The North Island now has two representatives on the Board of Directors of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, with Lillian Hunt of Alert Bay being elected to a spot during VIEA’s AGM this summer in Courtenay.
Hunt joins Port McNeill councillor and businesswoman Gaby Wickstrom, who was elected to a three-year term on the board in 2012.
Hunt is the Cultural Tourism Guide for U’mista Cultural Society in Alert Bay. She also serves as the Vancouver Island Director for Aboriginal Tourism BC (ATBC), North Island Director for Tourism Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island North Tourism Committee, North Island Director for INFilm Board, Community Futures of Mt. Waddington, the BC Museum Association, and Quatsino Economic Development Board. Hunt served office for the Village of Alert Bay for two terms before deciding to dedicate her efforts towards tourism development for her community and region.
Wickstrom has resided in the North Island region for 18 years. She is the owner/operator of Oceanview Driving School Ltd. and currently serves as a Councillor with the Town of Port McNeill. Throughout her time in the community she has been involved as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Port McNeill Advisory Planning Committee, and Chair of the Vancouver Island North Tourism Committee as well as serving on numerous committees of Council.
Dan Smith of Campbell River and formerly with the First Nations Summit is the new Chair. Dave Willie of Qualicum Beach continues in the role of Past Chair, and the Chair-Elect is Sandy Herle of Parksville.
Continuing Directors include Dr. Pedro Marquez, Dean of International Business, Royal Roads University, Marianne Stolz, Principal, Capital Asset Group, Colleen Evans of Campbell River, Rick Roberts, Rick Roberts Consulting, Lisa de Leeuw, Branch Manager, Coast Capital Savings, and Wickstrom.
New Directors elected to the VIEA board include Po Wan, Principal, Blackberry Creative, Gilliam Trumper of Port Alberni, Darrell Paysen of Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, Giles Newman, Principal of Baby Bear International, and Ron Cantelon of Nanaimo.
In keeping with the Alliance’s mandate to foster collaboration and economic prosperity throughout the Island region, VIEA is pleased to announce this well-rounded board with broad geographical representation.
