John Powles, President of the Canada-Japan Society of British Columbia, addresses over 200 members of the Canada Japan community on the occasion of the Society’s annual gala fall dinner.
This was a special year for the Society as we welcomed Premier Gordon Campbell as our honoured guest and featured speaker. Premier Campbell, through his government’s Pacific Gateway initiatives and Asia Pacific Trade Council, has shown strong leadership in this important area, and is an enthusiastic supporter of stronger Canada-Japan ties.
Our 2007 Gala Fall Dinner was made possible through the generous contributions and sponsorships of a large number of companies, without which the evening would not have been as successful. These contributors and sponsors are listed here. Thank you all!
The evening also featured the introduction of new members – those individuals and companies joining the Society over the past year. The following new members were welcomed as part of the evening’s activities:
James Conway from RBC Dominion Secuities Inc. spent several years in Osaka, Japan as a business owner. He is now an Investment Advisor and Financial Planner at the downtown Vancouver Branch of RBC Dominion Securities. One of James’ specialties is Japanese markets and clients.
Pacific Coach Lines, represented by Dennis Shikaze, has been providing daily scheduled service between Vancouver and Victoria for over 40 years in addition to Sightseeing Tours, Group and Charter Services, and Packaged Vacations in Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, and Whistler. Most recently, Pacific Coach has added YVR Whistler SkyLynx to its services and invites passengers to relax, travel easy, and enjoy the spectacular view of the Sea to Sky Highway onboard their luxury coaches with daily scheduled service between the Vancouver International Airport and Whistler Village.
Sato Pharmaceutical was established in 1915 in Japan and is one of the leading “over-the-counter parmaceutical manufacturers.” Sato Pharmaceutical Canada, Inc. opened in Vancouver in September, 2006. It is the corporation’s 6th overseas operation. Sato intends to jointly develop new bio-techs and expand business relationships with BC’s “cutting-edge bio tech” companies. Sato was represented by Seijyu Suzuki.
Avcorp Industries Inc. comes from a business sector not previously represented in our society – Aerospace. Avcorp builds major airframe structures for some of the world’s leading aircraft companies, including Boeing, Bombardier, and Cessna. With 50 years of experience, more than 650 skilled employees and a 300,000 square foot facility in Delta. Avcorp is a major component supplier for HondaJet, a new advanced light jet. Avcorp was represented by Steven Archer.
Two additional new members, joining the Society in 2007, but not represented at the gala were Via Rail and The Calgary Airport Authority.