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Home > All Pacific Northwest & BC Stuff! > Locally Based Businesses
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* Big League Hockey Manager (Garber review) ****
Here's a locally created board game for all those hockey fans who have gone hoarse yelling at the refs, the linesmen, the players and most of all the managers for bad calls, bad trades and just generally for sometimes being %&$@&! idiots in not playing the game according to our rules! Four stars. [More]

* Classic Greetings' Unique Gift Baskets review *****
What makes a successful business really succeed? Well, number one on my list would have to be great word-of-mouth.

[More]

* Epicureal.com, Qualifirst and Far-Met *****
Hard to find gourmet food item? Good news: Now you can shop online for those heretofore hard-to-find specialty food items! [More]

* RAV-Canada line Letters to the Editor *
The devastation wrought by the messy, clogging, seemingly endless construction all along Cambie Street in Vancouver is still the hottest topic around, and these "Cambie warriors" simply WON'T be beaten down. [More]

* RAV-Canada line Pointless Rally *
Further notes from Sue Heyes. . . [More]

* SeatGuru dot com *****
Now why didn't WE think of that? Locate your airplane seat while you make your booking in another browser window. Brilliant! [More]

* Vernon Foothills *****
Considering moving to Vernon? Then this is the site for you. [More]

* Well Wishers International gets its just desserts *
When we first published our exposé on Well Wishers International of Oak Ridge, TN -- and its founder, Mort Walco (AKA Walcowitz) -- we never dreamed our story would be picked up internationally by Reuters News Service! Cheaters never prosper! [More]

*evalu8.org launches *
Anne Garber, Managing Director of evalu8.org Media Inc., is pleased to announce the successful launch of www.evalu8.org on Monday, July 1, 2002. [More]

10th Annual SOHO SME Conference & Expo *
If you are a business with 1 to 50 employees, DON'T MISS THIS SPECIAL EVENT -- one day only: OCTOBER 12, 2006, Vancouver, BC. [More]

Alaskan Cruise Gift Service -- local company is THE cruise gift specialist (Garber review) *****
Travel Agents worldwide can benefit from deals via Vancouver-based Alaska Cruise Gift Service -- top quality, too! This company is the recipient of evalu8.org's once-a-year Award of Distinction for 2006. (Five stars.) [More]

Amazon Grocery Marketplace . . . *
So what can we order from Amazon.com? Here's the pitch . . . [More]

Another restaurant, another season, another book -- Lumiere is HOT *****
Another Restaurant... [More]

Autumn-theme Jewellery Show now on ****
A new jewellery line...The Autumn Show Opening is now on at Object Design Fine Art Jewellery Gallery, 2072 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver [More]

BC Company's Business Mushrooms at SIAL *
David Lee Kwen Seeks the prized matsutake, which can fetch up to $110 US per kilogram -- but he also collects shiitake, enoki and chanterelles. [More]

Bellis Fair *
Here's a directory of stores, updated December, 2002 [More]

Best Persian Bakery in North Vancouver *
It was mentioned that the best Persian bakery was on Lonsdale in North Van, apparently there are many Persian bakeries over on Lonsdale, I thought you might know which would be the best one. [More]

Business Now *
This is our favourite place for photocopying, quick business cards and laminations. [More]

Congrats to Pajo's for reaching a Milestone Birthday *
We're so proud of you, Pat! And Pajo's is evalu8.org's favourite Fish & Chips place, so we're delighted you are still with us. May you have many more sunny days on the water! [More]

Cook Studio Café ****
The NV Food & Service Resource Group runs the Cook Studio Café, its newest training facility. Located in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver at 374 Powell Street, this property is the centrepiece of its new cook-training program for Youth at Risk. [More]

Cookie Jar Gifts ****
Cookie Jar Gifts is owned and operated by Helen Feiger. The business started in the year 2000 in Bellingham, WA. Everything for the collector!

[More]

D-Wave Systems gets a quantum leap of faith *
A Vancouver startup has won Silicon Valley backing in its quest to develop the next wave in computing, PETER KENNEDY writes [More]

Deals Only *
Our best secret shopping place! [More]

Deals Only opens New Store! *****
Find their new clothing and home furnishings/accessories store almost across the street -- next door to the Big Apple! [More]

December 02, 2002: Professional Intensif Skin Care ( Rowan Botanicals ) *****
Many drug and cosmetic companies are finally looking at the healing benefits of natural and herbal ingredients. This change has been brought on by consumer demand — people don't want to put harsh chemicals on their skin — especially those with sensitive skin, allergies or eczema. [More]

Dream Designs celebrates 20 years *
Creative Savvy and Passion for Healthy Living translate into Success for Vancouver Entrepreneur [More]

Ellen's Original Gourmet BBQ Sauce: Honey & Garlic (Garber review) **** 1/2
Ellen's Original Gourmet BBQ Sauce® is the first of a number of heritage recipes under development by chocolatier (really!) George Graham. [More]

Enterprise Paper ****
This is a great find for businesses dealing with food sampling, for restaurants looking for take-out packaging, and even for consumers wishing to find affordable picnic supplies, say for a company event. [More]

Featured gift: Classic Greetings' Unique Gift Baskets *****
Your family, office or circle of friends will be delighted by this fabulous assortment of gourmet goodies in one of Classic Greetings' Unique Gift Baskets most popular containers. [More]

Fishing on the other side of the Pond: What to do when you are the victim of a faraway, non-paying business associate *
On the face of it, Tennessee resident Mort Walco looked like a stand-up guy, with a good reputation. When local businesswoman Deborah Faurot started to deal on Well Wishers' (Walco's company's) behalf, she had no hint of the trials and tribulations she would face just to get reimbursed for money she had spent on behalf of this apparent deadbeat! [More]

Food Stuff: Trays Elegant are trés élégants (Garber review) *****
Now you can shake hands with your boss, offer a business card to a client, wave hello to a friend, wipe the mustard off your sweetheart's lip, and still enjoy your glass of wine and a bite to eat. This new, locally made product wins a five-star rating. [More]

Giants and behemoths: Abebooks *
Some months ago I wrote a column wondering why the Internet, which was supposed to foster competitiveness, is being dominated by behemoths with few or no competitors - Amazon, eBay and Google, for example. [More]

Harry Potter and the goblet of hype *
Somewhere in the darkest heart of Vancouver, 935,000 copies of a top-secret book are now being printed and packed into unmarked boxes. The boxes bear a single stamp with a 1-800 number to call should someone discover that a box has been tampered with. [More]

Herb's Crushed Garlic *****
Herbert Kim's special engineered process enables him to maintain garlic's flavour, aroma, texture and appearance -- all without the use of any preservatives. [More]

Hook, 'LINE' and Sinker for Cambie businesses *
Sue Heyes, local merchant: "It's obvious that we were misled. We were always told it was to be a bored-tunnel and clearly that's not true. . . When I call it 'The Perfect Storm for retail,' I'm not exaggerating." [More]

Hostess Gift: Mum's Creations new packaging for Party Picks (Garber review) *****
I cannot think of a handier item to have available for last-minute dashes to parties and dinners, now that the festive season is almost upon us. [More]

Inkslick.com *****
Greeting cards and other coolly created products are created by a talented Vancouver design duo. [More]

Kiwi Pie Company's Pork Thai Red Curry pie (Garber review) *****
This pie just might be my favourite. . .another satisfying lunch or light dinner of the highest order. [More]

Kohl's buys Mervyns site, seeks Northwest employees *
The old Mervyns building is now being demolished at Bellis Fair mall. Kohl's Department Stores purchased the former site of Mervyns for $15 million last month. [More]

Kudos to Hills Foods *
With Hills's motto: "Our Business is Going Wild" -- they're not kidding! [More]

Köhlr Baby Napsack & TAG Bag (Chung review) ****
Four stars: A practical Canadian design for baby helps protect your little one from getting tangled up in bedclothes, and is recommended by the SIDS Alliance. Four stars from hard-nosed reviewer (and new mom) Agnes Chung. Mother-recommended in actual use. [More]

Lynne McNamara: Canada rolls credits on a slump *
"There's probably no better [film] barometer of Hollywood's presence [in Vancouver] than Lynne McNamara." [More]

Merry Christmas to the Ridge Theatre from Festival Cinemas! *
Festival Cinemas takes over and upgrades Ridge Theatre in time for Christmas, 2005. [More]

Miss Coquette Goes on Vacation *
Starting today, Miss Coquette will also be temporarily located at 2388 West 4th Avenue to host a sale so big that they needed new digs. [More]

Mum's Creations **** 1/2
Handcrafted gifts for entertaining such as olive picks, wine glass charms, olive spoons, cake-testers, hors d'oeuvres picks and many other customized -- and original -- items. [More]

Neto Leather and French Laundry ****
Prices at this outlet are slashed to half (or less) from what you'd pay for the lines in a regular retail outlet. Some limited lines, sizes and colour choices...but what deals! [More]

Potter spoiler posted on Internet *
It was news to the newspapers, but frankly, we found a downloadable copy online at the end of May. (We won't divulge where, so don't ask!) [More]

Press release 1: evalu8.org goes live July 1, 2002 *
Evalu8.org is an entertainment, food, travel and review site with its roots in Vancouver, the British Columbia region and the Pacific Northwest. [More]

Press release: evalu8.org celebrates its second anniversary with a 250,000 PV breakthrough! *
Today, on the occasion of the first day of our third year in operation, we are delighted to announce that we have just broken through the barrier to our new level -- 250,000 page views per month! [More]

Publisher to bring Hogwarts magic to Hogtown *
Raincoast Books is bringing Hogwarts to Hogtown. [More]

Publisher wins injunction to keep Harry Potter plot secret *
Raincoast offers early Harry Potter book purchasers a deal they can't refuse! [More]

Raincoast halts domestic publishing program *
The Canadian co-publisher and distributor of the phenomenally popular Harry Potter series of novels is scrapping its domestic publishing program and blaming the appreciation of the Canadian dollar for that decision. [More]

Roger's gluten-free white and dark bar chocolates (Chung review) *** 1/2
Agnes Chung reviews Rogers's gluten-free chocolate bar collection and find the product satisfying -- and ideal as a gift for souvenir hunters. Three-and-a-half stars. [More]

Rowan Botanicals Professional Intensif Skin Care *****
Rowan Botanicals Professional Intensif Skin Care is a versatile problem-solving skin cream. [More]

Save Sanity at Dinnertime *
Far from a luxury reserved for the wealthy, A Delicious Dish gives time-starved Vancouverites delicious dinner options. [More]

Snazzie Factory Sale, November 2004 *
November 11-13, 2004, Vancouver, BC [More]

Software teaches children Net safety *
Vancouver-designed computer game aimed at predators who use chat rooms [More]

The Qualifirst Group Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence *****
Fifty years ago, a young couple moved to Canada from France and started a small fine foods company in Vancouver. . . [More]

The Seasonal Experience: A Unique and Exciting Culinary Encounter ****
Chef Adrian has a passion for our local foods and those who produce them. His catering services cover everything from intimate dinners for two to large weddings. He also offers cooking classes both in the kitchen in Langley as well as in people’s homes. [More]

The Story of The Vancouver Stories *
Listel Vancouver Hotel partners with Raincoast Books to create a bestselling book of bedtime stories. . . [More]

Topper Poultry ****
The best Lower Mainland source for good, inexpensive chicken! [More]

Unique Alaska cruise gifts (orders from Canada) *
Buy direct (online or by phone or e-mail) and save between 25 - 40 per cent. [More]

Unique Alaska cruise gifts (orders from the U.S.) *
Buy direct (online or by phone or e-mail) and save between 25 - 40 per cent. [More]

Vancouver Animal Shelter (formerly the Vancouver City Pound) *
This City of Vancouver facility has changed its name to better reflect its philosophy and approach -- it is Canada's first no-kill shelter. [More]

Wilkinson’s Automobilia Gears Up For 15th Anniversary *
Wilkinson’s Automobilia is celebrating 15 years of business in Vancouver's car-crazed memorabilia industry. [More]

Worshipping Lee Valley *
The first item up in the big-windowed boardroom at Lee Valley headquarters in Ottawa, where all gadgets must compete for catalogue approval, is a funky watering can with an on-off switch. [More]

YourPlan-It dot com (Marg Meikle) *
Here's a super idea from Vancouver's "Answer Lady," Marg Meikle. [More]

Secondary Sites:
* Press release: Classic Greetings' Unique Gift Baskets celebrates five years. . . *
Thursday, October 18, 2007, Vancouver, BC. [More]

*Hotel Confidential: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel *****
The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel is one of those heretofore undiscovered local secrets; so "unknown" is it, that many Vancouverites don't even know it's a hotel and mini-convention centre. But visitors -- and savvy business types -- have discovered it in droves. [More]

Begin the School Year Right...c*me Cosmetics... *
Find your "own" cosmetics online! [More]

Best in the West -- Vancouver Collectors' Toy Show *
[More]

c*me Gimme Some Lip Gloss in Shame (light blue with dark purple and blue bubbles) ***
lipgloss [More]

c*me Glitter Lip Goo Lip Gloss in Sparx (sparkly pink) ** 1/2
I am "definitely undecided" about this product... lipgloss

[More]

c*me Lip-a-Go-Go-Lipstick in Reaction (lightly frosted neutral pink) ****
[More]

c*me Punctuation All Over Colour in Screech (rose, pink and shimmery purple) *** 1/2
This is a great all-over colour with a nice combination of contrasting colours that is recommended for eyes, cheeks and lips. [More]

c*me Social Eyes Mascara in Charm (electric blue) *** 1/2
A rare find...but it needs skilled application -- use a light touch! lipgloss [More]

Crazy Prices ** 1/2
Basically, it's a Deals Only wanna-be, with prices almost entirely set at one penny more than Deals -- across the board. [More]

Deals Only Store number 2 *****
This wonderful companion store to the original Deals Only is crammed with furniture, décor accessories and loads and loads of clothing!
[More]

East Vancouver Farmers' Market *
Entering its eighth season, the East Vancouver Farmers' Market brings the fresh taste of spring from our local farms into the heart of the city. [More]

Event-planners' Open House @ Capones - Mar 23rd *
Vancouver, BC, March 23, 2005 [More]

Free Film screenings at the Ridge *
Four free films this Sunday at the Ridge. [More]

Garber on Business: Safe-guarding your reputation *
Should you worry about your reputation? What is your good name worth to you in business? They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but these days the maxim should be amended to "…no fury like a journalist deceived." [More]

Gates eyes ad sales *
The chairman of Microsoft Corp. has seen the gargantuan profits rolling in to Google Inc.'s on-line ad machine and he wants to get in on the action. [More]

Hyatt Regency Vancouver Announces New Breakfast Menu *
The Hyatt Regency Vancouver is making an investment in its guests' mornings. Business and leisure travelers alike will notice Hyatt Regency Vancouver's contribution to their well-being when they sit down to the most important meal of the day, breakfast. [More]

Mark James: Any way you look at it. . . *
...some of our favourite hangouts are Mark James restaurants & brewpubs [More]

Pacific Coast Feather *
We are pleased to support this Seattle-based business. [More]

Play it Again Sam (We Mean Leonard): Park Theatre to Re-open *
The Park Theatre on Cambie Street in Vancouver, BC will re-open on May 24 with a number of films and events that focus on the community. To start the opening events on May 24 there will be two FREE screenings of the ever-popular film Casablanca. [More]

Press release 2: evalu8.org launches a new feature to simplify Christmas shopping online *
evalu8.org launches a new shopping feature designed to help harried BC and Pacific Northwest consumers sort through the myriad gift choices available online. [More]

Robert Held scratch-and-dent sale, 2007 -- in progress *****
...in progress [More]

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel Links with World's Biggest AV Company *
The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel has linked with the world's largest audio-visual presentation company to turn on the ultimate in sound and light magic for the hotel's conference clients. [More]

SUN-RYPE ENERGY TO GO PEP RALLYS REACH OUT TO TEENS *
Sun-Rype Products Ltd. is teaming up with Kelowna native and Olympic Beach Volleyball athlete Conrad Leinemann for the second year for a high-energy program called the "Sun-Rype Energy to Go Pep Rally Tour." [More]

The Back Lot with Lynne McNamara *
Column for January 30, 2007 [More]

The Back Lot with Lynne McNamara *
Column for January 17, 2007 [More]

The Eastside Cultural Crawl *
When artists, sculptors, photographers and all open their studio doors and show their stuff... [More]

Unique Gift Baskets First-ever Open House *
Tuesday, November 16, 2004 -- 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Refreshments, entertainment, and of course -- you're invited! Vancouver, BC. [More]

Virani Close-out Sale! *
Hot sale! [More]

VTech Factory Outlet *
This super, little Richmond, BC find is located in a strip mall on Alderbridge Way, right next to the actual VTech factory. [More]