Laurel and Devin discuss some of the upcoming events that the Chamber is planning, such as International Women's Day and the Volunteer Fair.

In this solo episode of Kitimat, What’s the Future, host Devin Wall shares his entrepreneurial journey of transitioning into full-time entrepreneurship with Spruce Tree Media, a full-service marketing firm. Reflecting on the challenges and rewards of running a business without formal business training, Devin discusses the crucial lessons learned over the past three years. From the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing the right customer fit to the necessity of effective time management, Devin provides valuable insights for fellow entrepreneurs. Tune in for a candid discussion on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the discipline required to succeed in this dynamic field.

Maya from PNGI joins Devin to discuss the organization's work in supporting adults with disabilities. They cover the services offered by PNGI, how to access those services, community outreach and goal planning, funding for the services, and Maya's personal connection to the work. Maya also shares information on how to find more information about PNGI. The conversation highlights the importance of PNGI's work in the community.

In this episode, Laurel and Devin discuss the role and benefits of the Chamber of Commerce. They highlight how chambers serve the entire community, not just businesses, and provide various resources and networking opportunities. They also emphasize the importance of advocacy and policy-making in chambers. The conversation then shifts to the topic of security and fraud prevention, with Laurel sharing a personal experience of dealing with fraudulent transactions. They stress the need for businesses to be vigilant and educate their staff about potential scams. The episode concludes with a teaser for an upcoming event, the Kitimat Volunteer Opportunities Fair.

In this episode of "Kitimat, What's the Future?" host Devin Wall engages with Shannon Warren, the founder and CEO of Matrix HR. Shannon shares his personal journey from a small town in Rexton, New Brunswick, to the construction industry and eventually establishing Matrix HR. The podcast explores the origins of Matrix HR, its growth from a modest beginning to a $26 million revenue enterprise, and the core values that differentiate it in the industry.Shannon delves into the challenges of the construction sector, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and a focus on worker well-being. The episode highlights Matrix HR's commitment to providing a safe working environment, timely payments, and comprehensive benefits to its workforce.The discussion also touches on Matrix HR's service offerings, including staffing solutions, permanent placements, and payroll services. Notably, the company has successfully expanded its operations across every province and territory in Canada and is now present in 50 states in the US, excluding New York and LA.A key aspect of Matrix HR's unique approach is its joint ventures with local First Nations communities, contributing to the community and fostering partnerships. The episode concludes with insights into the benefits of using Matrix HR's services, including its 21 years of experience, safety accreditations, and the ability to quickly fill labor gaps for various projects.Shannon sheds light on the company's boutique-style approach, allowing it to be agile and responsive to client needs. The episode closes with information on how individuals and businesses can connect with Matrix HR through their website or directly reaching out to Shannon Warren.Overall, the podcast provides a comprehensive and insightful look into Matrix HR's journey, values, and the distinctive qualities that set it apart in the workforce solutions industry.

In this episode of Kitimat: What's the Future?, hosts Devon Wall and Laurel DeAndrea discuss the unexpected weather changes in Kitimat, contemplating renaming Winterfest to RainFest due to the lack of snow. Despite the weather challenges, they highlight the exciting events planned for Winterfest at the Hirsch Creek Golf and Winter Club, including curling sessions, a kid zone, snow cones, road hockey, and a scavenger hunt with a chance to win an iPad. The hosts then shift the conversation to the rising threat of phishing scams, offering practical tips to recognize and prevent falling victim to online scams, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity. Laurel shares a cautionary tale, underscoring the need for expert guidance in handling such issues. The episode concludes with an introduction to the LNG rebate for cybersecurity consulting through the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce and an invitation for potential guests to join the podcast. Stay tuned for more insights on Kitimat's future and stay informed to stay secure.

In this episode of "Kitimat: What's the Future," hosts Devin Wall and Laurel D'Andrea discuss the Chamber's adoption of the Membership Works program to modernize invoicing. They also share details about the upcoming Minerals North Conference in Kitimat, emphasizing its theme of "Kitimat: Exploring Opportunities" and the planned activities.The hosts highlight a business program initiated by LNG Canada, offering rebates to local businesses for growth. They discuss the collaboration with LOCO BC for the "Keep It Local Kitimat" campaign, focusing on supporting local shops, industry partners, and franchises.The episode concludes with an invitation for businesses to register for the program, showcasing a commitment to local businesses and fostering growth in the region.

In this episode of "Kitimat, What's the Future," host Devin Wall discusses the Road Safety at Work program with Trace Akers, its program director. They emphasize the importance of protecting roadside workers in various sectors, highlighting the need for drivers to slow down and move over for flashing lights from emergency vehicles. The program's objective is to reduce injuries and fatalities among roadside workers, and they stress the shared responsibility of employers, supervisors, workers, and drivers in ensuring roadside safety. Tune in to learn how to contribute to creating safer roads for everyone.

In this episode of Kitimat, What's the Future, join host Devin as he engages in a captivating conversation with Lee and Phil from the Business Launch Network. Discover the intriguing story of how Lee and Phil came to live in and develop a deep affection for Kitimat, while also exploring their business in the transformative potential of AI tools in business expansion and process automation.Devin dives into the personal journeys of Lee and Phil, delving into the reasons behind their decision to settle in Kitimat.

In this episode of "Kitimat, What's the Future," host Devin interviews summer students Michaela and Devon from the tourism department at the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce.They discuss their studies in the arts, their involvement in the night market, and their favorite tourism activities in Kitimat. The students share information about the chamber's summer offerings, including kayak, paddleboard, and mountain bike rentals.They also mention their efforts in social media engagement and conducting surveys at campsites. The conversation concludes with a mention of their participation in the upcoming Canada Day parade. Overall, they highlight the creative and community-oriented aspects of their work.