January 2017 | Business View Magazine

132 133 Kimberley, BRITISH COLUMBIA Preferred vendor „ Deger Canada www.degerenergie.de Deger is the world’s leading manufacturer of single and dual-axis solar tracking systems. Since 1999, the company has been consis- tently developing new ideas and concepts for the optimum use of solar energy through solar module tracking. Deger develops, builds, produces, and services intelligent tracking systems for photovoltaic modules, making this technology more efficient and consequently, more economical. The company, which was founded in Germany, has more than 75,000 systems installed in 64 countries. Deger Cana- da opened in 2015. government offices, the regional hospital, and various healthcare services. According to Wilson, “Folks in Cranbrook come to Kimberley for recreation. We have 40 restaurants, niche retail shopping, sports facilities, art galleries, studios, heritage sites, and live entertain- ment. We are only two hours from the U.S. border, so we’re seeing more Americans, as well. And many people from Alberta who are within a day’s drive and appreciate a good value, family experience.” Kimberley is working with Cranbrook to bring busi- nesses and families to the area, touting that the cost of land and professional services for production facil- ities will cost $25,000 less per employee here, than in major centers. A single-family home in Kimberley sells for $250,000, far below the urban average. Two hours from Calgary, three hours by plane to Vancouver – and the Canadian Rockies International Airport sits conve- niently between Kimberley and Cranbrook. Most impor- tantly, the exceptional quality of life is a huge bonus. Marketing itself as “A good place to be”, Kimberley is a historic mining town, a tourism resort and destination, an inspiring place to grow up and a beautiful place to retire. Of course, it faces significant challenges, aging infrastructure being one of the biggest. Until 2009, the town wasn’t saving for the cost of replacement, so now it’s a struggle to pay for what has become a necessity. But that’s a hurdle worth tackling. And with so many positive attributes going for it, this ambitious mountain town is forging ahead with excitement. As Kevin Wilson puts it: “We’re creating a future, not awaiting it.”