M3 Personnel: Optimism for the Unemployed

Publish Date: January 2010

The 2010 Winters Games are providing an important buffer to B.C. companies and their employees challenged by the global economic downturn.  In fact, one company is successfully using the Games to expand its market and provide work to unemployed people in BC.

M3 is a temporary staffing agency that provides supplemental workers to the manufacturing, industrial, and construction sectors in the lower mainland.  The Vancouver-based company targets and trains  the unemployed, including those with disabilities, youth at risk, and Aboriginal people.

"The Winter Games is a good example of a business sector we had not considered previously," says Business Director, Powell Jagger-Doe.  "But we saw an opportunity for our service to meet the demands."

M3 has been involved in a number of 2010-related contracts.  It helped other companies provide staffing solutions for renovations to Canada Place, Robson Square, and Queen Elizabeth Theatre as well as the construction of the Ontario Pavilion located at the Concorde Pacific Site.  M3 has also secured some spinoff work from the construction of the Olympic Village. 

The Winter Games has been a significant opportunity for M3.  Sub-contracting work with bigger companies like Nussli Special Events has brought new international exposure for the company. And testimonials from these larger companies look great on its resume and are helping the company build clientele. 

Powell says that the real work has only just begun.  He anticipates much more subcontracting and spinoff work in the future. 

"Our company is continually identifying opportunities to expand our services and diversify our business," says Powell.  M3 is even considering a possible expansion with a second office in Surrey or Delta.

When asked what advice he would give to other local businesses who would like to take part it in 2010, Powell offers a healthy dose of optimism.  He says companies should develop a business plan that reflects a "we can" attitude. 

"Do not allow yourself to think that your company can't compete due to size, locale or inexperience.  In these economic conditions it is important for companies to re-invent themselves and adapt quickly to the changing needs of their target market."

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