The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has given Langford two thumbs up for ditching annual business licences in favour of a one-time payment and is urging other B.C. cities to follow suit. “This news from the City of Langford — coming out during the middle of Small Business Week –—really made our day,” said Mike Klassen, the CFIB’s director of provincial affairs for B.C. “Requiring an annual licence fee just so businesses can operate is an old convention that deserves a rethink. It is really just another tax that creates more work for city employees and discourages job growth in our communities.” Klassen contacted Mayor Stew Young as soon as he heard the news. Young said that while he expects the revenue loss from business licences to be about $70,000 a year, they cost about $40,000 a year to administer and enforce. Klassen said the move will earn Langford a nomination for CFIB’s Golden Scissors Award for cutting red tape.
Tourism Nanaimo appoints Anderson
Lesley Anderson has been named executive director of destination management for the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation and Tourism Nanaimo. She will be responsible for managing the Tourism Nanaimo division and working with the tourism leadership committee, stakeholders and staff to continue growing Nanaimo’s tourism sector. Anderson, who has worked in the industry for 18 years, joins the NEDC after 51Ú2 years at the Canadian Tourism Commission.
New director for Finance Officers
The Government Finance Officers Association of B.C. has appointed Rob Bullock as executive director. He is director of finance and support services for the Children’s Foundation and previously held a senior position with the City of Edmonton. GFOA promotes excellence in local government and provincial finance through support, education and development of finance professionals.
Lane Patrick joins Oak Bay Beach
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel has appointed Lane Patrick as executive sous chef. He returns to Victoria after two years at the Four Seasons Nevis, West Indies. Patrick’s resumé includes many of Vancouver’s notable restaurants, including Diva at the Metropolitan, as well as the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff and a six-year stint with Food Network Canada chef Lynn Crawford at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, where he was banquet chef, garde manger chef, restaurant chef and sous chef. In his new role at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Patrick will be responsible for over seeing all aspects of the food operation at the Snug Pub, David Foster Foundation Theatre, Kate’s Café and a fine-dining restaurant.
Accountants honoured
The Certified General Accountants Association of British Columbia has honoured Victoria’s Kathie Ross with the 2013 Chair’s Award for Education, which recognizes leadership and distinguished service as an educator in the student or continuing professional education program. Ross has worked as an instructor with CGA-BC at Thompson Rivers University and Royal Roads University. She is currently based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K., where she has started a PhD in accounting. In another move, Peter Klotz of Victoria has won the J.M. MacBeth Award of Merit, presented in recognition of exceptional service at the CGA-BC chapter level. Klotz is budget manager for the B.C. Public Service Agency.
New Cridge board
The Cridge Centre for the Family announced its board of directors at the organization’s 140th AGM this month. The new president is Val Fuller of Grand & Toy. Continuing multi-year terms are vice-president Colin Moorman, Dutton Realty; and directors Dr. Harold McNabb, retired minister of West Shore Presbyterian Church; Jo Politano, retired analyst at B.C. Pension Corporation; and Mary-Jane Spray, retired chairwoman of applied business technology at Camosun College. Returning to the board are secretary Claudia Dorrington, counsellor with Victoria Prayer Counselling, and Louise Parton, retired owner of Greater Victoria Hearing Consultants. Joining the board for the first time is filmmaker Hilary Pryor, founder of May Street Productions. Also on the board is director Del Philips, management consultant and member of the Peacemakers Trust, and director Rosemary Smyth, owner of Smyth & Associates Business Coaching. Treasurer is Mike Cridge of the Bank of Montreal.
Don’t miss
More than 250 University of Victoria researchers have made “elevator pitches” on their fields of studies and posted the videos online. Go to youtube.com/ facesofuvicresearch.
This story has been updated with corrected information
