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Kintec, with a focus on feet, opens downtown

Business Spotlight/Leah Blain
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Leah Blain

There are plenty of shoes and walking-related items in the new store on Hudson Street but Kintec is much more than that.

“We’re foot experts,” says owner Graham Archer. “We do gait assessments, look at foot function and foot structure. We get to know people’s lifestyles and history – or lack of history –of foot problems and then we fit them with the appropriate product. We do a thorough bio-mechanical assessment.”

Once the need is assessed, Graham does a 3D scan of the feet and has orthotics custom manufactured.

Graham, a certified pedorthist, has 19 years of experience. He and his family moved to Salmon Arm from Port Coquitlam.

“We came here for the lifestyle. I was in the corporate side; I wanted a change. This store is 100 per cent locally owned and operated; it’s not a corporate store.”

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The brands they carry include: Dunham, Birkenstock, Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, Glerups slippers, Earth, Hubbard, Cambrian, Portafino, Aravon, Hoka. They have home footwear and slippers. They carry men’s and ladies’ shoes and will have children’s shoes in the new year.

“We sell bracing and off the shelf insoles. We have compression hosiery and socks. We want to keep people active on their feet for life. We don’t want foot pain to hold people back from what they love to do. We have the tools to keep you moving.”

Kintec is located at 117 Hudson St. NE. It is open Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m and on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact them at 250-517-7337 or visit their website, kintec.net/salmon-arm.

Their Facebook page will be up and running in a few weeks. In the spring they will offer running and walking clinics.

Quaaout Lodge recognized nationally

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) ranked the Quaaout Lodge as one of three finalists in their culture tourism category.

There are several criteria, says resort manager Jesse Ziercke. Some of these include: promotion and advancement of culture, providing employment and economic activity in the Aboriginal community, innovation in delivering Aboriginal cultural tourism experience and cultural sustainability.

“Our strongest point here is community connection,” says Jesse. “We tried to drive the cultural program with the elders in the community in mind and cultural sustainability and education. The canoe project was a huge reason for our nomination.”

Jesse says 2019 will be a busy year at Quaaout as they are looking at expansion opportunities for both the lodge and golf course and doing a full room renovation.

Windmill meats on the move

Windmill Meats is moving to Westgate Market (the former Canadian Tire building). They closed their former location last week and will be reopening in a few weeks.

Scarecrow contest at Buckerfields

Buckerfields is inviting everyone to build their best scarecrow and drop it off at the store. It’s their first annual scarecrow contest and party. You can drop it off anytime during store hours. The winner is decided by people’s choice at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20. Prizes for first to third place are store gift cards. The party goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a BBQ with 5K Valley Ranch. Buckerfields is located at 1771 10th Ave. SW.

Triple O’s fundraiser a success

On Sept. 28, a loonie from the sale of every combo sold at Triple O’s locations throughout the province was donated to KidSport BC. Generous Salmon Arm residents did their part by raising $759. Altogether, Triple O’s guests supporting the ninth-annual KidSport Day fundraiser helped raise over $80,000 to help financially under-privileged kids participate in team sports.

RE-Market etc. celebrates first anniversary

“It’s hard to believe been a year since we opened RE-Market etc. and it’s been a great year,” says owner Linda Nielson. “The store has changed a lot since we first opened and we have added so many new things after hearing what people wanted. We also added Fusion Mineral Paint, teach classes and workshops and sell lots of hardware to complete these projects.”

Linda says she and her husband Jamie are enjoying running a business in a place that “has such a sense of community.”

RE-Market etc. is open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed Sunday and Monday.

Visit their Facebook page, RE-Market etc., to check out the kinds of classes they offer, or visit them at their store at 121 Hudson St. NE.

SASCU increases support program

SASCU Financial Group has increased funding of its community support program, effective this year.

“We have increased our support of community non-profit organizations and initiatives from four per cent to five per cent of our net operating income,” said Barry Johnson, chair, SASCU board of directors. “Given that 1 per cent is the benchmark for businesses to be considered a philanthropic organization, SASCU’s commitment sets us apart as a major supporter in the communities we serve.”

This announcement is paired with changes to the Community Support Application including an emphasis on new areas of focus. SASCU will concentrate its community giving to make a greater impact in the areas of community gathering; sports and arts opportunities for youth, including young adults.

“We are committed to be leaders in creating a positive impact on our communities,” said Barry. “Supporting an active and healthy place for our future generations to call home and build careers is an important way to do that.”

Drew Lee-Hai joins Grant Thornton LLP

Grant Thornton LLP, considered one of Canada’s leading professional services firm providing accounting, audit, tax and advisory services, announced its union with Drew Lee-Hai in Salmon Arm.

“We came to the decision to join Grant Thornton after a great deal of consideration. The professionals at Grant Thornton have a like-minded philosophy on clients and communities. Their commitment to excellence is what guided us to take this step forward,” says David Drew, a partner of Drew Lee-Hai. “As a result of this decision to grow our firm, our clients will have access to a number of additional services and resources.”

For over 40 years, the Drew Lee-Hai firm has been serving clients of the Salmon Arm community and its surrounding areas. The new relationship adds 13 professionals to Grant Thornton, which includes two partners, David Drew and Winston Lee-Hai.

“We welcome the professionals of the Drew Lee-Hai firm of Salmon Arm to Grant Thornton,” said, Paul Gallo, managing partner, Grant Thornton LLP. “Uniting with Drew Lee-Hai symbolizes our commitment to growth and serving our communities as we continue to engage with dynamic businesses across Canada.”

The office will remain at 541 - 6th St. NE, Salmon Arm.


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