Kootenay Lake Chamber of Commerce
Box 120, Crawford Bay, BC V0B 1E0 www.kootenaylake.bc.ca info@kootenaylake.bc.ca
May 18, 2021 – The Kootenay Lake Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its appointment of Farley Cursons of Riondel as the organization’s first-ever Executive Director. He starts immediately in this part-time contract position.
“We are delighted to have Farley join our dedicated team of volunteer directors that work collaboratively to provide our business community with a high level of service and support. His knowledge of and devotion to the East Shore, as well as his ability to gather people to work together toward common goals, will serve us well,” says KLCC President Gina Medhurst, owner of Kootenay Forge.
Gina also noted the Chamber’s appreciation of the Economic Development Commission/RDCK Area A funding for the Executive Director position in 2021, and the support of Area Director Gary Jackman.
First priorities for Farley’s work will include connecting with current and potential members, taking over some administrative functions currently handled by volunteers, investigating communication and educational opportunities for members, and connecting with regional business development associates.
His professional and volunteer background includes Executive Director of East Shore Trail and Bike Association (ESTBA); Project Manager for Creston/Kootenay Lake Economic Action Partnership establishing an agriculture worker campground in response to COVID-19; Project Manager for Building East Shore Tourism (BEST) and Executive Director/Co-Producer of Starbelly Jam, a leader of Guiding Hands Recreation Society, plus various local committees and steering groups in RDCK Area A.
“Please welcome Farley to this new position and offer your support,” adds Gina. He may be reached at executivedir@kootenaylake.bc.
In other Chamber organizational news, business and personal priorities triggered by the Provincial ‘reset/lockdown’ have led to changes in volunteer leadership. Gina returned to the role of President this month due to the resignation of Ron Mondor of Destiny Bay.
“We express our deep gratitude to Ron for his years of leadership and dedication to the East Shore business community. We will miss him and wish him well,” Gina says on behalf of the entire board.
Richard Bertram, general manager of Kokanee Springs Golf Course and Resort, also stepped down as Vice-President and will continue as a director, including representing KLCC on the Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism Board.
Megan Rokeby-Thomas, owner-operator of Ladybug Coffee of Kootenay Bay steps into the Vice-President role.
Other current directors are:
- Karen Arrowsmith – Secretary, owner of Arrowsmith Gallery
- Lois Wakelin – Treasurer, owner of Lakeview Store & Campground
- Herve Blezy – owner of Blezy Consulting Inc.
- Megan Rokeby Thomas – owner of Ladybug Cafe
- Gauri Taylor-Topp – resident of Yasodhara Ashram
- Janet Wallace – owner of Barefoot Handweaving
The Chamber board looks forward to an energizing, focused year in which members’ interests are enhanced in innovative, sustainable ways.