Nicole Clark, owner of KISStrategies for Business Inc., is a small business trainer and consultant whose passion is working with entrepreneurs to create the business of their dreams through implementing sound business plans and marketing strategies, shifting habits and routines, replacing limiting beliefs with empowering beliefs.

Nicole has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs over the past 30+ years. Her focus is to simplify the entrepreneurial journey for Canadians looking to launch or expand a small business. She does this by teaching small business owners how to create a viable business concept and formulate a business plan that not only provides the path to follow but can also be taken to a lender or investor to raise any necessary capital. She does this in groups, through live workshops, one-on-one with clients, and online with her ProfitRx Business Development Program.

In 2015, Nicole was delighted to be awarded a contract with Community Futures Okanagan Simlkameen to collaborate with them on the delivery of WorkBC’s Self-Employment Program to entrepreneurs on EI, with disabilities, or with other barriers to employment. This has been extended for a third year and is an extremely fulfilling part of her business.

In the past 2 years, she has guided over 125 entrepreneurs in the small communities of British Columbia’s South Okanagan through a successful launch of their business plan. It thrills her to participate in the ‘aha’ moments as her clients embark on their entrepreneurial journey. Over 90% of her clients are still in business. Her successful results with her clients led to nominations in four different categories for the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards in both 2016 and 2017.

Nicole lives in Penticton, BC with her husband Don. Transplants from the Vancouver area, they thoroughly enjoy the beautiful Okanagan Valley and its fantastic climate. Nicole is President of Penticton Women in Business, an inaugural member of South Okanagan 100 Women Who Care, and an honorary member of JCI Penticton.

Paul and his wife Amanda own one of the only businesses globally in 100% hand stitched traditional kilt making. They hand stitch every kilt using traditional methods that they perfected with the help and guidance of industry professionals in Scotland. They import fabric and other products from Scotland and export the kilts worldwide. They turned a basement business making kilts for local pipe bands into an international business making kilts for companies, clan societies, pipe bands, and individuals as far away as New Zealand. They do rentals for weddings and Scottish events, and also made a hand stitched tam for the Peach in 2018!

Paul looks forward to serving on the board and committees and being part of the chamber team!

My name is Jonathan McGraw, and I am a partner in BDO Canada’s Penticton office with over 20 years of professional experience providing accounting, tax, and auditing services to a range of owner-managed businesses, as well as public entities, First Nations, and not-for-profit organizations. As a trusted advisor to my clients, I often work with them on complex issues like strategic planning and corporate restructuring.

I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary and have provided presentations for the firm on topics such as financial statement analysis and audit methodology. Aside from my current occupation as a CPA, I have also served five years in the US Navy, worked as a snowboard instructor, and I am a professional dive master.

Penticton and the surrounding area is a wonderful community in which to live, and we have many amazing service groups, social agencies, and community organizations that enrich our citizens lives. I enjoy contributing my time and knowledge to such organizations. I am currently on the finance committee for St Anns Church in Penticton, as well as the Penticton Chamber of Commerce. In previous years, I served as the treasurer of the Penticton Yacht Club, and the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors.

Currently the Executive Administrator of Penticton Women in Business, she was one of several directors within the group that encouraged that organizations participation in our Penticton Chamber. Breakfast of Champions is another of the groups she co-ordinates for the empowerment of women building businesses locally. She utilizes her background, training and experiences in education, volunteer management and administration within all the groups and businesses she works with.

An entrepreneur at heart, Marlene welcomes anyone interested in learning more about her work with the Opportunity Companies, Ariix and NuCerity, to have a chat regarding the time, financial, health, travel and freedom rewards of a home based, mobile, global business. Always eager to promote Penticton and all it has to offer, Marlene has facilitated hospitality and customer service training programs, organized conferences and events, worked with the Medical Foundation and the SS Sicamous Restoration Society, and volunteered with everything from the Art Gallery to Peach Fest, Junior Hockey to Jazz Fest, Okanagan College to Meadowlark, and more.

Marlene is a registered British Columbia Marriage Commissioner, and is happy to talk with all couples with regards to officiating their wedding ceremony.

She sums up life in Penticton with, ‘How does it get any better than this?’

Cary is a lawyer and owner of the leading South Okanagan law firm Pearce Schneiderat.  Cary had previously been on the Board for over 10 years serving as President twice, Vice-President and Secretary.  He is excited to have the opportunity to serve the Chamber and its members again.

First and foremost I see being a Board Member of the Chamber as an opportunity to both give back and promote the Community I have been able to call home for the past 23 years.

Secondly, I’m a firm believer that self-development is best obtained through Community involvement.

I’ve been blessed with many opportunities of the 2 in a wide variety of arenas; from developing Leadership Programs for Youth, serving as a Team Leader for Search and Rescue, assisting in drafting Emergency Response/ Preparedness Plans for a few local Communities, and serving in Incident Command for a major event.  In work environments, I’ve created services and support systems to meet the complex Social needs here in Penticton and outlining Communities including strategic assessments and planning, and forecasting what supports will be required for the future.  I currently serve on a number of Boards and Steering committees on a local, regional and provincial level.

I am looking forward to volunteering with the Chamber of Commerce.

Spencer holds a Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Education from UBC Okanagan. He spent a year teaching in London, England prior to joining Brown Benefits. Away from the office, Spencer is an avid golfer and enjoys playing soccer, hockey & volleyball. During his time at UBC-O, Spencer was the only student-athlete to represent two varsity teams, playing for both the Men’s Soccer & Volleyball squads for four years.

I would like to be a Board member with the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce to foster growth in the business community, and to steer the Chamber in the direction that best serves local businesses. I am keen to continue to support the events & initiatives already initiated by the Chamber, while also bringing new ideas to the table.

In my current role with Brown Benefits, we consistently engage in our own business planning. I also oversee a significant portion of our client communications, as well as manage our social media accounts. I currently serve on the Board of Directors with the Summerland Chamber of Commerce, and am a member of JCI Penticton.

I have volunteered as an Ambassador with the Penticton Chamber since 2016.

I want to play a role in improving the business and economic climate in Penticton. I believe I live in the best place on earth and I strive to push the many attributes of this community to listeners of my morning newscasts and chats with Al Gee, through Facebook, and through personal contact with local residents and friends outside this community.

I believe in the accomplishments of the Chamber and its direction. I know the staff well, and many of the Board Members. I wish to use my skills to build the Chamber through increased membership and advocacy.

My professional involvement includes:
Manager of Communications, City of Wetaskiwin
Business Visitation Coordinator, City of Wetaskiwin
Associate Publisher, Oliver Chronicle
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator, University of the Fraser Valley
Sports Editor, Chilliwack Progress
Communications Officer, Seabird Island Band
Communications.Community Engagement, Oliver Landing Development Corp
Media/Marketing Rep, BC Football Conference
Promotional Announcer, Penticton Vees
Promotional Announcer, Penticton Speedway

My community involvement includes:
President – Rotary Club of Oliver
Member – Rotary Clubs in Oliver, Wetaskiwin, Ponoka, and Chilliwack
President, Board Member – Chilliwack Youth Commission
Board Member – Chilliwack Curling Club
Board Member – Chilliwack Leisure Services Advisory Committee
Board Member – Wetaskiwin Icemen Junior B Hockey Club
Board Member – Wetaskiwin Sports Hall of Fame

In all these professional and personal positions, I have been actively involved in the communities I have lived in. I have provided leadership in many areas and led staff to excel.

Since moving to Penticton one year ago and taking over as the Morning News/Sports Announcer for EZ Rock and Sun Fm, I have gotten involved in as many activities as I could with the Chamber.

I acted as Master of Ceremonies for the Business Excellence Awards and prepared the PowerPoint Presentation for the Awards Ceremony. I also MC’d many other events such as the Chamber Sponsored election forums, the Golf Tournament, the Mayors Nominee Reception, the Christmas Party at the Days Inn, and a few of the Business After Business events. I have attended most of the events hosted by the chamber since my arrival.

I believe in the power of the chamber as an advocacy and networking organization. I know that the chamber is a source of positive change in the community that enriches the quality of life by connecting members behind common causes that make a difference. I believe that I have the time, energy and experience to be a contributing member of the board of directors.

Also elected to the Board of Directors for the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce from 2012 to 2016 and also served a three year elected term on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Chamber Insurance Corporation. Representing Penticton at the federal and provincial level. Not only did this give me experience advocating on behalf of Penticton, it also has given me a strong network among the business and political leadership around BC and Canada. I have also served two terms as president of the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society and have been active in the Penticton  community having been a member of JCI.

I was first elected to the Board of Directors of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce in 2005 and was re-elected in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. In my time with the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, I have held the executive  positions of President, Vice President, 2nd Vice President, and Past President. I have also chaired the Finance Committee, the Advocacy Committee, the Membership Committee, the Governance Committee, the Communications Committee and the Nominations Committee. I have volunteered to represent the Chamber on the following City of Penticton Committees as well: Economic Development, Official Community Plan,  Development Services, Transportation, Waterfront Enhancement, Downtown Improvement, and Board of Variance. I also have represented the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber as a delegate to several provincial and national chamber conventions.

After spending years of travelling overseas, Lyndie returned to her hometown of Penticton. Her 8 years spent in the adventure capital of the world, New Zealand, gaining qualifications, experience, and working in the Adventure Tourism and Multi-sport industry inspired her and she returned home with a dream of building her own company and paving the way for an industry that was new to the area.

Today, Hoodoo Adventures is a Business Excellence Award winning company, established in 2007 the company holds the largest commercial guiding land tenure in the Okanagan. Their mission is to introduce people of all ages to the outdoor recreation opportunities that exist right at our door in Penticton and the surrounding area. Hoodoo adventures offers a diverse selection of activities and training for individuals, teams, school groups, and corporate programs.

In addition to commercial adventures such as sea kayaking, hiking, biking, and rock climbing; Hoodoo Adventures is an event organizer, creating and coordinating multiple annual multi-sport and adventure races as well as large corporate events. In its most recent sports tourism Economic Impact Assessment, Hoodoo Adventure Company reported a $3+ million economic impact in the area. You can check out all of the Hoodoo action on their website: http://www.hoodooadventures.ca/

By joining the Chamber Board I hope to have an impact on the business community by using my 20+ years of experience in tourism, hospitality and event management to help create relationships and showcase the area in which we choose to live. I am excited to work with like-minded businesses on a common goal of economic growth, healthy living opportunities and proactive strategies that engage and encourage our younger generations by highlighting Penticton as a forward thinking, community-focused City. I moved back here, to my home town, knowing that I could have an impact. I am proud of what we have accomplished since returning and I believe that by joining the Chamber team I can continue to work towards the amazing things that I know are possible for Penticton.

I have been an ambassador with the Chamber for 3 years now and I feel it is time for me to offer more to the Chamber and the Business Community. Joining the Board of Directors will allow me to have more of an input into and impact upon the decisions made which will benefit the community at large.

I have spent close to twenty five years in the hospitality industry in roles ranging from managing 30+ staff members in bars and restaurants, assisting in promotions and fulfilling budget demands. The remainder of my forty years were spent in sales meeting quotas and providing customer care.

Aside from the 3 years as an ambassador for the Chamber, I have volunteered my time and services on several occasions over that period.

I currently serve as an Ambassador with the Penticton Chamber and frequent BAB events assisting with each event in some capacity.

From a young age, my passion has been community involvement and giving back. I believe getting involved as a board member with the Penticton Chamber will help me give back more to the community and help implement changes for the better. I am all about supporting local businesses and helping each other be successful. With stakeholders and great working relationships, Penticton can have continued growth success and maintaining strong relationships will drive this. With a back ground in law enforcement I can appreciate and understand dynamic situations, problem solving, cohesiveness, teamwork and what its like to be a leader. This gives me the ability to create a connection and relate to the tasks at hand. I have always been active in the communities where I have lived whether it be from a young age helping with the special Olympics to my current role as an Ambassador with the Chamber of Commerce. I also was elected to the Board of Directors for the South Okanagan Brain Injury Society and currently sit on the board. In addition to this role, I am active on the Finance Committee and Resource Development Committee. I am always looking for ways to improve the quality of life where we live, and I believe that being a board member will allow me to put my experience to use in that capacity. My mom previously worked for the Society of Community Living in Ontario and I got to spend a lot of time with the wonderful people that resided in this community and watched my mother nurture and develop their skills daily. I want to give back just as she did.

With a diverse background and a wealth of knowledge in different industries it has allowed me to become well rounded and a suitable candidate to serve on the board for the Penticton Chamber. I spent 5 years in law enforcement which entailed knowledge of enforceable criminal code offences, provincial statutes, city by laws. I was well versed in processes and union environment processes. I was promoted to Sergeant at a young age with my lead by example approach, leadership skills and being able to put together a cohesive team/unit. I have several years of experience in a management capacity during my time in law enforcement and shifting into the automotive business where in 4 years worked my way up to my current position as General Manager. In law enforcement I worked directly with counselling services and rehabilitation centers for the vulnerable community members we served. My current position allows me the understanding of business practices and processes. Leading a team of 25 employees I am well versed in sales and service flow while maintaining a strong customer service approach and positive store culture. I am very knowledge with managing a business’s financial standings with reviewing and approving financial statements, charges, credits, monthly. I also have extensive knowledge in forecasting profit margins both gross and net, expense control and strategic overall dealership short and long term goals/plans. I have strong people skills and work very well in a team environment. My lead by example approach has allowed me to become promoted in several industries at a young age. My problem solving, and reasoning skills can be attributed to both my law enforcement and automotive industry careers. I am respectful and cooperative and am always willing to learn and hear other opinions/suggestions. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the South Okanagan Brain Injury Society and as an Ambassador with the Penticton Chamber of Commerce. If fortunate enough to serve as a board member I bring a fresh positive approach to new beginnings and continued opportunities with growth. My commitment, dedication and passion for community will allow us to serve a greater good and hopefully increase the quality of life and support for local businesses here in Penticton. I want to give back and this would give me that opportunity and have continued personal growth. I also plan to run for city council one day and want to lay deep routes in Penticton, getting involved in the community as much as I can.

Joseph is a business warrior, starting and growing many businesses of his own and through Coaching, advancing the success of hundreds of decision makers in their own businesses. The most recent clients are finding greater success in the communities of the Okanagan, Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax and London England. Joseph believes that a vibrant business community is important to all and thus he is an active member of Chamber. He has earned the International Coach Federation credential of Master Certified Coach (MCC), only attained by about 8% of all accredited Coaches.

In addition to Joseph’s love of business, he thrives in the outdoors, rides a touring motorcycle, collects pre-centennial Canadian stamps and is an avid writer with three books published, a weekly newspaper column and an active blog.

Joseph has been on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce since the Autumn of 2018.