2024-26 Board of Directors' Election

Electronic Voting Open March 5th to March 11th, 2024

Meet Your Nominees (in alphabetical order)

Remaining and Outgoing Board Members Listed Below Nominees

Dan Arbeau, Owner of NetDNA Technology Solutions Inc.

What drives me towards serving on the Chamber Board of Directors is my commitment to leveraging my experience for the betterment of our local business community. I see immense potential in bridging the gaps between various sectors, including tech, to create a more robust and interconnected business environment in Penticton. My goal is to contribute strategic insights and a fresh perspective to support the Chamber's initiatives, ensuring our local businesses not only thrive but also adapt to the evolving economic landscape. I'm excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively with fellow board members to drive meaningful progress for our community, and intend to serve as a collaborative bridge, enhancing connections between the Chamber and diverse industries, including tech, to foster a robust economic environment. Click here to read more about Dan...

Tanya Behardien, Executive Director at OneSky Community Resources

I am a dedicated and strategically focused senior management executive with the vision, experience, and leadership skills to take key organizational goals and embed them into well-defined strategic directives. I have over 30 years of experience in social service sector development, strategic planning, organizational and team leadership, fund development, program management and quality assurance.

I have served on the board of the Federation of Community Social Services of BC, and am the current Past-President. I was also a Board Director of BC CEO Network for two terms. In addition, I have experience with various local and provincial tables and committees, including co-chair of 100 More Homes. Click here to read more about Tanya...

Janine Cumberland, Owner of Enchanted Florist and Paradox Wedding and Events

I strongly believe in the the mission of the Chamber of Commerce and their power advocate in every aspect of business. As an entrepreneur, I have been a strong supporter of small business as well as women in business, and my strong will gets stuff done. I want to help make our community a safer and a more vibrant tourist, shopping, and place to stay-cation. I have also started a new business called Helping Hands Okanagan, where we help seniors transition into care homes or move in with their children, packing, moving, and selling items they no longer have connection to- or room for. Click here to read more about Janine...

Cherry Fernandez, Executive Director at South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services (SOICS)

I hope to positively contribute to the Chamber by drawing upon my experience in the non-profit sector along with my passion for increasing awareness about minority groups. With a background in advocating for the needs of small urban, rural, and remote centers, I aim to leverage this expertise to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in Penticton. My rich background in cultural diversity, acquired through both my professional career and lived experiences as a resident Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, South Korea, and France, equips me to foster inclusivity within the Chamber. I intend to promote an environment that recognizes and embraces the diverse perspectives and contributions of businesses and individuals. Click here to read more about Cherry...

Kori Iceton, Co-Owner of The Hub on Martin

I have been in the Hospitality and Food & Beverage Industry for the past 25 years and have a passion for creating events and memories for both myself and my community. As a mother and business owner, the draw to support and strengthen our community is calling.

I lead with positivity in all things I do, and am a self proclaimed "solutionist". Recently, the businesses on Martin Street have been working together to initiate a "Meet Me On Martin" following, creating a Food & Entertainment District in downtown Penticton. The concept of Co-opetition, as opposed to Competition, is something I learned in college and has always stuck with me because working together has a much higher impact than working as alone. Click here to read more about Kori...

Ian Lindsay, CEO of the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation

I bring a multifaceted set of talents, skills, and experiences that I believe would significantly benefit the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. My leadership experience, both professionally and as a volunteer, equips me with the ability to guide and inspire others towards common goals. Through my work career, I have successfully led teams, implemented strategic initiatives, and navigated complex challenges. This leadership acumen will be instrumental in contributing to the Chamber's decision-making processes, fostering collaboration, and steering the organization toward continued success. Click here to read more about Ian...

Pius Omene, Associate (Lawyer) at FH&P Lawyers LLP

I am a legal practitioner and have been in the practice of law for over a decade. That legal training and experience has made me detail oriented, organized, adept at research and advocacy amongst other things. I very recently moved to Penticton and I am still in the process of settling in and trying to network with other professionals. I hope to expand my reach and network as well as build some leadership and organizational skills while giving back to the community.

Click here to read more about Pius...

Priya Sachdeva, Founder and Chief Sales Advisor of Sales Scalability

As I settle into the community here in Penticton I feel there is an opportunity to contribute to the economic development by supporting local businesses. I have worked with Niti Ayog (a government body built to support businesses to find growth ideas and resources) in India. As a Mentor of Change, I have learnt that business owners of small- to mid size businesses lean heavily on local bodies and associations to provide them education and guidance to grow and manage business effectively. I would like to have the opportunity to contribute to the community here that has welcomed me with open arms.

Click here to read more about Priya...

Laura Sankey, JCI Penticton

Penticton holds a special place in my heart, as my hometown and where my children are now growing up. I am deeply invested in seeing our community thrive economically and socially. My interest in serving on the board of directors stems from a desire to actively contribute to this growth and help ensure Penticton's vibrant future. As a passionate advocate for inclusivity and collaboration within the business community, my beliefs align closely with The Chamber's commitment to fostering a diverse, vibrant, and growing business community. Additionally, he Chamber's core values of integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, courageousness, and collaboration resonate with my values and aspirations.

Click here to read more about Laura...

Shane Squires, General Manager of Cascades Casino

I am applying to be on the Chamber Board of Directors because I honestly believe I can help make a difference. Currently, I am the General Manager of Cascades Casino and previous to that, the General Manager of Chances Casino in Williams Lake. I have been employed in many sectors throughout my life, from driving a forklift and blowing insulation to being a graduated audio engineer and working every position in the food and beverage industry. I would like to take everything I have learned and experienced from all these walks of life and apply it to helping make my community stronger and foster a culture of businesses helping one another to achieve a greater goal.

Click here to read more about Shane...

Current Directors entering 2nd Year of 2-Year Term

Name	Company
Harpreet Sidhu	HEK Yeah Media
Dale Cory	Skaha Ford
Rohan Katyal	RBC Royal Bank
Jordan Knox	RONA
Marlene Trenholm	Partner Co - Health and Wellness
Sarah Tucker	Graphically Hip

Outgoing (Exiting) Directors

Name	Company
Dan Arbeau (Running for another term in Current Election)	NetDNA Technology Solution
Janine Cumberland (Running for another term in Current Election)	Enchanted Florist
Nicole Clark (will remain on Board as non-voting, ex-officio Member Past President)	Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen
Linda Sankey	SOS Brain Injury Society
Jonathan McGraw	Jonathan McGraw Inc.
Lyndie Hill	Hoodoo Adventure Company
Katie O'Kell	Serendipity Winery Ltd

In accordance with the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce By-Laws, the Chamber called for nominations to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors are volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds who are elected for two-year terms to manage the affairs of the Board in accordance with the Chamber's bylaws.

Nominees are owners or employees of a member organization that is in good standing prior to the nominations closing date on Wednesday, February 23, 2024 and were employed by the Chamber within the last 2 years.

*Member in good standing is the status assigned to a member of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce when their organization has remained current on Chamber membership fees and payments. The term is construed under ordinary rules and with reference to the by-laws and constitution of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce.

There are 8 Board of Director seats available for a 2 year term and 10 nominees.