SUMMERLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Summerland Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit society registered under the federal Board of Trade Act. The Chamber is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of business license holders in Summerland.

The Summerland Chamber Board is comprised of members who are active in the community and subscribe to positive growth and change that will strengthen the economic health of Summerland and the business community. The Board is responsible to set goals and direction, to ensure the financial health of the organization and to develop policies and procedures to guide the Chamber’s work.

A director of the Summerland Chamber Board is a volunteer who commits 8 - 12 hours per month to meetings, programs, and duties of the Chamber. Each director is elected for a two year term with one half of the Directors retiring each year.

At the Annual General Meeting held on March 20, 2018 the following members were elected: Lauren Forsyth of Grasslands Nursery, Jason Goy of Phalanx Construction and Laurie Weir of Barn Owl Gifts. The new directors join Past President Erick Thompson of ET2 Media and the following directors serving the remaining year of their 2-year terms: Spencer Brown of Brown Benefits, Kari Harding of Rock Star Distribution Ltd., and Nick Ibuki of Summerland Varieties Corp.

President - president@summerlandchamber.com 

Nick Ibuki - Summerland Varieties Corp.

Nick Ibuki has worked for Summerland Varieties Corp., as a Horticulturalist for the last 13 years.  He is the current Operations Manager specializing in tree fruit and berry variety development, intellectual property protection, tech transfer with growers and researchers and manages a team of horticulturalists.  

Born and raised in the Okanagan Nick has spent much of his life in the orchards during the week and in the hills on the weekends.  Nick and his wife Marsha also foster parent as a way of giving back to the community with the hope of children gaining better opportunities to move forward successfully in their lives.

Vice President

Kari Harding - Rock Star Distribution Ltd.

Kari grew up in Summerland and began a career with Western Financial Group as a licensed insurance broker specializing in a program for small business day cares. Her hobby business grew and led her to full-time entrepreneurship in 2014. Her company Rock Star Distribution Ltd. operates Rock Star District Premium Apparel & Accessories on Main Street for men women and kids, as well as Better. Clean. Canada., an eCommerce store specializing in all natural household products.

Kari enjoys volunteering with the Okanagan Walk to Remember events and Tiny Hands of Hope Society, which raises awareness and coordinates events for families affected by pregnancy and infant loss. Kari received the 2016 Young Entrepreneur of The Year Award from the Summerland Chamber of Commerce.

Treasurer

Spencer Brown - Brown Benefits

Spencer joined Brown Benefits in the fall of 2014. Brown Benefits exclusively administers the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan in the Summerland area, and has been regularly recognized for national marketing excellence. Over 30,000 businesses have chosen the Chambers Plan, making it the number one small business benefit plan in Canada. In addition to benefit plans, Brown Benefits assists with personal insurance and financial services.

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. 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.

Past President

Erick Thompson – ET2media 

Erick has lived in Summerland since 2011, and is the co-owner of ET2media, a communications company specializing in video production. Prior to co-founding ET2media, Erick spent more than 20 years in television and radio. As a former reporter, anchor and talk show host, he brings a journalistic approach to all his projects. Erick is a founding member of the Trout Creek Community Association, chair of the Summerland Skate Park Committee, and is a volunteer MC with various groups including Neighbourlink Summerland and the Summerland Chamber of Commerce. 
 

Directors

Lauren Forsyth - Grasslands Nursery 

Four years ago Lauren and her partner bought a quaint little garden center, Grasslands Nursery. Lauren has been a resident of Summerland for 6 years now, and has developed a passion for the community and its rich history. Lauren enjoys working outdoors and focusing on sustainability, and loves supporting local events and volunteering when time permits. 

She has a background in the horticulture industry, and is always open to learning something new. She loves working in the garden and taking the occasional weekend to go camping with family and friends throughout the season, and loves raising her young daughter with her partner in Summerland.

Jason Goy - Phalanx Construction

Jason Goy is the owner of Phalanx Construction, currently operating as a renovation and a carpentry contractor. He started his business a year ago and is expanding to offer construction services throughout the South Okanagan. Jason would like to get Phalanx Construction registered as a licensed builder in the near future.

Jason would be described as relaxed and mathematically inclined with attention to detail. He is looking forward to developing his leadership skills and expand his knowledge into the business world. Jason is very interested in becoming involved in sustainable construction methods.

Laurie Weir - Barn Own Gifts

Laurie Weir owns and operates Barn Owl Gifts with her husband Terry Fries. An active member of the downtown business community and a member of the Ryga Festival Society, Laurie is also a licensed REALTOR* with Royal LePage in West Kelowna.

Laurie has degrees in English and Interior Design, and most recently was a human resource professional with Federated Co-operatives in Saskatoon. She worked for a large land developer/home builder as executive assistant, and before that had a career in sales.