Lawsuits filed against PHA

Photo: Castanet Staff

The Penticton Hospitality Association is dealing with lawsuits again.

Two civil suits were filed Nov. 17 in B.C. Supreme Court against the association, which promotes the interests of the hospitality industry in Penticton and Wine Country.

One was filed by Tim Hodgkinson, a former employee, and the other by Niche Plus Digital Inc., a media and digital marketing company.

Hodgkinson is seeking damages in the amount of $108,000 for breach of contract and unpaid hours, while Niche is seeking $40,377.75 for an invoice that hasn't been paid.

According to the Hodgkinson lawsuit, he was hired as an administrative and marketing consultant for the PHA in July of 2012. He was also elected to the board of directors and given the title of operations director.

But in September of 2015, the PHA board voted to terminate the agreement with Hodgkinson, leading him to seek relief for breach of contract and unpaid hours he worked from Sept. 1 to Sept. 21.

In the second lawsuit, Niche Plus Digital and the PHA entered into a service agreement in July of 2013, whereby the company would provide several services including the development of community strategies and executing digital marketing campaigns.

On Sept. 1, the company issued an invoice for the many services rendered, which has not been paid despite their demands.

PHA president Barb Haynes said it's disappointing, but the matter is before the courts and in the hands of the lawyers.

Prior to this, the PHA was involved in a legal dispute with the city of Penticton.