White Rock Business Improvement Association has hired a new executive director.
Although she acknowledges that the position has been one with a high-rate of turnover, Jennifer Brandon says she has “every plan to stay long-term.”
“My priority is to get to know the business owners better because I just know a few of them, that is my first priority. Just to see what their priorities are,” she told Peace Arch News this week, adding that the Tour de White Rock and the concert series events are also on the top of her list.
The process of finding a permanent director began after former-executive director Douglas Smith resigned in August 2016, just two years after taking the position previously served by Lyn Hellyar for about a year.
The BIA replaced Smith with Alana Souter last December, who worked the job for two months before quitting in February. Since then, former executive Russ Davies – who served in the position when the BIA was formed in 2005 – filled in.
A BIA news release Thursday afternoon says Brandon has more than 12 years of experiencing working in marketing, communications, event planning and project management. She’s lived in White Rock for the past four years, most recently working in Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s recruitment office.
“Jennifer not only brings an exhilarating energy and inspiration to the role but also possesses a strength of leadership and professionalism that will serve her well as the charge of the BIA,” said BIA president Ernie Klassen in the release. “As the City of White Rock progresses and changes, an exciting opportunity exists for the White Rock BIA to have a positive impact on the direction of the business community.
“If we all work together we can create a vibrant and prosperous business climate.”
