The Burnaby Board of Trade is preparing for the new year and new challenges ahead for businesses - specifically, the transition back to the provincial sales tax.
The board is hosting Making the Switch - a PST Transition Seminar on Feb. 7 from 8 to 9: 30 a.m. at the Best Western Coquitlam Inn and Convention Centre, at 319 North Rd. The seminar is free for members.
To register, call 604-412-0100 or email ricky@bbot.ca.
The provincial government is also hosting webinars to help businesses prepare for the transition. The one-hour webinars are scheduled for Feb. 7, 12, 14,19 and 21.
To sign up, go to www.sbr. gov.bc.ca/applications/PST_ Webinars.
Phasing out the penny
As of Feb. 4, businesses began phasing out the penny, as part of the federal government's economic action plan.
Cash transactions are being rounded to the nearest nickel, according to information posted on the City of Burnaby's website, but cheque, credit card and debit card transactions will not be changed.
Customers can still pay with pennies, however, as they are still legal tender.
Brings those pennies - and other change - to Community Savings Credit Union.
Financial institutions, such as the Community Savings Credit Union, are no longer receiving pennies from the Royal Canadian Mint, either.
But the credit union has a suggestion for what Burnaby residents can do with their pennies, as well as other change - bring it to the credit union's coin counting machine.
The Burnaby branch at 4590 Hastings St. has a free coin counting machine for public use, which accepts up to $250 per person per day.
"The coin counting machine has been a popular one within the Burnaby Heights community, its been a great way for us to encourage neighbours and local community groups to stop in and see what we're all about," Val Bahnman, branch manager, said in a press release. "With the elimination of the penny by the federal government, we want to help people get rid of the change that tends to collect everywhere while giving them back the full value."
The branch is open Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, go to www.freechange counter.com.
SEVENTEEN YEARS IN BURNABY
Imperial Motorcycles Ltd. is celebrating 17 years in Burnaby.
The shop, which is now located at #7-57070 Sidley St., opened in a much smaller space nearly two decades ago, according to a press release from owner Ted Slusar.
"There's something about motorcycles that incites a passion that people share across all ages. Helping customers with their motorcycling needs and listening to their stories is something we enjoy," Slusar said in the release. "After so many years, I think that says a lot for the community of enthusiasts."
The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays to Saturdays.
For more information, go to www.imperialmotor cycles.com.
Have an item for Movers & Shakers? Send it to jfullerevans@burnabynow.com or by mail to 201A-3430 Brighton Ave., Burnaby, B.C., V5A 3H4, or by fax to 60-444-3460.
