(TRI-CITIES) November 14, 2024 — The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce held its AGM yesterday, where members elected new and returning directors to the 2025 Board, and approved the incoming executive leadership. More than 90 members attended the event, held at the Vancouver Golf Club, Coquitlam.
Tri-Cities Chamber Board Chair Daniel Richardson speaks at the AGM, November 2024.
"It's been my honour to fulfill the role of Chamber Chair for 2024," said Daniel Richardson. "This year has been about stability for the Chamber because it's been a tough economic year for our businesses... and we were able to steady the ship, have a really good year, and build a good foundation for the Chamber's success for the years to come. The Chamber's membership is now at an all-time high of more than 1,300 member businesses."
Jennifer McKinnon, Director of HR, Manhas Health, is the new Chair of the Board for 2025, joined by Vivien Symington, Owner, Club Aviva, as Vice-Chair. Eric Salvador, CPA, Partner with Rise CPA Inc., is re-appointed as Treasurer. Daniel Richardson, Managing Partner, BTM Lawyers, will serve as Immediate Past Chair.
McKinnon, Symington and Salvador signed an oath of office with Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart, as required by Canada's Boards of Trade Act.
Incoming Board Chair Jennifer McKinnon (right) hugs incoming Vice Chair Vivien Symington, Tri-Cities Chamber AGM, Coquitlam, November 2024.
"The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce holds a special place in my heart," said Jennifer McKinnon. "It has been a significant part of my professional journey, providing me with opportunities to connect, learn and grow. Being a part of the Chamber is about something bigger than membership... It's about collaborative effort. It's about being part of a team. It's about lifting each other up, and bringing each other together, and creating an environment in which all businesses can thrive."
The newly elected director for a two-year term on the Board is Mohammad Darwish, President & CEO, Aplicata Technologies Inc. He joins four directors who were re-elected: Chris Chong, Butter Studios, Mike Forrest, Forrest Marine Ltd., Reihaneh Mirjani, Immigrant Link Centre Society and Soul Bite Food, and Pulkit Sharma, Peter Kiewit Sons ULC.
The executive and elected directors will join current directors who are entering the second year of their term: Katherine Kim, Business Development Bank of Canada, Justin Levine, Golbey Levine Lawyers + Advisors, Adel Gamar, GLG Ltd., Ryan Jamieson, Coquitlam Public Library, and Devin Sharma, Swanky HR.
Jenifer Wright, General Manager at Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club, stepped down as Past Chair, and now joins the Chamber’s Board of Governors.
Treasurer Eric Salvador presented the 2023 audited financial statements, which were approved by the membership along with the re-appointment of Clearline CPA as the Chamber's auditors for the 2024 fiscal year.
"I'd like to extend my thanks to all of our members for your continued support and commitment to the Chamber," said Eric Salvador. "We have made great strides this year and I'm confident that together we will continue to build on the momentum in the year ahead."
The Board of Directors is responsible for the Chamber's strategic planning, annual budget, and other governance matters, with CEO Leslie Courchesne, a non-voting member of the board. Board Directors also represent and promote the Chamber throughout the Tri-Cities and at the provincial and national levels.
The AGM was sponsored by Garton & Harris, West Coast Iron, and Butter Studios.
The Tri-Cities Chamber works to strengthen business and community in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra through advocacy, benefits, and connections for its members.
-30-
Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 1,300+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Courchesne, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com
604.468.6870