Opening doors at the Games - Sitka Log Homes

Publish Date: January 2006

While large corporations will undoubtedly benefit from many of the direct opportunities offered by the Olympic and Paralympic Games, many small companies are equally successful. And if it's anything like the experience of Sitka Log Homes, the result can be phenomenal international exposure and a surge in new business.

Successfully competing against two companies in the United States, Sitka Log Homes - based in 100 Mile House, BC - won a contract to build three log lodges at Snowbasin, Utah. The lodges were built on the main ski runs used in the alpine speed events and were used by Olympic officials.

Sitka's staff of 18 built the components of the lodges using salvaged pine-beetle infested wood, and then assembled the lodges on the Utah mountainside.

“It was great exposure for our product,” says General Manager Walter Bransleven. “People from all over the world got to see what we build. Since the Games we've had a lot of follow-up business - we're getting inquiries from around the world and orders from across North America.”

International exposure has propelled the company to a new level. Sitka Log Homes has hired an additional 10 people to meet the demand for new orders, and the company has expanded to Vernon. With a more diverse client base and a 30 per cent increase in production, Sitka can credit the 2002 Winter Games for providing the opportunity to open their doors to the world.

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