2 minute read
Kim Guthrie: Notary in Central BC
Kim Guthrie
Life is peaceful in Central British Columbia. I have been practising as a Notary Public in Mackenzie for 15 years come October 2018.
Caribou
Photo Credit: Jackie Benton Photo Credit: Jackie Benton
Drawing from my prior experience in customer service and business management, I sought a more multifaceted and independent approach to servicing the public in my work. Mackenzie is a small town, a tight-knit community of approximately 3500 people where I feel I have been able to participate in and foster a strong support network of colleagues and clients.
This proximity affords me the luxury of knowing the majority of my clients on a first-name basis; the close interaction between clients and colleagues in real estate and banking creates an atmosphere of sincere trust and security. That is all supported and further tied together by my love for volunteering in the community, primarily with the Rotary Club of Mackenzie.
Some of the challenges I face in my practice involve being the only legal representative in Mackenzie. Fortunately, that has led to my Notary practice being consistently vibrant and busy; it has afforded me the ability to refer people to other professionals outside of Mackenzie to help facilitate legal transactions and address other
issues clients may have. It also helps me network more efficiently and to be more versatile overall.
Mackenzie in the past few years has been sparked and galvanized by an upsurge in industry, particularly in the mining and forest sectors. A significant downturn in 2008 provided many challenges for my business. I am proud to say we kept going through the entire downturn through resilience.
The strong support network and attitude of the local population were instrumental in the rejuvenation of the community and to my commitment to continue running my practice through that difficult period.
I truly love working in Mackenzie; the balance between population and commerce allows me to be accommodating, cordial, and efficient with my clients. We have a diverse population; I meet people from many different backgrounds who regularly inform and challenge me to hone my approach to problem-solving and client communication.
One of the unique things about Mackenzie is that it is truly off the beaten path—30 kilometres from a junction with Highway 39. That makes it a somewhat isolated but extremely safe community.
Mackenzie is a place that encourages recreation and the outdoors. I recommend that all newcomers take advantage of the lakes, mountains, and backroads available to the adventurous. Life is peaceful in Central British Columbia. s
Kim Guthrie is a BC Notary practising in Mackenzie.
View from Powder King Mountain Resort
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