Fresh year. Fresh faces. Fresh ideas – it is an exciting time at the Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce, starting with the transition of executive director Tate Bengtson to his new role as deputy administrative officer with the City of Enderby.
Tate’s contributions to the chamber have been many, and the board of directors and I wish him the very best in his new position.
I arrived in Enderby as the new executive director in early December and the transition is going well. Having come most recently from Powell River on the Sunshine Coast I bring to the North Okanagan my wife and two young daughters. We are quite excited to be closer to family and living in a place that we have adored for years, thanks in part to our many camping adventures in the surrounding area.
I look forward to helping the organization achieve its vision of a vibrant, diverse and successful business sector that inspires, respects, supports and serves a healthy community.
Other staff transitions include the appointment of Madison Giesbrecht as recreation manager (formerly office manager), replacing Willow Burton, who moved on to new adventures in Squamish. We also welcome Celeste Rasmussen to her position as office assistant.
The organization’s AGM was held Nov. 24 at the Enderby Legion. The turnout was one of the best in recent years and stakeholders were excited for the coming year. Ted Morrison retained his position as the organization’s president, while Cora Prevost (vice-president), Judy Dangel (secretary) and Brad Case (treasurer) round out the rest of executive committee. The directorship for the coming year includes David Adams, Andrea Hickman, Neil Fidler, Garfield Kirchner, Shirley Leonard and Jeff Thomas. The board welcomes in newly elected directors Lisa Posynick and Melanie King. With a diverse and dynamic team of directors on the board, the organization is anticipating continued success in the coming years.
Speaking of success, congratulations are in order to the Enderby & District Credit Union for its 2011 Central 1 inNOVAtion Award. This national recognition is well deserved and has made our community very proud.
Lastly, I would like to thank the organization and the community for welcoming my family and I with such undeniable warmth and excitement. This is truly a magical place and we look forward to exploring every corner of our new home.
Darren Robinson is the executive director of the Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce.
