Carmanah Technologies reported a second-quarter profit of $10.3 million, according to statements released this week. The Victoria-based solar company saw its revenue increase to $15.7 million, compared with $9 million in the same quarter last year, when its profit was just $400,000. The company noted the difference was a recognition of $9.9 million in tax assets — investment tax credits and deferred income taxes which allow Carmanah to reduce taxes on current and future earnings realized within Canada. That was previously written off at the end of 2011 due to the uncertainty of usage.
The company decided to reinstate the assets based on its financial performance over the past six quarters. “Carmanah’s second quarter was very eventful,” said chief executive John Simmons. “During the quarter our sales teams generated record levels of new orders, which led to record high revenues and a substantial book of open orders to be completed during the balance of the year.”
3D printer in action at retailer
London Drugs is bringing in 3D printing expert John Biehler to its Yates Street store on Saturday to show consumers how they can use the technology in everyday life. Biehler’s talk and demonstration will run between noon and 4 p.m. He will offer a hands-on look into the new Tiertime UP Mini 3D printer, and demonstrate how everyday items can be easily created and new ideas brought to life in three dimensions.
Brentwood Bay shop sells food and artwork
Alice Bacon and John Carswell and their son, Will, 11, are forging a new business life by opening the Brentwood Bay Empourium, 12 -7103 West Saanich Rd. The 2,000-square-foot space serves a dual purpose as a breakfast, snack and lunch destination and as a place to buy artwork and gifts, many locally produced.
Bacon and Carswell ran Shine*ola Communications for 15 years prior to opening their new business. They asked Brentwood Bay residents what they would like to see in the community, Bacon said. The Empourium (they sell coffee and other beverages including milkshakes) is open Monday through Saturday, from
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Salmon projects get new funding
Four Victoria-area salmon projects are receiving a total of $42,000 from the Pacific Salmon Foundation. The initiatives include community restoration of Douglas Creek; the Swan Creek capital city allotment gardens restoration project; Coquitz River habitat restoration; and the five-day Stewards of the Future Conference, being put on by the Government House Foundation, to support 120 secondary school students learning about sustainable resource management. The four initiatives have a total value of more than $400,000. That figure includes time donated by volunteers and fundraising.
