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

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

I have thoroughly enjoyed being on the board over the past 15 months and really hope to be reelected.

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

Manager at Prospera Credit Union, actively involved in the Penticton Chamber and JCI Penticton – activities, networking and volunteering.

Have you volunteered with the Penticton Chamber of Commerce before?

Yes Board of Director 2019-Present, Treasurer

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 believe that nurturing our Businesses is the strongest and best way to nurture our Community. Strong businesses grow, hire more people, pay better wages, support everything from kids  Sport teams to Festivals to School initiatives. A healthy business community is a fundamental pillar to a healthy Penticton. I am an experienced business Leader ready to give back through Chamber to strengthen our business Community.

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

Founder, owner, leader of multiple businesses employing many who paid taxes on their earnings, nurturing employees to greater responsibility and more contribution to the community. Growing people, designing strategies and developing plans to keep growing business

• Member and often Chair, of the following (and others):
• Atlantic Center for Remote Sensing of the Oceans
• Marine Technology Society Chapter, Nova Scotia
• Okanagan Chapter of the International Coaching Association
• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Halifax
• Oceans 87 International Conference development committee
• Restorative Justice Facilitator and trainer, Penticton RCMP
• Rotary Club of Oliver
• Okanagan Writers League, Penticton

Have you volunteered with the Penticton Chamber of Commerce before?

Yes, as Member, Director and Ambassador.

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.