Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK) turned 30 on April 20.

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 Co-working Space in Cranbrook to support the organization. Speeches were delivered by Sean Campbell, General Manager CFEK; Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka; 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.

“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 30 years! Thank you,” said Sean Campbell at the celebration.

Another anniversary was celebrated by Keri Sanderman, Investment Fund Manager (pictured left addressing the June 20 gathering) who received praise for her 10 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.

Lead image: 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. Carrie Schafer/e-KNOW photos

Submitted

Article Share