30 Years of Economic Development: Community Futures East Kootenay Celebrates Significant Milestone

June 26, 2018

Cranbrook, British Columbia – Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK) turned 30 on April 20th 2018. The organization invited regional economic development stakeholders, present and past directors and staff, and members of the community to celebrate this significant milestone last Wednesday evening. CFEK has been supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses, that are vital to economic resilience and growth, with small business loans and advice since 1988!

Nearly 75 attendees gathered at the Ground Floor Coworking Space to support the organization. Speeches were delivered by Sean Campbell, General Manager CFEK; Tom Shypitka, MLA for East Kootenay; Rachel Loganberg, Constituency Assistant on behalf of Doug Clovechok MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke; Mike Guarnery, Manager Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce and Bert Banks, Founding Director. Community Futures East Kootenay would like to thank The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Wayne Stetski MP for Kootenay-Columbia for sending their kind remarks on the occasion.

Past Chair Isabelle Simard (left) from Golden BC was the recipient of Volunteer of the Year, awarded by Sean Campbell (right).
Photo: Frida Viklund

Many people in the room have contributed significantly to the growth, direction and success that CFEK has experienced over the last three decades, and I know many of you will contribute to our continued success for the next thirty years! “Thank you” said Sean Campbell at the celebration.

Past and present staff and directors pictured from top left: Gladys Goss-Laing, Glen Leyden, Faye Sigurdson, Nikki Bradshaw, Nicole Anker, Isabelle Simard, Diana J Scott, Tracey Whiting, Vicki Knudsen, Bert Banks, Terry Anonson, Andre Labine, Shawna Baker, Layla Lye, Mike Guarnery, Margaret Teneese, Don McCormick, Elaina Englesby, Keri Sanderman, Barb Warman, Janice Alpine, Sean Campbell, Patricia Bowron, Sarah Bennett.
Photo: Frida Viklund

Another anniversary was celebrated by Keri Sanderman, Investment Fund Manager who received praise for her ten years of service as an employee of CFEK. Staff at the organization work for a volunteer board of directors who hold regional representation, sit on the loans committees, and contribute to the organization in many ways. This year’s winner of the Volunteer of the Year award, Isabelle Simard, Past Chair was also announced at the event.

Media Contact:

Sean Campbell
General Manager
Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK)
P: 250.489.4356
E: sean@cfek.ca

Small Business Training Focus of Partnership Between Community Futures East Kootenay and Chambers of Commerce

June 11, 2018

East Kootenay, British Columbia – Training opportunities for small businesses are the focus of a new collaboration in the region. Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK) announced today an event partnership with the Fernie Chamber of Commerce and Kimberley and District Chamber of Commerce to produce two professional development workshops for entrepreneurs in the region.

“Access to training for entrepreneurs and their employees is a valuable opportunity for our business community. Partnering with the chambers of commerce to produce the events is a practical and collaborative way to connect with entrepreneurs” says Sean Campbell, General Manager at CFEK.

Communications for Small Business Success takes place in Kimberley on June 27th and Fernie on June 28th. Dan Wall of Firelight Communications from Nelson, BC, is facilitating the workshops to help businesses and organizations see how their communications supports their business goals.

“The workshops are participatory and engaging for everyone. It’s a great chance for collaboration. Good communication is two-way communication” says Wall.

CFEK is looking for more opportunities to work with professionals to deliver business development and training programs. The organization is encouraging facilitators/trainers with expertise in areas relevant to small business success and small businesses looking for training opportunities to contact their office.

CFEK promotes economic development and the creation of jobs and wealth in the East Kootenay region by providing small-business loans for start-up, expansion or the purchase of existing businesses. In addition to financial support, CFEK offers a variety of business-related services, including knowledgeable, professional business consultation.

For more information about the events, please contact CFEK at info@cfek.ca

Media Contact:

Sean Campbell
General Manager
Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK)
P: 250.489.4356
E: sean@cfek.ca