We're obviously not overrun by loonie stories in this community just yet.

Dollars & Cents has been hunting for staff for a new store opening up along Willowbrook Drive, next to Staples.

And likewise, Dollarama is moving in just up the street, next to Shopper's Drug Mart - in the large retail space recently vacated by another loonie store just a few short months ago.

This outlet, which already has a store in Aldergrove, seems anxious to be part of the Langley market.

Understandably so. After all, Langley remains the largest retail hub in the Lower Mainland - outside of downtown Vancouver.

As a consumer, why would we go anywhere else to shop, when we have such an incredible selection of ma-and-pa shops mixed in with big box and chain stores - and all within Langley City and Township boundaries?

Justice group gets bucks

Coast Capital has just come through with some significant coin to help curb bullying and provide restorative justice training in Langley schools.

Olympic fever begins to take hold on the field and in the stores.

Community Justice Initiatives Association (CJIA) in Langley was handed a $15,000 boost to assist in the school district program called Educating for Peacebuilding.

The money will ensure the program continues, and help create safer schools, said Dan Basham, the school program coordinator with CJIA.

The program aims to promote a culture of peace in schools, addressing issues of bullying and violence by teaching youth valuable hands-on communication and conflict resolution skills, demonstrating alternative responses to conflict, and instilling values that focus on accountability for actions, he said.

"We thank Coast Capital Savings for their continued support," Basham said, noting it's the fifth year Coast Capital has supported CJIA.

"We truly appreciate their contribution and the fact that they have contributed to this project for a number of years says a lot about their commitment to improving our schools and our communities," he said.

Restorative action grew out of the need to create safe schools without relying on punishment and isolation to deal with discipline issues.

Restorative justice focuses on responses to harm and discipline issues that are needs-based, and promote healing and accountability.

This approach gives parents and educators additional strategies for effectively addressing misbehaviour, the underlying issues responsible for that behaviour, and the harm that occurs as a result.

Wendy Lachance, director of community leadership for Coast Capital Savings, said the credit union chose to support Community Justice Initiatives Association's restorative action programs because it teaches youth about conflict resolution and respect.

"Coast Capital Savings is committed to building a richer future for youth in our communities," Lachance said.

"By investing in programs that help youth learn how to respect one another and understand accountability for their actions, we can help youth develop positive relationships with others and become healthy young adults."

Educating for Peacebuilding works to address conflict situations by giving students the skills to communicate effectively, to avoid/resolve conflict among their peers, and to understand the impacts of harm on themselves, others and the community.

Contest coming

Even though the Olympics aren't being held too close to home this time around, excitement for the 2012 Olympic Games - which run July 27 to Aug. 12 in London - is growing at feverish pitch.

I've read about music events, beer swigging competitions, and countless other spirit-building antics going on around the globe in advance the Games launch next week.

Well, let me share a little secret with you. Stay tuned to the Langley Advance next week for an exciting contest - being held in conjunction with The Bay in Langley - that will see one local family outfitted in stylish Olympic jackets for demonstrating their Olympic spirit.

Start brainstorming now, and watch for details.

Accounting pays

Accounting student Toni Kang has earned accolades and money from the Certified Management Accountants Society of B.C.

The Trinity Western University student is one of 15 selected to receive a $2,500 scholarship, based on his academic accomplishment.

"It is a pleasure to acknowledge his hard work and dedication to his studies," said CMA's Diane Chung.

lishments. We are proud to be able to support Toni in his next steps of pursuing a CMA designation," said Chung, CMA's vice-president of marketing and new business development for B.C.

As part of CMA BC's dedication to educating and developing business leaders, the CMA scholarship is presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the course, BUSI 324 - management accounting.

The $2500 is used towards the CMA strategic leadership program (SLP), a professional development program that focuses on the best of contemporary and emerging management practices while developing the accounting, leadership, interpersonal, decision making, and communication skills essential for today's successful management professional. Upon successful completion of the SLP, students are awarded the CMA designation.

The scholarship awards are offered to post-secondary students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement in strategic management or managerial accounting courses and have a strong interest in pursuing a career in accounting and a professional accounting designation.

A new vice-prez

Envision Financial, with its head office in Langley, announced that Barry Christiansen will head up their retail banking and insurance operations.

Christiansen was given the vice-president position last week, taking responsibility for 20 branches and 16 insurance offices.

With 25 years of experience in the financial service industry, he joined Envision in 2005 as branch manager of Chilliwack, and worked in several areas of management ever since.

"Barry has an incredible passion for our organization, our people and our members, and I am so pleased that he will be leading our retail banking and insurance teams," says Envision Financial president Shelley Besse.

"Barry has a history of excellence in the financial services industry and has earned the reputation of being a skilled leader who leads by example."

"I am excited to have the opportunity to lead such a great group of people," Christiansen said.

"Our team is committed to making a real difference in the financial lives of our members and in our local communities. We want to make banking a simple experience for our members."

Known for his commitment to developing people, Christiansen views leadership as a lifelong journey.

His goal is to leave a legacy by helping talented, up-and-coming individuals grow in their roles to develop the future leaders of the organization.

Christiansen suggests the two tips below for young leaders looking to develop and grow in their careers:

ù Make life-long learning a priority

Throughout his career, Christiansen has been dedicated to continuous learning and education. He has a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of British Columbia, a financial planning designation and an MBA specializing in leadership from Royal Roads University.

"The marketplace is constantly changing," Christiansen said.

"By participating in life-long learning, you can stay on top of trends and learn new skills to take you to the next level."

He also advises that leaders participate in internal learning opportunities alongside staff to ensure that they can help them navigate change.

ù Become a true coach for your team

"Strong and effective leadership leads to a successful organization," said Christiansen.

"If you can effectively coach your people, they will be successful and so will you."

He suggests holding a coaching session with each staff member a minimum of once a month using the following three questions as a guide:

1. What's going well?

2. What would you like to improve?

3. What action plans can we commit to so you can improve?

"Throughout these conversations, it's vital to link your organization's goals to the employee's role," Christiansen said. "This will increase their engagement and help them see the bigger picture."