Top 40 Under 40 2016/2017

UNDER 40 PRINCE GEORGE 2016/17

PRESENTED BY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

HYPG!

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Contents 04 04 05 05 06 08 11

Message from Mayor Lyn Hall Message from Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dominic Frederick Message from CEO Christie Ray Message from Board of Directors President Cindi Pohl Chamber benefits Where are they now?

Top 40 Under 40 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 16 17 17 18 18 20 20 21 21 24 24 25 25 27 27 28 28 29 30 30 31 31 32 33 33 34 34 35 35 36 38 38

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Aaron LeBlanc Bahar Mostofee Afshar Bjorn Butow Braydon Ouellet Carolynne Burkholder-James Chantelle Wilson Christian Gonzalez Becerra Christina Doll Dean Rolufs Emily O’Reilly Eoin Foley Eric Depenau Esther Schwenning Heather Lamb Jason Hamborg Jeremy Stewart Jillian Merrick Julia McLachlan Kaitlyn Vecchio Kara Biles Kelsy Polnik Kevin Pederson Kyrke Gaudreau Maeve Hanna Mandy Paavola Mike Davis Mike Jurkovic Nav Mann Noémie Touchette Peter James Ray Noonan Reza Akbari Rheanna Robinson Rich Abney Ross Birchall Satinder Klair Scott McWalter Stephanie & Mark Trumphour Tim Bennett Todd Jordan

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Prince George Showcase Tours Message from the Partners

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Our Vision

Acknowledgements:

Through our innovative engagement and collaborative voice, our community thrives.

Photography >> Focal Point Studios Biography Write Ups >> Frank Peebles Layout & Design >> Prince George Citizen

Prince George Chamber of Commerce 890 Vancouver Street, Prince George, BC V2L 2P5 • Telephone: 250.562.2454 • Fax: 250.562.6510 • chamber@pgchamber.bc.ca • www.pgchamber.bc.ca

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Congratulations from Prince George City Council

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On behalf of Council, I would like to congratulate the finalists of the Chamber of Commerce’s biannual “Top 40 under 40” publication. This celebration of Prince George’s young, talented, and hard-working professionals has become a tradition both because of our business-friendly reputation and because we are a place where young people can flourish professionally, rise quickly, and enjoy an affordable, full, and four-season lifestyle.

UNBC, recently ranked number one by Macleans Magazine, and the College of New Caledonia are two reasons we have so many successful and skilled individuals. Our university attracts talented students from across Canada and around the world to Prince George. And ever more grads are choosing to remain in Prince George to start their careers. In fact, two current city councillors are UNBC grads, including Councillor Jillian Merrick, who is among the honorees in this publication.

Having a vital, energetic core of young people in our City is just one of the reasons Council places such a high priority on education, a fact reflected by the establishment of the City’s Select Committees on Education and Student Needs. This is also why the City’s new economic development department is working so hard to help people to start their businesses in our city and to attract business, investment, and people to Prince George.

Our city recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and we took time to reflect on all we have accomplished in our first century.

Publications like “Top 40 under 40” serve to remind us what a young and vibrant community we really are.

Lyn Hall Mayor of Prince George

Lheidli T’enneh congratulates all the recipients for the Top 40 under 40 On behalf of our Nation, we are honoured to acknowledge and congratulate the recipients named this year’s Top 40 under 40 for 2016!

We want to acknowledge and thank the Prince George Chamber of Commerce for providing us an opportunity to welcome you and to congratulate you on your accomplishments.

Lheidli T’enneh are a proud group rich with culture that continues to thrive. Our elders, teachers, drummers, and other artists pass on these traditions and teachings to the next generations, keeping our culture strong. The history of our people is a big part of the history of the City of Prince George and the entire region.

We welcome you to our traditional territory!

“Ts’uhoont’I Whuzhadel” Respectfully, Lheidli T’enneh Dominic Frederick Chief

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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The Habit of Excellence

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Prince George is a city where people always go above and beyond. It is commonplace to see individuals taking action and working together to ensure best results for the betterment of the community and its people.

The great philosopher, Aristotle, is known to have said “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Each of the individuals profiled in this publication are in the habit of excellence. From education to business, politics, health, sports, social programming and beautification, these individuals work hard to demonstrate excellence in all aspects of the community. By refusing to be average, they have become leaders and role models for their peers.

Through this ‘Habit of Excellence’ theme being demonstrated in so many ways around Prince George, it has become impossible to remain untouched by the positivity and optimism that has become the norm.

As another great example of Under 40’s in the habit of excellence, the Prince George Chamber team brings it in spades each day as they work to help create positive change in the business community. Working in partnership with organizations such as the City of Prince George, UNBC, Hell Yeah Prince George, Telus and BDC they are able to promote the merits of living in such a collaborative, inclusive community.

So take it from those best demonstrating the habit of excellence…if you’re looking for a place to get involved and work with like-minded individuals to make a difference, look no further. You’ve found Prince George!

Christie Ray Chief Executive Officer

Congratulations to all the young business leaders On behalf of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, I am pleased to congratulate all the young business leaders that have been nominated and showcased within this publication. These 40 people all have excelled within their industry.

We have individuals in this magazine that are driving Prince George to be a great place to live and work. They all have an entrepreneurial spirit, they are innovative and are natural leaders. By having these qualities they have contributed to the prosperity and business development within Prince George.

Each of the 40 all bring something unique to the business community and to Prince George. It is very exciting to see so many that standout within Prince George. This year there was a wide age range. It is amazing to me that there are so many young dynamic leaders that are ready to take over.

Once again, Congratulations to all of the past, present and future top 40 under 40 nominees and winners.

Cindi Pohl President, Board of Directors

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Chamber Benefits The Chamber is where decisions are made, voices are heard and connections are endless -Business happens here! Our members make up a complete cross section of industries, professions, age groups and businesses. We advocate for large corporations, small business, home business, non-profit and charity organizations. The Chamber works for you and the needs of your business, whatever that may be.

The Real Value of Membership

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The Chamber is committed to providing you with opportunities to: • Connect with the ever growing business community through networking and referrals.

• Engage through learning opportunities including workshops and luncheons.

• Enhance your business through credibility and savings to your bottom line.

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Professional Growth and Community Involvement The Prince George Chamber of Commerce strives to offer a variety of mediums and opportunities for our members to grow both professionally and in turn, as a business. Join us for our monthly events, ranging from peer-to-peer networking and workshops to Speaker Series luncheons. If you are looking for a more involved role within the Chamber, consider contributing your talents to one of our volunteer committees: Advocacy – this committee focuses on: • •

Understanding and utilizing membership surveys.

Addressing critical issues by moving member’s business interests forward to government.

Communication – this committee focuses on: • • •

Enhancing media relations and social media integration.

Creating and implementing a communication and promotions strategy/plan.

Delivering Chamber’s purpose to the public.

Service Delivery – this committee focuses on: • •

Creating unique training opportunities for Chamber members.

Planning of major events (ie: President’s Gala, Business Excellence Awards).

Business improvement and promoting Prince George.

Special project delivery such as the PG Showcase Tours.

A membership with the Chamber costs, on average, $31 per month (for small businesses with 5-10 employees). No advertisement in any publication is that affordable. And if it were, chances are, it wouldn’t deliver a high return on investment. So, how is the Chamber different?

The Chamber is your networking catalyst! Fellow members along with other local business people attend our monthly luncheons, workshops and peer-to-peer networking events.

We strive to offer a variety of topics for our luncheons and workshops that are relevant and beneficial to our diverse membership. After the event, you have the perfect opportunity to network, shake hands and circulate business cards! The people you meet might not need your product or service that day, but they may in the future, or know someone who does!

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” -Robert Louis Stevenson

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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07 Benefits of Membership

Advertising with the Chamber

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Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan; Dental Insurance, Extended Health Care, AD&D, Assure Drug Card, Best Doctors®, Group Retirement Solutions, Business Assistance and more!

The Prince George Chamber of Commerce offers our members affordable advertising options to help create awareness of your business.

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An informative website with free online listings devoted to promoting our members.

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Social and Business Media Promotions.

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Speaker Series Luncheons.

Chamber Chatter: This bi-weekly e-newsletter keeps our members up to date with what’s happening with the Prince George Chamber of Commerce. This simple and inexpensive way to advertise your business includes a 60 word full colour advertisement (with optional photo and/or URL link) for only $100 + tax per issue.

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Hot Deals: This is the ultimate way to offer a short term promotion to the public or exclusively to other Chamber members! Offer them a deal they can’t refuse for only $10 + tax per week.

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Enhanced Directory Listing: You can enhance your portfolio presence on our website for an annual cost of $180 +tax. That’s only $15 + tax per month! Add 1400 additional words to your business description, 10 or more photos in a gallery slide show, a YouTube video, 5 bullet points, logo, and a map link!

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Live Banner Ads: Post your live banner ad in the Job/Career section, Events section, or the Business Directory search!

Choose one or all sections to display your rotating banner.

This exclusive option is available to only five businesses per section. This yearly contract is $500 + tax or $41.67 + tax per month, per section!

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Event Website: Are you organizing an event? Do you need your own webpage with the ability to process online registration? We have the solution! The Chamber now offers our members the opportunity to have their own event webpage with payment processing! Event registration and management is convenient and easy through the “Events” tab on our website - www.pgchamber.bc.ca. The value of maximizing your event success is $500 +tax (due upon signing) + 2% of total ticket sales. With this package you also receive up to 3 advertisements in the Chamber Chatter e-newsletter for FREE ($300 value).

• A host of business training seminars and webinars.

• Free listing printed in The Source Directory Guide with the option of purchasing extra ad spaces or classifications.

• Member to member discount programs.

• Strong business advocacy.

• Sponsorship opportunities at various events.

• Opportunities for leadership development by serving on the Board of Directors or to chair/serve on a Chamber Committee.

• FREE rack space for brochures or business cards at our Chamber office.

Contact Membership & Events Manager @ 250-562-2454 for more details.

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Where are they Before we introduce you to this year’s Top 40 Under 40, we take a look back at some of our past Top 40 winners to find out where they are now, what further successes they’ve had and what comes next.

now?

Mike Ray | 2014 TOP 40 Not long after the 2014 Top 40 list was published, Mike Ray found himself being introduced to his new coworkers at the 2015 Canada Winter Games (CWG) headquarters as the Coordinator of Design and Web and yet “another Top 40 Under Forty” recipient.

One of his co-workers, Mike Davis, Director of Marketing and Communications, had also earned the Top 40 title in the previous year.

Mike Ray describes his experience working with CWG as nothing short of amazing: “It was incredibly powerful being part of a dedicated team focused on promoting youth sport, Northern BC and the Canada Games movement.”

But remember the online charity auction that Mike co-founded in 2013? ABidForChange.org was shut down in March of 2014 after Mike found out his wife was pregnant with a baby girl… just one month after starting the process of adopting a baby boy!

Knowing that two very young children were on their way, Mike transferred his desire to make a difference in his community to his work with the Canada Winter Games.

After the 2015 Games, Mike made another major change in his professional life by joining the team at Integris Credit Union. His new role, as a Talent Development Officer, has him being part of leading onboarding

of new employees and development of the existing 200 staff members. His work also includes facilitating discussions around mission and vision, and helping staff become more responsive to needs of members and community. When asked about his future career plans, Mike states, “This is the first time in a long time I’m not thinking ‘the grass is greener on the other side of the fence’. I love working with Integris and being part of a growing organization that exists to enrich community and offers many opportunities to develop professionally within the business.”

Sabrina Angus | 2014 TOP 40 When the 2014 Top 40 magazine began to circulate, news of Sabrina’s success was celebrated by friends, family, and coworkers. Many people touched base with her in the office, LinkedIn, and she even received mailed congratulatory notes from people she had never met.

Sabrina Angus has remained working for Sinclar Group Forest Products with a promotion to Manager of Human Resources in March of 2013.

With a current downturn in the oil and gas, and mining industries, Sabrina is optimistic, “In HR, we are seeing more applicants who are choosing to move to Prince George, not just as a ‘jumping off point’, but to stay. This renewed interest is definitely encouraging.”

When it comes to her work with the Human Re-

sources Management Association (HRMA), Sabrina stepped up to the plate as Chair of the Northern Region Advisory Council in October of 2014. It is Sabrina’s mandate as Chair to play a key role in planning, implementing and evaluating initiatives in this region. Working closely with the other members of the Advisory Council, she oversees portfolios such as mentorship, volunteering, membership, networking, communications, awards, and CHRP and professional development. A highlight of each year is most definitely the planning of the annual Fall Symposium which brings together professionals from throughout the region to discuss current challenges and opportunities facing the HR industry.

And as for Sabrina’s future plans…you may remember the photo of her in our 2014 Top 40 magazine

pictured with her sweet baby Callum? Sabrina will soon have more human resources to manage at home as she is expecting a second baby in early March. While a newborn will keep her busy for a while, Sabrina looks forward to continuing in her career at Sinclar Group while moving into a different phase of life.

She is passionate about her home and community in Prince George as she states, “PG has got it all: healthcare, the arts, education, and we are continuously improving and getting better. The HR industry has a role to play in the attraction and retention of people to Prince George, and so through community partnerships, we need to keep relationships and discourse open on how to attract people to the region.”

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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David Mothus | 2014 TOP 40 It’s not surprising that, since scoring a spot in our 2014 Top 40 magazine, David Mothus was selected by Sun Life Financial, out of more than 4000 employees, as their National Volunteer of the Year (2014). Mothus’s volunteer work as co-founder and administrator of the popular Facebook page ‘Hell Yeah Prince George’ as well as his ‘Spread the Sunshine’ campaign is generating huge impact in his community. He also served on the SPCA Provincial Board for 2014-2015 and joined the Friends of Children as a Director this fall.

David has been busy building a partnership with Matthew Dawes, another Sun Life advisor, to incorporate under Mothus

Dawes Insurance & Investments Solutions.

The partnership has grown so much that they recently hired a full time assistant and brought a third advisor on to help manage the workload. Mothus Dawes was named Business of the Year for Sun Life’s Northern BC division in 2014.

Mothus has his own take on marketing his business with what he describes as the “Philosophy of Philanthropic Advertising”. He has adhered to this philosophy by combining his desire to help his community with his drive to achieve business success. David explains his motivation in life by stating, “When I die, I want to have changed a significant portion

of the world around me. I don’t have kids so I’m not doing it for family. There are so many hard things in life that you start to feel sad. I can’t ignore the bad things so I have to actively do good to change it.”

When asked about his future in business, Mothus predicts that in 5 years the original deejay and event-host company that he started in the 1990s, the Entertainment Group, will have folded and Mothus Dawes will own a building in Prince George with up to 20 employees. Nothing else has stopped Mothus from achieving what he sets his sights on so we look forward to big business growth from Mothus Dawes in the future!

Liam Iliffe | 2013 TOP 40 Shortly after the 2013 edition of Top 40 was published, the self-identified “Serial Entrepreneur” was approached by Adrian Edwards, a former employee from the Prince George Citizen, about becoming a partner in an online digital sales business.

Iliffe jumped at the opportunity and Ie. Group of Companies was formed, now with 4 full time people and up to 11 staff during busy periods. This growing group of companies focuses on B2B technology based solutions in E-Commerce, Internet Security, and Marketing Targeting. Iliffe’s business has grown so quickly that their 10 year growth plan occurred in just 18 months! Exciting as

growth may be, Iliffe describes the challenges in locating a technology based company in Prince George with limited access to skilled programmers and IT specialists. This necessitated a move out of Prince George to Victoria which wasn’t an obvious location choice but it worked well with Iliffe’s life partner who works for the Provincial Government .

Deciding to terminate his joint ownership of The Wildlife outdoor gear store in downtown Prince George was difficult for Iliffe. The thriving 4th Avenue business shut its doors by the end of summer in 2014. Iliffe misses the business community of Prince George which he found particularly open to young

entrepreneurs and students. He notes, “New experiences are thrown at you even as you are just learning the ropes and moving up the corporate ladder. The Prince George business community has a huge capacity for support and forgiveness. Professionally, what you can achieve in 5 years in Prince George would take 15 years anywhere else.”

Because Iliffe’s newest venture already owns a good share of the Canadian market, his attention is turning to cross border business development. In the future, he hopes to gain new clients in the US and Europe. He also hasn’t given up the idea of starting another business or two.

Aiden Kelly | 2013 TOP 40 Life has taken some big turns since Aidan Kelly appeared on our 2013 Top 40 list. At the time, Aidan was CEO of Tourism Prince George and exciting things were happening: visitor numbers were growing, online destination marketing engagement was high, and the 2015 Canada Winter Games were just around the corner. It was tough to leave his position as CEO, feeling as though some things on Kelly’s list were incomplete; but, Kelly’s life partner (now fiancé) had completed her studies in the Northern Medical Program at UNBC and her residency was taking her to Kamloops. After 12 years in Prince George, Kelly decided to move with her and

take on a big position at Sun Peaks Resort as their Director of Marketing, Sales and Events.

Moving from non-profit management to the private sector was a big change for Kelly. At first, he was nervous joining a small executive management team of 5 people who were ultimately responsible for managing the resort. Kelly reminisces, “I thought to myself, ‘Do these guys know who they are getting?’

The majority of management at Sun Peaks have been there more than 20 years. I was the young buck coming in, but it’s been a good balance: I bring new fresh ideas to an already successful management team.”

And the perks aren’t bad either. With a full

12 month cycle of activities such as concerts, events, mountain biking, and winter sports, Kelly is never short of extracurricular activities. While he hasn’t had much time to dedicate to his snow board or skis while diving into his new job, taking clients and business partners out on the slopes is part of his job description.

Although Aidan’s focus has been settling into his role at Sun Peaks Resort, he keeps active in the community as Vice Chair of Tourism Sun Peaks as well as maintaining his connections to UNBC Athletics, acting as a mentor to the UNBC team players.

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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TELUS is Proud to Support the Top 40 Under 40 of 2016!

We are a high-performance team of individuals who collectively make TELUS one of the leading telecommunications companies in the world. Prince George is an exciting place and our team here is as dynamic as our community.

Our Team Members Love Working Here Because: We’re as diverse as the society we live in, making our workplace as dynamic as our team.

Our future-friendly workplace approach supports a variety of work styles and environmental responsibility.

We encourage team member’s learning through social programs, leadership forums, and training.

We Give Where We Live to Make Prince George Stronger: We Give Where We Live is the philosophy that underpins our passion and commitment to helping build a healthy and sustainable community.

It’s a huge source of pride for our team members, who give back by volunteering in our community and supporting charities that are closest to our hearts.

We recognize and reward high performing team members with a culture that drives our corporate priorities. If this sounds like a team you want to work with, then consider a career with us.

www.telus.com/careers

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Meet the 2016

Top 40

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Under 40

Aaron LeBlanc | 38 Director of Ancillary Services & Continuing Studies UNBC The signs of Aaron LeBlanc’s contribudepartments under the UNBC umbrella tions to community are all over UNBC. (bookstore, retail services, food services, The major renovation to the cafeteria conference centre, Continuing Studies, area is the most evident. Now a $6 million printing services, residences, etc.). He renovation to the university’s residences leads the coordination of more than 100 is underway, and again it is LeBlanc leadpeople. ing that project.

At a 2015-16 budget meeting of the uni“As Director of Ancillary Services, Aaron versity senate, a pair of expert consultants is in charge of many aspects of the called LeBlanc “the best director of Anciluniversity and also lary Services” they had responsible for a great ever seen, according A pair of expert deal of income that to another supporter. consultants called funds other parts of LeBlanc’s selfLeBlanc “the best the university,” said one assessment: “Surround director of Ancillary supporter. “his amazmyself with amazing Services” they had ing business sense people and support ever seen and entrepreneurial them when they need spirit have made each department of it” he said. “When I moved to P.G. in 2010 Ancillary Services very profitable over I spent two years coaching the PGYSA the years, allowing each department to all-star soccer teams. That experience expand and hire more people as well as allowed me to fully understand how provide amazing services to the people connected UNBC is with this amazing on campus.” city. That community connection is very LeBlanc is from Prince George originally important for UNBC and I feel Ancillary but was gone from the area when he Services is fortunate to have so many accepted the position of manager of touch points with Prince George.” the young Northern Sports Centre.

With all the marketing strategies and the From there he was promoted to Ancilupsurge in Northern Sports Centre memlary Services to oversee the breadth of berships in recent years, so much more is service-based and revenue-generation to come under LeBlanc’s leadership.

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Bahar Mostofee Afshar | 31

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Business Development Officer Community Futures Fraser - Fort George processes, programs, and projects in order Bahar Mostofee Afshar had the credentials to achieve better outcomes,” she said. “For to be a business leader in any city, and example, I proposed the development of she chose this one. After learning to talk the talk at UNBC with an Economics and six new workshops for Community FuPolitical Science degree, she went out tures to address a training gap. Similarly, while working with IMSS, I developed and and walked the walk out the door to Vangot funding for four projects.” couver, then right back to Prince George Her international skills are put to commuagain where she is one of the city’s young mentors for entrepreneurs young and old nity use as a board member of the United alike.

Nations Association Other volunteer of Prince George, and First she put her positions close to her she has also been degree to use in the heart include the Two not-for-profit sector involved with Pride Rivers Art Gallery and working in this city for Prince George, the the Nechako Aborigithe Immigrant & MulWest Broadway Businal Training and Emness Association, the ticultural Services Soployment Association International Developciety, and then in business for herself in Vancouver co-owning ment Society of Prince George and other causes close to her heart. Other volunteer an imports and distribution company for positions close to her heart include the three years. But then she turned that – her education, her not-for-profit foray, and her Two Rivers Art Gallery and the Nechako private sector business experience – into Aboriginal Training and Employment Association, once again marrying business a foundation for mentorship. For the past with community development. two years at Community Futures she has Her latest special project is a joint been on the frontlines of teaching the art and science of business to those wishing initiative with Tourism Prince George to establish this region as an adventure tourto become entrepreneurs themselves. ism destination.

“I am very results-orientated and therefore I am always in pursuit of perfecting

Bjorn Butow | 39 IT Director, Clinical Information Systems Northern Health co-founder of the NextPG group for Bjorn Butow claims it was his Prince business people under age 40. He was George Citizen paper route as a boy that the founding president of UNBC’s Cominitially trained him in business. Well he merce Student Society while getting his is making headlines, now, as one of the BComm degree at UNBC. local professionals who have grown up to lead this region’s business community. Prior to that credential, he got a Business Administration-Computer Systems He is doing it from the health sector. diploma from CNC and went on to get “I’m privileged to lead a dedicated team of technical and clinical professionan MBA from Royal Rhodes University in als,” said Bjorn. “We 2011 before moving His is Northern undertake hundreds back to his Canadian Health’s largest IT of projects, applying home city (he arrived portfolio, with 10 information managewith his family from managers, 70 staff ment and informaSouth Africa in 1988). tion technology to “I’m passionate about and an operating/ transform healthcare.

P.G. and love living capital budget of Our IT systems enable and raising my family $15 million.

Northern Health clinihere,” said the huscians to be more effective in delivering band and father of two children. “I’m a patient care in our northern B.C. hospicurrent board director of Kiwanis Prince tals, clinics and community centres.”

George and the P.G. Performing Arts His is Northern Health’s largest IT portCentre, and co-founded and chair the folio, with 10 managers, 70 staff and an local Kiwanis AleFest craft beer tasting operating/capital budget of $15 million. festival.”

“Prior to Northern Health I led the largest In the past, he has been a board memrevenue portfolio (about $80 million) at ber for Theatre North West, the UNBC private sector high-tech company Sierra Alumni Association and Initiatives Prince Wireless,” he added.

George. He wants his next venture to be Butow has seemingly always been a small company startup he is currently involved in key developments. He was building the business plan for.

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Braydon Ouellet | 24

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Manager of Game Operations & Promotions Prince George Cougars Part of the New Ice Age surrounding the back to Prince George to play for the resurgent business game of the Prince front office of his hometown Cougars.

George Cougars is the stuff Ouellet Sports is in his makeup. brings to the table.

“I used to race karts all over North Amer“That improved atmosphere at a ica,” he said. “I was the 2006 Rotax Junior Cougars game? A large degree of thanks National Champion and represented goes to Braydon for the tireless amount Team Canada at the world finals in Porof work that he’s put in to help get the tugal.” That culture of winning translates CN Centre back to its glory days,” said into his marketing and business partnerone advocate. “His ship roles now, where His love for sports love for sports and being a champion is and communitycommunity-based taken more seriously based involvement involvement is closely than most small busiis closely rivaled by rivaled by his love for nesses. his love for personal personal growth and He is volunteering to growth and business business developcoach UNBC’s team development. ment. He is always of JDC-West business striving to improve himself, whether it student competitors. He recently took a be through literature, business courses, position on the Tree of Lights organizor professional networking.” ing committee. This year he accepted This Renaissance man was a child of an offer to sit on the board of Volunteer Fort Nelson but has been ensconced in Prince George. The hockey team is Prince George since 2003. He attended doing a lot to demonstrate positive Okanagan School of Business obtaining outreach and respect for community a Bachelor of Business Administration in their business practices, and that has degree (Marketing major), winning a nainspired Ouellet to do so personally as tional competition for business students well. in the process.

During that time he started working for the Kelowna Rockets, then transitioned

Carolynne Burkholder-James | 31 Lawyer Heather Sadler Jenkins LLP Journalist, lawyer, student, book editor, This past year she joined the board of wife, mother … who could be a better the Prince George Public Library and its example of female leadership than Governance Committee.

Carolynne Burkholder-James?

In the past she sat on the UNBC Board of Her rise in the Prince George communiGovernors, the B.C. Duke of Edinburgh ty was meteoric. She got her last degree Board of Directors, and was a bureau in 2014, was called to the bar in 2015, chief for Canadian University Press. had a toddler on the go at the time, and “When I was in law school, I co-founded has another baby on the way. the Women’s Legal Mentorship Program “Carolynne has been which paired female able to maintain a students with workDespite the heavy work/life balance ing lawyers. I am duties as a new legal while attending law working on bringing counsel and a new school, working as an this initiative to Prince mom, Carolynne also articling student and George,” she said. stepped up to the now as an associate You can’t win the volunteer plate. lawyer,” said one of Jack Webster Student her supporters.

Journalism Award without initiative, nor Despite the heavy duties as a new legal be chosen one of 12 students for the counsel and a new mom, Carolynne also Dean’s Research & Writing Fellowship stepped up to the volunteer plate. As Program, nor edit the book Solicitora graduate of UNBC’s Political Science Client Privilege by Adam Dodek (it won program before going off to obtain a the 2015 Walter Owen Book Prize).

Masters of Journalism from UBC to go She is a child of this region and along with her Juris Doctor from the although she left for awhile to pursue University of Ottawa, she took a position higher learning, she came back to her on the board of the UNBC Alumni Assoroots and dug in deep. ciation and is also the human resources representative for the UNBC Childcare Society.

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Chantelle Wilson | 36

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Manager, Northern Health Proprietor, High Yield Products Inc. On three major and very different files, Chfor children and youth who are suspected antelle Wilson has played a pivotal role in of having Autism Spectrum Disorder, the health and wellness of our community.

Complex Developmental Behavioral CondiHer leadership is born, raised, educated tions, (including) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum and implemented in Prince George. Her Disorder.” trajectory was exactly what the founders And the third program, again she is the of UNBC had in mind, as she went from manager, is the critically important SCAN being a happy, healthy little Prince George Clinic, which helps detect child maltreatkid to a dedicated professional focused ment, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emoon the happiness and tional abuse, or forms of health of new generaneglect.

Atop all the work and tions of Prince George Atop all the work and volunteerism that kids – all through the volunteerism that goes goes with this healthdoors of UNBC and the with this healthcare care hat-trick, she and University Hospital of hat-trick, she and her husband are also Northern BC. her husband are also After obtaining her entrepreneurs. Together entrepreneurs.

Psychology degrees – they founded High bachelor and master Yield Products Inc., an – from her hometown university, she has environmentally friendly pest solution for been employed by Northern Health. One plants. of her key areas of focus was the Northern “We have brought an idea to market,” she Attachment Network, volunteering countsaid. “Our product started as a solution to less hours helping Dr. Cindy Hardy bring insect infestations. Today we have been training and awareness to other healthcare successful in starting the patent process, professionals on the issue of parent-child having our product manufactured, and attachment. selling worldwide.”

A second portfolio, said one of her supportThere are many branches to healthcare, ers, is the Northern Health Assessment involving the body and the environment, Network, which she manages. “The proand Chantelle Wilson feels the pulse of gram provides assessments and diagnoses each one.

Christian Gonzalez Becerra | 34 Education Coordinator Tsay Keh Dene Nation thankful to the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation In the education field in the small but vital and Tsay Keh Dene for welcoming me.” ultra-remote aboriginal community of In addition to launching the secondary Tsay Keh Dene, located in the isolated but school program at the town’s learning majestic wilderness north of Williston Lake, centre, he has also forged partnerships Christian is heralded as a breakthrough with CNC and UNBC to boost adult and leader. alternative learning as well.

“Christian has achieved the impossible,” Christian manages a staff of 20 to acsaid one supporter of his work. “For the first time now, Tsay Keh Dene has a high complish established services plus the school and has had new ones he and the Christian manages the first student take a team have initiated. His a staff of 20 to acprovincial exam. This expertise flows from complish estabmeans that children his B.Comm (double lished services plus and families in Tsay major in Finance and Keh no longer need to International Busithe new ones he choose between their ness with a minor in and the team have loved ones / staying in Economics) obtained at initiated. their community, and UNBC plus work experipursuing their education.” ence in banking, public administration, He considers it merely his professional obnon-profit sector, social justice, business ligation to focus his efforts on the human management, and economic/community elements and community elements of that development. small town’s education system.

He co-owned an imports/distribution “Community development is not just about business and also helped a successful legal economic prosperity,” he said. “It is also case for the EI compensation owed to First about quality of life, sustainability, having Nations elected officials. more opportunities, and the capacity to He has worked for Initiatives Prince George take them. But most importantly it is about and BMO, bringing to the Tsay Keh Dene the community’s priorities and needs. I am table that overwhelming background for honoured to be part of Northern B.C., and one so young.

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Christina Doll | 31

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Manager of Marketing and Communications Initiatives Prince George A lifelong Prince George resident, and University of Victoria, a Broadcast & a graduate of her hometown univerMedia Communications diploma from sity, Christina Doll first came to public the British Columbia Institute of Technolprominence as a broadcaster, reporting ogy, and a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in the news on local radio.

English) from UNBC. These credentials By age 27 she was news director for Vista led her into professional memberships Radio, leading a team of four reporters in the Gold Key Society (an international based here in Prince George and also in academic leadership organization) and Smithers. the Canadian Public Relations Society.

She made the transiAs an active local I love Prince George tion to public sector volunteer, Christina and the people who communications a is the current vicemake this city such couple of years ago to chair of the Northern a wonderful place to work with Initiatives Lights Chapter of live, I am so blessed Prince George where the Canadian Public to have had the she was the project Relations Society, chance to give back. manager for an awardhelped coordinate winning video series and also helped the 2015 Canada Winter Games media create an award-winning marketing relations teams, has helped Rotary with campaign. their youth leadership initiatives, and has Through her IPG work she has received twice won chapter awards as a board the 2015 Gold Award from the Internamember of Prince George’s Kidney Fountional Economic Development Council dation branch. for the “Move Up Prince George” website.

She also gives her time and passions to The associated “Make The Move To Prince many local causes and initiatives as they George” video program in 2014 also happen. earned her the Bronze Award from the “I love Prince George and the people same organization. who make this city such a wonderful Her academic achievements include place to live,” she said. “I am so blessed to a diploma in Public Relations from the have had the chance to give back.”

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Dean Rolufs | 39

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Investment Advisor CIBC Wood Gundy Striking an impressive home-work balance registered representative credential, life is investment advisor Dean Rolufs, who has insurance certification, and credentials in excelled in his profession and still found financial management, branch manways to achieve a fulfilling family life as agement, finance planning and wealth well. His secret seems to be diving into the management. deep end of the participation pool.

It took him to the top of his profession in At work, he did not vault to senior levels, he 2013 when he attained President’s Council worked at it step by step. status which, he explained, “rewards a “I started at the bottom of the ladder in my select group of top performing Investment industry and through Advisors from across hard work and perseCanada based on assets I started at the botverance I have reached under management tom of the ladder my initial goal: investand business growth.” in my industry and ment advisor,” he said.

At home, Rolufs is through hard work “Through technology, just as dedicated. He and perseverance hiring the right support volunteers his time with I have reached my staff, and the continued Northern B.C. Friends initial goal modification of sysof Children which tems, I am on target for helps families when my next goal: providing exceptional client kids have medical costs to overcome. He service and risk management/planning for coaches youth sports. He sat as a director my client base.” for the city’s youth soccer association, and “Dean’s experience in the financial industry a member of the Club 11 (a fundraising ashas provided him with a strong foundation sociation sharing proceeds between youth to help him meet his clients’ needs through soccer and other children’s charities). Dean goals-based planning and risk manageis also active in Toastmasters. ment,” said a supporter. “His clients are his His family and his clients get the same number one priority.”

Dean Rolufs, giving his best to get their He started his climb at CNC in the General best.

Arts program then on to the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada’s

Congratulations to all of the Top 40 Under 40 Nominees

Congratulations top 40 under 40

kpmg.ca KPMG LLP | Prince George | 250.563.7151

4578_Top40Under40_PG_FIN_2013.indd 1

12/19/2013 12:03:14 PM

John Kason, CFP Investment Advisor

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PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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3607605

Emily O’Reilly | 17

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Student UNBC Yes, you read that age correctly. Emily is touch lives for the better. the youngest person to ever make this It is the world of science fairs where she city’s Top 40 Under 40 list. She earned it exceptionally shines. “One of Emily’s without question by going above and goals is to find a cure for a certain type beyond all expectations of people her of cancer,” said one advocate. Her sciage. ence project exploring that possibility If you missed her earlier accolades, Emily won local awards and scholarships, has gotten public attention already this advanced her to Team Canada at the year for being named Prince George’s International Science Fair in Taiwan Youth of the Year. where she won first She volunteers for That citation and this place in her category.

Simon Fraser Lodge, one follows a litany of Her advocate added, St. Vincent de Paul social justice and sci“she is also investigatSociety, at the hospience causes she has ing the possibility of tal, and many other been involved in, and a patent” for research ways that touch lives taken to impressive findings she’s made for the better. levels. in partnership with On the social side, Emily is the viceUNBC professors. chair of the School District 57 Student “I believe that your age is only a number Advisory Council where she engages in and that you should not be underestianti-bullying initiatives and other topics mated, nor should you underestimate on the student agenda. She is also presiyourself, based upon it,” she said. dent of the Rotary Interact group raising “Anyone is capable of accomplishing awareness of numerous causes. She has anything if they are determined and won many awards for her public speakput their mind to it. I want to make a ing and debating skills. Her academic difference in the world; if one day my standing is stellar. research does make a difference, that She also volunteers for Simon Fraser would be a dream come true.”

Lodge, St. Vincent de Paul Society, at the hospital, and many other ways that

Eoin Foley | 31 Co-owner Nancy O’s Restaurant Some restaurants are appreciated by opening, and already they are seen as their customers, but some restaurants, leaders in business for the way they have like Nancy O’s, change a community. developed an ecosystem of economics Local musicians credit Nancy O’s with within their walls. strumming up a renewal in the local “Under his leadership, Nancy O’s is able music scene. Local comedians credit to host over 150 live shows per year, Nancy O’s with sparking a comedy scene creating a draw for people to come in the city. Local farmers credit Nancy downtown,” said one supporter. “He has O’s with growing the movement for been an integral part in pushing a ‘farm sourcing food locally, to table’ menu at the Under his leaderat a commercial level. restaurant, making ship, Nancy O’s is Their patrons love the connections with local able to host over food, beverage selecfarmers and keeping 150 live shows per tion and ambiance, more money in our year, creating a draw but their extended community.” for people to come family of supporters The revitalization of downtown. see them as being the city’s business core catalysts for a new Prince George – and is more than a passing interest to Foley. co-owner Eoin Foley and his partner GarHe joined the board of the Downtown rett Fedorkiw get personal credit for it all.

Prince George development agency Foley has worked in the hospitality four years ago. This year he took the role industry more than 12 years. He got a of President. In that time, he said, he Entrepreneurial Certificate from CNC, ladhelped “design and initiate the façade dered to a business degree from UNBC improvement program which has been in 2012, then opened the downtown used as a model for other communities pub-restaurant almost immediately. in the north.”

Foley reports 20 per cent growth per He and Fedorkiw are now planning year since they opened. They won the to open another business downtown, New Entrepreneur trophy from the expanding their economic influence Chamber of Commerce soon after even more.

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Eric Depenau | 22

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Wild-land Firefighter (Ministry of Forests) UNBC Student, Rocky Mountain Rangers Soldier Eric Depenau believes in diving into Mountain Rangers B-Company army his community headlong. He arrived in reserve unit (vice-president of their Prince George in 2013 to attend UNBC Mess Association). after growing up in Quesnel. Before his It is also why his name ends up on so first year in P.G. was over, he already had many ballots. He was the youngest his name in the ring for School District candidate in the past municipal elec57 trustee and earned impressive voter tion, and he was successful in student numbers despite less than a year in this government bids to governing and community and less than 22 years on academic bodies at CNC and UNBC. the earth at the time.

Eric was on the activAt UNBC he is comist’s path early. Twice I did not get pleting a dual major he won a Quesnel involved in our in Political Sciences Community Spirit community to fill and International Award, and he formed my time. I did it to Studies. Before UNBC a bursary program to help lead positive he completed two help the academic CNC programs, earncosts of youth from change. ing diplomas (with single-parent or orhonours) in both phan backgrounds.

Social Service Work and Arts. He also He is a past Rotarian, Freemason, and achieved certificates in Skills For Social Legion member, a 2015 Canada Winter Change and Non-Profit Management.

Games torch bearer, volunteers with the “It is the responsibility of today’s youth United Nations Association, volunteers to prepare themselves to stand up and for federal and provincial political confront the challenges of tomorrow candidates, and BC Youth Parliament, domestically and internationally,” he and spot-volunteers for various human said. “I did not get involved in our comrights issues. munity to fill my time. I did it to help In the summers, he is a forest firefighter, lead positive change.” and is also an award winning poet.

This sense of larger service is what compelled him to enlist with the Rocky

Esther Schwenning | 38 Denturist, Owner Northern Lights Denture Clinic Schwenning also volunteers within her The whole community is smiling about profession. For the past four years, she Esther Schwenning’s business. She was has been on the executive board of the born and raised in Prince George, went Denturist Association of BC. away for her education, but always said “Giving back is one of the core values she wanted to return. It wasn’t just lip for my company,” she said. “Each year service. She opened Northern Lights we donate our services to help those Denture Clinic in 2011, starting with just less fortunate. In 2012 we had the one employee to help get her enterprivilege of travelling prise underway. to a remote village in “I am very proud Giving back is one that we have grown Peru and were able of the core values to restore over 30 our business to an for my company. amazing team of six smiles! The last couple Each year we dowomen,” she said. “We of years we have nate our services focused more on our also employ local stuto help those less dents each summer local community.” fortunate She has received a to give them a taste of lot of focus in return, not just for her what the dental field is like.”

All told, her staff is provided with more philanthropy but for her professional than 75 combined hours of continuing abilities. She has won the esteem of education each year “to support us both her industry in a big way, winning the Denturist of the Year Award and given personally and professionally,” she said. the Ingens Doctrum Sodalitas Award of A significant portion of her clientele is made up of elders. She reciprocates by Excellence for being the top of her field in the province of B.C. volunteering on an advisory commitThat would put a genuine smile on tee for the Council of Seniors, a group advocating and supporting for services anyone’s face. to seniors in our community.

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IMAGINE YOURSELF AS A MARKET LEADER. WE CAN HELP MAKE IT A REALITY. BDC would like to congratulate all of the young leaders in our community.

Prince George Business Centre Sandra Rose, Manager Business Centre 250-561-5337

BDC IS THE ONLY BANK DEDICATED EXCLUSIVELY TO ENTREPRENEURS. PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Heather Lamb | 36

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Information Resource Specialist Spinal Cord Injury BC Across 11 years of time, the call of the make P.G. a better place to live.” north had its effect on Heather Lamb.

She started her education path in The Prince George girl came home, journalism, leaving Prince George for and she brought a lifetime of passion Carleton University where she graduand experience with her. She is now ated with highest honours in 2001. She applying that to her home community. moved to England where she assisted She does it quietly, but people have blind students in the classroom, then nonetheless noticed. moved to Mexico where she taught “She cares passionately about helping English for three years. Upon her return people with disto P.G. she obtained a abilities live well after Masters of Social Work injury or diagnosis from UNBC and went She cares passionbecause she is visually to work in that field. ately about helping impaired and knows In the course of her people with disabiliwhat it is like to enwork, she said, “I work ties live well after counter obstacles in with people with injury or diagnosis. the built environment, spinal cord injury. This and from people’s involves case manattitudes,” said one agement, counselling supporter. “Heather volunteers a lot but and advocacy.” She assists in learning you won’t hear about it because she about living with injury and utilizing the doesn’t post it on social media. She has support system. been on the City’s accessibility commitPart of that was a groundbreaking tee for six years, promoting full inclusion research project on accessible and afand access for all. She also volunteers fordable housing in B.C. for the Lions Club, the northern branch With Lamb’s help, moving around our of the BC Association of Social Workers, city and moving through life is becomthe CNIB (local and provincial boards), ing better for everyone. her strata council, and others. She does advocacy work via letter writing and helps others advocate. She is trying to

Jason Hamborg | 25 Co-owner 6ixSigma Productions Jason Hamborg’s contributions to his the head of Project Management classes community are on fast-forward. at CNC. The co-founder of 6ixSigma Productions “I love to teach,” he said simply. has been filming and editing videos ever In the past he has been an active part of since he was 12 years old and a neighthe university business school’s JDC-West bour taught him how to use the basic team, and he continues with them now software on his family’s home computer. as a coach. He also sits on the BC Human He was barely finished his UNBC Bachelor Resource Management Association’s of Commerce degree (a double major northern advisory council. in Human Resources “I have worked with and General Business) Jason on multiple One of the most before he and his projects and have popular companies partner Glenn King been exposed firstin the region for hit the play button on hand to the amazing filming and edittheir enterprise. Two atmosphere and ing corporate and years later their efforts professionalism that personal videos. are reeling in the ache has imbedded into colades as one of the most popular companies in the region for filming and editing corporate and personal videos. Sports action, the outdoors, professional settings, family functions, they are respected for all.

“Our focus has been on creating a culture of learning, teamwork and support,” Hamborg said. “It has been very gratifying to develop a team and watch our company grow.”

They now have four employees, and Hamborg is giving a hand up in other ways, too. He imparts his knowledge at

his company,” said a supporter. “Jason is doing fantastic things for this community.”

In the way of a true giver, his contributions are often unseen because viewers concentrate on what Jason’s cameras show.

“One of the most important things I focus on is doing our best to support community initiatives with the work we do,” he said. “6ixSigma is involved in countless video projects with non-profits throughout Prince George and the north.”

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Jeremy Stewart | 33

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General Manager, PG Symphony Orchestra Proprietor, Dreamland School of the Arts Jeremy Stewart doesn’t just work in the While with Theatre North West, sponsorarts and entertainment industry, he ship and fundraising records were set. practically is the arts and entertainment When he formed Casse-Tete: A Festival industry in Prince George. He plays muof Experimental Music, it defied the sic in a number of acts, he writes books, odds and became an annual, highly he co-founded a music school that anticipated community event. In three has grown into a cultural force within years of existence, the budget has the city, he started a unique music tripled. festival, he was a successful marketer for At the same time, he was involved in the Theatre North West startup of Dreamland I have worked tirethan moved on to be School of the Arts lessly and devotedly the manager of the which has become to the enrichment and biggest band in town: a cultural spark in celebration of Prince the Prince George downtown.

George’s unique arts Symphony Orchestra.

Almost as an afterscene since I was in “I have worked tirethought, he is an junior high. lessly and devotedly award-winning writer to the enrichment and celebration of and musician. Putting his UNBC degrees Prince George’s unique arts scene since (BA in English, MA with Distinction in I was in junior high,” he said. “I have English) to great use, he won the Barry performed or had a hand in producing McKinnon Chapbook Award for his book performances at almost every venue in Flood Basement, and the Robert Kroesh the city. It has been a singular pleasure Award for his book Hidden City. for me to contribute in this way, and in Encapsulating Jeremy’s accomplishmany ways, it has defined my life.” ments can hardly be done in one citaHe has more than accolades to back tion. You’d have to write a book about it. up his arts success, he has numbers.

The sponsorship base for the PGSO has gone up 400 per cent in one year, since Jeremy came on board.

Jillian Merrick | 30 Elected Councillor City of Prince George If the name Jillian Merrick was unfamiliar For New Northern Farmers), her work as around Prince George one year ago, it a small business coach at Community is certainly emblazoned on the local Futures, and what’s not to respect about psyche now. In November, 2014, Merrick someone who treeplanted her way scored enough votes to become the through university tuition costs? youngest city Councillor in known Prince “Leadership began at an early age,” she George history. remembered. “I was the youngest female How she won votes was as much a part referee in the Sunshine Coast Minor of the story as her meteoric name recogHockey Association. I spent a year abroad nition. It was counterunder the Rotary point to the slick ads Youth Exchange. I was Jillian being elected and glossy signage elected student body was no accident, It of typical modern president in my final was a vote of confielectoral candidates. year at UNBC, and dence from citizens She demonstrated I’ve launched many of Prince George for her values by posting community projects in a fresh perspective. do-it-yourself signs Prince George like Bike made of recycled wood and even yarn.

To Work Week and PechaKucha PG.” She turned to social media to spread her She has been a workhorse for cycling message. With her campaign signage causes in the city, plus sat as a director attached, she cycled. And cycled. with REAPS for the past few years. She It was evident, too, that she was not also owns two small self-started compajust a fringe candidate. Speaking to this nies: Jillenium Consulting and Plump & was her BA from UNBC in Economics Juicy Garlic Co. and International Studies, her director“Jillian being elected was no accident,” ship with the Northern Undergraduate said another supporter. “It was a vote Student Society (including obtaining a of confidence from citizens of Prince Student Union building), her status as a George for a fresh perspective.” regional expert in local agriculture operations (she spearheaded the A To Z Guide

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Our alumni are saying great things...

69%

85%

81%

of UNBC grads are managers within their organization.

of UNBC grads are satisfied with their job.

of UNBC grads are working in fields related to their program.

56%

93%

98%

of UNBC grads are earning more than $60,000 per year.

of UNBC grads are satisfied with their UNBC experience.

of UNBC grads feel that their education is important for future opportunities.

continuing studies

23

...and so are our Continuing Studies students “I’ve been able to apply my learning right away; it is about building strong management disciplines for the betterment of our community we serve.”

Jason Morgan Executive Director, Lheidli T’enneh Continuing Studies Masters Certificate in Project Management

unbc.ca/continuing-studies

Julia McLachlan | 33

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Northern Region Branch Manager CBI Home Health Looking after society’s most vulnerable Her path to leadership included a BA is cause enough to appreciate Julia from UNBC in 2004. She went on to McLachlan, but you must also factor attend BCIT and UVic, plus work experiin her successful pursuit of higher ence in the public relations field. She education, developing the business then went back to school obtaining her model around which key healthcare is MBA from Athabasca University while delivered, establishing a communicaalso a young mother. She wanted her tions network across a vast region, and children to be raised in Prince George. all the while being a loving mom.

“I think my most proud accomplishment CBI Home Health is completing my provides at-home school and reachHer path to leadership medical services for ing my goals with included a BA from those living outside two young children UNBC in 2004. She hospitals and care at home,” she said, went on to attend BCIT facilities but nonetheeven able to invest and UVic, plus work exless need help. Some time in the parent perience in the public have chronic pain, advisory council and relations fi eld. some suffer from other parental duties diseases or lingering injuries, many are simply living with the effects of aging. CBI’s Prince George branch was a fledgling when McLachlan came on board less than two years ago, but it has thrived and spread across the entire north.

“It is evident she values the communities she serves by always being mindful and reminding the staff that those clients we care for are pioneers in their communities and must be treated with respect,” said one supporter.

Kaitlyn Vecchio | 29 Children’s Librarian Prince George Public Library Intellectual roots don’t grow much literacy program. deeper in a community than in the chil“I love my career,” Vecchio said. “I’m so dren’s section of the public library. That’s lucky to be able to be a voice for the where you’ll find Kaitlyn Vecchio, working importance of literacy. Working with in the same department she used to families in Prince George is an honour. wander as a child herself, growing up in The most enjoyable aspect of my job is Prince George before moving away for making connections with children and a Sociology Degree at Thompson Rivers their families.”

University then a Master degree in Library She is also a human nexus for other com& Information Science munities, in her role I love my career, at the University of as lead coordinator I’m so lucky to be Western Ontario. for the local library’s biable to be a voice One supporter said ennial “Beyond Hope” for the importance Vecchio was “ecstatic” conference, drawing of literacy. Working to get a position at her about 150 librarians with families in Prince beloved hometown from all over the north library and now into Prince George for George is an honour. “enriches the lives of cooperative learning children daily” by thinking outside the and networking. box and going “beyond the typical story Her academic research paper “Quantifytime in her position.” ing Patron Time: Use of a Public Library” She has been the mastermind behind was recently co-published (with UNBC such unique library initiatives as Touch librarian Allan Wilson and Kwantlen PolyA Truck, the Lego Club, holding a Digital technic business professor John Shepard) Story Time program, and she sourced in the Journal of Library Management. new funding to perpetuate the Books Like few others can, Kaitlyn Vecchio is For Babies Project whereby she delivers writing new chapters of success for the bags of books on a monthly basis to the community of Prince George.

Prince George hospital for each newborn to take home their first stories. She is also involved in the Success By Six early

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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at school, be the team parent at baseball, etc.

Others would say her business acumen is pretty pride-worthy as well. She modestly concedes that she’s had to be “creative about how we train, recruit” and fan out their resources across a giant region. “I use online tools, phone, good communication to ensure we maintain our team.”

The company is expanding and so are the health benefits provided under McLachlan’s leadership.

Kara Biles | 30

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Manager of Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning Canfor This is Kara Biles’ second time on the Top ence and something very difficult to 40 Under 40 list. teach: passion.

Since the last time her acclaimed career “Kara’s determination and spirit motiin the Human Resources field was spotvates everyone around her,” said one lighted, she has been selected for Cansupporter. for’s Accelerated Leadership Program, “Kara has proven to be a real pioneer as taught classes at both CNC and UNBC, a female leader in forestry and has been coached the Human Resources team for a real inspiration to me and many others the JDC West competition, sat on the in that regard,” said another.

Two Rivers Gallery A third said Biles “has board (vice-president), proven herself to be Kara has proven and has been a Chaman accomplished and to be a real piober of Commerce caring person who neer as a female director for the past wants the best for not leader in forestry three years. only herself, but those and has been a Before these latest around her as well.” real inspiration. achievements, Biles She said she does was the winner of the 2011 Rising Star what she does because it is a form of Award by the HR Management Associacommunity service for her hometown. tion of B.C., has multiple citations from “My goals gravitate around growing, the B.C. Deputy Minister’s and Premier’s giving back and making a difference in awards in her field, and has earned deep both my workplace and my community,” respect within the forest industry. she said. “I was born and raised in P.G., She combines education (Bachelor of am familiar with the many facets of Commerce majoring in Marketing from both business and HR opportunities and UNBC, HR Management certificate, challenges in our area, and am passiondesignations as both a Certified Human ate about northern B.C. and working to Resources Professional and a Registered make our community a better place to Professional Recruiter, and more in the live and work.” works) with her eight years of experi-

Kelsy Polnik | 30 Owner-Operator Game Quest Passion and drive towards a goal can be pation and support of the entire gaming as effective in small business as formal community in Prince George: video gameducation. Kelsy Polnik will tell you he is ers and board gamers alike,” said another a college dropout with no professional supporter. “He started his company from credentials, but he has the most imporscratch, having saved his own money tant one of all: bona fide entrepreneur. and supplies for years, in order to make He lives his own education every day, his dream come true.” and it is paying off for the community as When his business model hit a bylaw well as his young family. snag, he figured it out (1,200 signatures Ask any kid in town and a City Council and they will tell you speech later). He He lives his own all about Game Quest. needed to move to a education every “His store provides a larger location in the day, and it is paying safe family environfirst two years, but he off for the commument which has partnegotiated that hurdle nity as well as his nered with other local (40 customers showed young family. businesses to provide up to help him move!). our community with fun local events,” He also works for AiMHi at night to add said one supporter. “His business is the extra support to his young family. only one of its kind in all of Northern B.C., Game Quest’s success has meant inwhich has helped bring business to the novative employment opportunities, local downtown area from surrounding downtown economic activity, partnercommunities.” ships with other gamer businesses Game Quest is the city’s headquarters to and community organizations, and the play video games from first-generation enhancement of events like Northern titles of yesteryear to today’s cutting FanCon and Summerfest. Kelsy Polnik’s edge. You can play them, trade them, sell business vision is certainly playing well in them, buy them, and talk about them all Prince George society. in one location.

“Kelsy has been able to rally the partici-

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Kevin Pederson | 32

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Co-founder and President West Coast Canning Kevin Pederson is a serial entrepreneur. been the launch of Canada’s first mobile Buy-in, startups, invention marketing, canning company with my partner Matt he has done it all and he has done it in Leslie (both are UNBC graduates) which Prince George. is changing the way craft breweries One supporter called him “the hardest and cideries do business.” West Coast working person I have ever met” with “a Canning has now surpassed 1.5 million goal in life to stay here in Prince George cans filled. where he can make a difference.”

They have been all over beverage He is not above being the guy selling industry’s media for this innovation, raffle tickets or and it’s not the first volunteering in the time he’s been in the He believes that kids’ craft area at an spotlight. He is stirring social development event, but he also the golf industry with and community keeps more elaborate a software invention progress comes in company on initiacalled FirePar that the form of viable tives like the PG Golf keeps speedier, more & Curling Club board, efficient tournament businesses. the Spirit of the North scores.

Healthcare FoundaHe got the business tion, Startup PG and other key local bug as a student at UNBC, graduating causes. in 2007 with a double-major in Finance He also believes that social developand Accounting. He bought Repac ment and community progress comes (packing for liquor stores) at the age of in the form of viable businesses.

26. Now he is fixated on innovating and “Today, I still own and manage my boosting local employment, becomfirst company, Repac Products, and ing an economic service to the city he have five companies in total at various loves . stages of startup, including a local craft ice-creamery I started this summer with my father called Frozen Paddle,” he said. “My most recent achievement has

Kyrke Gaudreau | 32 Sustainability Manager UNBC The wheels of life are turning for the He has B.Engineering from McGill, a community better than they ever have Masters and PhD in Social Ecological before, at UNBC, because of the way Sustainability from Waterloo, was an exthe mental gears are turning for Kyrke pert witness at power supply hearings in Gaudreau. He has been a Prince George Manitoba, is a certified expert consultant resident for only about two years but he in the topics of sustainability assessment is spinning with this city’s possibilities for and complex systems, and he is a master the future, and that is symbolized by the gardener. bicycle he rides up that enormous hill His volunteerism also rolls into his work, almost every day. as a director of the He is not only The concepts of comurban cycling file with an inspiration on munity sustainability the P.G. Cycling Club, a campus, he also – a city giving as much board member of the practices what he to the world as it takes, Northern Technology preaches…he is a being food secure and Engineering Socileader in promoting from the local region, ety and the P.G. Public being carbon neutral, Interest Research sustainability. being net providers Group, was previously of energy – are the ideals that Gaudreau on the Kitchener Healthy Communities strives for in his work. It is believed that board and he haunts the public gardens the university should be a leader in these and bike shops of the city. categories, and Gaudreau is the leader of “He is not only an inspiration on campus,” these goals at the university. said one supporter, “he also practices “I look forward to making Prince George what he preaches…he is a leader in the most cycling friendly and sustainpromoting sustainability to everyone he able city in B.C.,” he said. Under his watch meets.”

“UNBC became Canada’s ninth Fair Trade designated university, set up a partnership to donate food to St. Vincent de Paul Society, and won Canada’s Greenest Employer for the fourth year in a row.”

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Maeve Hanna | 32

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Assistant Curator Two Rivers Gallery Celebrating and showcasing local culture to ensure the artists she is showcasing is Maeve Hanna’s main professional goal, get maximum public recognition. She is a but on the personal level she goes out frequent source for CBC Radio, CKPG-TV, and becomes part of it herself.

The Citizen newspaper and other outlets.

Maeve is new to the area, moving here Correspondingly, attendance for galleria about three years ago from Montreal to shows has grown significantly under her join the curatorial management staff at leadership.

Two Rivers Gallery. She instantly became She also writes articles for several nationa champion for local artists getting their ally respected art publications. first shots at this AMaeve is fluent in class exhibition facility French and English.

She instantly and the significant She therefore got became a chamaudience it brings invited to be a master pion for local artists through the doors. of ceremonies for getting their first “She brought a the mainstage music shots at this A-class ground-breaking festival and medal cerexhibition facility.

Lheidli T’enneh art emonies of the 2015 show into the Rustad Galleria, forgCanada Winter Games, providing French ing new relationships with aboriginal content for a live audience of thousands artists outside the mainstream gallery in Canada Games Plaza. system,” said a supporter. “As brilliant as She arrived with a Masters degree in Art she is brawny, Maeve even handled the History from the Université du Québec logistics of moving a giant dugout canoe à Montréal with credentials as well from into the exhibit.” the University of Manitoba, York Univer“I seek to encourage local artists who may sity and the University of Leeds in the U.K. have never had an exhibition before,” she With her education, her experience in explained. “I also mentor these artists by art, her skills with public messaging, and offering a forum for their work to be seen the support of the local arts community, and appreciated within the community.

Maeve has framed her future well.

Maeve is also effective at media outreach

Mandy Paavola | 36 Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur MP Makeup Artistry Arts, then graduated tops in her makeup Makeup could merely mean lipstick class at college, and went directly into and mascara but Mandy Paavola blows business. through these simple cosmetic touches Paavola also founded a charity five years like a hurricane. Makeup can also be ago unlike any other: Prince George physically transformative and a way to Dress Dreams. unlock what’s inside someone.

One supporter explained that PG Dress Paavola is a master of makeup and a star Dreams “gives every girl the chance to in Prince George’s arts scene. She has feel like Cinderella on her prom day. two Leo Awards (B.C. film industry) for These girls may come her makeup work, she was acclaimed for her from single-parent I don’t just do makefamilies, families abstract painting at up or help a grad this year’s Art Battle that are low-income, find a gown – I help event, and she’s gotfamilies that are facing those often when medical issues, teen ten multiple Chamber they didn’t know of Commerce Business moms.” These girls get they needed help. treated on that prom Excellence Awards day to a dress of their choosing, a proper nominations for turning it into a local enterprise. fitting, professional hair and makeup, pro “It’s very easy to be negative. I help evphotography, shoes, accessories, and a eryone see their inner beauty,” she said. “I corsage - all for free thanks to Paavola’s arrangements. am passionate about impacting others in On your big day, or Halloween, or special a positive manner. I don’t just do makeup or help a grad find a gown – I help events like Northern FanCon (her face painting there was its own attraction), those often when they didn’t know they she can make anyone look like a million needed help. I love my job, and running my charity fills my heart.” dollars. If you are a girl from difficult financial realities, she’ll do it for free.

Paavola started her career with an Art & Design degree at Kootenay School of the

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Mike Davis | 37

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Director of Marketing & Communications 2015 Canada Winter Games Mike Davis is returning to the Top 40 coordinated public and media relations Under 40 roster. Since his last inclusion activities, and specialized in citizen on this list, he helped lead the 2015 participation and engagement plans.

Canada Winter Games organizational Before his position with City Hall, Mike team. That multifaceted and highly was with the Prince George Airport Aucomplex event transformed Prince thority’s communications department, George for all time, with benefits radiatand he spent almost five years with the ing into the surrounding region. It was Prince George Cougars WHL Hockey 18 days that impressed the nation and Club’s marketing office. revealed to our own He was a graduate residents just what of UNBC (Bachelor Mike’s department they were capable of of Science majorwas responsible for doing as a commuing in Psychology) (in part) the Opennity when they come in 2003, and since ing and Closing certogether. then has maintained emonies that wowed Mike’s department strong alum relations the crowds here and was responsible for with the university, across Canada. (in part) the Opening and been a strong and Closing ceremosupporter of their nies that wowed the crowds here and Timberwolves basketball program. across Canada, plus the nightly festival Mike also took his basketball interest of concerts at Canada Games Plaza. into his volunteerism, helping coach the The Games website, the implementaPrince George Special Olympics from tion of which he was involved, picked 2009-11. He was also a director with the up the bronze award in the Best ElecPrince George YMCA from 2009 to 2012. tronic & Social Media category at the He is also active with provincial, national 2015 Canadian Public Relations Society’s and international organizations in the National Awards of Excellence.

Public Relations field.

Prior to the Canada Winter Games office, Mike was on the communications team for the City of Prince George where he

As a single mom going into the trades, I was pretty anxious in September, but the whole experience has been wonderful. The instructors were knowledgeable and accommodating, and the resources available here have been beyond what I could have hoped for.

Not only am I entering a great new career, I'm allso starting a research project based on my interests and new skills.

Amanda Ramsay power engineering

The College of New Caledonia has served the needs of students in B.C.’s Central Interior since 1969 and offers a full range of Career, Technical, Vocational, and University Credit programming. CNC campuses are located in Burns Lake, Fort St. James, Mackenzie, Prince George, Quesnel and Vanderhoof.

Congratulates this years’ Top 40 Under 40

We are currently recruiting regular full time and part time employees to create a positive home life, support people when participating in community events and assist with planning and delivery of skill building opportunities. Caregivers also assist people with daily living skills.

AiMHi offers a competitive compensation that includes paid training, excellent benefits and Municipal Pension Plan.

With over 450 dedicated employees, AiMHi is an accredited organization providing advocacy, support and service to people who have special needs.

Please see opportunities at www.aimhi.ca and check out our Facebook page.

• Business & Management • Health Sciences • Human Services • Technology & Industry • Trades

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Mike Jurkovic | 27

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Business Analyst Community Futures Fraser-Fort George Born and raised in Prince George, Mike dian Association of Business Students Jurkovic has grown into a position of havRoundtable, Canada’s largest and most ing personal affect on the economy and prestigious student-run conference, with business prospects of his hometown.

250 students from 30 of the top business His business contacts call him “passionate schools in Canada.” about supporting small business in Prince This conference was an example to George” and “an enthusiastic ambashimself as to the business potential of sador for our city” and epitomizes why the region.

UNBC was built here in the first place. He “Hosting the roundtable resulted in a obtained his Bachelor direct cash injection of Commerce degree in the local economy, His business there in 2013 and that I was able to raise the contacts call him “pasled immediately to his profile of UNBC and sionate about supportposition now, putting Prince George nationing small business in that degree and that loally, and intentionally Prince George” and “an cal knowledge to work used local indepenenthusiastic ambassafor the public good. dent businesses to dor for our city.

“Community Futures is showcase the best a non-profit organiand most unique zation funded by the government to parts of the city.” help rural Canadians start or expand a He is applying that kind of business logic business and to help sustain and improve to his developmental work now, and is communities and their local economies,” getting that kind of result. said one supporter. “Mike provides “We now receive referrals from organizaone-on-one coaching and financing for tions who were previously unaware of business operators in the region.”

Community Futures and the services we He was as passionate during his training have to offer,” he said. “In the past financial as he is at his job today. While at UNBC he year, I exceeded the targets set by the was president of the Commerce Students board of directors by nearly 40 per cent.”

Society, involved in alumni relations, and in his own words “I organized the Cana-

Nav Mann | 39 Dentist, Proprietor Mann Dental Dr. Nav Mann couldn’t wait to get back region. There are now five locations and home to Prince George. While many about 100 employees under the FDC professions now offer training in this city, umbrella. dentistry still does not. He moved to get Mann dedicates his time, also, to passing his Bachelor of Science at the University on his extensive knowledge to the next of Victoria (a Biochemistry and Microbiolgeneration in the dental field as an inogy double-major), then went to UBC for structor at CNC’s Dental Studies program. final dental credentials. He was back in Mann also stresses strong recruitment P.G. by 2004. strategies for his staff, then adds ongoing He began working in a training and tools to pre-established dental ensure their work is He spent time, clinic but dreamed of top quality. after patient-care making it his own, and With a strong commuhours, develophe got the chance. nity network for FDC ing a vision and “He transformed it into comes a strong commission for his a modern, state-ofmunity commitment business. the-art practice while from its co-founder. keeping business principles in mind,” said Mann donates time, finances and other a supporter. “He spent time, after patientresources to causes like the Elizabeth Fry care hours, developing a vision and Society, UNBC athletics, PG Symphony mission for his business, and created and Orchestra, BC-SPCA, BC Children’s Hosimplemented policies and procedures. pital, Ducks Unlimited, the Taste Of India This is very unique for a dental practice.” fundraiser for Rotary, he enters a team for He also took additional training in sedathe Relay For Life and Run For The Cure tion dentistry techniques and became cancer events, plus numerous sports the first local dentist to offer I.V. sedation teams, special events and other social to patients. Additionally, he developed development initiatives. a plan for Family Dental Care now two years in operation – a dentistry network within the city that also services the outer

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Noémie Touchette | 37

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Farm Manager Northern Lights Estate Winery She couldn’t have imagined, when she near Red Rock she launched a commoved to the Prince George area to be mercial garlic operation which is now an agriculture consultant, that one day distributed by Save-On-Foods. she would lead the horticulture team for For these two ventures, she said, “the BC the most northerly winery in Canada.

Institute of Agrologists awarded me the The Agriculture Science degree-holder New Growth Agrologist of the Year for from Laval University knew British northern B.C.” Columbia was a diverse and exciting Agriculture is not an instant-return kind landscape for growing commercial of industry. During her patient periods, crops. She worked on she still puts her a number of farms in professional skills and B.C. before the job of 16 years of experience As a mother of two a lifetime came along to good public use daughters, farm - work on the startup by teaching classes manager, and farm team for the most unin fermentation owner, my time is likely agri-food busitechniques. limited. ness ever dreamed “As a mother of two of in Prince George: a daughters, farm manwinery. Grapes are not ager, and farm owner, noted for their success in this climate, so my time is limited,” she said. “However, Touchette was called on by proprietors winter allows me to give some time to Pat and Brenda Bell and their son Doug the French Canadian Association Culto create a line of fruit wines. tural Committee. My native language, Northern Lights Estate Winery is now French, is close to my heart and I want the talk of northern B.C. to keep it alive in my new hometown.”

Growers are always dabbling in creative She also volunteered to help the francosoils. While the winery’s orchards of phone components of the 2015 Canada apple trees, rhubarb, gooseberries and Winter Games, making it a gold medal other fruits, were evolving, Noémie year, and now Noémie’s reputation is was also sprouting another agricultural really growing. enterprise. At Northern Farm Products

Peter James | 34 Communications Officer UNBC Peter James picked an extraordinary time and the hot topic of the police incident to join the communications department resulting in the death of former soldier of UNBC. The veteran journalist came to Greg Matters. the university just in time to stickhandle “I received a community award from the the 25th anniversary commemorations Brain Injured Group in Prince George for of the northern institution, and also be reporting on the lives of people living involved in the Closing Ceremonies of with brain injuries,” said Peter, a graduate the 2015 Canada Winter Games held at of Carlton University with a combined UNBC’s campus and seen across the nahonours degree in Journalism and Histotion on television. ry. He now uses those Since joining UNBC He helped deliver the skills to “communicate I have led the news that UNBC had UNBC’s stories to the university’s social reached top ranking in community.” media efforts and Canada for universities Peter said, “Since its size, the naming of joining UNBC I have have helped foster Daniel Weeks as new led the university’s increased audience university president, social media efforts engagement and is about to help and have helped foster the unveiling of UNBC’s new chancellor, increased audience engagement across to name some of the highlights. all platforms.”

He’s used to pressures like deadlines Lest one think Peter is solely intellectual, and public glare. As a news writer for he also has a deep knowledge and apthe Prince George Citizen, just prior to preciation of sports. He was a volunteer his UNBC appointment, (before that broadcaster for the Prince George Spruce he worked for the Postmedia Network Kings of the BC Hockey League and he in Ottawa, the Red Deer Advocate and is currently a volunteer writer and social the Kenora Daily Miner & News) he was media coordinator with the Cariboo nominated for multiple national awards.

Cougars Major Midget hockey team.

He got accolades for his information gathering and sensitive exposition on issues like brain injuries, mental health,

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Ray Noonan | 39 Financial Consultant Scotia Private Client Group Ray Noonan’s educational background is into social development. For example, as varied as his personal interests now. He for 10 years he sat on the Prince George got his first UNBC degree in 1998, a BachCommunity Foundation, where he is now elor of Science, then got another one in president. “The organization has grown 2006, this time an MBA. He also holds an from $1.5 million in endowments to $9.5 associate degree from the Institute of Camillion over that time,” Noonan said. nadian Bankers and recently completed Likewise, he has also been at School Disthe CSI Canadian Securities Course. trict 57’s Springboard to Success ScholarHe said, “I have worked for the Scotiabank ship Committee table for the past nine Group for 19 years, the years. His peers chose Ray is consistently past 10 with the Scotia him for the Northern ranked amongst the Private Client Group,” Scotiabankers Employtop producers in B.C. where he operated out ees’ Association where and has been the top of all 16 northern B.C. he is the president. provider of insurance Scotiabank branches He is a member of the solutions nationally for working “exclusively PG Estate Planning the past four years with high net-worth Council, he is a volunclients providing investment, estate and teer director of the McLeod Lake Indian trust, insurance and private banking Band’s Industrial Board helping guide services.” He recently took on the role enterprises like the Duz Cho Group of of Scotiabank’s College Heights branch Companies, and he volunteers with the manager.

College Heights Community Association.

One of his advocates said, “Ray is consisHe was given a particular honour recently tently ranked amongst the top producers that exemplifies the esteem Noonan has in B.C. and has been the top provider of earned in the community. He received insurance solutions nationally for the past the 2015 Outstanding Alumni Award for four years.”

Community Service for all past UNBC It was never enough for Noonan to simgraduates. ply excel at work. He dug deeply into the community, turning his business acumen

Proud to be a part of your community.

Congratulations to Ray Noonan and all those recognized in this year’s Top 40 Under 40!

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PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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Reza Akbari | 30

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Proprietor and General Manager Shiraz Café & Restaurant Business Excellence Awards, achieved Some restaurant owners become popular a 2015 “Best Service Award” from Trip for their cuisine and ambience. Reza Adviser, was nominated as one of the Top Akbari has become legendary. His trophy case is getting cluttered with all his ac4 Immigrant Entrepreneurs in B.C., and colades since opening Shiraz five years many other accolades.

“Throughout my professional career I ago, and the word-of-mouth affirmation have worked to always improve and emis hurricane force. power my team,” he said. “I believe this is Shiraz itself would seem an impossible dream in Prince George until only rethe key to success and growth. As a matcently, but Reza sensed ter of fact, in addition Reza is not a Canadian to all the achievements the population would by birth, moving here Shiraz has accomsupport a Persian about 15 years ago into dining spot, and his plished, I have been this culture far differbusiness acumen was involved in building a ent from his Middle correct. logistical partnership Eastern upbringing. with Canada’s popular Reza is not a Canadian national brand Blosby birth, moving here about 15 years ago into this culture far soms Fresh Fruit Arrangements.”

He is also a lover of the arts. He is a board different from his Middle Eastern upbringmember of UNBC’s campus radio station ing. He plunged into higher education, learning the principles of business in CFUR, was a photographer and editor of UNBC’s marketing program (he is now the UNBC newspaper Over The Edge, and at Shiraz he provides a stage for weekly pursuing an MBA there). He also worked concerts featuring local and visiting for Coca Cola and Bacardi as a highly musicians. successful sales agent in this region. He applied this foundation to his business He also got elected to the Chamber of Commerce board of directors which only plan for a restaurant. adds to the endearment the city feels for For his trouble he has won multiple top this ambitious and visionary entrepreneur. categories at the Chamber of Commerce

Rheanna Robinson | 38 Aboriginal Relations Advisor UNBC Through her academic accomplishments, number jumps to 55. cultural understanding, and diplomacy Her Metis heritage has been a driving in the new age of aboriginal restoraforce in her activism. She has been a tion, Rheanna Robinson is a leader by all guest speaker more than 30 times at definitions. scholarly or professional events.

Her accomplishments are dizzying. “I have “I am dedicated to the promotion and been awarded 17 different scholarships awareness to enhance aboriginal educaat UNBC and UBC including a prestigious tion in a way that is respectful, innovative doctoral fellowship. In 2007 I was nomiand forward-thinking,” Robinson said. “I am nated as an Aboriginal a proud Metis scholar Youth Role Model with and am passionate I am dedicated to the National Aboriginal about my research the promotion and Health Organization’s contributions.” awareness to enhance ‘Learning to Lead’ role She has taught and aboriginal education in model program. In conducted research a way that is respect2012 I was awarded at UNBC since 2006. ful, innovative and ‘UNBC Alumni of the She has served on the forward-thinking.

Year’ in the category of UNBC Senate since Community Service.”

2007.

Originally from Smithers, Robinson moved “Recently I was named Senior Advisor to Lhedli T’enneh First Nation territory to to the President on aboriginal relations attend UNBC where she earned Underat UNBC and begin a faculty position grad and Master degrees in History and (professorial) with the Department of First First Nations Studies. She is now close to a Nations Studies in January, 2016,” she said, PhD from UBC in Educational Studies. demonstrating her leadership of other Since 2001 she has served in various roles leaders. with 11 different community organizaDaniel Weeks, UNBC President, said, “By tions or initiatives from the School District naming a dedicated senior advisor, I am 57 Aboriginal Education board to the signaling the importance I place on abPG Metis Community Association. When original discussions happening at UNBC university initiatives are factored in, the and in the communities we serve.”

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Rich Abney | 28

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CKPG Sports Director CKPG - The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group his work – the urge to inform and provide Sportscaster and community leader Rich knowledge of the human condition over Abney got Prince George on his waveand above the margins of victory and the length almost immediately. He has lived in the city for only a few years, but quickly colour of medals. embraced his new community and set to He delves underneath these surfaces by participating in his community, not work shining a spotlight on its achievers just pointing a camera in its direction. and achievements. His medium is televiHe takes on additional roles for UNBC, sion, working for CKPG as Sports Director, his first posting out of his BCIT broadcastthe Elizabeth Fry Society, the Special ing program.

Olympics program, He delves underand professional As such, he has won neath these surfaces mentorship that the RTDNA (Associaby participating in tion of Electronic Jourspreads the values of his community, not nalists) sports story of humanistic journalism just pointing a camthe year both provinto the next generation era in its direction. of broadcasters. cially and nationally, “I have established a and earned the Norm Wright BC Lacrosse Media Person of the program for young, aspiring broadcasters to actually get their stories on TV,” he Year. This latest honour of being named explained. This, on top of his daily duties to the Prince George Chamber of Commerce Top 40 Under 40 he considers as a working journalist and a department humbling and “affirming that I am workmanager.

“I made it my mission to give the local ing hard for the right reasons.” coverage back to local people, which we One of his supporters said “Rich doesn’t had gotten away from, and while it is far just cover the sports; he covers stories about our fine community’s residents.” more work and time, it has been wildly rewarding putting the ‘local’ back in local Perhaps it isn’t surprising that his first coverage.” plan in post-secondary education was to become a school teacher, and it shows in

Ross Birchall | 25 Managing Partner Wellesley Consulting Group (WCG) Ross Birchall grew up on Vancouver Island, George through 2013-14 and I am President-elect for the 2015-16 year,” he then came here to attend UNBC in 2007. said. He also chairs Rotary’s men’s health Since then he has become a force for the initiative, and also sat on the PG Hospice Prince George way of life – everything Society’s board. from public health to economic developHe also connects business with philanment to kids’ hockey. thropy by sitting on the Downtown Prince “I am continuously humbled by and George board to improve the city’s core appreciative of the City of Prince George for the benefit of the whole area. and its people, and am proud to call it my “He has successfully home,” he said.

He has successfully Here he founded WCG brought economic brought economic dedevelopment oppor– a business developvelopment opportuniment and marketing tunities to the region, ties to the region, such firm – that now has such as Google’s Street as Google’s Street Views For Business an active presence in Views For Business Vancouver and Victoria. program, and served program. on several committees WCG was nominated focusing on tourism and hospitality,” said for five trophies at the 2015 Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards! one of Birchall’s supporters.

On the humanitarian front, Birchall shines He is comfortable chairing meetings, even brighter. He is one of the spearheads advocating to government, commentating on radio, or doing the mundane but each year of the Big Blue Ball event raising important work of selling raffle tickets. money for men’s cancer concerns (he is also active with the city’s prostate cancer When someone is willing to see even the smallest task through to completion, support group), and he is an extraordinary volunteer with Rotary, winning Rotarian of be that in business or in charity, that the Year in 2015. becomes a valuable asset to the entire community.

“A Rotarian since age 10, I was SergeantAt-Arms for the Rotary Club of Prince

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Satinder Klair | 35

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Senior Account Manager The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group “Having lived all over the world,” said She coaches youth sports, sits on the Satinder Klair, “I am very passionate Elizabeth Fry Society board, mentors about Prince George and proud to be a with the JDC-West team at UNBC, is the member of this amazing community.” volunteer coordinator of marketing for Her global experiences now help the lothe Northern BC Friends Of Children cal business community through Klair’s Society, helps organize the CIBC Run For position with the broadcasting stations The Cure event, and other pursuits. that act as an advertising vehicle for She co-created the Spread the Sunshine companies and agencies of all kinds.

Campaign, an initiative that helps 52 Klair helps these charities in 52 weeks. clients match their She received an apThere are many types needs to the eyes and preciation award from of leaders in this ears of the audience. the Violence Against world, and in busi“Building corporate Women In Relationness. I strongly bevalue is my experships Committee for lieve the best leaders tise,” she said. “My her work towards are the ones who lead strengths lie in my ending violence without a title ability to conceive against women, but and implement the real reward for strategic marketing plans in order to her is seeing positive change in society identify new market opportunities, initithrough these initiatives. ate product and service introductions, “There are many types of leaders in this and negotiate strategic partnerships to world, and in business. I strongly believe drive market expansion and revenue the best leaders are the ones who lead growth. The constant reward: helping without a title,” she said. “They do not my clients succeed.” use their power or positions to achieve She spreads her leadership qualities to results. Building team morale and utilizphilanthropic causes and to alternate ing individual team members’ strengths business ventures as well, each experiis how I achieve premium results for our ence deepening her ability to empaclients.” thize with clients in her primary career.

Scott McWalter | 31 Marketing & Communications Officer UNBC Some might argue Scott McWalter with UNBC, drawing attention and forgwould make the city’s Top 40 list no ing partnerships between the university matter what the age criteria. In only and the public. In fact, the two have a couple of years he has become a been complementary. household community name thanks To the same ends, he also invented the to the success of the website he coGoal Spank initiative for those setting founded, a little Facebook page called fitness benchmarks for themselves (he Hell Yeah Prince George (HYPG) that is a fitness instructor, too, to go along has become nothing short of legendwith his MBA from UNBC). He is also on ary for drumming up the city’s triathlon The HYPG success community spirit and committee, five years hasn’t overshadowed exposing a deep love on the indoor soccer his role with UNBC, local residents have league’s board, is drawing attention and for this area. Heaps a guest speaker at forging partnerships of money has been many community between the university raised for charities, events, and particiheaps of attention pates in many of the and the public. has come to worthy most challenging area businesses and not-for-profits, and fitness events he helps train others for. heaps of praise have been piled upon “Whenever I take on a task, I always HYPG organizers. ensure there is a goal attached to it,” he “Scott’s efforts created a group of over said. “As lead organizer of the Terry Fox 26,000 individuals who love where Run, my team strove to surpass 1,000 they live and want to talk about it,” said participants in 2014 and we conquered one of his supporters. “This initiative this goal via viral marketing.” has changed the way Prince Georgians It makes us all wonder, with big expectfeel about their own community and ant grins, what goal Scott will try to the way the community is perceived spank next. elsewhere.”

He has managed to ensure the HYPG success hasn’t overshadowed his role

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Stephanie & Mark Trumphour | 33

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Owners Ruckus Skis, Boards & Bikes like the Pidherney Recreation Site, he The call of B.C.’s mountains brought was head tech on the Tour De Jasper the Trumphours here from Ontario. bike event for the past seven years, and Stephanie completed her BA in Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism from UNBC more. and the two of them worked together Their schedules were busy, and so was the door of Ruckus. They were pleasto set up shop – literally. antly forced to expand, and now the They both had lifelong histories working place is double its original size. in recreation shops and ski/board hills, so the time and place was right to start “They offer a welcoming environment up Ruckus Skis, Boards from the moment They offer a weltheir dog greets you & Bikes. coming environat the door,” said one “We started the busiment from the ness in 2009 from the supporter. “They moment their dog ground up at the age cater to everyone – greets you at the of 27. We became from the hardcore door, they cater to sponsored athletes, to heavily involved in everyone. the weekend warrior, the cycling and ski community from the start, building to the parents looking for a run-bike.

You never feel dumb when you have to bike trails, putting on clinics, and other bring in your bike ‘because the thingy is events. The goal was to bring cycling and ski communities together and grow making a weird sound.’” the sports while making a living doing They are supporters of Bike to Work Week, host PG Cycling Club road rides, something we both love.” do outreach to women, support youth, Stephanie has been the organizer of and contribute to community causes. ladies’ beginner bike clinics and group rides, plus events at local ski hills, and They don’t promote healthy living and positive recreation because it’s good for other volunteer opportunities. Meanbusiness – for Mark and Stephanie, it is while, Mark has organized trail-building the other way around. groups to develop downhill biking spots

What we can do for you is just smart business.

696 Brunswick Street, Prince George, BC | Ph: 250.564.2660

www.dmca.bc.ca

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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37 Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan速 SPONSORED BY OVER 900 CHAMBERS ACROSS CANADA, SEE WHY MORE THAN 25,000 FIRMS HAVE CHOSEN THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE GROUP INSURANCE PLAN! Guaranteed coverage for firms with 3 or more employees Pooled benefits, no firm singled out for a rate increase Coverage available for 1 person firms, farms and home-based business Comprehensive options including Dental, Major Medical, Disability Critical Illness and Overhead Expense plans Plans to suit your need and your budget

Contact Linda Rempel Linda Rempel, Certified Financial Planner

Sun Life Financial & The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan

886 Vancouver Street Prince George, BC, V2L 2P5 Phone: 250.614.0585 Fax: 250.614.0100

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Tim Bennett | 29

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Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters PG Elected Trustee, School District 57 Officer with the northern branch of the Isn’t it nice when predictions work out BC School Trustee Association. for the best? Tim Bennett was the 1999 At work he was the national BBBS Prince George Youth of the Year and this year, he is inducted into the city’s Top 40 Trailblazer Award winner in 2014. He Under 40. won the Chamber’s Community Impact Award and was a finalist for both the He gets this latest distinction for devotBusiness Person of the Year and the ing himself so effectively to other youth Hell Yeah PG Community Ambassador in the region - ALL other youth. As a vocation, Bennett is the Executive Directrophy. tor of the city’s Big “BBBS-PG grew the I believe that a child’s number of kids served Brothers-Big Sisters potential is unlimited from 160 in 2012 to organization. As an and when provided avocation, Bennett 278 in 2014,” he said. with the right opporis a two-term school “We started new tunities they will do trustee first winning programs, opened amazing things for our the Rotary Clubhouse election in 2011 (makcommunity. and grew the brand, ing him one of the youngest trustees in the province) then infrastructure and budget to match growth accordingly. We have grown the again in 2014. operating budget to $525,000 in 2015 “I believe that a child’s potential is unlimited and when provided with the from $350,000 in 2012.” right opportunities they will do amazing Somehow he has also found the time to serve six years on the board of Volunteer things for our community. Providing Prince George, helped launch the those opportunities today could be the Nechako Community Theatrics group, start of something big,” he said. He is his own example. was a member of the PG Literacy Advisory Committee, and other volunteer Bennett does much more in these roles efforts. It all adds to the youth legacy than just basic participation. Around the Tim has formed within his community. trustees’ table he is the Communications

Todd Jordan | 34 Men’s Basketball Head Coach UNBC The head coach of a university sports “I am responsible for the leadership of team is in the public spotlight, under 12 to 16 student athletes along with pressure on campus from all the intermy coaching staff,” Todd said. “I am ested fans of the team and the school, extremely proud of the advancements and is also a public figure in a position the team has achieved upon entry into of wider leadership than simply the the CIS, making the playoffs within our UNBC gym. Todd Jordan is someone first three years.” who thrives in this dynamic position.

Perhaps his passion is an echo of the One supporter said Todd was an cheers he received when he, too, wore exemplary coach, the T-wolf on his leading the men’s chest. Todd is a UNBC Todd is tireless in team “to the first CIS graduate (Accounting his efforts to presplayoff appearance in 2005, B.Ed in 2007) ent kids of all ages in in school history,” this and played on the P.G. with a chance to past season, “but what team at the time. He grow athletically and sets Todd apart from was born and raised his peers around the in Prince George. personally. league, as well as his He has a number peers at UNBC, is his of provincial and commitment to youth in Prince George.

PacWest titles to his history, he sits on Todd is tireless in his efforts to present administration positions like the comkids of all ages in P.G. with a chance to mittee that brought the CCAA National grow athletically and personally.”

Tournament to P.G. in 2009, and he also The UNBC Timberwolves team has involves himself in community initiajunior programs for which Todd plays tives like the Terry Fox Run and UNBC a leadership role (he founded these fundraising. programs), but he also participates off-campus as a coach and special guest at other athletic camps and amateur sports fundraisers. Special Olympics has a special place in his volunteer heart.

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The Prince George Chamber of Commerce

Prince George Showcase Tours Interviewing for a job in Prince George? Thinking about relocating?

Our tours can give you or your job recruit candidates, a guided one-on-one showcase experience of our wonderful city, its neighbourhoods, and school districts. We’ll describe what it’s like to live in PG while customizing the two-hour tour especially for you.

Prepare for what’s next...

Secure one of the most trusted references around by

Volunteering with the Chamber!

• GROW your professional network • CONNECT with business leaders New volunteer opportunities open weekly. Connect with us today!

250-562-2454 | admin@pgchamber.bc.ca

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The Tour Advantage: • See more than your hotel room • Expert tour guide with real local knowledge • Car and driver is supplied for a relaxed experience • Car seats included so family can join in • Unbiased info on schools, places of worship, neighbourhoods • Pick up and drop off from any point in PG

conGratulationS toP 40 under 40!

All Inclusive Tour Value: $75 To book your next Prince George Showcase Tour, contact our Chamber today!

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250.562.2454 | www.pgchamber.bc.ca

Prince GeorGe office 1100 Pacific Street | Prince GeorGe 250-563-0331 | www.finninG.com

Congratulations!

Dean Rolufs, Investment Advisor with CIBC Wood Gundy Prince George Branch has been nominated as a finalist for Prince George’s 2016 Top 40 Under 40.

café & restaurant

Northern BC’s First Persian Restaurant

The Prince George Chamber of Commerce selects the Top 40 Under 40 recipients based on values such as professional achievements, experience, leadership, and community involvement.

For all your financial planning needs, call: Dean Rolufs Investment Advisor 250 960-2711 dean.rolufs@cibc.ca

Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

250-596-7397 159 1600 15th Avenue, Parkwood Mall Prince George, BC V2L 3X3

CIBC Wood Gundy is a division of CIBC World Markets Inc., a subsidiary of CIBC and a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

If you are currently a CIBC Wood Gundy client, please contact your Investment Advisor.

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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TOP 40 UNDER 40

Partner

messages BDC

Sandra Rose Business Centre Manager, Prince George Business Centre Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

At BDC, we know that Prince George’s young leaders have the drive, the passion and the creativity to succeed. As the only Canadian bank dedicated exclusively to entrepreneurs, we are proud to celebrate once again the leadership and hard work of 40 outstanding young entrepreneurs, managers and professionals. You are the leaders of today and tomorrow. At BDC, we are proud of you, and you should all be proud of yourselves. And as long as this community continues to produce excellent business leaders like you, Prince George’s future is very bright. I wish you all continued success!

City of Prince George The City of Prince George is proud to join with the Chamber of Commerce and other local sponsors to celebrate the accomplishments of our community’s young people.

Watch for profiles of each “Top 40 Under 40” member on www.moveupprincegeorge.ca - our online portal to the great people and opportunities in Prince George.

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HYPG

HYPG! Scott McWalter Admin and Founder HYPG Facebook Page

Since the inception of HYPG in March 2014, many extraordinary collaborations and synergies with the Prince George Chamber of Commerce have manifested. On behalf of the HYPG Admin Team, it has been an absolute honour to partner with the PG Chamber on various events, initiatives and difference-making activities. Congratulations and Hell Yeah to everyone in this Top 40 Under 40 publication who continue to meaningfully contribute to this wonderful community of ours.

TELUS

Lance MacDonald General Manager Customer Solutions Delivery - Northern BC Telus

At TELUS we have a value set that steers our business and our culture.

• We embrace change and initiate opportunity • We have a passion for growth • We believe in spirited teamwork • We have the courage to innovate Being true to values guides difficult decisions and fosters success.

Living in Prince George, I have learned this is a community of change and opportunity, of growth, of innovation and where spirited teamwork is lived every day.

Congratulations to our top 40 in Prince George. I am looking forward to watching you all help our community grow in healthy and prosperous ways.

UNBC Looking through the pages of this magazine you will meet 40 people who are making a difference and taking on leadership roles in their workplaces and throughout the community. As the top university of its size in the country, UNBC is committed to educating the next generation of northern leaders and the University is thrilled to see so many of its alumni and staff members selected for this years crop of Top 40 Under 40 in Prince George.

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IntroducIng Introduc ng the Brand rand new

Scholarship!

Are you currently a CNC or UNBC student who loves Prince George? Here’s how you can apply for this $1000 Scholarship:

1 | Provide proof of CNC or UNBC admission; 2 | Brief introduction of yourself (250 words or less); 3 | Take a selfie with Mr. PG; 4 | List the Top 10 reasons why you love Prince George; 5 | Donate $20 to a local charity of your choice; 6 | Prank call a friend or relative (let us know how it went!); 7 | Provide a local business with a shout-out on the HYPG Facebook Page; 8 | Attend a group fitness class at the Northern Sport Centre (which class did you GoalSpank?); 9 | Name one person who inspires you, and why; 10 | Tell us about a major long-term goal you have! *Once complete, e-mail this information/content/imagery to mail@scottmcwalter.com **$1000 scholarships released every February and October!

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Hub City Volkswagen

PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 2016/2017

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HYPG!

1. Buying your dream home is a realistic goal.

Similar homes in Prince George sell for a small fraction of prices in Vancouver and other large cities.

2. We’re actually central.

It only takes an hour to fly from the Prince George Airport to the Vancouver or Calgary Airports.

3. JOBS! We’re among the frontrunning cities in job creation.

Where there’s economic growth, there’s opportunity. We have both. When you look at drivers of the provincial economy, look to Prince George.

4. Bring your sunglasses: we have 4 seasons with 2,000 hours of sunshine per year.

There are many opportunities to enjoy an active lifestyle 12 months per year.

5. We’re accessible.

Our airport (YXS) has seen a 30% increase in passengers over the last decade.

S TART E XPLO RING O PP O RTU NITIE S IN PRIN CE G EO RG E

moveupprincegeorge.ca

6. You won’t spend your free time stuck in traffic.

It’s a 15-minute drive to anywhere in Prince George, with great public transportation, and bike lanes too!

7. We’re the region’s centre for healthcare.

People come to Prince George for great healthcare and specialized physicians.

8. We have fun for the whole family.

We have endless amenities, shopping, arts and entertainment for indoor and outdoor enthusiasts in Prince George.

9. We have top notch education facilities.

Your kids can go from pre-school to PhD education and even become a doctor without having to leave Prince George.

10. We’re urban.

We are a city of 80,000 people with a full range of urban amenities nestled amidst the natural beauty of the outdoors.