TOP 40 UNDER 40
CONGRATULATIONS
Dianne Hawkins President & CEO Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
There is no limit to the amount of people doing amazing things in our community. Into its second year, the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Top 40 Under 40 Awards continues to celebrate a younger generation who are known to excel in their respective industries, give back to their community and are leading by example. Since its inception in 2012, the Chamber has had the pleasure of welcoming two past recipients of this award onto its board. Many others have continued on their paths to greatness and are still inspirational today. This year, over 60 nominations were submitted for your favourite, young world-changers in the Comox Valley. Chamber staff reviewed, researched and contacted each nominee to complete final packages for judging. With a panel of four judges, a long meeting and much discussion, this year’s Top 40 recipients were selected. Each individual nominated has accomplished many great things in their young lives. To all the exceptional, young individuals in our community who were or were not nominated, all us at the Chamber would like to recognize and emphasize our appreciation for you. You do what you do not for acknowledgment, but for the betterment of our global village and for that we thank you. To our recipients - congratulations! We are happy to celebrate you and your greatness. You are an example to the generations come after and have gone before you. Our community is grateful to your contributions and are in awe of your excellence. We could not be more thrilled to honour you. We love celebrating our own in our community. Tickets are still on sale for this year’s Top 40 Under 40 at Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community on Thursday, October 30th. To purchase, visit comoxvalleychamber.com/events.
2014
“There is no limit”
AWARD RECIPIENTS Steve Blacklock
Katie Clarkson
ACTIVE
PASSIONATE
Commercial Real Estate Appraiser and Consultant - Wm. S. Jackson & Associates
Photographer - Lifetouch Photography
Steve (39) is currently a volunteer director of the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) and VP of the AIC-BC, and a former VP of the Comox Valley Business Network. He is also a supporter and event volunteer for KidSport Comox Valley Chapter. He resides in Comox with his wife Cheryl and baby daughter Madeline.
Katie (20) has been offering Photo Shoots for Cancer during the month of May. All proceeds have been donated to Relay for Life, raising over $1600 in 2014. Along with being an avid photographer, add Director to her list of many accomplishments. This summer Katie directed “How to Eat Like a Child” for the Rainbow Youth Theatre’s summer production.
Haeley Campbell
Mike Collins
INVESTED
STEADY
Co-owner and Operator Mudsharks Coffee Bar
Owner - The Broken Spoke Bicycle Shop
Haeley (27) oversees everything from ordering, hiring, repair, cooking, training staff, financial management and marketing. Haeley supports many local community programs with donations from her business as well as being actively involved in the downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association.
The Broken Spoke is a merging of many aspects of Mike’s (35) and his wife Tomiko’s ideals and interests, not just bikes and coffee, but community, lifestyle, family and of course education. The business quickly garnered national press, with articles in Macleans, Momentum Magazine, Bicycling Canada and interviews on CBC.
Meet Our Very Own Top 40’s Under 40 COMOX VALLEY RECORD Your community. Your newspaper.
Elizabeth Tribe Erin Haluschak
Breana Morgan Alyssia Tang Wayne Valera Paul Morrow Melissa Morrow Linda Thomas
Proud Sponsors of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce 2014 Top 40 Under 40 2
TOP 40 UNDER 40 ««« OCTOBER 28, 2014
A Well Deserved Recognition! — Congratulations Cassie Sharpe — from the staff and management
Jay Dzuba INVESTED Certified General Accountant Daryl Robbins CGA
2014 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Jay (26) enjoys public practice as it gives him the opportunity to meet a range of clients which keeps his job interesting. In addition to working at Daryl Robbins CGA, Jay is the Treasurer for both the Today N’ Tomorrow Learning Society 2013, the Comox Valley Skating Club 2013 and the membership committee for CV Young Professionals.
Nuno Covas
Cynthia Fitton, RN, BScN, MACD Candidate
DETERMINED
GROUNDED
Owner - Ocean Metal Custom Fabricators Inc. Nuno (36) started Ocean Metal with the intention to provide high quality workmanship and service for customers with pleasure craft and commercial marine vessels. Nuno has donated his time and skills toward projects for the local youth sailing club and the Comox Valley Montessori Society and intends to continue giving back to the community.
Executive Director Dogwood Respite Care Cynthia (33) has a background in nursing and non-profit management, and is active as a community development practitioner in food security and pediatric nursing. She is presently completing her Masters in Community Development. As a paediatrics nurse, she provides health knowledge and problem solving to care workers.
Trish Cowland
David Frisch
EXCEPTIONAL
COMMITTED
Co-owner - Sprout Meadows Equestrian Centre
Owner - Silent Mountain Bike Courier Services
Trish (31) has contributed to the life and energy of the riding crowd in the Valley and has increased her student reach from one per week to over 40 plus students in addition to offering kids and ladies days and drop-ins from out of town. Weekly camps are planned throughout the summer. Trish allows kids to have a safe comfortable learning environment around horses.
David’s (36) entrepreneurial spirit has prompted him to organize and operate a much needed waste oil recycling service in the Courtenay area. He has volunteered extensively and has served as an executive on Boards of various groups throughout his time in Courtenay: CV Cycle Club, Mountain Bike Coordinator; Strata Council-President; and Imagine Comox Valley.
Aniel Datoo
Nancy Hofer
FOCUSED
DRIVEN
Lawyer - Swift Datoo
Environmental Planner - City of Courtenay
Aniel (37) completed his articles with the Toronto office of a national law firm before returning to his home town to join Swift Datoo. He is a past President and Director of the Comox Valley Community Justice Centre, an executive member of the Comox Valley Branch of KidSport BC, a member of the Canadian Bar Association and a proud Junior Soccer Coach.
Nancy’s (34) vision is firmly on the long-horizon, working towards healthy, truly sustainable communities that honor the living world as the source of society and economy. Having lived and worked in Germany and South America, she knows that humans everywhere have many opportunities, and challenges, as we plan for the future.
Congratulations to all the Top 40 Under 40 Winners and to those who were nominated. Constituency Office
Don McRae, MLA Comox Valley
Monday to Friday, 9AM - 4PM
437 5th St., Courtenay BC V9N 1J7 Phone: (250) 703-2422 Fax: (250) 703-2425 Email: don.mcrae.mla@leg.bc.ca
www.donmcraemla.bc.ca OCTOBER 28, 2014 »»» TOP 40 UNDER 40 3
CONGRATULATIONS to our own ANGELA ZUMBO,
and to all the Award Recipients!
Call us today:
250-898-8821
www.yourislandmortgage.ca 108-2100 Guthrie Road, Comox The Mortgage Centre — Your Island Mortgage Team. Each Mortgage Centre office is independently owned and operated.
Angela Zumbo, BBA, AMP and her team.
Ivan Lee HARDWORKING Senior Financial Planner - TD Waterhouse
2014 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Ivan (36) is a senior financial planner with TD Wealth, with a focus on fostering strong client relationships and helping customers achieve their personal financial goals. Ivan volunteers with CV Minor Hockey Association, CV United Soccer Association, CV Baseball Association, CV Squash League member, and the Honey Badgers’ Men’s hockey team.
Jenny Inglis
Desiree Lyver
EXCEPTIONAL
ETHICAL
Owner & Teacher - Inglis Professional Tutoring
Owner/Operator - Hornby Island Tea
Jenny (31) is committed to providing weekly tutoring sessions free of fees to at least 2 students per year who require financial assistance. Sponsorship programs are also offered throughout the summer. Jenny has organized multiple fundraisers for NewBark Canine Rescue as well as the Dogwood Respite Home for children with special needs.
Desiree (29) owns Hornby Island Tea Company. Hornby Island tea is a sustainable, local, environmentally conscious, community based, artisan tea business. Desiree is an active board member on the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market. Working with the board to increase the number of people who shop at the farmers’ market and to continually work on the vision and direction the market is going.
Jacquelyn Janzen
Alicia MacPherson
UNWAVERING
FEARLESS Owner - Finders Keep Hers Boutique
Student - VI University Jacquelyn (25) was raised in the Comox Valley and is a nursing student at Vancouver Island University. This summer Jacquelyn ran 12 marathons (506.4 kilometers) from Port Hardy to Victoria in 17 days to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. Her desire was to show her support for important people in her life, as well as other’s living with these diseases.
Alicia (26) took a hobby out of her home and had an overwhelming response. In one year she has participated in all the Downtown Courtenay events, hosted a fashion show at The Prime, participated in Ladies Night at Crown Isle and hosted a booth at Music Fest. Alicia and her business donate on a monthly basis toward various animal rescue organizations.
Salinas LaPerriere
Greg Merchant
INNOVATIVE
DEDICATED
Co-owner - Blue Toque Sports Ltd.
Project Engineer - Wedler Engineering LLP
Salinas (36) is co-owner of two successful, community minded and eco-friendly businesses, Blue Toque Sports and Silent Mountain Bike Courier Service. She has found countless ways to engage and give back to the Valley while offering unique, green and progressive business alternatives. When not at work, Salinas can often be found getting dirty on her Dove Creek Farm.
Greg (32) was raised in the Comox Valley. He continued his education at University in Ontario, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering. Greg returned in 2007 where he started at Wedler Engineering. He is a supporter of Boomer’s Legacy, and has completed the Boomer’s Ride from Comox to Victoria five times.
2015 MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!
Join now
and receive member benefits through March 31, 2016.
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1668-Crown Isle 6x3 01_TOP40OC14.indd 1
TOP 40 UNDER 40 ««« OCTOBER 28, 2014
Ask about our
“Intermediate Membership”
specifically tailored for young professionals under 40 yrs. of age. 14-10-23 10:54 AM
Congratulations Erin Walsh for being chosen as a Top 40 Under 40 Finalist
917 Fitzgerald Avenue, Courtenay (250)
334-0638 www.ondeck.ca
Ryan Parton TWO TIME RECIPIENT DYNAMIC
2014 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Owner - RP Copywriting Vice President - Left Coast Publishing As president of RP Copywriting and vice-president of Left Coast Publishing, Ryan (37) maintains a busy schedule during the workweek. Nonetheless, he still finds time to coach soccer, provide pro-bono copywriting work to organizations whose values he shares and be an active father of two young boys.
Marcel Moose, CPA, CA
Scott Petersen TWO TIME RECIPIENT
INVOLVED
MOTIVATED
Business Advisor - MNP
Owner & Director - CV Sports & Social Club
Marcel (34) specializes in providing accounting, tax and business advice unique to the needs of ownermanaged businesses, doctors, dentists and other professionals. As a long-time resident of the Comox Valley, Marcel is a strong supporter of the community and is currently serving his third year as the Treasurer for Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone).
A passion for sports and a desire to help people be more active and social spurred Scott (34) to launch the Comox Valley Sports and Social Club in 2008. Six years later, the club has grown to over 300 co-ed teams per year. Scott, his wife Erin and two children, Quinn and Chase, feel exceptionally lucky to once again call the Comox Valley home.
Kevin Niemi
Kristen Pronick
PASSIONATE
INSPIRATIONAL
Consultant - MacKenzie Gartside & Associates
President - Axis Heating and Cooling Ltd.
Kevin (34) is passionate about business, technology, entrepreneurship and learning. Kevin has been immersed in technology and programming and studied both Computer Science and Business Administration in university. He enjoys channeling his experience and expertise into teaching web development, programming and eCommerce courses.
As a big believer in supporting local business, Kristen (37) is constantly promoting local businesses in the Comox Valley. She has made a conscious decision to purchase from local merchants wherever possible in both her personal and business life. Balancing children and business is never easy, but Kristen finds a way. Kristen is very proud to live in the Comox Valley.
Abel O’Brennan
Anna Rambow
INNOVATIVE
AMBITIOUS
Owner/Wine Maker - Coastal Black
Outreach Coordinator - Cumberland Museum & Co-Producer - Elevate the Arts
Abel (30) has contributed significantly to agri-tourism in the Comox Valley. His support has resulted in significant external media attention in the Comox Valley. He is also the Owner of Coastal Black Estate Winery, which produces International Award winning wine, and was the 2012 recipient of the Agricultural Business of the year award. Abel balances all accomplishments with his wife and 4 children.
Anna (34) contributes to the development of the museum’s annual events, tour programming and heritage outreach activities. As a Co-Producer with Elevate The Arts, she has helped program this ambitious and relevant community arts festival since its inception. On top of all this, she is a mother of an active 3 year old.
OCTOBER 28, 2014 »»» TOP 40 UNDER 40 5
Leaders Stand Apart MNP congratulates our own Marcel Moose and all of the other nominees for the Top 40 Under 40 Awards.
Contact Wendy Lewis, CPA, CA, Business Advisor, Private Enterprise at 250.338.5464 or wendy.lewis@mnp.ca
Jared Sato PASSIONATE Founder and Owner - Ki Fitness & Health
2014 AWARD RECIPIENTS Natalie Robinson
Cassie Sharpe
INVOLVED
DETERMINED
Member Services Representative Coastal Community Credit Union
Athlete
Natalie (37) was born and raised in a small French community of the Lower Mainland, Maillardville. She has been an active board member since 2009 and Chair of the board for the last year for the Today ‘N’ Tomorrow Learning Society (TNTLS). She has a commitment to enriching people’s lives and strengthening the financial health of the Comox Valley community.
Cassie (22), a Comox native, is a phenomenal athlete and role model to other young athletes! Skiing competitively, Cassie has her sights set on the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. After being on the podium 9 times last season she was asked to become a Member of the Canadian National Halfpipe Ski Team.
Jill Rushton
Darcy Sharpe
OPTIMISTIC
DRIVEN
General Manager - Old House Hotel and Spa Jill (35) provides excellent leadership to the Old House Hotel and Spa team by offering kind, accurate and accommodating service. She leads by example and communicates to the staff the consistent effort that it takes to make people feel like they are at home. Jill enters every workday with promise, optimism and leads by example.
Cristi Sacht TWO TIME RECIPIENT ENERGETIC Principal - Elemental Energy Advisors Ltd. Cristi (37) cherishes her memories as the Women Build Coordinator and is proud to have been a Community Partner on the Piercy Road Project for Habitat for Humanity! She raised public awareness, inspired and motivated hundreds of women to get involved, fundraise and build on the first Women Build in BC, which provided homes for 6 local families.
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Jared (36) strives to encourage, educate and empower his clients. Jared is committed to supporting however you choose to pursue a healthier life, and believes in continual learning to stay on top of current industry trends and advancements. Whether you choose traditional personal training sessions, “the Way” of martial arts, a yoga practice or a balance of the tree.
TOP 40 UNDER 40 ««« OCTOBER 28, 2014
Athlete Darcy (18) was raised in a mountain culture and began snowboarding at the age of five. A die hard snowboarder he was always on Mount Washington and was first on the chair and last off the slope. No stranger to podiums, Darcy’s achievements include winning the Big Air at Whistler Ski and Snowboard Festival and also placing 2nd just recently at the Burton High Five in New Zealand.
Chantal Stefan CARING Teacher & Founder - Everybody Deserves A Smile Called to reach out to the homeless one freezing cold night, Chantal (39) rallied her friends to create care packages to hang on dumpsters and leave in alleyways. The gift bags all disappeared, and Everybody Deserves A Smile (EDAS) was born. Now celebrating its 11th Year in 5 communities across Vancouver Island and on East Hastings St. in Vancouver.
Congratulations to the Comox Valley’s Top 40 Under 40
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Erin Walsh REMARKABLE Service Coordinator - On Deck Systems
2014 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Erin (35) held the vice-president’s position with the Comox Valley Montessori Society; helping to organize successful high teas and silent auctions to raise funds, as well as introducing Montessori parents to the Fund Script program to further increase revenues. Erin lives in Courtenay with her two wonderful sons, her fiancé, cat and newly adopted dog from Mexico.
Kris Trudeau
Kathryn West (Chung)
CREATIVE
COMMITTED
Owner - Halftone Pixel Kris (36) is a member of CV Young Professionals, Women’s Business Network, Chamber of Commerce and is the current VP of BNI Olympic Gold. Through her work, she supports local charities like Y.A.N.A. and Rotary through event sponsorship and a portion of quarterly sales is donated to a different local charity.
Founder & Publisher - Currently Cumberland Owner & Operator - Polka Dot Pants Kathryn (36) is a devoted mother to two young children and is committed to sharing her passion for community and the environment with her family and friends. She is one of Cumberland’s greatest cheerleaders and works tirelessly to improve her community and to connect it further with the rest of the Valley.
Casey Van Ierland
Dr. Debbie Wright
INVOLVED
OUTSTANDING
Sales Manager - Westview Ford Sales Ltd.
Owner & Chiropractor - Bayview Chiropractor
Casey (28) has been part of initiatives such as Drive One For Your School, a vehicle test drive program that partners with the local high schools that has raised over $15,000 in the last four years and One Area Code skateboard program that helps underprivileged youth with life advice, school and mentoring. Casey loves the Comox Valley and is proud to call it home.
Dr. Wright (37) combines soft tissue therapy, traditional chiropractic adjustments and other manual therapies to improve the function and health of her patients. She supplies comprehensive treatment in-office, and provides home stretching and strengthening exercises in order to maintain improvements and prevent the re-occurrence of injuries.
Kory Wagstaff
Angela Zumbo, BBA, AMP
AMIABLE
Inspirational!
Owner - Prime Chophouse and Wine Bar
Owner & Accredited Mortgage Professional - The Mortgage Centre
Kory (36) has been living on Vancouver Island for over 10 years. He has his MBA and BA from UVic. While completing his MBA specializing in International Business, Kory spent time in Asia, North and South America as well as Europe. He moved to the Comox Valley in 2008 and worked in real estate before turning his attention to building and opening his restaurant.
Angela (38) is a member of several community associations, and is this year’s President of the Comox Valley Women’s Business Network. She donates her time and funds to Habitat for Humanity, YANA, Comox Valley Food Bank, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the I Belong! Campaign.
250-337-5207
Congratulations Trish & Chris Cowland on your Top 40 Under 40 Award • Riding lessons on safe, reliable horse & ponies, Ages 4 yrs +, & all skill levels welcome • Insured coaches with first aid certificates
$ Riding Lessons starting at just 30 Riding Camps for Kids starting at just $60 Birthday Parties 2 hours for just $200 price based on 5 children riding, each additional child $5.00.
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OCTOBER 28, 2014 »»» TOP 40 UNDER 40 7
TOP 40 UNDER 40
WWW.NIC.BC.CA
Congratulations to all of the nominees and finalists
KEVIN NIEMI
ANNA RAMBOW
MIKE BANNERMAN
North Island College Interactive Media Instructor
Graduate, NIC Professional Photography diploma
Graduate, NIC Business Diploma
Mortgage Consultant, Mackenzie Gartside & Associates Social Media and Business Technology Consultant, KNMG Volunteer, Young Professionals Comox Valley Volunteer, Comox Valley Juvenile Diabetes Association
Interim Executive Director, Cumberland Museum & Archives Co-Producer, Elevate the Arts Board of Directors, Comox Valley Community Arts Council
Graduate, UNBC Bachelor of Commerce Degree Chartered Accountant, Supervisor, Presley and Partners Finance Chair, Cumberland Rotary
With over 1,000 courses and 100 programs in health care, trades, business, fine arts, tourism, and university studies, NIC offers education and skills training to reach your goal.
www.nic.bc.ca | 250-334-5000
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You’ll gain: Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff with up-to-date skills and relevant education Flexibility to tackle projects and seasonal peaks Cost-effective short-term hiring solutions You’ll provide: Structured work experience for business & tourism students For more information contact: Treena Nadon treena.nadon@nic.bc.ca 250-334-5076 TOP 40 UNDER 40 ««« OCTOBER 28, 2014