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.

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.

Hanan Campbell’s legal practice is focused on assisting clients with a variety of corporate commercial matters.  Called to the Alberta Bar in 2000, Hanan’s legal practice began in Edmonton and she has enjoyed a diverse legal practice.  She began her practice with a private law firm and then became in-house counsel with the Federal Department of Justice.  Hanan then spent 10 years as in-house counsel with EPCOR Utilities Inc., Edmonton’s power and water utility, where she was the Associate General Counsel for 4 of those years.

In 2018, on nothing more than a leap of faith, Hanan and her family made the decision to leave Edmonton for the lake life and warmer weather in Summerland BC.  Hanan began practicing with Avery Law Office in Summerland upon arriving in Summerland and in February 2020, she opened Campbell Law, where she practiced as a sole practitioner and wore every possible hat a small business owner can wear.  Opening a small business during a pandemic certainly had its challenges, but through perseverance (and a little good fortune), Campbell Law survived and thrived and received good recognition from the legal and business community.  In January 2021, Hanan joined the Interior Law LLP partnership, where she continues to work with a variety of clients in the Okanagan business community.  Hanan is licenced to practice in both Alberta and British Columbia.

Hanan is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Penticton Women in Business and the Summerland Women in Business.  Hanan also previously served as a director with the Summerland Chamber of Commerce.

Hanan lives in Summerland, BC with her husband, Ian, and their two sons.

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 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.

Why do you want to be a board member with the Penticton Chamber?

Deciding to move back to Penticton and become part of the small business community has been an amazing adventure. Having operated my restaurant Elma for almost two years, but working at my family’s hospitality business on Lakeshore Drive throughout my life, I felt it was time for me to become better connected to my community and more aware of community and business issues.  By having the opportunity to work alongside peers to reach common goals, I believe the board’s role is crucial in identifying issues collaboratively and working together to help build a more positive business environment with a focus on building a prosperous community. I would be honored to be part of such an important local organization.

Please detail your experience in the areas of Leadership, Communication, Community Involvement and Business Planning (finance, strategic and long-term planning).  

I am passionate about public policy, having a double major in Political Science and International Relations from UBC and completing my MA in Public Policy and Diplomacy at the University of Kent’s Brussels campus. While studying in Brussels, I was awarded a  Schuman Traineeship at the European Parliament in Communication Policy which opened my eyes to the importance of communication through multi-level systems of governance and the effects of those decisions upon citizens. Upon returning to Canada, I started my career in provincial government, working at the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction from 2008 – 2017 initially as a case manager, and working my way up to Acting Supervisor of the Integration and Outreach team based out of Vancouver’s downtown Eastside. My work with the most disadvantaged of our population, community partners, local governance and federal programs earned my team a Premier’s Award in Organizational Excellence in 2013 which led to increased awareness around the larger issues of mental health and homelessness in our province.

My passion for community involvement started with my undergraduate interest in refugee and immigrant rights, and what community resources were lacking to those newcomers to Canada. To further my learning in this area, I became a full time volunteer with ISS of BC and Inland Refugee Society, for which I served on the board of directors, and later continued to have a working relationship with multi-agency partnerships through Ministry and local initiatives.  While working closely with immigrant and refugee groups, I became motivated to obtain my Immigration Consultancy diploma from UBC, specializing in assisting refugee claim applications through the non-profit sector.

My time is now spent learning as much as I can about regional food and beverage trends, developing connections with local suppliers and businesses and looking to become actively involved in the community I am lucky enough to once again call home.

Have you volunteered with the Penticton Chamber of Commerce before?

No, we just recently became a member of the Penticton Chamber.  I have the opportunity to be a panelist speaker at the upcoming Resiliency, Inspiration, Celebration – Chamber BizBites on March 11.

Why do you want to be a board member of the Penticton Chamber?

To serve the local business community. To aide small & medium sized businesses through the Chamber ABCDE’s, fostering growth & opportunity. To provide value to our members, and to ensure the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is a strong voice and community pillar.

Please detail your experience in the areas of Leadership, Communication, Community Involvement and Business Planning (finance, strategic and long-term planning).

My role at Brown Benefits has me communicating with clients, partners & suppliers daily. I have been involved in several community initiatives through the Chamber & JCI Penticton. I have taken part in strategic planning sessions in my professional role, as well as with the Chamber of Commerce.

Have you volunteered with the Penticton Chamber of Commerce before?

• Board of Directors – 2019 – present
• Chamber Ambassador – 2016 – 2019

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.

Why do you want to be a board member with the Penticton Chamber?

I want to be part of an organization which values the role of small and medium-size businesses. I believe we play a significant role in advocating on behalf of business owners. We also provide a unique opportunity for business owners to network through our Business After Business events. We also provide a great deal of educational opportunities to business owners and staff.

Please detail your experience in the areas of Leadership, Communication, Community Involvement and Business Planning (finance, strategic and long-term planning).

I spent a few years as the morning news announcer at Bell stations in the South Okanagan. I work with special needs people at The Painted Chair in Oliver.  I work with Total Restoration Services in marketing and community engagement in the South Okanagan and Summerland. I am a past President of the Oliver Rotary Club. I am a member of the Penticton Curling Club and the Osoyoos Slow Pitch League. I am a past president of the Chilliwack Youth Commission.

Have you volunteered with the Penticton Chamber of Commerce before?

Yes, I am finishing a two-year team as a Director and have attended a majority of the events we have hosted.  I’ve MC’d many Chamber events in the recent years.

Why do you want to be a board member with the Penticton Chamber?

The Chamber has been a critically important part of my introduction to the local business community. I’ve been amazed at the supportiveness and resilience demonstrated during these challenging times, and connections between businesses and the people who run them has been crucial to this resilience. I want to help increase and grow these connections, and I believe that playing a bigger role in the Chamber is the ideal way to help.

Please detail your experience in the areas of Leadership, Communication, Community Involvement and Business Planning (finance, strategic and long-term planning).

I’m an expert communicator and event planning specialist, and I’ve managed many complex projects throughout my career. My business experience include leadership roles in retail, insolvency, call centres, not-for-profits, environmental consulting, mining, and ultimately, arts education. I also spent a decade performing and choreographing with The Broadway Chorus, an adult musical theatre group, which taught me endless lessons about creating and maintaining a diverse community.

Have you volunteered with the Penticton Chamber of Commerce before?

In the two years I’ve been in Penticton, I’ve enjoyed attending many Chamber events, and I have worked with the Chamber team in a professional capacity.

Why do you want to be a board member with the Penticton Chamber?

I have seen the benefits of being a member as a new business owner.  As a member of the board I believe I can help businesses grow and make an impact in our community.

I also believe that by being a part of the board I can help shape our story and where we are going in the future as a Chamber.

Please detail you experience in the areas of Leadership, Communication, Community Involvement and Business Planning (finance, strategic and long-term planning).

• Co-Chair of JCI Penticton Valley Food Drive 2019 & 2020.
• Created business plan and coordinated with committee and stakeholders to hold the event.
• Chair of JCI Penticton Jump Start for Grey Cup Fundraiser 2019 & 2020.  Created business plan and worked with sponsors to promote event.  Collected silent auction items.
• Chair of JCI Penticton Golf Tournament 2019 & 2020.  Created business plan and coordinated with committee and stakeholders to hold the event.
• Host Committee Penticton Peach Fest.  Co-chair of annual hosting banquet.  Co-ordinated with banquet facilities for event.  Worked with sponsors for silent auction.

Have you volunteered with the Penticton Chamber of Commerce before?

I currently sit on the education committee.  I have facilitated a few events for the Chamber during lockdown including the Provincial Election forum, Business after Business at Great Estates Wine Experience Centre.

Why do you want to be a board member with Penticton Chamber?

I’d like to give back to the South Okanagan business community in a meaningful and impactful way. My experience as a Chamber member, business owner, and business banker gives me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by our diverse business community. I see this an opportunity to support – and continue building on – the excellent work this Chamber has done.

Please detail your experience in the areas of Leadership, Communication, Community Involvement and Business Planning (finance, strategic and long-term planning).

I hold a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management and a diploma from the Stratford Chefs School. My previous experience is in the hospitality sector with work in restaurants, catering, and wineries. The business I own with my wife Steph has evolved over the years, at one point employing over 20 people. Now as a Business Account Manager with the Royal Bank, I see first-hand what impacts the industries in our area day-to-day. I work hard to stay involved in the community and I believe that taking on a role at the Chamber is the best way for me to continue adding value.

Have you volunteered with the Penticton Chamber of Commerce before?

Yes, I was a member of the Events Committee for a short time prior to COVID-19.

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!