BRITISH COLUMBIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Winter, President of the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce announces the new BC Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at the group’s 54^th Annual General Meeting in Panorama Mountain Village, Invemere, BC. The Chamber is pleased to announce Robert Wickson of Discovery Economic Consulting as Chair of the Board.

“No other organisation in the province can boast a Board with the range of skills and experience representing businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions of the province as the BC Chamber of Commerce," stated John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber. “It is a testament to the strength of the chamber movement across the province that once again the BC Chamber has attracted an amazing group of talented individuals to its Board. The individuals that make up our Board will ensure that the Chamber continues to play a leadership role as the Voice of BC Business.”

Please see the attached backgrounder for details on our new Chair of the BC Chamber Board of Directors, Robert Wickson, along with details on all BC Chamber of Commerce 2006 Board members. If you would like pictures or a biography of any of the Board members please contact Jon Garson at 604 638 8113 or by email at jgarson@bcchamber.org.

The British Columbia Chamber of Commerce is the widest and broadest based business organization in the province. Represents more than 130 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and 31,000 businesses from every size, sector and region of the province the BC Chamber is “The Voice of BC Business.”

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Robert Wickson Chair of the BC Chamber Board of Directors

Robert Wickson is a Partner in Discovery Economic Consulting, a consulting firm that provides expert testimony to the Courts and other economic advice. He earned a double major Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and history from the University of Victoria in 1983. In 1990 he became active in the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, taking on the role of President in 2000.

Mr Wickson other activities include a recently completed 4-year term as the Chair of the City of Victoria’s Transportation Advisory Committee, Director of Victoria Green Challenge Society (publisher of the Environews), Director of Smart Growth BC, and President of IslandTransformations.org. His is currently the President of the Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society, a director of Capital Bike and Walk, a director of the Spectrum Job Search Centre and Treasurer of the Gorge Tillicum Community Association. Rob has also recently been appointed to BC Hydro’s Electricity Conservation & Efficiency Advisory Committee.

Mr. Wickson’s current goals include finding ways to harmonize sustainable economic development in a growing economy. The question becomes “How can we create a liveable community that allows our citizens to prosper?” The answer has to include innovations and leadership from the business community.

Mr. Wickson is married to Claudia; they have two daughters, both in school. Rob is an avid guitar player, enjoys golf when he can and camping holidays with his family.

Joining Mr. Wickson on the 2006-2007 Executive Committee are:

First Vice Chair                                                                                 

Daren Hancott                                                                                  

Campus Director - University of Phoenix

Vancouver

Second Vice Chair

Justin Rigsby

Controller/Partner - Alm-Wood Contracting

Campbell River

Immediate Past Chair

Mike Bradshaw

Fraser Valley Health Authority - Surrey

Helen Dutch

Manager, Assurance and Advisory - Deloitte & Touche LLP

Vancouver

 

Executive at Large 

Dr M. L. (Layne) Marshall

M. L. Marshall & Associates

Campbell River

Jim Tighe

President

Black Press

Victoria

John Turner

Manager, Land Resources & Community Relations

Duke Energy Gas Transmission

Fort St John

 

Directors at Large

Peter W. Brown

Lawyer - Peter W. Brown Law Corporation

Vancouver

Rod Cox

President - CFR Management Inc.

Terrace

Tony Pereira

Partner/VP Operations - Foresite Consultants Ltd

Salmon Arm

Inde Sumal

Regional Manager - Mortgage Specialists

RBC Royal Bank

Surrey

Kathi Thompson

President - Strategic Relations

Vancouver

 

District Directors

Andrea Wagemaker

Manager, Catering - Coast Westerley Hotel

Courtenay

Pete Keber

Investment Adviser - Planning Tomorrows

Cobble Hill

Dave Allen

Owner - Dave Allen & Associates

Sechelt

Ed Gavsie

Vice President, Educator - Universal Learning Institute Ltd

Richmond

Bev Dornan

General Merchandise Manager - Otter Co-op

Aldergrove

Dan Albas

General Manager - Premier Martial Arts

Penticton

Shell Duggan

Owner - Interior Emulsions Ltd

Vernon

Sue Bock

Owner - Bock & Associates

Trail

Mac Campbell

President - Mac D. Campbell Associates Inc.

Kimberley

Karen Watt

CEO - Excel Personnel Inc.

Kamloops

Lorne Calder

CFO - Intregris Credit Union

Prince George

Susan Munro

Safety & Compliance Officer  - Streeper Contracting

Fort Nelson

Mike O’Neill

President - Creative Systems

Prince Rupert

 

Chair of Board of Governors

Gerry Martin

President - Kra-Mar

Terrace

 

Legal Council

Larry Nelson

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

Vancouver

 

BC & Yukon Junior Chamber of Commerce Representative

Jackie Ward

JCI British Columbia & Yukon

Cranbrook

 

BC Chamber of Commerce Executives Representative

Coralee Oakes

Manager - Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce

Quesnel