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Kootenay Regional Business Round-up

Business news and notes
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Clockwise from top left: Sebastiaan (Seb) van der Horst of 930IT; CBT CEO and President Johnny Strilaeff and Board Chair Jocelyn Carver; Veteran realtor Maxine Wolfe; Trail City Council recently accepted a generous $1,000,000 USD donation from the Murphy Family Foundation.

Fernie/South Country: Max at Re/Max

Veteran realtor Maxine Wolfe has joined the ranks of Remax Blue Sky Realty in Cranbrook.

With over 25 years of real estate experience, Maxine specializes in properties in the South Country and Fernie areas.

She states, “I live rural, between Fernie and Cranbrook. This gives me experience in the city and the South Country (Koocanusa). I am your girl, and I look forward to working with you.”

In the past Maxine has owned and operated the Century 21 franchise in Fernie. Most recently she was a realtor at Fernie's EXP Realty.

Cranbrook: 9:30 IT Launches in Cranbrook

Sebastiaan (Seb) van der Horst, owner of Kootenay Computers, is pleased to introduce his new venture called 930IT.

He says, “930IT is a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to bridging the digital divide, while enhancing the skills and opportunities available to individuals and businesses. Specializing in residential computer tech sales and service, 930IT distinguishes itself through a dual focus: delivering high-quality tech solutions and fostering skill development for both staff and clients.” 

You will find Kootenay Computer and 930IT located at 930 Baker Street next to the Bank of Montreal.

Columbia Basin: Seven Takeaways from the CBT AGM

The Columbia Basin Trust recently held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the St. Eugene Mission near Cranbrook. Here are seven takeaways from the meeting:
1. By the numbers: Annual Revenue $95.687 million (down from 95.724 million the previous year); Annual Expenses $84.2 million (down from 85.9 million the previous year) and Accumulated Surplus $545.7 million (up from $529.9 the previous year)
2. Delivery of Benefits (eg. Community Initiatives): $53.1 million (down from $55.4 million the previous year)
3. Book value of assets: $1.2 Billion (primarily from 50% ownership in four hydro electric power projects in the West Kootenay.
4. Administration Expenses $12.9 million (up from $12.1 million the previous year)
5. Operates a fleet of 68 electric powered vehicles (supported the addition 30 charging stations in the Basin)
6. Future revenues projected to remain flat, with a major challenge being repair of a major equipment failure at the Arrow Lakes generating facility contributing to greater expenses and loss of revenue.
7. CEO Johnny Strilaeff said the CBT is interested in investing in alternative energy projects in the future (solar, wind and hydro) which may possibly include investment in and the rejuvenation of the Elko Hydro Dam on the Elk River.
Pictured: CBT CEO and President Johnny Strilaeff and Board Chair Jocelyn Carver

Trail: $1 Million Donation to Upgrade Trail's Cominco Arena

In a significant boost to the community, Trail City Council recently accepted a generous $1,000,000 USD donation from the Murphy Family Foundation. This donation will significantly contribute to funding critical upgrades to the Cominco arena, which will enhance the experience for arena users and the wider community.

The City of Trail and the Trail Smoke Eaters also announced they have come to terms regarding usage of the facility and have negotiated free usage of the facility through the regular and playoff seasons for the next five years for the Trail Smoke Eaters.

The BCHL team is owned and operated by Rich and Annie Murphy of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Murphy Family recently purchased the Peninsula Panthers of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League. 

In recent months Mr. Murphy was elected as the Chair for the BCHL Board of Governors.