Nicole Clark, Training Manager at Community Futures, is a small business trainer and coach 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 folks in our region 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 and one-on-one with clients.

In her role with Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen, Nicole delivers WorkBC’s Self-Employment Program to entrepreneurs on EI, with disabilities, or with other barriers to employment.

In the past 5 years, she has guided over 300 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, 2017 and 2018. She was nominated in the Community Contribution category in the 2019 Small Business BC Awards.

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 the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, Past 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 continuing to serve on the board and committees and being part of the chamber team!

My name is Colton and I am the Branch Manager at Prospera Credit Union. I joined Prospera in June, 2018 and have over 7 years banking experience including financial sales and management.

Since relocating to Penticton and Prospera, I have been actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce and am fortunate to have the opportunity of being on the Board of Directors. I have also been involved with JCI Penticton and currently hold the Treasurer position for 2020.

In my spare time I am a huge hockey fan and an avid mountain biker.  I love to travel and experience new adventures around the world. I am really looking forward to continuing my adventures in Penticton and starting to utilize my network to try and contribute more to our awesome community.

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?’

I have been a part of the Chamber of Commerce in communities in Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, as well as in Fort McMurray Alberta.

Within the Penticton Chamber of Commerce, I have been a long time member, representing an employer or organization. In more recent years, I have been an active Ambassador,  assisting at as many of our Chamber events and programs as possible.  I was appointed as a Director in 2018,  and currently sit on the executive as the Board Secretary.  I am a part of the nominations and education committees, and serve as chair of the governance and accreditation committees.  I also represent the Chamber at the SOICS – LIP Council.

I am very proud of our Chamber and the work that we do in our business community, and would appreciate our members support in allowing me to continue as a Director.

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 would like to continue to be a board member with the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce to be involved with the community.

My experience in leadership, communication, community involvement, and business planning comes from being part of the following: Childcare Steering committee, Penticton Advisory Committee, Downtown Advisory Committee, Queens Park PAC chair, KVR PAC Chair, President of the Penticton Harlequins RFC, Safety and Security Committee, OCP Committee, Safety Village President, Penticton Industrial Development Association Vice President, Provincial Development Board, Lake to Lake Cycle Committee.

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  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.

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/

I have enjoyed being a part of the Chamber Board and feel I have been able to bring value to the local business community by participating as a long standing member of the Chamber, getting involved in local issues and celebrating successes.  I look forward to continuing the journey with my fellow business owners and leaders in the years to come.

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.

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.

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, 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.

I want to make Penticton a better place and I care about what The Chamber represents to businesses and citizens. Knowing what’s happening and being able to have a voice in our community is why I would love to be on the Board of Directors.
Community is important to me and I truly believe that local business networking is paramount in Penticton. Being asked to apply for a board member position was an absolute honor! Since moving to Penticton 8 years ago, I’ve been actively involved with numerous organizations so becoming a board member of The Chamber has been a goal for some time.
Networking has always been a priority and passion of mine. I love attending community events, promoting nonprofits and volunteering my time.
I believe that I would be an asset to The Chamber; with my previous knowledge, energy and expertise on other boards/ committees as well as my volunteer experience in the community.

I’ve been an active member of JCI since 2014 and am a member of Penticton Women in Business, Penticton Rotary and of course, The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. With these roles I have traveled across Canada and into the states for training and conferences.
Being a business owner has given me no choice but to have a strategic long-term plan for growth and development. Nicole Clark of Community Futures has been not only a business coach but a mentor for some time, with her guidance and training we’ve implemented marking plans and business plans both for short term and long-term targets. This experience has not only helped our business tremendously but also personally. I believe that expertise would be a huge asset in a board of directors’ role as well.
Currently I am a volunteer with the Starfish Pack Program through Penticton Rotary. Each week I pick up and drop off backpacks of food so vulnerable children don’t go hungry over the weekend. Being a part of such an impactful cause brings me so much joy!

I recently attended the Techstars Startup Weekend at Okanagan College. As the team leader, our group of 6 individuals prepared a Dragon’s Den style pitching an idea I have been working on for some time called Simple PrePlan. Our team’s pitch won the first prize and the crowd favorite. This experience allowed me to learn how to guide and direct a team over 54 hours to create a prototype and pitch for a business idea. This was a feat I am most proud of to date!
I am an avid reader and podcast junkie; absorbing entrepreneurial, personal development, business growth and leadership material daily!