|
 Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Board of Directors Candidates
|
|
|
|
Board Elections are Wednesday, March 20
Make an Informed Decision
Review all Nine Candidate's Bios
The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce invites current and prospective members to attend its 94th Annual Chamber Elections Lunch & Networking event,
11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 20th at the Best Western Westerly Hotel.
Pre-registration closes at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday,March 19.
To help members make their decisions and vote at the Board Election Lunch, we have provided bios of the nine candidates (in alphabetical order) below. Please review this list if you plan to vote.
Anyone is welcome to attend this lunch event, however, only Chamber members may vote. Each member business/organization is eligible for one vote and you must be in attendance as votes by proxy are not permitted. Nominations will not be accepted from the floor.
After the election, a networking activity, lead by Linda Oprica of Ascent Coaching, will be conducted while the votes are counted.
Tickets to this event are $25 for members & $30 for prospective members.
|
To purchase tickets to the Board Elections Lunch, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
 Wayne Anderson
Anderson & Co.
Wayne Anderson practiced law in Calgary for 27 years. His legal career has always been small business-oriented and includes both solicitor's and barrister's work. In 2012, he was called to the British Columbia bar. Shortly thereafter, he opened a law firm in Courtenay, under the name Anderson & Co, and continued to focus on small business matters.
Throughout his career, Wayne has taught business law to entrepreneurs and small business owners. While in Alberta, he taught for the Calgary Board of Education and Mount Royal University. After moving to British Columbia, he taught classes in business start ups for the Community Futures organization. Currently, Wayne sits on the Board of Directors of the Sid Williams Theatre Society. He also volunteers with the Union Bay Historical Society and is an enthusiastic member of the Courtenay Rotary Club.
"I believe my career experience and community involvement ideally suit me to sit on the Board of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce," says Wayne. "From that position, I will be able to provide valuable assistance on legal matters to the Board and to members of the Chamber."
|
|
|
 Janice Armour
Investors Group
Janice moved to Courtenay in Jan 2006, to take a temporary administrative job for 'a few months.' She fell in love with the Valley and did everything she could to remain employed locally and transfer to the area permanently.
A few years later, Janice found herself looking for ways to learn and discover more about Courtenay. The Chamber of Commerce was her first "real" contact. In 2011, she participated in the "Taking the Stage" program, through the Women's Enterprise Centre, where she met other local business women. Through this association, and the Chamber, her business skills further developed. Janice is now self-employed as a financial consultant with Investors Group. Feeling more established in her business, she would like to be on the Chamber's Board of Directors to offer assistance and mentor other new business owners.
"I will likely retire in this region and desire to be part of the growth that is already happening," says Janice. "Being a board member with the CV Chamber of Commerce feels right for me at this time and I am eager to do good work for this wonderful community.
|
|
Allison Bligh -
Shaw Communications Inc.
Allison fell in love with the Comox Valley in 1997. while visiting as part of her studies at BCIT. She promised herself that one day she would "retire early" and move to the paradise that we call home. Eight years ago, she did just that and left a significant role with BC Hydro in Vancouver in order to move to Courtenay.
Shortly after moving to the Valley, Allison joined Shaw Communications and since then has moved progressively though the company. Today, she is is helping to build the exciting new Shaw Go WiFi network throughout the North Island.
Allison is also a strong contributor to her community. She has become a popular face of Shaw TV, a volunteer role she took on when she first joined Shaw, and she also helps with the Comox Valley Child Development Association Telethon and several other organizations and sports clubs in the Valley.
|
|
 Kevin East
Ambassador Shuttle Service
Kevin, owner of Ambassador Shuttle Service, brings to the team 20 years of sales and marketing experience which has provided him with great business and customer service expertise. Kevin has lived and worked in five of the Canadian provinces and brings an understanding on a vision of tourism and the true value of what the Comox Valley has to offer to both locals and those from all across the country and world. Kevin is a member of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, an active member of the BNI Momentum chapter, and an associate member of the Comox BIA. He is also the Adult Leader for the Comox 1st Beaver Colony. Kevin is married to Angie East and has two children Tayler (8) and Carson (6). Ambassador Shuttle Service was recently awarded the 2012 small business of the year award through the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce.
|
|
 Mackenzie Gartside
Verico Select Mortgages Mackenzie is the senior mortgage consultant on the Mackenzie Gartside & Associates team. She worked in banking for four years before transitioning to brokering in 2006. With an energetic and determined personality, Mackenzie works diligently to get her clients the absolute best mortgage terms possible. Volunteering and organizing charity events are one of MacKenzie's passions. She has volunteered as a director on several boards and actively participates as a member of a multitude of business, community and charity organizations. As with any parent, one of her main drivers is her child. Mackenzie's daughter Payton has been a Type 1 Diabetic since she was two years old. Mackenzie spends many hours organizing and inventing fun and creative ways to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to aid in its quest to find a cure for Diabetes.
"I would like to aid and encourage the businesses of the Comox Valley to work together and prosper through networking and volunteerism," concludes MacKenzie. "I strongly believe it is important for every individual to invest in our community, in whatever way we are able. I feel the experiences I have gained through business, as well as previous board, fundraising and volunteer positions would be an asset to the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors." |
|
|
John Gower
Gower Design
John Gower moved to the Comox Valley from Victoria with his wife Tanis and daughter Kiran in January, 2012. He was drawn here by the opportunity to live in a vibrant and diverse community, close to the area's many recreational opportunities.
John studied Architecture and earned an MA in Geography from UBC and he has been practicing home design for more than 20 years. A long-time advocate of 'Not So Big
House' principles, he has been increasingly designing homes and renovations that respond proactively to the 21st Century challenges of climate change, resource depletion and the end of cheap energy. Such future-friendly, small-footprint homes are the focus of his firm, Gower Design Group Inc, based in Courtenay's Tin Town neighbourhood.
By nature a community-oriented person, John has for a number of years been involved with the Transition Town movement for its focus on developing local resilience in the face of outside challenges. He is keenly interested in helping to develop a stronger "buy-local" culture - in everything from agriculture, to small industry to municipal government procurement - thus keeping more of our dollars in the community. He believes he will bring a fresh perspective to the work of the Chamber.
|
|
|
Marg Szafron
Prestige Video Transfer
(for re-election)
Marg and her husband, Larrie Szafron, own Prestige Video Transfer. Prior to her retirement from the corporate world in 2012, and joining Larrie in their successful home-based enterprise, Marg worked in the real estate industry for 30 years. The last 17 years of this career she was a residential appraiser.
Originally trained as a laboratory technologist, Marg worked for the Provincial Veterinary Lab in Regina. This was followed by 10 years at home, doing the most important job in the world -- raising a family -- as well as volunteering on many sports and school organizations.
While living in north eastern Alberta, Marg served on the board of directors for the local Chamber of Commerce and she helped start a Women's Business Network group. During that time, she and Larrie also owned and managed a restaurant for a year. While living in Red Deer, Marg was manager of a satellite office, in addition to residential appraising.
Since moving to the Comox Valley, Marg has been on the executive of CV Women's Business Network for two years and on the executive of Comox Valley Home-Based and Small Business Association for two terms. She is currently a director on the Chamber of Commerce Board, bringing a wealth of experience in marketing, small business accounting, and sales to the board.
|
|
 Kathy Thompson
Visitors Choice Magazine
Kathy has been "employed" since she was 10 years old. "I started cleaning cabins at our family vacation resort, so learned early on a work ethic that I have carried forward throughout my career," she says. "I am fortunate to have worked in a retail environment which, when coupled with my advertising background of over 18 years, has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how the two should work together to achieve optimum results."
Kathy is from Alberta. She and her husband of 29 years moved here in November 2010.
"I love the Comox Valley and feel as though I have a lot to offer not only the business community, but also the wonderful non-profit groups that are represented," she adds. Kathy is currently on the Board of Directors for the Comox Valley Women's Business Network and has thoroughly enjoyed the very professional and entertaining atmosphere of this year's membership.
When asked to run for the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, she did not hesitate to accept. "I did so knowing that I would be giving back to an organization that I feel has given me the opportunity of building a strong future for both my business and personal endeavors," she concludes.
|
|
|
 Julie Watkins
Valley Home Check
Julie and her family relocated to the Comox Valley from England in 2007. A Canadian Citizen by virtue of earlier years working in Vancouver, Julie and husband Richard had always planned to make their home in Canada. They came to the Valley sight unseen, having 'googled' this idyllic location.
Noting a niche in the local market, the Watkins started a new business called Valley Home Check. Self-employed for over 20 years, Julie's career has encompassed military and government service, office management, public relations and journalism as both writer and editor. Their service-based company affords her the opportunity to use and add to her skill set ,which brings its own satisfaction.
Since relocating here Julie has been an active member and past director for the CV Women's Business Network (as treasurer and publicity director); she was the recipient of the prestigious Minerva Award in 2011. Julie enjoys getting involved with the community at all levels, from the school graduation committee to volunteering with the Chamber programming committee. She looks forward to making a real contribution to the business community as a director.
|
|
March 21 - GST/HST Small Business Seminar
 March 27
Work the Pond Networking
Lunch & Learn
Bring along your own lunch and join us for a presentation based on the principals of Darcy Rezac's ribbiting book - "Work the Pond". Beverages and a sweet treat will be provided. Pre-register here.
|
|
|
|
|
To purchase tickets to the Board Elections Lunch, click here.
|
Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
Taking care of business since 1919!
|
|
|
