Several prominent local companies will share their success stories, challenges and opportunities at a special event for Port Coquitlam businesses on Oct. 23.
Representatives from PoCo Building Supplies, Dynamic Structures and Dominion Lending Centre will be among those speaking at PoCo BizForum, which will also feature a business fair with free display space, and an interactive discussion on how Port Coquitlam can become more business-friendly.
The free event will be hosted by Port Coquitlam's Mayor's Task Force on Business Development Opportunities at the PoCo Inn and Suites on Oct. 23, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
"We respect the role of our businesses in creating a good economy in Port Coquitlam for both businesses and residents," Mayor Greg Moore said. "We're serious about engaging businesses and doing what we can to make our City a more attractive place to do business."
Comprised of both business and City representatives, the task force is working to identify challenges to doing business in Port Coquitlam and find opportunities to support businesses. Input from the business community is being collected through the BizForum and a recent five-week survey that received 144 responses.
The PoCo BizForum will kick off at 6 p.m. with a networking reception sponsored by PoCo Inn and Suites and a business fair offering free display space to local businesses.
An input and discussion forum will follow from 7 to 8:30 p.m., including the panel of speakers representing local businesses, a presentation on the results of the business survey, and a facilitated discussion during which participants will share ideas about their own challenges and opportunities, and how the City of Port Coquitlam can better support existing businesses and attract new investment.
Businesses have until Oct. 18 to register for free display space or for a seat at the forum (see end of story for details). Display space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
As task force chair Cllr. Mike Forrest sees it, "this process is about celebrating our businesses here, recognizing that they are strong economic generators for Port Coquitlam, and making sure our businesspeople feel they have an audience and a voice for their issues."
"We need to get the success stories out to the public, and show that Port Coquitlam is open for business and we're looking for more businesses to locate here to create jobs and allow people to live, work and play in the same place," said Cllr. Forrest, co-owner of long-running local business Forrest Marine.
Cllr. Mike Forrest would like to see more opportunities for the city to "buy local," and to do that, "We need to keep up to date on what products and services are available frombusinessesin the city and provide an opportunity forthose businesses to bid on city procurements."
Identifying issues is a critical step in moving forward, he added. "We can't fix problems if we don't know they're there. We need businesses, including those who do business with the city, to point out any problems they may be having. We want to be as open as we can in receiving any constructive criticism."
The BizForum's moderator will be Maureen Enser, who recently retired after 30 years as CEO and president of the Urban Development Institute. Enser is a recognized authority on matters related to real estate, community development, housing and sustainable cities. Her many accolades include receiving the British Columbia Community Achievement award in 2005 for her work promoting sustainable cities and volunteerism, being named one of the 10 most influential women in business by Business in Vancouver magazine in 2005, and receiving an Outstanding Achievement Award in 2002 for her contributions to the real estate industry.
BizForum participants will learn from the experiences and successes of the panel of local business representatives, including:
Chris Coakley, General Manager of Port Coquitlam Business Supplies and Port Coquitlam Transfer Ltd. Coakley has been involved in a number of business associations, including serving as an original director of the Downtown Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association. PoCo Building Supplies is Port Coquitlam's oldest business, remaining successful amid the rising popularity of big box hardware stores. It has twice been Building Supply Store of the Year in B.C., and in 2011 was the Outstanding Young Retailer recipient of all building supply stores in Canada.
David Halliday, President and Director of Special Projects for Dynamic Structures Limited. A recipient of the Order of Canada and the Lieutenant Governor Diamond Jubilee Medal, Halliday is responsible for the design, manufacture and erection of major theme park rides and attractions (including the Harry Potter ride for Universal Studios Orlando Florida, Space Mountain and Radiator Spring rides for Disney California, and "Soarin" ride for Disney California and Florida) as well as some of the world's largest and most sensitive observatory telescopes. He has also helped to develop Canada's long-range plan for astronomy and astrophysics.
Gary Mauris, Co-Founder and President of Dominion Lending Centres Inc. DLC is Canada's largest national mortgage brokerage and leasing firm, originating more than $13 billion in mortgage volume per year. A true entrepreneur, Mauris is passionate about the mortgage brokering business in Canada and continuing to grow each of DLC's more than 2,200 mortgage professionals' individual businesses from coast to coast.
Along with Coun. Mike Forrest and Enser, the task force includes Coun. Brad West and Coun. Dean Washington, Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association president Lih-Ming Tam, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce president Davide Fantillo, and local business representative Chris Galer.
To pre-register before Oct. 18 for free display space in the business fair or a seat at the BizForum, visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/bdo or pick up a registration form at City Hall and recreation facilities. For further information, call 604-927-5442.
