Econotech Services Ltd.

Viscose (rayon) can be used to make many synthetic fabrics.

SANDRA FODOR <firstname>@econotech.com
Manager, Pulp & Paper Testing

Sandra has a Diploma of Technology, Biological Sciences from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. For the last 20 years, she has been actively involved in the Pulp and Paper Testing department including printability testing and customer relations. Her extensive background has given her the ability to help many customers with problem-solving issues. Outside of work, her spare time is spent with her twin daughters who attend French Immersion school and participate in figure skating and piano lessons. <<

YOLANDA CAHOON <firstname>@econotech.com
Group Leader, Pulp and Paper Testing

Yolanda joined Econotech in 1996, bringing with her five years of mill experience in the Pulp and Paper industry. In addition to utilizing her skills with the Fiber Quality Analyzer, she deals on a day to day basis graciously facilitating client requests. Outside work, Yolanda keeps herself busy with many ongoing home renovation projects. She is also a pet lover and has a ninety pound American Bulldog (who thinks he’s a lap dog) to prove it. They both enjoy their walks together along the river dike near their home. <<

THOMAS YUEN <firstname>@econotech.com
Supervisor, Process Chemical Analysis

Tom was born and raised in British Colony Hong Kong, where he attended Baptist University and majored in Chemistry. Having heard much about the opportunity that exists in Canada, he moved to Vancouver. After graduating from the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Chemical Science, Tom moved to Port Alice in northern Vancouver Island where he worked for Rayonier Canada from 1972 to 1974. He decided to move back to this best city in the world (rated by United Nations) to work for the consulting firm, Radipulp. After a few months with that company he joined Econotech, where he’s been ever since. <<

DONNA JOHANNES <firstname>@econotech.com
QC Coordinator

Donna graduated from B.C.I.T. in Biological Sciences in 1976 and has been working at Econotech just about ever since. She has worked throughout the Analytical Department performing many analyses including AOX, gas chromatography and non-routine testing. Donna has written many technical procedures and is familiar with over 300 methods used in the laboratory. Her most recent position is Quality Control Coordinator for the Analytical Department. She lives in South Surrey and spends her leisure time with her husband and two children. <<

HEATHER McLEOD <firstname>@econotech.com
Senior Technologist, Microscopy & Wood Technology

Heather has been with the Microscopy department for 14 years. Her pursuit of continuing education courses has adapted her position to fit her abilities. Heather's BCIT diploma in Chemical Sciences has led to a solid foundation for intensive on the job training. Heather exercises her creative side through fiction and non-fiction writing, and has even written an award-winning article on testing labs. Heather’s priority is to continue to grow along with her department. <<

RALPH ABLEY <firstname>@econotech.com
Senior Technical Specialist & Purchaser

Ralph began his career at Columbia Cellulose and later became one of Econotech’s original seven employees. Having done most jobs within the pilot plant and testing labs at Econotech, Ralph is currently involved with testing dissolving pulps and building Reburned Lime Analyzers. To add some variety, he is also the purchaser for the laboratory.
Ralph is an avid fisherman and camper (when he can find the time). And when he does, the rest of the Econotech staff use the occasion to accurately predict inclement weather. That is to say, if Ralph is on vacation – chances are it will rain. <<

ERIC CHAO <firstname>@econotech.com
Senior Technical Specialist, Contaminant ID

Eric joined Econotech as a Senior Technical Specialist in December 2002. He brought with him more than 20 years of experience in analyzing forest product and related materials, in particular, the application of FTIR techniques in analyzing them.
Prior to Econotech, Eric was the Technical Manager of Applied Chemistry Laboratories Ltd. and was Section Head of the Applied Chemistry Section of MacMillan Bloedel Research, before it was dismantled in 1998.
Eric earned his Ph.D. degree in Analytical Chemistry from University of Missouri – Kansas City. During the time he worked at MacMillan Bloedel Research (1977-1998), he gained experience in analyzing all types of forestry related samples such as fertilizers, foliages, lumber, wood preservatives, pulp, process effluent, liquors, paper, white water, coatings, corrugated containers, environmental samples, corrosion products, etc. He also has extensive knowledge and experience in the application of FTIR/FTIR-microscope to analyze pulp/paper contaminants, good/fail material, printing blanket tape pull contaminants, process deposits and unknown samples. <<

JACQUIE STANLEY <firstname>@econotech.com
Administrative Assistant

When you phone Econotech, there is a pretty good chance that it will be Jacquie who answers the phone. Whether you’re a first time caller who is seeking information about Econotech or if you have been dealing with Econotech for years, Jacquie will direct you to the appropriate department as painlessly and effortlessly as possible.
Jacquie started at Econotech as a part-time glassware washer back in 1987 and within the year, she became a full time lab assistant. From there, she became the first designated Shipper & Receiver of Econotech and by 1992, had made her way to the administration department.
Over the years, Jacquie has continued her education by taking a broad range of courses and is in the process of obtaining her Media Techniques and Marketing Communications certificate.
When Jacquie is not working or attending classes, she spends time with her cat Cyd - a stray she found one day wandering outside Econotech. <<

JOANNE STEWART <firstname>@econotech.com
Accountant

Joanne began life at Econotech more than 19 years ago as an assistant in the Accounting Department. Through part time studies, Joanne completed her Accounting Management Diploma at a local college. She was promoted to Accountant in 2007. Joanne was born in Singapore, and lived for the first ten years of her life in the West Midland area of England before immigrating to British Columbia with her parents.
With her keen interest in genealogy, Joanne spends much of her spare time tracking down her many English and Scottish ancestors. <<

Dr. ED BECKER President

Ed Becker is President and owner (along with wife Norma) of Econotech Services Ltd. He obtained a PhD in Forest Products Chemistry with a minor in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University in 1957. Ed had management positions in pulping and bleaching research at Rayonier R&D in Shelton, Washington, Union Camp R&D in New Jersey and Columbia Cellulose R&D in Vancouver.
Dr. Becker held the position of Technical and Environmental Director for Columbia Cellulose from 1969 to 1972. Econotech Services was formed in 1972 to take over the Columbia Cellulose Technical Centre and since then has provided technical support for pulp and paper companies worldwide. Dr. Paul Thomas was involved in the company formation and held management positions until he retired in 1987.
Ed actively managed pulping and bleaching projects and did consulting until 1998; now he works part time in the general management of Econotech. He and Norma are actively involved with several Christian organizations and enjoys boating in inland waterways as far north as Prince Rupert, B.C. <<