The executive director of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce will resign from her position in early May.
On April 12, Christine Petkau submitted her resignation, effective May 4.
“I can honestly say that being executive director for the Summerland Chamber for the past six years has been among my most rewarding career experiences,”
Petkau said. “I have had the pleasure of leading a wonderful staff group and working with caring and knowledgeable board members throughout this time.”
During her time as executive director, Petkau has introduced initiatives such as new formats and transparency for the Summerland Community and Business Awards, community task forces, tourism services downtown, regional work on the Okanagan Agriculture Innovation Centre and work with the Summerland Festival of Lights.
Her role as the executive of the chamber has involved tourism promotion, economic development and serving the chamber’s member businesses.
“I’ve loved every single one of those portfolios,” Petkau said. “A position of this kind provides an opportunity to meet and work with many committed people. I will always be grateful for the many relationships I have built through the provincial chamber network and throughout the Okanagan region in the areas of tourism and economic development. These relationships have been tremendously rewarding.”
“On behalf of the Summerland Chamber board of directors, I would like to thank Christine for her hard work, expertise and dedication to the community,” said Eric Thompson, past president of the chamber.
The chamber board is now making plans to hire a new executive director.
