Dcor Ltd. was born. Because of this purchase, the original business was split in two, with United Floors owned by Jim and Judy Ashton and Modern Paint and Dcor owned by the Naturkachs.

In 2002, Lyle Horneland and his wife, Marie, bought

United Floors from the Ashtons when Jim retired. Dan Doucette would subsequently buy it from the Hornelands in 2014.

Today, with this rich combined history, the two businesses still thrive side-by-side on Peace Rivers West Hill providing the Peace Region with an excellent customer experience and a vast selection of products and services.

For Leanne and Terry, Modern Paint and Dcor has always been a family business. Just as Leanne and her brother Lyle grew up with Modern Paint & Home Furnishings when her dad owned it, her children, Amanda and Jordan, have also grown up with Modern Paint and Dcor.

FRIDAYJULY 10

SATURDAYJULY 11

MUSHY CALLAHANJERRY DOUCETTE

LOU GRAMM (THE VOICE OF FOREIGNER)HONEYMOON SUITE

KATIE & JASONSHELLY DUBOIS

TRISTAN HORNCASTLE

DEAN BRODYTIXAVAILABLE AT PEACE COUNTRY CO-OP (PEACE RIVER) VILLAGE AVU (PEACE RIVER) BEYOND 2000 (GRIMSHAW) ONLINE AT ticketweb.ca

12 FOOT DAVIS EVENTS PARK

SINGLE NIGHT$75 WEEKEND PASS$120

KIDS 9 AND UNDER ARE FREE WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

PARTY IN THE PARK

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

www.peacefest.com

PEACE RIVER


FRIDAYJULY 10

SATURDAYJULY 11

MUSHY CALLAHANJERRY DOUCETTE

LOU GRAMM (THE VOICE OF FOREIGNER)HONEYMOON SUITE

KATIE & JASONSHELLY DUBOIS

TRISTAN HORNCASTLE

DEAN BRODYTIXAVAILABLE AT PEACE COUNTRY CO-OP (PEACE RIVER) VILLAGE AVU (PEACE RIVER) BEYOND 2000 (GRIMSHAW) ONLINE AT ticketweb.ca

12 FOOT DAVIS EVENTS PARK

SINGLE NIGHT$75 WEEKEND PASS$120

KIDS 9 AND UNDER ARE FREE WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

PARTY IN THE PARK

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

www.peacefest.com

PEACE RIVER


SAWRIDGE ON A WINNING STREAKPeace Rivers Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre won the prestigious Sawridge Property of the Year Award for the second year in a row. The award was presented by CEO John MacNutt and Vice President Terry Hartz of the Sawridge Group of Companies and was later made public in March of this year.

The award is presented to a property within the Sawridge group that exemplifies our commitment to customer service, staff satisfaction and also financial success, said Hartz. Winning this award is indicative of a high degree of staff engagement as well as management commitment.

Along with a trophy for the Inns mantle, the property also gets $25,000 in cash to buy or build something for the staff to show appreciation for their efforts. Last year they made upgrades to the staff room and built a deck on the property for staff barbeques.

Since the award was presented, Robin Galloway [pictured] was promoted to General Manager of the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre in

Peace River, while previous General Manager, Paul Jones, moved to Fort McMurray to assume the General Manager position of the Best Western Plus Sawridge Suites.

In January, the Peace River Sawridge also received the Customer Service Excellence Award at the Peace River & District Chamber of Commerces Davis Awards.

We were hosting the Davis Awards this year so when we won in that category, it was a real honour and quite emotional, actually, said Galloway.

According to Galloway, in addition to the Property of the Year and Customer Service Excellence Awards, Sawridge is the only hotel in Peace River to have received the 2014 Housekeeping Award from the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), and it the second consecutive year they have received the coveted award.

We are also proud to be recognized as an Employer of Choice by the AHLA. We have received this award every year since its inception in 2008, said Galloway.

PEACEPreviously in the

SAWRIDGE INN AND CONFERENCE CENTRE, PEACE RIVER, GENERAL MANAGER ROBIN GALLOWAY PROUDLY POSES WITH THE SAWRIDGE PROPERTY OF THE YEAR AWARD.


LEFT: WINNER JORDAN ALLARD SITS ATOP HER BRAND NEW V-ROD HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE. TOP RIGHT: PEACE PLAYLAND BOARD MEMBERS TALK ABOUT THE AMAZING LOCAL RESOURCE, PEACE

PLAYLAND. BOTTOM RIGHT: THE RANGE ROAD RAMBLERS PERFORM AT THE HARLEY DAVIDSON PARTY.


BIKER BASH AT THE BELLE A BLAST!Benefitfor Peace Playland raises $32,000

On February 28th, Peace Playland, a n o n - p r o f i t play facility for preschool children, hosted a large scale fundraiser at the Belle Petroleum Centre where they raised approximately $32,000.

Over 350 attendees enjoyed live music by the Range Road Ramblers, live and silent auctions and a chance to win a Harley Davidson V-Rod

Motorcycle valued at $22,000. Lucky local Jordan Allard took home the bike after her name was drawn from the ballot box.

A combined effort from dozens of live and silent auction sponsors brought in an approximate $18,000. In addition, one raffle sponsor, Go Auto, donated a childrens quad and an adult quad at cost, which raised

approximately $8,000 for Peace Playland.

Peace Playland (formerly the Peace River Toy Library) is located in the Belle Petroleum Centre and is open to parents of young children Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 10 am to 3 pm, at the cost of $5 per year. For more information, call 780-624-8300.



FRESON BROS. FAIRVIEW BAGGER COMPETES IN VEGAS

On February 9, Fairview Freson Bros. staff member Tristen Oberg was proud to compete, as Canadas sole representative, in the National Grocers Associations Best Bagger Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, emceed by Ace of Cakes host Duff Goldman. Tristen was narrowed down from 15 semi-finalists, one from each of Albertas Freson Bros. location. The National Grocers Association Best Bagger Championship featured retailers with infectious company pride and an enthusiastic commitment to customer service. Now in its 29th year, this national competition is the culmination of contests held across North America, with state champions meeting in Las Vegas to determine who gets bagging rights and the grand prize of $10,000. While Tristen did not take home the money, Freson Bros. did bag an award for Best Integrated Marketing Campaign for their 2014 Watermelon Fest and two honourable mentionsone in the Consumer Value Print category and another in the Fresh Foods Merchandise category.

Freson Bros. is the largest, family owned independent grocery chain in Alberta, with their Head Office in Stony Plain, Alberta. Freson Bros. operates 15 stores across the province and is currently celebrating their 60th year.

The National Grocers Association is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry.

Tristen Oberg attends the best bagger championship in las vegas, nevada [Photography submitted]


BY MATT BELLIVEAU

Arie and Janny Loogmans farm rests on a hilly patch of land down a quiet dirt road just north of Peace River, Alberta. Theyve been there since the early 1980s after relocating from Holland, where Arie grew up farming large fields of tulips with his father. The Loogmans still keep tulips out front of their farmhouse, but in northwestern Alberta, wheat is the crop on their mind.

The Loogmans rolling pastures have never been ideal for crop farming, but Arie and Janny have continued to prosper through hard work and openness to innovation.

In 2013, innovation came easy for the Loogmans after learning about Nutriboost, an organic fertilizer recently made available in their area.

Nutriboost is made up of biosolidsthe remains of micro-organisms recovered from the pulping process at Daishowa-Marubeni Peace River Pulp Division (DMI).

Once absorbed into soil, it provides a slow release of crucial nitrogen and phosphorous nutrients. Farmers participating in the program can request

Nutriboost from DMI and have it delivered and applied to their fields free of charge.

For DMI, the Nutriboost program is an appealing way to build their clout as an environmental leader.

The pulp and paper industry once viewed biosolids as waste and had any excess incinerated or shipped off to landfills. But now biosolids are emerging as a lower-emission alternative to commercial fertilizers, and by offering their supply up to local farmers, DMI has created the largest recycling program in northwestern Albertaa move that earned them the 2013 Emerald Award.

For farmers, the appeal is in the results. The Loogmans land produces around 40 bushels of wheat per acre each harvest, but after applying Nutriboost to their fields, that yield increased to 75 bushels an acre.

That is considered super in this area, said Arie.

He believes the yield was even better at dips in the field where more Nutriboost pooled during spreading.

Im sure there were areas in that field that were producing 90 bushels, he said.

The Loogmans found humongous heavy crops sprouting from the soil that received extra Nutriboost, but Arie said, its a royal pain sometimes because the crop falls down then. He has no complaints though: I think its fantastic, what can I say? I would use it anytime.

The 2013 season was the Loogmans first experience with Nutriboost, but just across the Peace River in the hamlet of Three Creeks, the Gracek family has been in the program for years.

Bryan Gracek began farming with his father Walter when he was twelve, and now works his own land not far from where he grew up. Both father and son apply Nutriboost to their fields regularly.

What we really noticed is that it adds organic material back into the soil, said Bryan. It really mellows the soil out, which is huge for crop production, growth, plant germination and root development.

The Graceks were used to raising livestock on their land, but Nutriboost helped unlock the potential in their soil to produce more canola, wheat and alfalfa.

We were slowly moving away from the cattle, so we were applying the Nutriboost to old pasture land and old hay landthe soil needed something to get it kick-started again, said Bryan.

Over the years, he has noticed a steady five to ten per cent increase in crop yields when using Nutriboost, which he says depending on the crop, depending on the price, could be anywhere from a 50 to 100 dollar an acre difference.

Were at the point where well just throw the Nutriboost in as part of our regular rotation said Bryan. We just continue with our same fertilizer program and then the Nutriboost just adds to it a little extra kick.

The benefits flowing from the Nutriboost program are something Bryan does not take for granted. Im just glad we are where we are so we can take part in it.

Its a chance for farmers to not only kick-start current productivity, but also to build up soil quality for future generations.

As Janny Loogman concludes, its a benefit to the soil and the crops. Its a great opportunity.

NUTRI-BOOSTING SOIL AND CROPS


AGRICULTURE

move up

They say the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. In my case thats probably true

because my neighbour is a garden fanatic and treats his lawn better than I treat my dog. We do, however, have a tendency to always think everybody else has it better, easier or more enjoyable than we do.

We are all anticipating that the upcoming provincial budget is going to make life a little rougher for us all. We are probably rightthings will be a bit tougher.

The recent drop in oil prices certainly impacts Alberta and Albertans harder than most. We have already seen the loss of some proposed developments in our region and with that the loss of jobsthough, at present, it appears to be contractors that are feeling the pinch the most. I suspect we will also see some of our shadow population workers, the workers who hail from other parts of Canada, heading home.

Indeed, times will get a bit tougher. No one knows for sure how long oil prices will stay low or what the

provincial government will do to balance the books. Fortunately, Alberta has some savings in place for a rainy day, so perhaps the impact will be softened by that.

Economists vary on when they think oil prices will move back up. I, however, am not sure how valid the predictions really are. After all, no one predicted oil prices would plummet to the lows we are seeing today.

We do know as Albertans this is not the first time weve seen a drop in oil prices and we do know that we will rebound. We always have, and we always will. In the meantime, there will be some pain.

That pain, however, needs to be kept in perspective. We have it pretty good in Alberta and lets face it we will whine a bit when things arent quite as good. However we just need to look across the border to British Columbia to put our hardship into perspective.

A recent study by Economic Development Winnipeg compared the cost of living across Canadas provinces. I had expected Albertans

to fare well but didnt really know just how well we are doing until I looked at the statistics.

The study looked at an average family of four with two wage earners and a household income of $60,000. For starters, the average worker in Alberta earns that much on their own, so we are already doing pretty good.

The study shows that residents of British Columbia pay substantially more income tax than we do in Alberta. In fact, based on this family of four with two wage earners totaling $60,000; in British Columbia total taxes and basic household costs for this typical family are $49,874 compared to $27,064 in Albertaa substantial difference of $22,810.

Albertans also have the distinct pleasure of having no PST. In British Columbia, where the PST is 7% for most purchases, residents shell out approximately $748 per year in PST. British Columbia residents also pay substantially more than Albertans for items such as gasoline tax and childcare.

Residents of British Columbia also make a lot less in income than we do here. The average school teacher in British Columbia makes about $18,000 less than their Alberta counterpart and the average carpenter makes about $30,000 less than the equivalent in Alberta.

Housing is also more affordable on our side of the fence with the average house price in Fort St. John hitting more than $400,000 and the average three bedroom apartment rents for $1855 per month.

The reality is that the coming year or two will be pretty much what other provinces are used to. Despite that, development still moves forward, businesses will open up and people will continue to move to Alberta and the Peace Region. In fact, with reduced building costs, additional labor and moderate growth, now is the perfect time to build.

So, perhaps its true that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. We just need to be grateful that we live on the greener side.

EVEN THE GRASS IS GREENER HERE

COLUMN DAN DIBBELT | PEACE REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE



COLUMN COMMUNITY FUTURES PEACE COUNTRY

UNLEASHING LOCAL CAPITAL



COLUMNCOMMUNITY FUTURES PEACE COUNTRY

The Community Futures Network of Alberta, in p a r t n e r s h i p with the Alberta Community and Cooperative Association and other like-minded organizations, has developed a program that helps to establish investment cooperatives in rural Alberta communities.

Branded as Unleashing Local Capital, this initiative is a unique and innovative local financing program that empowers groups to mobilize resources within their community to finance local business development and foster community ownership. It is based on the premise that we have the resources, the leadership, and the know-how right within in our communities to make them vibrant places to live and work.

Unleashing Local Capital began as a two-year pilot project funded by the Rural Alberta Development Fund. It was led by the Alberta Community and Co-operative Association, in conjunction with the following strategic partners:

Alberta Business Family Institute

Alberta Rural Development Network

Athabasca University Community Futures

Network of Alberta Conseil de dveloppement

conomique de lAlberta

Through this program, the Alberta Community and Co-operative Association and its partners have helped several Alberta communities establish an Opportunity Development Co-operative (ODC).

An ODC is a for-profit co-operative that pools money within the community to finance business development. Capital is raised by selling RRSP eligible shares to the membership of the ODC. The ODC is managed by a board of directors, elected by the membership. As a co-operative, regardless of how much a member has invested, one member only has one vote.

Once formed, the ODC is approached by local entrepreneurs with a business opportunity in need of investment. The members of the ODC review the business plan and agree on the best way to meet the financing needs of the applicant (debt financing or equity financing).

For co-op members, ODCs meet the need to invest in ones community to strengthen the local economy, support local businesses, increase vibrancy and promote community ownership. For entrepreneurs, it provides access to capital and a support network of an engaged community.

ODCs provide access to capital, in a way that can be patient and friendly, and equity that could help smaller businesses make it through the start-up phase. This

can be used to revitalize a tired looking main-street, or ensure a key asset stays in a community. As the business prospers and loans are repaid to the ODC, the value of the investment shares in the co-op rise. Co-op members receive a return on their investment based on this success.

Local investing in Alberta connects people to their local economy, and lets them have equal say over how their money is used to support local businesses. Imagine walking by a bakery every day knowing that customers are enjoying tasty treats because you invested in your community. The ability to participate as an individual and the potential for a community to decide on how its local economy is to be shaped is an incredible opportunity!

There are presently three ODCs operating in rural Alberta communities, with one being located in the Falher/Smoky River area. All were facing the loss of major economic infrastructure. Using the ODC model, these communities were able to purchase bedrock assets in their community, make them more profitable and create more jobs than before.

For more information on Unleashing Local Capital, contact Community Futures Peace Country.


COLUMNJESSICA PARKER | SERVUS CREDIT UNION

The 5 Cs of Credit

There are lots of ways you can apply for credit and just as many ways to get it. From an instant loan institution, to a bank to a credit union

each will different principles for lending moneyand each with its own application requirements and turnaround time. However, there are five areas any lender will look at when doing an application: Character, Credit, Capacity, Capital and Collateral. Certain character traits will help your application be successful, but character alone will not be the deciding factor. Character traits like being in the same job or industry for a number of years will show stability, just like being a customer of the same financial institution will show loyalty. This is not to say that these traits will make or break your application; telling your lender a bit about yourself will help them connect the dots.

In the grand scheme of your application, Credit is the main contender. It shows a financial institution your current financial situation and spending habits of the past. Credit also seems to be the area of most misconceptions. A credit score above 625 is good, generally speaking, and when it hits the 700s, its great. Your credit score will be lowered if a lot of inquiries are made over a short period of time, if you are at the higher end of your balance on revolving credit and if late payments are made. It is important to know your own

credit not only for security reasons but also so youre not surprised when you find out. Capacity is your ability to pay your loan back and is credits best friend. This is calculated as GDS (Gross Debt Servicing) and TDS (Total Debt Servicing). GDS is the percentage of your monthly income that covers your basic shelter costs, such as utilities and housing payments. Your GDS shouldnt exceed 30 per cent. TDS is the percentage of your monthly income that covers your shelter costs plus liabilitiesthis shouldnt exceed 40 per cent. There are many ways to adjust these percentages. For example, getting a financial review done once a year can be beneficial to see if you can be saving money in certain areas or if you can get a lower interest rate. Capital is your net worth and is, in many ways, connected to Character. The older you are, the more you are likely to have. Typically lenders will use a maximum 80 per cent of your net worth as a ball park figure for the amount of credit you can qualify for. Lastly, and probably the most dependable, is Collateral. This is how much of the loan is secured. The type and value of your collateral will also differ depending on the type of credit you are applying for and the financial institution. A combination of the relationship you have with your financial institution and credit history will give you a better chance of borrowing unsecured.


Its about time to c o m e out of

hibernation. Yes, the winter has been mild, but I am still jumping for joy. Soon it will be patio, flip flop, camping and grilling season. Oh, man, you cannot have a better life than in the great white northwhen its hot and green that is.

It makes having an inside job almost intolerable. It makes you wish you were a teacher destined to spend the months of July and August frolicking about (sans the thankless winter extracurricular, of course). But you know who really has it figured out? Folks in the tourism biz.

This is why so many people choose tourism for a retirement gigits the good life, or as one of my members put it, a lifestyle business.

As luck would have it, the Mighty Peace Region is abundant with tourism

business

opportunities. The tourism industry in Alberta has seen rapid growth in recent years and is now considered the third largest industry in the province, the first being petro-chemicals, and the second forestry and agriculture. The Province of Alberta and Travel Alberta, a crown corporation funded by the accommodation levy, have established a framework to grow Albertas tourism economy over 30 per cent by 2020.

The Mighty Peace Region is far from realizing its full potential in terms of tourism. In the north we have distinct strengths that people are itching to experience, like wildlife viewing, ranch and equestrian activities, our endless starry skies, awe-inspiring northern lights, historical sites and farm

fresh food. Visitors want authentic experiences while taking in Northern Albertas natural beauty. The Mighty Peace is ripe for the pickin.

To make life easier, Alberta Culture and Tourism hired fancy consultants and paid them handsomely to do a considerable amount of research for people who are considering setting up shop with the Mighty Peace Tourism Investment Opportunity Assessment. The report identifies 11 viable business opportunities in the region, most of which involve more outdoor time than screen time. Sure its hard work, like any business, but youll get to work alongside customers exploring and experiencing what our region has to offer.

There are folks in our region who make a living taking visitors for a cruise up the river, a trail ride or a canoe trip. These people run campsites, tour companies, hotels, restaurants and golf courses, and they all have something in common. Their businesses are economic drivers, yes, but in

their essence they contribute to the quality of life of visitors and residents alike.

Just by opening their doors these business owners share their passion, their love of the Mighty Peace and bare witness as their guests make memories. Now thats a job to sign up for.

If you own a t-shirt or a bumper sticker that says, Id rather be golfing, or some variation thereof, you may want to set your sights on the tourism industry. If youre looking for that sweet spot where opportunity and lifestyle intersect, tourism could be your second career or your next business venture.

Find the Mighty Peace Tourism Investment Opportunity brochure on our website www.mightypeace.com and contact us to obtain a copy of the entire 300-page assessment. Get in touch. Were passionate about tourism in the Mighty Peace and wed love to hear your ideas to develop the visitor economy in the region.

IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER A CAREER IN THE LIFESTYLE INDUSTRY?

The Peace Region is abundant with

tourism business opportunities

COLUMN MELANIE BEKEVICH-JOOS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MIGHTY PEACE TOURIST ASSN.


12superhero businesses

In pop culture, a superhero is a fictitious person who often has supernatural powers or

qualities. They sacrifice life and limb to saving innocents from crime or wrong doers.

Well, there are many business owners and execs in the Mighty Peace Region who selflessly dedicate what seems like bottomless pits of time, energy, money and resources for the common good and for others in their community.

And, lets face it, there are injustices in our midst. Just as there are people suffering from aspects of homelessness, disease and domestic abuse, there are many others living

with fear, sadness and hopelessness. So, though we may not see our everyday heroes clad in costumes or capes, we have business owners and execs out there who are actively doing something about the problems in our community with the resources and reputation of their company at their back.

At Move Up, we believe that by doing so, perhaps unwittingly, they rise above reasonable expectation and elevate their brand to the order of Superhero Business.

Mighty Peace Region Superhero Businesses are united and community-minded forces fighting for a myriad of worthy

causes. Why? Because they feel it is the right thing to do.

Its very real. Because of these superheroes, people facing financial challenges will be able to access their basic needs; people who are sick will be able to access medical care; and children will grow up with better experiences, opportunities and positive influences.

You dont have to crack a comic book or play a video game to find a superhero. Theyre out working in our community every day, supporting worthy causes, people and organizations that need a little help. And many of them work for a Superhero Business.


Thank You !

Thank You !

Thank You !

Located about 30 km northeast of the Town of Peace River, in the County of Northern Lights, is a pulp mill

that employs about 300 people. Since they began 25 years ago, Daishowa Marubeni International Ltd. Peace River Pulp Division (DMI) has made it a priority to give back to the community, and for ten of those years, Amber Armstrong has been with the company.

Th ey made such a big difference in my life. I was living in an apartment. I had an eight month-old baby, and I needed a job. I started with a temporary position in data entry, and I was so grateful for the opportunity, said Armstrong.


Amber Armstrong, Public Relations Superintendent for Daishowa-Marubeni International Ltd. Peace River Pulp Division

Kids from the Ground Level Youth Centre (Top), volunteers at the SPCA and Principal of the Peace Regional Outreach, Carol Van Slyke, thank DMI for their generous donations. [Photography by Tormaigh Van Slyke]


Today, Armstrong is the Public Relations Superintendent. She recently made a big change to DMIs donation policy. What used to be an application process is now an advisory board made up of appointed individuals who proactively approach worthy causes with donations.

We were trying to spread our donation pool to a lot of different areas, which ultimately spread it quite thin, said Armstrong. Sometimes the people who need it the most are the ones who dont ask for it.

This year, Armstrongs advisory team has already selected four groups that they want to supportthe Sagitawa Friendship Centres Ground Level Youth Centre, the Curtis Marshall Memorial Skatepark, the Peace Regional Outreach Campus and the Peace River Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

The Ground Level Youth Centre (GLYC) provides programs for youth ages ten to 24. The facility and its funding are overseen by Sagitawa Friendship Centre Executive Director Tracy Zweifel.

We want to help people who have helped others or those who can make the biggest difference, said Armstrong. And what Tracy does day-to-

day is just amazing. The roof was leaking, so shes up there tarring it herself. Shes giving food out of her own house. Theres no money for utilities so shes using her own money. This woman is doing everything she can with only a small group of people behind her.

DMIs 2015 contribution of $10,000 to the GLYC will help toward the costs of utilities, propertytaxes, liability insurance, youth worker wages, program supplies and more.

DMI has also donated $10,000 to the Curtis Marshall Memorial Skatepark Committee. The Committee, led by President Kris Scobey, is committed to building a skateboard park in Curtis Marshalls honoura young man who dearly wanted a skatepark for the youth of the Peace Region.

We like what Kris is doing. Hes trying to raise money for the youth of Peace River, and hes so passionate. He sold us is the fact that they will do anything to raise money. Theyre so committed to this that there are no opportunities that they wouldnt utilize, said Armstrong.

Scobey and his committee have been working for years to raise $400,000 to build their custom concrete park.

DMI wants to donate to

someone who is tenacious and hardworking, someone who sacrifices themselves, and not just for a paycheque. We sacrifice ourselves, but we have high paying jobs and great benefits. Whats in it for Kris? Whats in it for Tracy? These people are so inclined to help others without personal benefit. How could we not help people who are helping everybody else? said Armstrong.

This year, DMI also donated $10,000 to the Peace River SPCA.

I love what [the SPCA is] doing for the good of the animals and the good of the community. They work on a shoestring budget in a donated building thats falling apart and they just have such passion to keep going. Theyre doing everything they can to keep the water out and the lights on. They have a truly intrinsic reward system, said Armstrong.

Last year DMI donated $15,000 to the Peace Regional Outreach Campuss (PROC) Daycare, but they have committed to donate funds to the school again this year.

That was in the past. Moving forward they still need money. Theyre still working just as hard. The Principal, Carol Van Slyke, makes breakfast for the students every morning. This extra effort

helps so much with the start of their day. said Armstrong.

The PROC is an alternative school for high school students who have trouble fitting into the traditional school system.

These are people who dont fit. Its not like they have to fall through the cracks; they just need to find an environment that recognizes people are different. Thats what the Outreach is, but its one that builds a community encouraging good parenting, healthy eating and the importance of working together, said Armstrong.

The advisory committee plans to reconvene to discuss donating to a couple more worthy causes later in the year. In the meantime, DMI wont stop giving back. Aside from donating paid trades people, tools and equipment for various projects, DMI also funds an ongoing program that gives $500 to a worthy cause when one of their employees volunteers at least 40 hours of their time toward it.

Its diverse. Our employees volunteer for everything from cancer charities to the gun range to the art club. If you work at DMI and youre really passionate about something, we want to recognize that and show our support too, said Armstrong.


COLUMN BRIAN SIDDLE | STRONG COFFEE MARKETING


8 Keys to a Successful Social Media Strategy

Developing a social media strategy should be the first thing you do before taking a dive into the world of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.Unfortunately, for a lot of organizations, this strategy can fall by the wayside in the race to set up profiles and start posting.

Recent changes to social media algorithms and filtering options mean its even more difficult to get your message in front of your target audience. Organizations without a

strategy and policy guide to fall back on are flying blind and last time I checked, thats not a good way of doing things.

A simple social media strategy can be brief and can probably be wrapped up in a couple of pages. Its a way for the business owner or marketing manager to create some goals and develop a plan. Even a one-person company should build a strategy. They might find that social media isnt a good fit based on the resources available.

Think its time that you develop a social media strategy for your business? Here are some things that youll want to include:

RESOURCES Who will manage the social media activity? Do you have time for social media? If you dont have time that you can set aside for updating and maintaining a social media presence, dont bother finishing your strategy document and get back to work.

GOALS What are you hoping to get out of social media? Develop some realistic goals and briefly describe how social media can help you achieve them.

TRACKING How will you track your results? What is success? Tracking social media can be done and there are a lot of great tools to help you out.


COLUMNBRIAN SIDDLE | STRONG COFFEE MARKETING


AUDIENCE Whos your audience? Where do they hang out online? You engage with your audience on a daily basisthe guy who buys your product, the lady who phones you for an estimate, the person who emails you for an appointment. Its your job to figure out what social media sites they frequently use.

ENGAGEMENT How will I engage? This fits hand in hand with content. Develop topics that will interest your audience and

think of ways to get people to care about what youre talking about. Youll also want to consider resources in this section. Will you have time to carry on conversations if/when they happen?

LISTEN What are people talking about? Before you start posting like a mad person, take a step back and listen. Listening is a vital part of social media. Use some of the free listening tools available and check out what people are saying and where theyre saying it.

CONTENT What will I talk about? Your social media program isnt really much of a force without content. This is where many organizations fall off the horse. Do you have the time, skill and resources to start a blog or populate a Facebook page?

EVALUATE How do I know whats working? Develop a schedule of checkpoints maybe every couple of months. Take some time andevaluatewhat youre doing.

Get your social media program headed in the right direction. A bit of planning and researching now can help yield results in the future.


photography submitted

Freson Market Ltd began on October 20, 1955 when Frank

Lovsin opened a butcher shop in Hinton with his two partners, Frank Resek and Franks father, Leo Resek.

The name Freson was derived from a combination of the letters of the respective partners names. The letter F in Frank, the letters RES in Resek and the IN in Lovsin were put together to form the name FRESIN. The bank manager at the time, however, misspelled the name on the company documents, nobody contested the proper spelling, and Freson Market Ltd was born.

Through the years, Freson Market Ltd has adapted

and changed from its humble beginning, almost 60 years ago. The company has welcomed the changes proactively and even today continues to evolve and lead in the ever-changing grocery industryfrom keeping up with the pace of technology to competing with large supermarket chains to continually training the employee base of over 1,000 over 15 Alberta-based stores.

Freson Market Ltd continues to thrive. This success can be attributed to the commitment to provide quality products, good value, a clean shopping environment and outstanding customer service. The emphasis on the customer and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing

grocery landscape enables Freson Market Ltd to remain a vanguard in the industry.

In the 2013/2014 financial year, Freson Bros. stores raised or helped raise over $1,000,000 for local community projects. This included donations of food and drink for community barbeques, which allow local teams, schools and charities to raise funds in Freson Bros. store parking lots. As included in the $1 million figure is sponsorship of local sports teams, dance troupes and many more community focused events.

The amount of funds Freson Bros. has helped raise with support from generous customers, during other activities like the Kids with

Cancer Society (KWCS) Drive at Christmas, is in addition to this figure. Over the last two years, over $45,000 has been raised for KSWC throughout the Christmas season.

If you ask any employees in the 15 stores, or any Freson Bros. customer, what the most important thing is to them, the answer would undoubtedly be their family and their community.

Freson Bros. is based on family, community and heritage, and as the largest family owned and operated grocery chain in Alberta, they are proud to be part of the community and they take their responsibility to local communities seriously.


Freson bros. market staff members of the Peace River Freson Bros. location pose in front of the front doors.


Signature Events

Campground Guide

Rodeo Guide

Golfing

GOMighty Peace

For more information visit www.mightypeace.comFor more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Find out at facebook.com/mightypeacetourism & youll be entered to win a Peace River Cabins and Outdoors Getaway & other great prizes!

What kind of #MightyPeace Fanatic are you?

Win more cool stuff!


Find out at facebook.com/mightypeacetourism & youll be entered to win a Peace River Cabins and Outdoors Getaway & other great prizes!

THE MIGHTY PEACE REGION

Endless potential & adventure awaits...

Welcome to Go Mighty Peace, the place to turn for exciting seasonal activities and events in Northwestern Alberta. Go Mighty Peace lays out the fun for everyone.

Go Mighty Peace is a collaborative government partnership consisting of four Towns, three Counties and one M.D.

For more info and up-to-date information, go to www.mightypeace.com

Flow north with the Mighty Peace River. In its wake, the Mighty Peace has shaped a wonder-filled river valley. Beyond the Peace Valley is a legacy of rich soils ground together by the last ice age. Nurture North Americas northernmost agricultural land and boreal forests that stretch, seemingly without end, into the Northwest Territories. Here lies an unspoiled, wonderful network of clean lakes and rivers.

...And, the people are great too!

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In partnership with


Find more events like these at www.mightypeace.com/eventsSignature Events

Peace Rivers biggest music festival is back!

PeaceFest, now in its 19th year, is

gearing up for another weekend of music, fun, family activities and community spirit. This years performers include Mushy Callahan, Jerry Doucette, Lou Gramm (the voice of Foreigner) and Honeymoon Suite on Friday night and Katie and Jason, Shelly Dubois, Tristan Horncastle and Dean Brody on Saturday night.

Festivites also include the free Party in the Park on Saturday afternoon in Riverfront Park, which includes games and inflatables for the kids, live music, vendors, a car show, food, entertainers, misting to cool down and more!

Also, on Saturday is the pancake breakfast at the Co-op parking lot from 8-11am.

Last year we ended on a high note; we sold out on Saturday night. Therefore, I think people should really be getting tickets ahead of

time, said event organizer Sherry Hilton. Based on last year, were riding the wave. Were really excited and were hoping to tweak a few things to make this year even better.

PeaceFest is made possible through the efforts of a community of volunteers and non-profit groups, which are rewarded via donations from the proceeds of the community concert.

The Bash at the Tracks takes place at the 12 Foot Davis Events Park. Tickets are $75 per night or $120 for a weekend pass. The grounds have amazing vendors, food, beer gardens, a corporate area and an ATM available on site. For more information visit www.peacefest.com or find them on Facebook: Peacefest Peace River, AB

PeaceFest July 10 & 11th, 2015

12 Foot Davis Events Park $75/day pass or $120/weekend pass

Free Party in the Park on Saturday


Campground Notikewin Provincial park Twin Lakes Provincial Park

Carter CampMany IslandsLeddy Lake

Shady Lane Campground

Located 37km North of Manning, then 30 km East on Hwy 692. The park is located at the confluence of the Peace and Notikewin rivers.

Located 24 km Northwest of Peace River. Boat launch.

Located 65km north of Manning, the recreation area offers camping and many water-based activities including year-round fishing.

Conveniently located in the hamlet of Dixonville next to the ball diamonds, community hall and curling rink.

Located 25km west of Hines Creek. Boat launch.

Located 24km Southeast of Worsley.

19 unserviced lots | $16/night Camping open May - Oct. 780-624-6486

Year Round access780-624-8208

49 unserviced lots | $23/night Camping open May - Oct. 780-624-6486

23 lots (20 with power) $15/night or $20/night with power Camping open May - Oct. 780-971-3973

20 sites 780-494-2222

24 sitesOpen May 15 to Oct. 15 780-685-2437


Clear River George Lake

sULFUR lAKEStoney Lake Oles Lake

Running lake Provincial Recreation area

4.5 km south of Hines Creek. Home of the George Lake Music Festival. Boat Launch. Potable water available.

20km North of Hines Creek. Lake access with boat launch.

6.4 km South of Hwy 64. Boat launch.

8km East, 22km North of Worsley. Boat launch and dock. Electric motors only.

On Hwy. 64, 20km from British Columbia border.

Located 30km Northeast of Hines Creek. Lake access with boat launch.

18 sites (some with power) Camping open May - Oct. 780-494-3820

20 sites 780-624-6486

780-595-2155

17 sites (RVs & Tenting) 780-685-2257

20 sites

Guide


Legend

Willow Bay Campground Peace River Lions Club Park

Rendezvous RV Park

6km from Peace River. Weekly and monthly rates available. Steps away from Cecil Thompson Park with fishing pond and playground. Pets allowed.

$35/fULL sERVICE OR $25/eLEC. oNLYoPEN yEAR rOUND780-618-1345

Heart River Golf & Campground

3km North of Nampa & 5km South

15 serviced lots Open May - Oct 780-322-3977

Harmon Valley Park and Campground

8km North of Nampa. Pets welcome.

17 sites Open May - Oct 780-624-0013

Aspen Ridge Campground Fox Haven Golf & Country Club

Weekly rates also available.Most northern full-service RV Park in Alberta

30 lots (10 serviced) $20/night or $30/night, serviced Camping open May - Oct. 780-926-3005

41 lots (15 seasonal) $20/unserviced, $30/Power & water or $35/power, water & sewer Camping open May - Oct. 780-926-4540

Pratts Landing

32km West of FairviewLocated in the Town of Peace River. Resident Manager and concession on-site.

Located North of Grimshaw. Lake access. Pets welcome.

12 sites (RV & Tenting) Free Camping Open May - Oct 780-835-4903

110 sites (RV & Tenting) $20/unserviced, $25/power & water or $30/power, water & sewer Open April - Oct. 780-624-2120

20 non-serviced lots780-625-4749

BEACHWILDLIFE VIEWING/ BIRD WATCHING

TENTING RV STATION GOLFING VOLLEYBALL WIFI AVAILABLE WATER TAPS NO FISHINGPICNIC TABLES

CANOEING/KAYAKING

FISHING HORSESHOE PITS

BIKE TRAILS

SWIMMING FIRE PITS/FIREWOOD

PLAY GROUND

SHOWERS HIKING TRAILS

PICNIC/KITCHEN SHELTER


EXPLORE THE TOWN OF FAIRVIEW

SPEND THE DAY EXPLORING CUMMINGS LAKE RECREATION AREA AND CAMPGROUND

TAKE IN THE SUMMERS END FESTIVAL

The Cummings Lake Recreation Area and Campground (open from May to October) offers a vide range of activities and recre-ation opportunities to suit everybody.

Here are just a few of the amenities Cummings Lake offers: 28 Overnight camping

stalls Shower facilities Day-use area Slow pitch and baseball

diamonds Horseshoe pits

Fishing Bird watching Hiking the Cummings

Lake trail system Playground Boat launch (for motor-

ized boats only)

The Summers End Festival is Fairviews signature festival. The day-long event is a great community supported family festival in the heart of downtown Fairview.

Some of the great events that take place in the community include: 5/10km walk and run Main St. Dance Pancake brunch Peace Classic Wheels

Street Spectacular Markets Bouncy Castles Beer gardens Food Booths Games

Face painting Contests and

demonstrations Entertainment Parade Farmers market Art in the park Bike decorating contest And more!

Photography by Fran Wylie

(L) Photography submitted (Above) Photography by Tormaigh Van Slyke


PEACE RIVER FARMERS MARKETS10301 101 ST. PEACE RIVER10-1PM ON SELECT SATURDAYS & WEEKENDSLocal vendors, produce, artisan products, baked and canned goods and more! PeaceRiverFarmersMarket.com

TOY STORIESPEACE RIVER MUSEUMExhibit runs until Sept. 30thYou have a play date at the museum!

1ST ANNUAL WILD WEST MOTORCYCLE AND TATTOO SHOWMAY 1, 2 & 3 MILE ZERO REGIONAL MULTIPLEX GRIMSHAW, AB780-332-4005

HIGH LEVEL OILMENS ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY SPRING BREAK UP BASHMAY 2ND AT 6PMHIGH LEVEL ARENA with music by Craig Moritz. $40 (in-cludes dinner). [email protected]

MATTA FESTMAY 3RD, 2015 FROM 11 - 4:30HISTORIC DUNVEGAN PARK Free outdoor celebration of spring and Mother

Earth. Artisan vendors, food vendors, belly dancers, tai chi,

drum circles, hoopers and more! The celebration ends with the dancing of the Maypole.

HIGH LEVEL SPIRIT OF THE NORTH TRADE SHOWMAY 8 (4-9PM) & MAY 9 (10-4PM) HIGH LEVEL ARENA HighLevelChamber.com

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION AND MOTHERS DAY POTLUCKMAY 10TH, 2015 FROM 1PM-6PMMAMOWINTOWIN HALL CADOTTE LAKE, AB Free community event!780-629-2476

ROOTS AND BOOTS CONCERT TOURWITH SAMMY KERSHAW, AARON TIPPIN AND COLLIN RAYEMAY 10 MILE ZERO REGIONAL MULTIPLEX GRIMSHAW, AB

BIKE RODEO AND CAR SEAT CLINICMAY 21ST, 2015 NAMPA PUBLIC SCHOOL, 5:30PMFree!780-322-3954

A DAY AT THE MUSEUMMAY 25TH, 1-3PMNAMPA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUMHalf price admission. Geared toward ages 8-13, have an adventure filled scavenger hunt and interact with the displays.Museum: 780-322-2777

COUNTY IN BLOOM OUTDOOR DESIGN AND REVIVE WORKSHOPMAY 29 AT TREES AND LILLYS (6:30PM) MAY 30 AT AMICIS GARDENS (10AM)with Lorna McIlroy. $10 + GSTRegistration deadline: May 22countyofnorthernlights.com


UPCOMING EVENTSSpring/Summer 2015

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE MAY 30 FROM 9-3PM MILE ZERO REGIONAL MULTIPLEX $5 per table 780-332-4005

COUNTY FAIR DAYMAY 30TH AT 3PM & MAY 31 AT 11:30AM BATTLE RIVER AG GROUNDS MANNING, AB Held in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Blazing Pistols Shootout (Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition). Free admission for kids and $5 for adults. Games from 12-5pm. Western Family Photo Booth. Supper and Live Music to follow.

MIDSUMMER KARAOKE PARTYJUNE (DATE TBA)GEORGE LAKE CAMPGROUNDErnie Brauer 780-494-3684

HEAVY HORSE DAYSJUNE 6 & 7THCLEAR RIVER RODEO GROUNDSWayne Roessler 780-685-2663

TOWN OF HIGH LEVELS 50TH ANNIVERSARY HOMECOMING EVENTJUNE 13TH, 2015TOWN OF HIGH LEVELFamily events, town tour with local Historian and concert. Free to the public.Facebook: Town of High Level HighLevel.ca

HERITAGE RUNJUNE 14, 2015 AT 9:00AMPEACE RIVER 5k walk, 5K run & 10k run.

SENIORS WEEK BBQ HELD DURING SENIORS WEEK IN JUNE DATE TBA mdfairview.com Facebook: Municipal District of Faiview No. 136

MANY ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVALLAST WEEKEND IN JUNEMANY ISLAND CAMPGROUNDTyson Magnoski 780-835-8780

HIGH LEVEL FARMERS MARKETRUNS JUNE 27TH - SEPT. 26TH FRIDAYS FROM 11-6 HIGH LEVEL CURLING RINKFeaturing products made, baked or grown in Alberta. 780-247-1625

PEACE RIVER AG SOCIETY HORSE SHOWJULY 3, 4 & 5 (9-9PM)PEACE RIVER AG GROUNDSConcert, horse show and farmers market (on Sat.). Face painting and activities for kids.Crystal 780-618-8998Janel 780-618-0284

2015 WORLD JET BOAT CHAMPIONSHIP JULY 18 & 19 PEACE RIVER, AB Facebook: 2015 World Jet Boat Race

PEACE RIVER HERITAGE TOURSOrganized by the Peace River Museum. Scheduled in July and August at heri-tage sites. peacerivermuseum.blogspot.com

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY AT THE NEW PICNIC SHELTER AT THE MAPLES DAY USE AREADATE TBA For more info visit mdfairview.com or Facebook: Municipal District of Faiview No. 136

PADDLE THE PEACEAUGUST 15 & 16Overnight adventure option (Sat.) Canoe/Kayak Instructional Day (Sat.)Group Paddle (Sun.)780-836-3348facebook.com/PaddleThePeace


YOUR MIGHTY

PEACE RODEO GUIDE

High Level Local Rodeo June 12, 2015 Mosquito Creek (2km east of High Level) Rodeo parade, horse pull, demolition derby, night rodeo, outdoor rodeo dance and more! Facebook: High Level Agricultural Exhibition Society

Harmon Valley Amateur Rodeo July 25 & 26, 2015 Harmon Valley Ag Grounds

Facebook: Harmon Valley Agricultural Society

Manning Rodeo July 16-19, 2015 Battle River Ag Grounds The oldest and largest amateur rodeo north of Edmonton. Featuring the Western Chuckwagon Assn. GMC Pro Tour Races, Demolition Derby, the Alex Henituik Memorial Slow Pitch Tournament, BBQ, Parade, Food Vendors, Beer Garden, Miss Manning Rodeo and so much more! BattleRiverAgSociety.ca

Redneck Riders Barrel Racing Finals August 15 & 16, 2015 Fairview Rodeo Grounds Small Barrel racing and pole bending Assn. NorthernRedneckRiders.comFacebook: Northern Redneck Riders

Fairview Amateur Rodeo July 17-19, 2015 Fairview Rodeo Grounds Local team roping at 6pm on Friday. Rodeo begins at 1pm on Sat and Sun. Wildrose Rodeo Assn. Sanctioned Rodeo to begin at 3pm Sat. and Sun. Food Booths on-site. Beer Gardens and Live Music by Brad Sims on Fri. and Sat. at 9pm Facebook: Fairview Amateur Rodeo


Mile Zero regional Multiplex

Les Shaw Fitness CentreGet your full body workout by using our cardio equipment, strength machines and free weights. Also offered through the gym are Spin group exercise classes

Arena The Multiplex boasts a 200 x 85 NHL regulation size ice surface. Seating in the bleachers accommodates 1,000 spectators.

Eight change/dressing rooms are utilized by both arena and field house user groups.

Field HouseThe Multiplex also offers three full size gymnasium courts. Court markings on each include the following sports: basketball, volleyball, badminton and soccer.

The playing surface is made of pulastic flooring, which is a stable floor system featuring special recycled rubber shock pad for resiliency and ball rebound with superior strength.

Northern Air Walking Track The Northern Air Indoor Walking Track is a three-lane, 175.3 metre track.

Don Stannard Meeting RoomThe meeting room can accommodate 25 to 30 people comfortably. Everything from meetings to birthday parties are booked weekly in this space.

Pro Shop The on-site pro shop is leased annually to OT Sports

Concession The on-site concession is open year round and is leased to C-Kens Concession and features a variety of homemade treats.

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The Mile Zero Regional Multiplex has been a cherished resource in the Peace Region since it has opened its doors in 2011. In addition to the amazing amenities, the Multiplex has hosted a number of sports tournaments, concerts, training camps and fitness classes.

Be sure to check out this amazing local facility.

the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex 780-332-4005 http://grimshaw.ca/home/mile-zero-regional-multiplex/


Your Mighty Peace Golf guide

Condy Meadows Golf Course Minutes froM the town of Manning| 9 holesOn-site food and beverage and pro shop. 17 fully-service campsites available. 780-836-2176| manning.govoffice.com

The Creek Golf Course 7 Miles north of griMshaw| 9 holesOn-site food and beverage, driving range and pro shop. Campsites available. 780-332-4949| golfthecreek.com

Fairview Golf Course 9 holesOn-site food and beverage, driving range and pro shop. Campsites available. 780-835-2844| fairviewgolfclub.com

Heart River Golf & Campground 3 kM north of naMpa and 5 kM south |9 holesGrass greens, pro shop, clubhouse and driving range.15 serviced lots and day use area. 780-322-3977 | heartrivergolf.com

Fox Haven Golf & Country Club3kM north of high level | 18 holesLicensed restaurant, clubhouse and pro shop. Serviced and Un-serviced camping available. 780-926-3005 | foxhavengolf.ca

Golfworld on the Peace 9803 101 ave |18 hole Mini-golfOpen May 15 - Sept. 1. Available for parties and private events. 780-624-3222


The Bear Creek golf Club 1398 116 st., grande prairie| 18 holesLicensed restaurant, clubhouse, pro shop & driving range. 20 fully-serviced RV campsites available. 780-538-3393 | golfbearcreekgc.com

Hines Creek Golf course 3 Miles south of hines Creek |9 holesClub rentals, cart rentals, pro shop and camping. 780-494-2217

Cleardale Golf Course 5.5 kM west of Cleardale |9 holesSand greens, camping and picnic areas. 780-685-2142

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Northern Sunrise Countys Annual Canada Day CelebrationJune 24th from 4pm-8pmBBQ, Information booths, door prizes, glitter tattoos, face painting, entertainment and more! northernsunrise.net

Canada Day at Historic Dunvegan Park July 1st Celebrating the Canadian flag! Bannock Bake, Games for the kids, cake and entertainment. Explore our four fully-restored historic buildings and see what life in our community might have been like over 100 years ago!historicdunvegan.org

Peace Rivers canada Day Celebration July 1st 1pm - 3pmFireworks display on June 30th at 11:50pm at Riverfront Park. Canada Day festivities begin at the Peace River Museum for the opening ceremonies at 1pm, followed by a childrens bicycle parade to Riverfront Park where there will be entertainment and family activities from 1:30-3:30pm. Free admission to the museum all day.peaceriver.ca

High Levels canada Day Celebration July 1st Pancake breakfast and parade. highlevel.ca

Canada Day in Manning July 1st Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag! BBQ and fireworks. Events at the old hospital and museum grounds. Games and activities for the whole family.manning.govoffice.com

Canada Day in Grimshaw July 1st Festivities kick off at 11:30am with the Parade down Main Street. Activities and games at the Multiplex from 12-3pm including balloon artist, magic illusionist, inflata-bles, live music and more! Free swim at the Grimshaw pool from 3-6pm.780-332-1585

canada day celebrations

This project is funded [in part] by the Government of Canada. Ce projet est finane [en partie] par le gouvernement du Canada.

#L i fesBet te rUpHere | SPRING 2015 MOVE UP 43For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

canada day celebrations

Its no secret; Tim Hortons has evolved from coffee-and-

donut shop to a full-blown Canadian institution and a source of national pride. Barb and Gordon Drummond, owner/operators of the Tim Hortons in Peace River and Valleyview, truly honour the brand.

Since the couple purchased the franchise in 2001, they have donated their money, resources and time to literally hundreds of worthy causes and organizations. From school initiatives to tree planting to movie marathons to tournaments and large events, one need not look far to see their invaluable contributions to the community.

One such cause is the Tour for Kids Cycling Adventure, a sponsored cycling tour that

raises funds and awareness for children with cancer and allows them and their families the chance to take a break from their stresses and enjoy a camp experience just like other kids. In 2009, Gordon took fundraising to the next level and undertook an incredible 12-day, 7,000 km (Vancouver to Halifax) bicycle ride with ten other riders and raised nearly $34,000.

Another initiative the Drummonds are very passionate about is Pick Up the Peace, the outdoor spring garbage clean up Tim Hortons hosts year after year in Peace River. Pick Up the Peace is a great way to roll up your sleeves and get involved. Each year, Tim Hortons donates gloves, T-shirts and a meal to all those who volunteer.

The local Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign benefited the Springfield First Steps Class, an elementary school program that helps give children with special needs, aged three to six, a head start before kindergarten. Each year under the Smile Cookie Campaign, the Drummonds set aside a week of cookie sales, as well as donations, and present it to the Springfield First Steps Class. Over the three years the campaign raised $12,561.

The Drummonds also raise money for Camp Day in support of giving students a childhood camp experience where they can also learn important life skills such as leadership, confidence building and forming new friendships.

To help keep people active throughout the fall and

winter months, Barb and Gordon rent Peace Rivers Al Adair Rec Centre, and provide balls and jerseys for indoor soccer.

For the Drummonds, giving back is a no brainer. They feel it is important for community members to stand up and support one another.

We are all community members; we are in it together. Investing in our communitiesbe it donation in-kind, time, energy, money or awarenessis a great way to give back to those who have helped support our business over the years. It feels great to be connected to others and perhaps assist in making our communities an even better place to be, said Barb.


Barb and Gordon Drummond, Owners/Operators of Tim Hortons in Peace River, AB and Valleyview

photography by tormaigh van slyke


Shell has a long history in the Peace Region. Shells

Peace River In Situ Pilot Project started in 1979 when it began producing bitumen, a heavy form of crude oil, in Northern Sunrise County, which is about 40 km northwest of the Town of Peace River.

By 1986, the Peace River Complex began operations. Today, the plant is licensed to produce 12,500 barrels of bitumen per day, as an annual average, and as of 2010, Shell has been working on the Carmon Creek Project, an 80,000 barrel per day expansion.

As Shells operations have expanded, so has their commitment and dedication to Shell employees, the employees of the companies they hire and the community at large.

For instance, when a Shell employee volunteers between 20 and 40 hours of their personal time to a charity or non-profit, the organization is eligible to receive a $500 to $1,000 donation from Shell. And since 2012, Shells local employees have invested over 4,800 hours into the community across more than 30 organizations including schools and sports teams.

Another example of Shells community-mindedness is their support of Peace Rivers Sugar Plum Tree Day Care Centre. In the spring of 2014, the daycare building burned, nearly to the ground, in a reported electrical fire.

Since the fire, the daycare has been forced to relocate to a temporary location, and Shell is already helping to finance the costs of attaining professional engineering and design quotes to rebuild, so they can later assist with the cost of brand new construction.

Another huge contribution to the community is Shells yearly Salvation Army campaign. This year was an especially cooperative effort as Shell banded together with two of their main contractors in the Carmon Creek projectJV Driver

and ATCO Logistics.

Employees of all three companies worked together with other local businesses and organizations to raise as much as possible for Peace Rivers Salvation Army during the Christmas Season, and they got pretty creative with it too. For example, ATCO employees pledged dare money to each other to shave their heads or their facial hair. And then there is chicken poop bingo.

While there are undoubtedly variations of this game, chicken poop bingo is a game where you make some kind of a play area by sectioning off equal-sized squares. Individuals then purchase squares and everyone puts their money into one pot. Finally, you simply set a recently-fed chicken free on the play area and see where it, well, poops. If the chicken happens to relieve itself on a square you purchased you get half of the cash-pot raised. The chicken poop bingo alone raised several thousands dollars for the cause.

With Salvation Armys Toys for Tots program, JV Drivers staff filled up a cubicle of all sorts of toys and stuffed animals. They also accepted cash

donations for those who couldnt make it into town to purchase toys. They received $800 in cash from the employees. Then, Site Administrator, Jennifer Testawich, and the Human Resources Team went and shopped for more toys and books. It was a huge success. They had the inside of the cubicle and the box of a pickup truck packed with toys and delivered them to the Salvation Army.

Shell also held a silent auction, supported by contractors and local businesses that brought in $7,000, and they worked with two local grocery stores, Freson Bros. and Peace Country Co-op, to bring in donations of food, cash and Freson Bros. Smart Shopper coupons. Freson Bros. also got behind the cause and matched some of the donations raised in the store.

All in all, 2014 was a record breaking year for Shell. Their employees alone brought in about $18,000 in just a few short weeks, not to mention all that was raised by JV Driver, ATCO Logistics, Akita 15 drilling rig and other contractors. Head office then matched each dollar earned, making Shells donation to the Salvation Army total approximately $36,000.


Shell Canadas Peace River Office, JV Driver & ATCO Logistics



COLUMN CRIS SEPPOLA, FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER | NINE10 INCORPORATED

Want Better Marketing?

Your marketing is only as good as the content it contains. Writing for marketing is a lot different than

creating a report, news article, or thesis statement; images for marketing deserve more than a smartphone snap. Here are a four quick tips on how to create compelling content.

Make it Short and Easy

This article uses an approach that does a great job of holding readers interesta numbered (or bulleted)

list. Breaking your article into clearly defined sections allows the reader to skim your message and zone in on what interests them. Readers dont have time to wade through jargon and technical concepts, but they can digest quick, clearly defined ideas. Keep sentences as short as possible and paragraphs to only a few lines. Replace sophisticated fancy words with simpler ones.

Use at Least One Call to Action

The purpose of any marketing content should be to compel the reader

to take action. This applies to any medium, including blog posts, social media updates, website content, print materials... theres no end to the list. Calls to action can be as simple as clicking in a link or more involved like mailing in a form.

The number of calls to action should correspond to the length of your content. A short piece of content, such as a Facebook post, would only have one call to action, such as, Read our latest blog post. A longer piece, like a sales letter, may have a few sprinkled throughout and could include highlighted areas telling the reader what you want them to do.


COLUMNCRIS SEPPOLA, FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER | NINE10 INCORPORATED

Get Better Content!

Invest in Great Content

If you fail here, the rest of the details wont matter. Creating great content can be challenging, especially if youre not a master copywriter or professional photographer. The best thing you can do is to commission a professional. Working with photographers, designers and writers will not only improve your marketing, it will save you a ton of time.

Proof, Proof and Proof Again

No company wants to mail out a thousand postcards to find out 3 days

later they spelled the word product wrong on it.

Invest the time to proof your content carefully and with multiple people. Items that are very easy to miss in marketing materials are the details that are seen every daycontact/location information, product names, URLs and email addresses.

Grammar and spelling are just as important. A good trick for checking copy is to read the document backwards: use a ruler and start at the bottom of the piece, moving the ruler up as each line is read. Its harder for your mind to skip over errors this way.

Checking images is also vital. Watching for small details such as ensuring all safety gear is on, that there are no other company logos showing or odd things in reflections on glass. Writing for marketing doesnt have to be complicated. In fact, it shouldnt be. There are great results in keeping it short, sleek and valuable to the reader.


Beyond 2000 has gone above and beyond. Starting 17 years ago as a home-based business

selling Bell ExpressVu satellite TV systems out of their garage and doing the installations on evenings and weekends, Dave and Fay Allan have built a Grimshaw fixture and they are absolute pillars in the community.

For starters, they are both involved in coaching sports teamseverything from softball to basketball to volleyball. Dave has been Commissioner of the Wheatbelt Baseball League for 20 years, while Fay runs the ladies golf league at The Creek Golf Course, and they help organize sports camps too. As if that wasnt enough, Dave is a Town Councillor, sits on several boards and committees, has been the President of the Alberta Pond Hockey Association for the past three years and for 12 years he has been the Chair and a key fundraiser for the Andy Little Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Fund, a scholarship for Aboriginal students planning to pursue post secondary education.

In addition, Beyond 2000 supports minor hockey, minor ball, swim club, figure skating, local schools, the Alleycatz Skipping Club, curling clubs, golf clubs with prizes and printing for special events. The Allans also allow community groups to utilize their store as a ticket outlet for theatre productions, concerts and special events.

It is important to give back to the community because the community supports our business and its this type of relationship that makes towns and regions strong and viable, said Dave.

Clearly dedicated to the Mighty Peace Region, the Allans believe that supporting the community and shopping local makes for a sustainable economy, and an even better place to live and raise a family.

The Stem and Petal Company began in the summer of 2011 when Owner Jody Dechant

purchased an existing flower and gift shop in Fairview, Alberta. She moved the business to Fairviews Main Street in 2013 when she purchased and renovated the old Fairview Fire Hall. The Stem and Petal Company provides flowers to Fairview and surrounding areas as well as offers consultations to assist with event planning.

Dechant donates to many local charities and fundraisers throughout the year and even holds an annual bike decorating contest during Fairviews Annual Summers End Festival. Investing in the youth of Fairview, Dechant also employs students from both of Fairviews high schools as part of their work experience programs.

These [efforts] and our involvement in the Towns Main Street improvement projects are our way of giving back to the community and saying thank you for the support weve been shown, said Dechant.

Last fall, Dechant brought in a distinguished designer from Ontario and invited every flower ship in northern Alberta and British Columbia to attend their training day and floral demonstration. In addition, Stem and Petal offers creative classes


Fay & Dave Allen, Owners of Beyond 2000 in Grimshaw, AB

Jody Dechant, Owner of the Stem and Petal Company in Fairview, AB

to the public in floral design, beauty and wellness product creation and other fun and trendy DIY projects.

Dechant is also able to cater to her clientele through her support of the local art community. One of our biggest highlights is our amazing group of local consignment artists. They allow us to offer one-of-a-kind, handmade products to our clients, said Dechant.



Theres no question, Peace River Broadcasting Corp.

(PRBC) is part of Northern Albertas history.

Originally airing in 1954 in Peace River under the name CKYL, the station, along with its much newer sister station KIX 106, can still be picked up on radio airwaves throughout the Mighty Peace Region, making PRBC one of the oldest private radio networks in operation. In 2001, the company was purchased by its current owners, Terrence and Cynthia Babiy.

The current General Manager, Chris Black, started at the station over two decades ago in 1994 as a junior writer in the Creative Department.

My grandfather and I drove up together from Winnipeg in the dead of winter. I received notice on a Thursday and interviewed the following Monday. They sat me down at a typewriter and asked me to write an original script on the spot. The rest is history, said Black.

Community is a strong value for the broadcasting company.

PRBC has done a great deal to help promote and organize PeaceFest, Peace Rivers annual music festival that originated in 1997 after a major flood devastated Peace Rivers downtown core. Not only is the festival presented by KIX 106 and YL Country, PRBC has also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising. And, PRBC employees have volunteered their time and muscles to aspects such as emceeing the event and cleaning up after the concert. Black has personally been very involved, dedicating a great deal of his time to the PeaceFest Executive Board and planning committees. This year he holds a familiar position of Vice President of the organization [The Peace River Community Events Society].

Ownership understands the value of employees volunteering and giving back to the community, which is why we are often given the flexibility to

participate during business hours. After all, time is money. Those hours add up to a big investment in the community, said Black.

For over 20 years PRBC has sponsored, donated advertising, volunteered, and had employees perform and direct for Peace Players, Peace Rivers amateur theatre group. Ranging from burlesque to comedy to drama, Peace Players usually organizes three to four shows per year. Theyve even brought in numerous professional productions such as the Alberta Ballet and other touring acts from Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.

Since its inception in 2012, PRBC has also been a huge supporter of the Shell Rotary House fundraisi

Move Up ~ Issue 6

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Transcript of Move Up ~ Issue 6