May 2011 Newsletter: General Interest
1. Celebrating Successes: The Creston Film Group
Around 2007, a handful of entrepreneurial youth from the Creston Valley self-organized to form the Creston Film Group. The bunch, which quickly grew to more than twenty, had a passion for visual communication, and began teaching themselves to make movies.
With a desire to advance their own learning, they came under the mentorship of Michael Farnsworth of Webtropolis in 2009, by way of the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) program, the Youth Video Club.
Michael was so impressed with the skill and dedication of the group that he has continued to help them; using his extensive expertise in media production to develop their skills through a series of projects, workshops and hands-on training.
Later in 2010, Michael attended a KRIC-hosted event aimed at increasing awareness of the digital media industry in the region, and he spoke about the group and their accomplishments. KRIC was later able to help Michael connect with the Columbia Basin Trust’s Youth Initiatives program.
In December, the group successfully accessed a grant to create a short film, The Beautiful Creston Valley, and a series of workshops under their mentor’s guidance. With additional sponsorships from local businesses and community groups, the youth have been able to attend six comprehensive workshops on lighting, cinematography, electronic news gathering, script-writing, editing, and audio and video production.
They have successfully produced several high-quality video projects which generate revenue for their group, and members are now being hired by Webtropolis, which provides training videos, promotional videos for internal corporate, Internet and broadcast use, and audio production.
The Beautiful Creston Valley project will wrap at the end of June, and it promises to be an excellent showcase of the valley. As well as helping to promote the area, the film will also serve as a showpiece for the talented youth and digital media entrepreneurs in the region.
For more information about the Creston Film Group, contact Michael Farnsworth toll free at 888-770-1369 or michael@webtropolis.com.
2. I-TECH Tradeshow and Luncheon
Wednesday, May 25, 11 am - 3 pm (lunch 12-1 pm)
KRIC and KAST are proud to support new technology and innovation in the Kootenays. The East Kootenay I-TECH event will take place at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort and Convention Centre in Cranbrook. For more information, contact Larry Sparks, KRIC's Executive Director, at info@kric.ca.
3. Free Business Coaching!
KRIC offers FREE Business Coaching to support regional innovators, business owners and entrepreneurs in knowledge-based industries. Find out more...
4. CMIAE Annual Researchers' Meeting
Every year CMI members get together to provide updates on their projects (research, field trials, new initiatives in southeastern British Columbia), network, and catch up on each other’s news. It’s an informal atmosphere and non-CMI members and post-secondary students are welcome to attend. Presentations will be on Thursday, May 12 with field trips during the last part of the afternoon. This year's theme is grasslands.
CMI's short Annual General Meeting will be held immediately after lunch.
Click here for more information.
5. How much are Facebook fans really worth?
As brands and businesses of all kinds invest time and money in attracting fans for their Facebook pages, a sinking question has begun to set in: Is there any ROI (return on investment) for building up your Facebook presence? Besides stroking the ego of the CEO or head of marketing, how much is a Facebook fan worth to your business?
David Rogers explores the ways that the ROI of acquiring Facebook fans can be measured in his recent article on BNET.
6. Survey to help CBT understand key capital financing issues
CBT is seeking input via this survey to gather feedback that will help CBT to understand what gaps in financing exist, why these gaps exist, and, what the key capital financing issues are for businesses and non-profit organizations within the Columbia Basin.
7. Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) Annual Conference - June 9-11, Sudbury, Ontario
It’s the event of the year for Canada’s field of informal science learning! This conference attracts more than 100 delegates and representatives from more than 60 organizations and highlights engagement from across Canada through the National Awards Gala and Tradeshow. Scan the list of 26 learning sessions, or learn about the keynote speaker, Dr. James Delgado, Marine Archaeologist.
There are still many ways to get involved:
- Book a trade show booth and showcase your work
- Sign up for ‘What’s new at your science centre’; a quick-paced update from around the country here
- Apply to present at ‘Demo madness’; the science demonstration showcase: here
All types of organizations are welcome to participate. For more information about the conference, or to register, visit www.CASC2011.ca.
8. Science World Scientists and Innovators in Schools Program
Would you like to speak to students around the province about topics you are passionate about?
BCWWA is excited to be partnering with Science World to help bring the wonder of science to classrooms throughout B.C. Members are invited to join the Scientists and Innovators in Schools (SIS) Program and speak to students around the province about science-related topics.
Science World provides speakers with free training workshops, and will reimburse any travel expenses and costs for presentation materials. BCWWA will also make resources available for speakers to take to classrooms.
http://www.scienceworld.ca/sis
9. Training and workshops at Community Futures East Kootenay
Community Futures will be hosting the following workshops in May:
* Commercial Real Estate Agreements and Law May 19, 11 am - 12:30 pm
Expanding your business and/or thinking of buying a business, this seminar will cover commercial real estate agreements and law.
* Payroll Information Seminar (jointly with Introduction to Workers' Compensation and Employment Standards for Businesses) May 19, 9 am - 4 pm
* Small Business Seminar May 20, 8:30 am - 12 pm
The Seminar is designed primarily for small business entrepreneurs. It will help you if you are about to start or have just started a business. Topics covered include: • Setting up your Business • Income Tax* • CPP for proprietors and partners • Audit, Objections and Appeals • Goods and Services Tax/ Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) • How to get information from CRA • My Business Account
* Start Smart - Market Research May 26, 2 - 5 pm
Market research is an important part of your business plan since it offers an in-depth study of your business. This seminar will save you time and money and outline the tools you need to understand your competition and your customers.
* Forecasting Revenues and Expenses May 27, 10 am - 1 pm
Forecasting your revenues and expenses is a critical part of business planning. Financial forecasting is goal setting with numbers attached. The effects of external and internal factors on your business will be covered.
* Cash Flow and Your Business May 27 2 - 5 pm
Profit is important – but the real danger for most businesses is cash flow. Cash flow problems are a symptom of a greater disease. Developing a cash flow forecast is an essential part of business planning, financial planning and loan applications
* Getting Serious with Social Media May 31 2 - 4 pm
Are you currently using social media for your business but want to find out more how to maximize your presence and focus your actions? Then the Getting Serious with Social Media seminar is for you!
* Business Bootcamp June 1, 2, 4 and 11, 6 - 9 pm
Do you have a business idea that you’d like to put into action? If so, developing a business plan is absolutely essential, especially when you’re looking for financing. Learning how to develop an effective plan can be challenging, both in terms of time and cost. That’s exactly why Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK) has introduced “Business Plan Boot Camp.”
For more information and to register, visit http://www.cfek.ca/html/Training%20and%20Events.htm
