40 ~ Wednesday, December 25, 1991 - North Shore News NESS BRIEFS BUS! Surj Rattan BUSINESS SRIEFS AWARD WINNER CROWN PAPER, the wholesale distribution division of Fletcher Challenge Canada, has won the Prestigious ‘“‘Best of the Best Award’’ from the National Paper Trade Association (NPTA). Crown Paper was awarded the Gold Award in the corporate communications-print/interna- tisnal category for their 1991 cor- porate brochure during the association’s international conven- tion held recently in New Orleans. Produced by North Van- couver-based Black Ink Ventures Corp., the 24-page Crown Paper brochure mixes four- color graphics and ‘text in a die-cut folder format. The presentation utilizes the four-color presentation along with five different paper products, foil stamping and blind embossing to clearly illustrate the full range of services and products distributed by Crown Paper. A world-wide organization of paper distributors, NPTA awards the ‘‘Best of the Best Award’’ an- nuaily from an international pool of corporate submissions. This represents the international recognition that Black Ink or its clients have received for their work in the print and video mar- keting media. The North Vancouver company is currently organizing the B.C. Home-Based Business and Oppor- tunities Show and AQUA °92-The National Water Show and Con- ference. Both events will be held in the Vancouver area next year. BUSINESS EXPANSION WHILE MANY retailers are cut- ling back on expenses, a local family business has been so suc- cessful that it is now expanding throughout the Lower Mainland and into Alberta and California. Included in the expansion is an entirely new exclusive collection by a West Vancouver fashion de- si . “Don’t follow the rules, follow your instincts and do the opposite of what everyone is doing,’’ said Pam Yickram, owner of LUNA stores. The stores have been open since 1986 in three Lower Mainland locations: Robson Street and Water Street in Vancouver and the Westwood Mall in Coquitlam. They recently added stores in the Lynn Valley Centre in North Vancouver and Surrey Place. LUNA is now opening six new stores this month and all the Stores will be displaying their newly-manufactured own line of suede, leather and silk. The new stores are at Metrotown in Bur- naby, the Willowbrook Mall in Langley, two at the West Edmon- ton Mall and two in Los Angeles. Vickram plans to open 10 te 15 new stores per year with the head office to remain in Vancouver. “When you can create quality products and sell them at a third less than other retailers you are satisfying a need in the marketp- lace and you can succeed,"’ said Vickram. She has also teamed up with West Vancouver fashion designer Dorottya Willett who has been desgining and merchandising her work for four years. The pair have custom-designed a line of- clothing right down to the buttons . with an attention to detail. RADIO FAX A VANCOUVER-based company has developed a way for remote communities and developirg countries to do business better and faster, R.A.C.E. (Radio with Automatic Channel Evaluation) Technologies produces high-fre- quency radion communications equipment that can send data and facsimiles electronically from locations even telephone lines can’t reach. R.A.C.E. is a technology which allows high-speed data and [ac- simile transmission over high- frequency (HF) radio waves. The Vancouver company is commer- cializing the technology in the form of a data modem for use with iIBM-compatible portable computers and an adapter which automatically selects the best HF channel. The company will receive a $194,000 loan from Western Eco- nomic Diversification Canada (WD) to futher develop and mar- ket the products. The WD funding will help develop the products to make them easier to operate and also assist with the cost of an in- ternational marketing initiative. The company’s efforts will focus on technical refinements, especially improved performance, increased durability and higher data integrity. Total project costs are estimated at $490,000. “This technology has been available to sophisticated users for several years,’’ said R.A.C.E. Technologies president Krutzen. ‘‘Greater commercial ac- ceptance depends on improving its robusiness in the operational en- vironment, especially under ex- treme variable conditions.’* The development of an HF fax answers a growing need to move data over wireless links in the wake of the widespread use of personal computers and fax machines. WOMEN OF DISTINC- TIGN THE VANCOUVER YWCA has started its call for nominations for the ninth annuat Women of Distinction Awards. The awards recognize women who have made significant contributions to the community. . Nominations are accepted in seven categories: arts and culture; communications and public af- fairs; community and humanitari- an service; en - trepreneur/innovator; health and education; management and the professions; fitness and sport. Nominees must live or work in the Greater Vancouver area and nomination forms are available by contacting the Vancouver YWCA public relations department at 683-2531. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 21, 1992. Hans ° Merry Christmas & Happy New Vear. Office: 984-9711 ‘Live Crab cooked wi slack § Bean Sauca * Dim Sum 1" h of December on 10 items istmas Parties ; December Special *Saturdays for mo Reserve: now, for’ ON SELECTED STOCK To make room for new 1992 lines from Kettle Creek, Segrets, Part Two and Ruff Hewn. = ; “CLOTHING CO.