Dee and Rod Conklin

Dee and Rod Conklin know how to create a successful business startup. Both of their businesses have won the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Business Award for Top New Business of the Year—Palliser Printing in Invermere in 2004, and CasaVino Wine Bar in Radium Hot Springs in 2012.

The background

The couple lived and worked in Calgary prior to their move to Radium Hot Springs in 2003. Dee worked as a printing sales rep and Rod was busy with Rundle College, the independent school that he co-founded in 1985. The Conklins spent vacation time at their recreational property in Radium Hot Springs over the years. They bought Palliser Printing in 2003 and moved to Radium Hot Springs to live there full time, although Rod continued to commute to Calgary for a few more years.

During those early years in Radium Hot Springs, Dee had time to become involved in the arts community and the chamber of commerce. Eventually, Rod was able to scale back his involvement with Rundle College and create a full-time life in the Columbia Valley.

“I’m still a lifetime director at Rundle, and I make speeches now and then at events," said Rod, "but it doesn’t demand a whole lot from me now.”

Expanding their circles

Rod has used his available time to pursue a new interest: the establishment of CasaVino Wine Bar.

“The more you learn about the world of wine, the more exciting it becomes,” he said. “CasaVino is a wine and tapas bar, open through the spring and summer. We have a lovely patio and garden with flowers and trees where people can sit and enjoy themselves.”

His wine study and research have paid off—as well as the regional chamber award, CasaVino won an Award of Excellence from TripAdvisor and has been named the best of 16 restaurants reviewed in Radium Hot Springs.

Along with being the owner-operator of Palliser Printing, Dee is in her second term as mayor of the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

“Keep an eye on Radium over the next two to three years—we have some very exciting things planned,” said Dee. “Already there’s a much more hopeful attitude in the air, especially with the Canfor Mill reopening.”