Community Futures Central Kootenay has been honouring the spirit and innovation of entrepreneurs in this region for nine years, and this year’s Client Recognitions Awards was one of the best ever.

On Wed. Oct. 22, more than 100 people attended the awards evening at the Hume Hotel. Winners in nine categories were selected from 60 nominees all over the region, from Nakusp to Creston.

“It’s important to us to be able to celebrate with our clients and honour their successes,” says CFCK General Manager, Paul Wiest. “It’s great to experience firsthand the passion that our clients have for their business.”

The Picture Mug Canada, now Pics Canada, was recognized with the award for Overcoming Barriers to Business. To be considered for this award, the business owners had to have overcome significant personal, socio-economic, cultural or health challenges to create a sustainable business.

Randy Bencke and Pat Gemmill started their business, The Picture Mug Canada, in Kaslo, in January of 2008.

Picture mugs are designed so that photos or artwork can be placed in a display area, and changed as often as one wants, thus totally customizing the mug to the owners preference. The mugs are made of high quality stainless steel and the design keeps the artwork or photos being displayed dry.

Master of Ceremonies Karen Hamling said, "We have to give these guys credit for the tenacity they have shown in sticking to their dreams, despite the challenges they have had. The number one challenge has been access to financing. Although they believed in their product and ability to bring it to market, they had a difficult time convincing investors to feel the same."

Randy and Pat started much smaller than their original plan and have continually re-invested into their business. They have since obtained enough sales and attracted the required capital to import directly, which in turn has increased their margins and strengthened their businesses profitability.

The Picture Mug Canada is now expanding their product line. Soon, stainless steel Picture Water Bottles will be introduced. Their mugs and water bottles offer an alternative to plastic or disposable containers, reducing waste, and providing a healthier choice.

Another aspect of the company’s growth is the new arrangement that is being worked out with a Vancouver Company, for the products to be drop shipped from Vancouver directly to the clients. This development will allow for a greater focus on sales, less of a carbon footprint and greater efficiencies.

As of last week, The Picture Mug Canada has launched its new website at http://pics-canada.com, and has re-branded itself as Pics Canada.

Pics Canada is demonstrating corporate responsibility by donating a portion of its sales to Global Water, an NGO that works on water supply projects around the world.

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