From the trenches

The Island Coastal Economic Trust strategically invests in inclusive economic development, diversification, and innovation in partnership with communities across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and island and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution.Learn about how they empower communities and their regional impact in their latest Impact Report.To learn more, please visit: islandcoastaltrust.caBrodie's Final 4:Books: Fishing the River of Time - Tony TaylorApp: MusicButlerBest advice: "'Mentor' is a gift word, it's something you earn."Favourite restaurants: Devils' Bath Brewing Co.Podcast Publisher: Business Examiner News GroupFor more local news impacting business in British Columbia, visit businessexaminer.ca.

The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) is a registered non-government, non-profit society spearheading regional economic development for the entire Vancouver Island and rural islands region. The society is funded by memberships, sponsorships and gate receipts from events. Their initiatives that you might recognize include: Island Good product brand, Foreign Trade Zone Vancouver Island, ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit, ‘State of the Island’ Economic Report, and the Island Wood Industries initiative. VIEA is a collaborative partnership providing opportunities for communities, First Nations, businesses, and other key stakeholders to collaborate on broad-based economic activities to improve the region’s capacity for economic vitality.To learn more, please visit: viea.caJulie's Final 4:Books: The Orenda - Joseph BoydenApp: NotionBest advice: "Success, development and impact are never in a straight line. You need to embrace the messiness of progress."Favourite restaurants: Gabriel's CafePodcast Publisher: Business Examiner News GroupFor more local news impacting business in British Columbia, visit businessexaminer.ca.

At Miracon, their design, construction and customer service teams are committed to creating innovative, functional and award-winning communities for their homeowners.Their team consists of talented professionals who have over 50 years of experience working in the residential construction industry. Miracon’s success is a result of the collaboration and innovation of their team and their commitment and enthusiasm to building quality homes and providing a memorable experience for each of their buyers.For more information, please visit: miracon.caRyan's Final 4:Books: Principles: Life & Work - Ray Dalio | Meditations - Marcus AureliusBest advice: "You can have anything you want in life, but you can't have everything." - Ray DalioApp: The Mindfulness App.Podcasts: Huberman Lab Podcast | The Rich Roll Podcast | The Peter Attia Drive PodcastFavourite restaurants: Tap Restaurant.Podcast Publisher: Business Examiner News GroupFor more local news impacting business in British Columbia, visit businessexaminer.ca.

The Western Retail Lumber Association Inc. today is comprised of over 1,150 member firms involved in the building supply industry on the prairies. The WRLA represents the interests of members in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Northwest Territories, NW Ontario, Yukon and Nunavut, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information in the industry.The WRLA office is located in the Electric Railway Chambers Building in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba and is staffed by four full-time and 1 part-time employees. Association business is managed by a thirteen member Board of Directors which includes a five member executive.For more information, please visit: wrla.org and letsgobuild.caLiz's Final 4:Books: John Maxwell | The Atlas Six - Olivie BlakeBest advice: "Always show up."App: Garmin ConnectFavourite restaurants: Deer + AlmondPodcast Publisher: Business Examiner News GroupFor more local news impacting business in British Columbia, visit businessexaminer.ca.

As the world’s first skincare line based on USDA certified organic seaweed, Seaflora Skincare aims to preserve and promote thalassotherapy: the healing powers of wild seaweed, marine minerals, ocean mud, and sea salts, for health and beauty. They only incorporate whole, wild, raw seaweeds into our product line – no other company in the world meets this standard.For more information, please visit: www.seafloraskincare.comAdam's Final 4:Book: Predictable Revenue - Aaron Ross & Marylou Tyler | Hyper Sales Growth - Jack DalyBest advice: "You get in your head, you're dead."App: Windy.app | ChatGPTFavourite restaurants: NORI JAPANESE RESTAURANT | The Lazy Gecko | West Coast GrillPodcast Publisher: Business Examiner News GroupFor more local news impacting business in British Columbia, visit businessexaminer.ca.

Peninsula Co-op is a Vancouver Island based co-operative with their core business in grocery, petroleum and convenience stores employing more than 350 full and part-time employees.Their services include:18 gas centres with convenience stores located on Southern Vancouver Island between Sidney and Duncan; in Comox and Campbell River.5 local network cardlocks and 7 system-wide cardlocks on the Island.2 liquor stores in the Greater Victoria Area.Home heating oil sales and distribution.Food Centre (full-service grocery store) located in Saanichton.Since 1977 we remain entirely locally owned and proudly share profits with our 108,000 member-owners, community and staff.For more information, please visit: www.peninsulaco-op.comCorey's Final 4:Book: Made in America - Sam Walton.Best advice: "You have to be extremely patient with long term objectives, but equally impatient with short term objectives."App: fuboTV | BC FerriesFavourite restaurants: Little Jumbo Restaurant and Bar.Podcast Publisher: Business Examiner News GroupFor more local news impacting business in British Columbia, visit businessexaminer.ca.

Frontline Real Estate Services is a full-service real estate firm specializing in the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver. Their acute local focus, innovative marketing systems and cooperative team structure enable them to deliver powerful results.The company has invested heavily in advanced administrative systems that allow their brokers to maximize their efficiency and spend more time selling. They have developed a sophisticated marketing system that combines the best of traditional brokerage methods with new technology allowing buyers and sellers to connect faster and more effectively.For more information, please visit: flre.ca.Amyn's Final 4:Book: Barbarians at the Gate Book - Bryan Burrough & John Helyar | A Fine Balance - Rohinton MistryBest advice: "Live my material life as if I'm going to live forever, and my spiritual life as if I'm going to die tomorrow."App: Starbucks.Favourite restaurants: Earls Kitchen + Bar Restaurants.Podcast Publisher: Business Examiner News GroupFor more local news impacting business in British Columbia, visit businessexaminer.ca.

NAI Commercial (Victoria) Inc. specializes in commercial real estate sales, leasing and property management, as well as residential sales and development, working with local business leaders in brokerage services and asset management. Their qualified professional team offers years of specialized experience in all aspects of Real Estate.NAI Commercial (Victoria) Inc. is licensed under the Real Estate Act for the Province of BC and is a long standing member of community organizations including the Better Business Bureau, Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses and the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. For the protection of their clients they carry a comprehensive insurance policy including errors and omissions.For more information, please visit: www.naivictoria.ca.Bev's Final 4:Book: Treasure Island Novel - Robert Louis Stevenson | The Splendid and the Vile - Erik Larson.Best advice: "Beware of people quoting statistics, they use them more like the drunk uses the lamppost, more for support than illumination."App: PredictWind.Favourite restaurants: Deep Cove Chalet.Podcast Publisher: Business Examiner News GroupFor more local news impacting business in British Columbia, visit businessexaminer.ca.