• To market White Rock’s diverse commercial areas under one distinctive brand;
• To improve physical linkages between the Town Centre and Waterfront areas;
• To provide local residents and visitors with a broad selection of retail, personal and professional services, dining opportunities and accommodations; and
• To promote White Rock as a unique visitor experience, and a viable shopping alternative or complement to suburban and big box retail in South Surrey.

Following this thorough outreach process, and demonstrated strong support for the proposed BIA, the City of White Rock introduced and gave Three Readings to Bylaw No. 1764 (Appendix ‘C’) on February 14, 2005. Under the terms of the Council Initiative, the onus is on anyone who is opposed to formally register their opposition to such a initiative. Based on the positive results of the Council Initiative, City of White Rock Bylaw No. 1764 was adopted on April 11, 2005, thereby establishing the White Rock BIA for a five-year term, expiring on March 31, 2010.


The purpose of the Society, as defined in its constitution is “to strengthen the economic viability within the White Rock Business Improvement Area by undertaking business promotion schemes as defined by Section 215 of the Community Charter, S.B.C. 2003 c.26.” City of White Rock Bylaw No. 1764 describes “business promotion scheme” as including the following activities:

• carrying out studies and making reports to advance marketing and other projects;
• all necessary management and administration functions;
• improvement, beautification and maintenance of streets and sidewalks;
• encouragement and promotion of commercial business development;
• creation of a pleasant physical environment.

As noted above, the basic mandate of a BIA is to “improve business.” This implies making an area more attractive for new investment; enabling property owners to lease their vacant premises and secure quality tenants; and increasing sales for member retailers and service providers. The White Rock BIA Bylaw provides a very broad definition of “business promotion scheme,” such that the BIA can undertake whatever projects or initiatives it believes are required to improve business.

In the case of White Rock, carrying out this mandate means taking an active role in supporting Town Centre redevelopment, including working closely with the City on planning and development initiatives. On the waterfront, the role may focus more on evening out the seasonal ‘highs’ and ‘lows,’ to ensure viable business opportunities throughout the year.

The Corporation of the City of White Rock Bylaw No. 1764 establishes the White Rock BIA, with an initial mandate of five years, expiring March 31, 2010. It also establishes a five-year funding ceiling of $1.25 million, based on an average annual levy of $250,000.

The White Rock BIA’s ten areas of focus are on:

• Marketing & Promotions
• Special Events
• Member Education
• Local Education
• Advocacy
• Area Branding
• Business Recruitment
• Customer Recruitment
• Tourism Development
• Neighborhood Development

The 2006/2007 White Rock BIA Board of Directors Are:

Jeff Coroliuc – White Rock BIA President
Saje Natural Wellness – West Beach
14837 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC V4B1C1
(604) 535-0650
Jeff lives in White Rock and has owned the Saje Natural Wellness store on Marine Drive with his wife for the last 4 years. He was a founding Director of the White Rock Waterfront Business Association, and helped transform it into the current White Rock BIA. He continues as a Director of the BIA to improve the atmosphere and profile of the business community, to promote and look for new ways and unique ideas to bring customers to White Rock so the business community stays strong and vibrant 365 days a year.

Terry Parr – White Rock BIA Vice-President
Parfour Signs & Printing - Uptown
15158 North Bluff Road, White Rock, BC V4B3E5
(604) 541-0200
A resident of Ocean Park since 1975 and owner of White Rock’s Parfour Signs & Printing in Central Plaza for the past 11 years. Terry has been a member of the White Rock/South Surrey Chamber of Commerce and currently sits as a Director of the Chamber. Terry has been very involved with the BIA since its inception – as part of the Steering Committee, the Selection Committee and currently as its Vice-President and designated Board liaison for the Executive Director. Terry is most enthusiastic about the future of the BIA and truly believes it’s benefits have only just begun.

Bill Lawrence – White Rock BIA Secretary/Treasurer
Sandpiper Pub - East Beach
15595 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC V4B1C9
(604) 531-7625
and
Sandpiper Liquor Store - Five Corners
1235 Johnston Road, White Rock, BC V4B3Y8
(604) 535-1322
A special shout-out goes to the business owners and operators. You truly are the backbone of business in White Rock and collectively we represent part of the backbone of business in Canada. We’ve come a long way from the early stages of an organized group of businesses representing the waterfront many years ago. From the discussions and feedback received from many of you, there are major as well as minor, issues that affect all of us here in White Rock. The BIA is specially suited to addressing those issues; providing a forum, resource, and implementer of solutions to enable us entrepreneurs to grow our businesses. This also allows our customers to experience value-added benefits to our respective goods and service offerings. The BIA is only as strong as our membership. Get involved. It’s well worth it. Who am I?? Well let’s see... B.Sc. (Biochemistry), MBA, pharmaceutical industry 12 years, owner of Sandpiper Pub for 8.5 years, started up Sandpiper Liquor Store 1.5 years ago, blah, blah, blah...

Judi Clint
The Peace Arch News – Uptown
1545 Johnston Road, White Rock, BC V4B3Z6
(604) 531-1711
Judi Clint is in her eighth year as a senior sales representative for the Peace Arch News. With a background as a business owner, Judi is well aware of the challenges today's businesses face, and provides a constant source of information and innovative ideas to help local entrepreneurs thrive. She's a familiar face around town, and enjoys assisting clients in coordinating events that benefit their business, and the community. “It's my job, not just to sell, but to help raise the awareness of local businesses so they succeed. Because if they're successful, we all win," Judi said.

Sharon Greysen
Rad Brad’s Surf & Turf Wear – West Beach
14967 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC V4B1C3
(604) 541-0299
Sharon has lived in White Rock for 15 years and has been in business on the beach going on 10 years. When she and her husband Brad opened their business they had a vision for White Rock - seeing what potential there is for our waterfront, as well as our city as a whole. Sharon was the president for the White Rock Waterfront Business Association for two years (the WRWBA was the sponsoring association in the formation of our BIA) and spent a year on the city’s Economic Development Committee that drafted the current Official Community Plan. She was a liaison for the waterfront businesses and our City Council and succeeded to help make a change to the seasonal parking on the beach and in moving the city forward on their plans for the year-round lighting on the trees. Greysen was involved in the formation of our BIA and has served as an Interim Director. With the BIA now here in White Rock, Sharon is looking forward to seeing many of the wonderful ideas that have some forward over the years become reality and for our business community to prosper.

Ginny Harrison
White Rock Travel - Uptown
1472 Johnston Road, White Rock, BC V4B 3Z5
(604) 531-2901
Ginny Harrison came to White Rock in 1966. In her 28 years at White Rock Travel, she has been involved in many community groups and projects, namely as a Charter Member of the Semiahmoo Rotary Club, served on the Chamber Tourism Committee, the Expo 86 Committee and several others. She is very committed to seeing the redevelopment of uptown White Rock, and the subsequent improvement for White Rock businesses, and the City of White Rock. Maintaining a healthy and vibrant business core is the key to a healthy community. Attracting tourists and visitors to White Rock is another strong goal; one which will bring many benefits to the City, her businesses and her residents. Ginny looks forward to furthering this vision, through involvement with White Rock's BIA.

Martin Jevans
Jenkins Showler Gallery - Uptown
1539 Johnston Road, White Rock, BC V4B 3Z6
(604) 535-7445
Eleven years ago, Martin showed his interest in establishing a Business Improvement Area in White Rock. He co-authored the 1995 Economic Development Committee's Strategic Plan, which identified the need for a White Rock BIA. He has continued his involvement by being a member of the Steering Committee, assisting in drafting the Constitution and By-Laws of the BIA, being a member of the sub-committee to select and appoint the first Executive Director and helped in setting up the BIA office. One of Martin's goals is that all commercial enterprises located within White Rock, including those on Stayte Road and Maple Street etc., become full members of the BIA by expansion of its boundaries.

Jazz Mattu
White Rock Wellness Centre & White Rock Wellness Store – Uptown 101-1493 Johnston Road, White Rock, BC V4B 3Z4
(604) 541-6110
Jazz Mattu is a practicing Medical Herbal Practitioner, Live Blood Cell Analyst, lecturer and mentor in alternative and complementary healthcare. He is one of the very few medically trained herbalists in North America and is a leader in his field. Like all great leaders, it is not he is, but who he brings behind him. Mattu has been responsible for training and mentoring the majority of medically training herbalists in North America. He has over twelve years of extensive experience in the field of Botanical Medicine and lectures internationally. He is the owner of the White Rock Wellness Centre and the White Rock Wellness Store. Jazz, who sits on various committees, brings to the BIA a passion for being proactive within the business community and has interests in business success strategies, marketing and promotion. His goal is to make White Rock a vibrant business community!

Steve McVittie
The Celtic Treasure Chest Bakery & British Imports - UPTOWN
1534 Foster Street, White Rock, BC V4B 3X8
(604) 538-2277
Steve owns his two British Shops, one in White Rock and the other on 41st Street & Dunbar in Vancouver. Has always been active in community and business and has served as Grand Parade Marshal for the St. Patrick's Parade Vancouver in 2004, 2005 and 2006, he is the President of the Southlands Business Association since 2003 and has been a Director of the Dunbar Business Association for the last four years. McVittie is also the Past Chairman of both the Edmonton Public Library System and of the Gizeh Shrine Circus, and has served as President of numerous Church and Community League Boards. Things he would like to see promoted by the White Rock BIA include car rallies to White Rock by the British Antique Car Club, The Jaguar Club, mini circuses or a fair at Central Plaza Mall, community sponsored hot dog sales and other fund raisers to assist local youth and seniors groups, a Easter or other parade through White Rock, Wellness Clinic Seminars for the elderly, a walk-a-thon to raise money for Cancer research or the Heart Foundation where your passport has to be stamped by BIA sponsored businesses, etc.

Angela Snyder
Hygrove Design Company - Uptown
1450 Johnston Road, White Rock, BC V4B 3Z5
(604) 535-9358
Angela Snyder along with her business partner Karin opened Hygrove Design Company almost four years ago on Johnston Road. With a degree in Interior Design and more than twenty years of experience in the field, as well as an extensive background in architectural drafting and design, Angela has brought a primarily service based business with the advantages of a retail storefront to White Rock. Her interest in being involved with the White Rock BIA stems from the realization that White Rock's business environment is in need of a major revitalization, both aesthetically and practically if it is to compete with the burgeoning growth in South Surrey and Langley business areas.

Gordy Sangha
Ocean Promenade Hotel – East Beach
15611 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC V4B 1E1
(604) 542-0102
Over the past twenty years, Gordy has been a director of the Integris Credit Union, the Quesnel Child Development Centre, the British Columbia Railway Corporation (Audit/Finance Committee), the Vancouver Wharves, and Westel Communications. Sangha was a City Counsellor in Quesnel and a commissioner for the Quesnel Economic Development Commission. He is currently a director of the White Rock Chamber of Commerce and the White Rock Business Improvement Association and is the General Manager of the Ocean Promenade Hotel.

Russ Davies
Executive Director – White Rock Business Improvement Association
1524 Foster Street, White Rock, BC V4B 3X8
(604) 536-4958
As a national and international award-winning marketing manager with over fifteen years of exceptional and respected experience, White Rock Business Improvement Executive Director Russ Davies has been a long-time champion of small and medium-sized business. He shares a passion with the BIA members for the advancement of a sustainable, healthy retail environment that maintains business retention and growth. Russ has had the pleasure of working for some of Canada’s best known real estate management companies, including Bentall Retail Services LP of Vancouver and 20 Vic Management Inc. of Toronto. He has served as retail marketing manager for more than 2,000,000 square feet of regional shopping destinations across the Lower Mainland, such as Langley’s Willowbrook Shopping Centre and Burnaby’s Lougheed Mall. His other career highlights also include marketing management duties with Splashdown Park in Tsawwassen, Park & Tillford Shops and Gardens in North Vancouver, Westwood Mall Shopping Centre, Rent-A-Wreck car rental franchisees, and White Water Waterslides in Salmon Arm, BC. More recently, Russ helped develop the web-based, not-for-profit The Surrey Social Purchasing Portal. Davies is well-positioned in understanding the challenging needs and demands of White Rock’s growing business marketplace and local economy. His strong background has allowed him to work in successful partnership with more than five hundred local, regional and national retailers over the last decade to increase overall market and brand awareness, customer traffic, boost weekly and monthly patronage and sales-per-square-foot figures. Mr. Davies is honoured not only to be living and working in such a vibrant, unique and beautiful city as White Rock, but excited to be in the service of those who want to make our community a better place to live, work and shop as well.

Brent Ellwyn – Honorary Legal Council
Cleveland & Doan Barristers & Solicitors
1321 Johnston Road, White Rock, BC V4B 3Z3
(604) 536-5002
The law firm of Cleveland & Doan, based in White Rock (just minutes from the Canada - U.S. border) serves clients from across British Columbia and Western Canada. They are members in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia, the Canadian Bar Association, the Trial Lawyers Association of B.C., the White Rock/South Surrey Chamber of Commerce and the White Rock BIA.

Councillor Catherine Ferguson – City of White Rock Council Liaison to the BIA
The City of White Rock
15322 Buena Vista Avenue, White Rock, BC V4B 1Y6
(604) 541-2100
Elected to City Council in 2005, Councillor Ferguson has lived in White Rock and the Semiahmoo Peninsula since 1995, and has resided in the Lower Mainland all her life. She grew up on a dairy farm in the Fraser Valley with ten brothers and sisters. Anyone familiar with dairy farming will know that Catherine is no stranger to hard work, and this has been very useful throughout her life. Having studied business at Fraser Valley College, she received a Business Certificate from Capilano College, then took additional business courses at BCIT. She put this business acumen to work being responsible for administration, financial statements, budgeting and audits for an international travel company. She has also been a partner in a successful construction company for many years. These experiences have given her a keen sense of what is required to succeed. Catherine acquired her interest in municipal affairs from her father, George Ferguson, who was the well respected Mayor of Abbotsford for more than 30 years. She worked on her first campaign at the age of seven. Her desire to serve the public has been demonstrated by her extensive volunteer activities over the years. Ms. Ferguson’s civic recognition includes MADD Victim Services Volunteer of the year 2005, Federal Recognition for exemplary volunteer service 2005, Provincial Recognition for exemplary volunteer service 2005. She is an alternate board member for the Fraser Valley Regional Library, Chair of the Economic Committee, Chair of the “Canada Day by the Bay” celebration 2005, a Director of the White Rock/South Surrey Chamber of Commerce and the White Rock Rotary Club and is the Secretary of the South Surrey White Rock Community Policing Committee. She can often be seen on weekends walking in White Rock with her husband Bob and her dog Rustle.


INITIATIVES
The White Rock BIA is on the forefront of business enhancement, marketing and community improvement.

• • The BIA takes a proactive role in keeping our city clean by removing graffiti from all business member buildings, every single week, FREE of charge. The BIA employs the world-leader in graffiti removal to provide the White Rock business community with a zero tolerance graffiti removal program for every commercial building in the BIA at a low, fixed, monthly cost that the White Rock BIA has built into its annual operation budget. Surrey’s Goodbye Graffiti provides the service to White Rock BIA members.
  
  
• We are founding members of the “Park The Tax” coalition which fought to have the Translink parking tax quashed. The White Rock BIA was the only business improvement association in British Columbia that stood up to speak out against the tax in person at the deciding Translink board meeting in March 2006. As part of the coalition, the BIA was able to successfully save many members hundreds and even thousands of dollars in miscalculated assessments and pressure Translink to get the tax burden reduced from $1.05 per square meter to 78 cents per square meter. The White Rock BIA continues to press Translink as well as the Federal and Provincial governments for a complete elimination of this destructive tax.
  
  
• The White Rock BIA sits on the City of White Rock’s Economic Development Committee, the members of which collectively work to address and advise Council on economic opportunities that the City may wish to capitalize on.
  
  
• Our BIA worked in conjunction with Matthew Hale of Cielo’s Tapas & Oyster Bar and the City of White Rock to bring Valet Parking to the Marine Drive corridor for the benefit of all merchants along the waterfront. We were also instrumental in securing several changes and improvements to the City’s pay parking system, and we continue to work with the City to address public parking issues.
  
  
• White Rock BIA is an active member of the City of White Rock’s Tourism Strategies committee, the end results of which will broadcast a unified and strong White Rock tourism marketing message to the world both pre-2010 Olympics and beyond.
  
  
• We work proactively with our three levels of government to help overcome individual business concerns and neighbourhood challenges for the benefit of all.
  
  
• White Rock BIA is at the forefront of business recruitment and neighbourhood remerchandising, working to identify and influence independent and national retailers to set up shop in White Rock, liaising with commercial realtors, as well as assisting those existing businesses looking to relocate or expand within the city.
  
  
• The BIA actively spearheads and support community and economic revitalization efforts in our business improvement areas.
  
  
• We create special events and advertising promotions that bring value to our business community and culturally enhances our communities and City as a whole. Annual BIA-led events include Chinese New Year, Easter activities, Summer Block Parties and the Christmas Sail-Past. We also actively participate in organizing components of the annual Semiahmoo Bay International Regatta, Canada Day By The Bay and Communities In Bloom events.
  
  
• The BIA is proud to be an active community leader, member and supporter of Balle BC, Harvest Box, Peace Arch Community Services Food Bank, Semiahmoo Bay International Regatta, Communities In Bloom, Spirit of the Sea, Canada Day By The Bay, Rally At The Rock, the White Rock/South Surrey Chamber of Commerce, White Rock Lions Club, Peace Arch Monarch Lions Club, White Rock Museum + Archives and many other important, worthwhile not-for-profit associations, committees and events.