In this episode of Kitimat, Whats the Future, Robin LaPointe discusses the importance of Green Shirt Day, which is observed on April 7th every year to raise awareness about organ donation. The day was inspired by the tragic 2018 bus accident involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team in which 16 passengers lost their lives. One of the passengers, Logan Boulet, was a registered organ donor who saved 6 lives. Boulet's selfless act inspired over 150,000 Canadians to register as organ donors, the largest increase in registration in the history of Canada. LaPointe dispels myths about organ donation, including age limits, and encourages listeners to verify their organ donor status online. He also talks about his emotional journey with a heart transplant and the campaign with the Kitimat General Hospital.

In this episode, Devin interviews Alyssa and Brandon from MNP, an accounting firm that offers a range of services beyond just accounting. They help with a wide variety of business and personal challenges, such as estate work and exiting or buying businesses. They also discuss personal tax season, which is in full swing, and offer advice on getting taxes done, even if you have a simple return. They recommend avoiding interest and penalties and potentially receiving a tax refund. While some people do their taxes on their own, having a professional accountant's expertise can provide knowledge and confidence that returns are done correctly.

In this podcast episode, host Devin Wall interviews Blair Mantin from Sands and Associates, a firm of licensed insolvency trustees in British Columbia. Sands and Associates offers services to people who are struggling with debt and provides confidential meetings where they can receive advice and solutions to their problems. Mantin dispels some common myths about seeking help from firms like Sands and Associates, such as the belief that bankruptcy is always public knowledge or that people will lose all of their assets if they file. In reality, Sands and Associates helps people restructure their debt and get a fresh start, often through a consumer proposal, which is a consumer-friendly way of restructuring debt. The podcast episode also discusses the stigma surrounding debt and seeking help, and Mantin encourages people to overcome this stigma and reach out for help, as waiting too long can make the situation worse. The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional financial stress for many people, and Sands and Associates is offering more services than ever, with remote meetings available through video and electronic signatures. The firm has 25 offices throughout British Columbia, including a new office in Kitimat.

In this episode, Laurel interviews Devin Wall, the owner of Spruce Tree Media, who is typically in charge of interviewing guests. However, in a reversal of roles, Devin is the one being interviewed about his company. He shares details about the company's origins and the range of services it offers, such as web development, photography, and videography. Devin and Laurel delve into the topic of functional and practical website design, as well as the advantages of incorporating a business and the potential for growth. Throughout the episode, listeners gain valuable insights into the obstacles faced by small businesses and the crucial role that effective communication plays.

In this episode, Devin sits down with Riza, the new general manager of Microtel Inn and Suites in Kitimat. Riza discusses her role at Microtel and her experience in the hospitality industry, explaining that she started as a housekeeper and worked her way up to her current position. Riza talks about Microtel's involvement in the community, including their work with local organizations and accommodation services for displaced people. She also discusses Microtel’s amenities, including a fitness facility, guest laundry facility, and breakfast service. Riza concludes by introducing Microtel's new guest appreciation program, which provides guests with special food and drinks and an opportunity to mingle and chat with the staff and other guests.

In this episode of the 'Kitimat, What's The Future' podcast, Devin Wall and Laurel Andrea discuss Chamber Week, which is a time for communities to celebrate their local chambers and the work they do to contribute to their membership of businesses and not-for-profit organizations. They emphasize the importance of networking opportunities and advocacy work that chambers offer, especially the impact of collective voices on making changes at the local, provincial, federal, and national levels. They also mention upcoming events by the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce, such as the International Women's Day panel discussion and a networking event called "Cocktails and Conversations."

In this episode of Kitimat, What's the Future? Devin speaks with Linda Rempel, an advisor for the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan in the Northwest region. Linda highlights the importance of offering benefits such as extended healthcare and dental coverage to attract and retain valuable employees. The Chambers plan pools all the small businesses across Canada into one large pool for extended healthcare and dental, allowing for stable long-term pricing. Linda explains that the Chambers plan offers unique benefits such as travel coverage, prescription drug coverage, and medical equipment coverage. She mentions that she has been working in this field for over 10 years and enjoys helping small businesses find the best coverage options for their employees. Chamber members can get in touch with Linda to learn more about the services offered.

In this episode of the podcast, Laurel and Devin will be talking about what the podcast is, what listeners can expect for this season, and giving a brief overview of the podcast's focus. They are excited to announce that they now have a sponsor, Cedar LNG. The podcast will continue to focus on both non-profit and business organizations in the area, and spotlight the intersection of business and community.

Devin sits down with coach Kevin Hoffner to discuss junior A hockey in Kitimat!

On this Episode, Devin speaks with Michelle Martins and they talk about Tamitik Status of Women