Baristas, rev those steamers - the Western Regional Barista Championship is happening this weekend.
The supplier showcase and competition takes place at Artigiano Roasting Co. at 105-2999 Underhill Ave. on Saturday and Sunday and is open to the public.
The showcase runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to a press release from the organizers, and the competition is from noon to 6 p.m.
There is also an after-party at Caffè Artigiano's 740 West Hastings St. location on Sunday, according to the release. For more information on the after-party, go to Caffè Artigiano locations or email [email protected].
"The competition features baristas preparing a series of espresso-based beverages in a very tight window of time for a discerning panel of official coffee judges. Judges rate the competitors on taste, design, speed, showmanship and creativity. As the premier regional event in Canada, organizers are encouraging competitors from cafés and restaurants to sign up. The competition is open to both novices and seasoned operators alike, and some fabulous prizes are available to be won," the release states. "The winner of the regional competition will secure a spot in Canadian National Barista Competition taking place Oct. 20 and 21 at the Vancouver Convention Centre."
Tree of Life in Burnaby
Shoppers Drug Mart started its annual Tree of Life campaign this month.
The campaign, which began on Sept. 14 and runs until Oct. 11, will support maternity care at Burnaby Hospital, according to the Burnaby Hospital Foundation.
Those interested in supporting the campaign can purchase and personalize a paper leaf for $1, a butterfly for $5, an acorn for $10 or a cardinal for $50, according to the foundation. The items are displayed on the Tree of Life in the store.
The campaign supporting the hospital is taking place at three Shoppers Drug Mart locations - 4827 Kingsway, Metropolis at Metrotown - 343-4800 Kingsway, and 4429 Kingsway.
Tourney raises $11,000 for research
The Burnaby Board of Trade teed off earlier this month to raise $11,000 in support of Down syndrome research, according to a message of thanks posted on the Down Syndrome Research Foundation's website.
The board held its annual golf tournament on Sept. 4, proceeds from the event going to the foundation, which is based in Burnaby.
The charity sponsor was Scotiabank. The financial institution made a generous matching donation of $5,000 to increase the amount the foundation received.
In all, 144 business professionals participated in the event, according to the board.
"Over $10,000 was raised for the Down Syndrome Research Foundation through the sale of raffle tickets, 50/50 tickets, Players Packs and other items, plus a matching donation of $5,000 made by Scotiabank," the board said in a posted online statement.
Biz association looking for volunteers
The Edmonds Business and Community Association is looking for volunteers to fill four specific positions and is also looking for merchant volunteers.
The association is filling spots for the chair, secretary and two community members-at-large, according to executive director Bill Petrovas.
The association could also use a lawyer who is willing to help out with issues from time to time, he added.
The association's next public meeting is on Oct. 1, with subsequent meetings held on the first Tuesday of the month, as well, Petrovas stated in an email. Meetings take place at 6:30 p.m. at the new Edmonds Community Centre, Room 212.
"We plan to start planning for the Edmonds Fair early in the fall to give merchants time to prepare and improve our communications," he wrote. "Oct. 1 is our first meeting for the fair. Thus, a call for volunteers from our merchant community would be great."
Step Up 5 filming in Burnaby
Lovers of dance movies, rejoice - parts of Step Up 5 are currently being filmed in Burnaby.
Burnaby-Lougheed MLA Jane Shin wrote to the NOW about the movie, which was filming here last Friday at Parkcrest Plaza at Broadway and Holdom Avenue, she said.
She added that dozens of locals were hired as extras and the filming brought business to the shops in the plaza.
"I stopped by late tonight and spoke with the crew, realizing how we must prioritize revitalizing this industry in B.C.," she wrote in the email, sent Friday. "As a deputy opposition critic for arts and culture, I am privileged to advocate for our B.C. films and TV."
Summit Entertainment, owned by Lionsgate, is producing the movie, which stars Ryan Guzman and Briana Evigan.
The expected release date for the movie is sometime next year.
Do you have a Burnaby business story idea or an item for Movers & Shakers? Send ideas to Janaya at [email protected]. Check out the NOW's new business section online at www.burnabynow.com.
