New exec for board of trade

The Greater Westside Board of Trade has installed a new board of directors.

Photo: Twitter

Norm LeCavalier

Leading the business group for 2015 is chairman Norm LeCavalier of Silver Fox Business Strategies.
Vice-chair is Chris Cruz of AMC Tours & Delicious Donuts. The vice-president's role will be filled by Noreen Redman, finance and corporate services manager at Kelowna International Airport.
Gary Schlenker of Grant Thornton accountants is treasurer. Marek Buryska of Valley First Credit Union is past co-chair.

Directors at large include: Jesse Bernhardt of Pushor Mitchell, Aaron Dodsworth of White Kennedy, Holly Plante of Unveil Shuttles, Bill Raine of Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty, Elfriede Schmoll of Best Western Wine Country Hotel & Suites, Gene Stafford of Appleton Waste Services and Coun. Mic Werstuik of the Westbank First Nation. 

"We have an ambitious program again this year with our focus on tourism and transportation," says LeCavalier.

"It has become apparent that building relationships with communities outside of the Okanagan including Fort McMurray, Whitehorse, Cranbrook and most recently Trail, with the recent establishment of direct flights to these cities, is critical to increasing economic activity here in the Okanagan. The directors ... believe taking a leadership role and making the right connections with key people from these locations will drive our local economy forward and faster."

LeCavalier says 2014 tourism statistics for the Westside were very encouraging.

"There is room to grow, and it's time to take advantage of the rising American dollar," adds Cruz.