2013 Board of Directors
Peggy Hunt
Chair, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
Translink
Peggy Hunt has over 25 years of experience as a public relations and communications specialist. She also has 14 years experience as an entrepreneur; owning and operating retail, whole and franchise business in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
She is a former director and executive committee member of the Surrey Board of Trade, having served on that board for some 9 to 10 years. She has served as a Board member of the Tri-Cities Chamber since 2009 and also co-chairs the Chamber’s Transportation Committee. Peggy has also participated on municipal Public Safety and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees, and Police Officer of the Year Awards Committees. She is a member of the Canadian Public Relations Society, has her International Association of Public Participation Certification in Public Participation and serves as vice-chair of the Canadian Urban Transportation Association as well as being a public affairs committee member for the association.
In her current position as Manager, Government Relations, with TransLink’s customer and public engagement division, Peggy is responsible for supporting public consultation and government relations, corporate communications, the Executive Team and Board Chair in planning and executing strategic government and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
Peggy resides locally and is a member of Port Coquitlam’s ‘Mayors Action Team on Homelessness’ (MATH) Taskforce. She has held various senior positions in private and crown corporations as well as owning her own strategic communications consulting firm.
In addition to her professional life, Peggy enjoys boating, running and traveling. She had the good fortune of being a part of a team of 10 that successfully summated Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Contact Information
T. 604.453.3069
E. peggy.hunt@translink.bc.ca
Janine Davies
1st Vice Chair, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
Janine Davies is a highly qualified Branch Manager with experience in the management of sales teams for Credit Unions and Banks. Her career began in finance in the Brokerage Industry and transitioned to Banking in 2003. She is delighted to be working in the Tri-Cities where home and work meet.
A seasoned community leader, she has been in a leadership role with many organizations, most recently as the founding President of the Port Coquitlam Community Foundation. In the non-profit arena, Janine has had great success in her ability to create innovative partnerships that not only support community development but foster engaged corporate participation.
Janine is currently completing her MBA in Executive Leadership at Royal Roads University in Victoria and believes this program will compliment her financial industry experience. She is performing a feasibility study on the membership value proposition at the Chamber. She believes that by studying how we interact with members today we can build a sustainable model for the future. Our desire to engage our members is not enough, we need to direct, support and nurture all aspects of a business lifecycle in order help our community thrive and prosper.
Janine was born and raised in North Vancouverand has been a resident of Port Coquitlam for the past 8 years. Committed to excellence, her passion and commitment to community and economic development inspired Janine to seek election to the board of directors and now 1st Vice Chair of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. She strongly believes that her values and development style will complement the existing board’s agenda to make the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce the premier business association in BC.
Contact information
T: 604.549.2611
E: jdavies@wscu.com
Rick Pasin
2nd Vice-Chair, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
Rick Pasin believes that we can strengthen our local economy by ensuring we have a strong and vibrant business community. Education must be an important component to this strategy so that our cities continually develop a skilled local workforce and successful entrepreneurs capable of meeting the challenges posed by today's economy.
To achieve these objectives, Rick, as Chair of the Chamber’s Youth Entrepreneurial Committee, engages our local Tri-Cities education and business communities. Drawing on this group’s expertise, Rick coordinated the second instalment of the Chambers youth mentorship program. He was responsible for recruiting members of the Chamber as mentors, marketing the program to university, college, and high school students, and managing the program.
Another cornerstone to this philosophy is developing our next generation of community and business leaders. Working with the Chamber of Commerce, Rick created, marketed, and ran the second instalment of the student leadership forum. This forum, sponsored by Douglas College and the Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club, ran on November 14, 2012 with leaders from government, industry, and sport providing students valuable insights on leadership.
Born in Burnaby in 1970, Rick earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia and later earned his executive and teaching credentials at the UBC Sauder School of Business and Vancouver Community College.
He continually seeks ways to develop and enhance the linkages between our local business and education communities and foster long lasting relationships.
Contact Information
T. 604.512.0255
E. rick@pasins.ca
Jimmy Ho
3rd Vice-Chair, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
Boulevard Casino
Since 2008, Jimmy has served on the Board of Directors for the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. In the few past years, Jimmy has made valuable connections in the community and has enjoyed his part within the Chamber sitting on the Executive Committee and chairing the Transportation Committee.
In his professional life, Jimmy is the Assistant General Manager at the Boulevard Casino. He manages over 600 employees and oversees the operations of the Boulevard property including gaming operations, food and beverage, and entertainment.
Jimmy resides in Port Coquitlam with his wife and 5 year old daughter. He welcomes the opportunity to continue his work with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Information
T. 604.516.7138
E. jho@gcgaming.com
Trevor Sutherland
Treasurer, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
EPR Coquitlam
Trevor is a Partner of EPR Coquitlam and manages the Firm's business advisory services. Trevor is a graduate of the Simon Fraser University BBA Program, and also holds an accounting diploma from BCIT.
He obtained his CGA designation in 1998. Prior to joining EPR in 1997, Trevor spent five years in private industry as a senior accountant of a property management company.
Trevor’s area of practice is providing consulting and corporate services to both small and medium sized organizations. His year-end engagements consist of audits, review engagements, and compilations for profit and not-for-profit organizations.
On the tax side, he works with clients to plan their personal and corporate tax strategy to meet their financial objectives. Trevor has also helped many clients obtain sizeable investment tax credit refunds under the Scientific Research and Experimental Development program (SR&ED).
Trevor is responsible for managing the firm’s IT requirements and works on keeping EPR at the leading edge of IT innovation. He routinely advises clients on IT issues to help them improve their financial accounting and reporting processes.
Under the category of “pay it forward”, Trevor serves his community as treasurer for the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, and his profession, as a panel chair for the CGA BC discipline committee.
Contact Information
T. 604.936.4377 ext. 102
E. tsutherland@eprcoq.com
Davide Fantillo
Past Chair, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
Crest Impressions Inc. & Dekra-Lite Industries
Crest Impressions is widely recognized as one of the TriCities most experienced and biggest printing and graphics company. Over 20 years of printing and production. Thousands of satisfied clients. Million of impressions each year. Crest Impressions Print offers end to end solutions that bring your ideas to stunning reality, including printing, design, pre-press, binding, mailing, shipping and fulfillment.
Dekra-lite is a commercial Christmas lighting and décor company. Providing LED lights, products and décor to all levels of Government, Businesses and Commercial Malls & properties. In Business since 1989, Dekra-Lite serves all ofCanadawith its vast Seasonal products, displays, and lighting.
When he is not running one of his businesses, Davide is very involved with his 3 kids, aged 16, 14, and 11. They keep him and his wife of 21 years very busy with their activities, hockey, lacrosse and dance are just a few to name.
Contact Information
T. 604.464.6766
E. davidefantillo@me.com
Brad Alden
Director, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
NOW Newspapers
Brad Alden is Regional Publisher for NOW Newspapers, a division of the Glacier Media Group, responsible for their newspaper and distribution operations in Coquitlam, Burnaby and New Westminster, which include The NOW in the Coquitlam Tri-Cities, Burnaby NOW, and The Record in New Westminster. Additionally he is responsible for a regional classified call centre and centralized production facility which serve other Metro Vancouver markets.
Alden has been in the newspaper business since 1988, and previously held various owner-operator, franchise owner and senior operating partner roles with Keg Restaurants in both Canada and the U.S.
Alden is currently a director of the following boards: BC and Yukon Community Newspaper Association, Canadian Community Newspaper Association, Burnaby Board of Trade, Tourism Burnaby and the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. He is past-chair of the Burnaby Board of Trade, Burnaby Board of Trade Board of Governors, BC and Yukon Community Newspaper Association and the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion Foundation.
He was recognized as the Burnaby Business Person of the Year at the Burnaby Board of Trade Business Excellence Awards in 2005, and in 2011 received the President’s Quill in recognition of distinguished service to the newspaper industry as a director of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association.
Contact Information
T. 604.444.3010
E. balden@van.net
Desiree Dupuis
Director, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
Three Sixty Financial Group
As partner and co-founder of Three Sixty Financial Group, Desirée’s mandate is to help local business owners protect themselves and their business financially through various insurance and tax-saving solutions.
Since moving to Port Moody in June 2010, Desirée has become fully immersed in the Tri-Cities community. Shortly after re-locating from Kitsilano, Desiree became a member of the Chamber of Commerce and joined the Membership Committee. As a strong believer of community support, she also joined the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation as a volunteer.
Desirée is fully active and engaged in the Tri-Cities. As a member of BNI Connexus, she meets with local business owners weekly in an effort to support and promote other Tri-Cities based businesses. In addition, Desiree and her partner Kelly founded a monthly event series called Think Thursdays, which encourages local business owners to build relationships with each other to further support the local business community. Think Thursdays also provides a knowledgeable speaker monthly to share important and relevant information in order to help business owners improve their business.
Three Sixty Financial Group is located in Port Moody, inside the Perry Roe Heritage Building. Desiree lives in Heritage Woods and is looking forward to being a Port Moody resident and business owner for many years to come.
Contact Information:
T: 778.245.2262
E: desiree@threesixtyfg.ca
Bryan Hyndman
Director, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
Scotiabank
Bryan is a Business Banking Advisor with Scotiabank at Shaughnessy Station. Throughout his time working in the Tri-Cities Bryan has displayed a true passion for giving back to the community. He has collaborated with other organizations and recruited fellow colleagues to participate in charity events and local causes that deserve attention and assistance.
This can be exemplified through; the Rotary Fall Classic golf tournaments, Port Moody Library Association fundraising, and the Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer tournament in Vancouver, BC, where Bryan and his team raised over $11,000 for the cause.
Each year the Scotiabank Shaughnessy Station branch generously gives their time to raising money for the Terry Fox foundation. For the past two years Bryan has contributed his efforts towards the cause. This year he even participated in the branch’s annual “head shave” sacrificing his locks.
Bryan’s continued enthusiasm for volunteering his time has led to his position as Secretary on the Scotiabanker’s Association Committee; with a mission to bring employees amongst branches together for team building and fundraising events.
Bryan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Simon Fraser University. Previous to being a small business banking advisor, he was a Personal Banking Officer with a Scotiabank branch inVancouver. His knowledge and experience in both the personal and business banking lines allows him to provide a holistic approach to people's banking.
Contact Information
T: 604.927.3226
E: bryan.hyndman@scotiabank.com
Gillian Kirk
Director, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
Avia Employment Services
Gillian Kirk is a lifetime resident of the Tri-Cities with a diverse professional background. She is passionate about our community and the many opportunities that exist for entrepreneurs, small and large business as well as community and not-for-profit organizations.
Today, Gillian is the Industry & Community Relationship Liaison at Avia Employment Services, a division of Back in Motion Rehab, Inc. She began her career as a Registered Massage Therapist and also was seen, for a short time, touring with Canadian music legends 54-40. In 2004, she moved to Taipei, Taiwan, to teach English for three years-- a unique and fulfilling experience that reminded her of how fortunate we are to call Canada home.
Arriving back in Canada, Gillian began working in Marketing and became more involved in the community through volunteering. These connections led her to her position at the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
As Membership Services Manager, Gillian focused on listening to Chamber members, discovering why they joined, what they hoped to achieve and what the Chamber could do to support local business. She fostered within the Chamber a welcoming atmosphere and became known for her ‘contagious enthusiasm’. It was this role that provided her countless opportunities to meet and listen to local business owners, helping move the organization in a positive direction.
As a Chamber Director, Gillian remains enthusiastic about the Chamber and its critical role in our community as the voice of business.
Contact Information
T: 778.730.0171
E: gillian.kirk@aviaemployment.ca
Aaron Macdonald
Director, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
A3 Creative Solutions
Aaron is the owner and ‘creative guy’ of A3 Creative Solutions, a virtual, creative design studio that loves to conceive, design and build creative experiences for people, brands and events. The family-based business specializes in building brands through print and web design and services customers both domestically and internationally.
In previous tenures, Aaron held the role of Brand Director, VP of Marketing and VP of Sales for various Action Sports companies, where he gained experience in Vision Development, Strategic Planning, Brand Development, Marketing, Creative Design and Sales. He also has a great deal of overseas experience, handling production management at Asian and European factories, as well as International Sales and Tradeshow Management.
After ten years living in Whistler and North Vancouver, Aaron came back to the Tri-Cities in 2000 to start a family in the same community where he was raised. He is a huge supporter of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and an active Executive Member and Coach of two soccer teams with the Port Moody Soccer Club.
Contact Information
T: 778.355.4765
E: aaron@a3creative-solutions.com
Tereza McDermid
Director, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
BEST WESTERN Coquitlam Inn & Convention Centre
Tereza McDermid, born and raised in Coquitlam, is a long-time supporter and member of the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce.
As the General Manager of the BEST WESTERN PLUS Coquitlam Inn & Convention Centre, Tereza oversees the operations, marketing and strategic direction of the full service hotel and liquor store. Tereza is also responsible for property management of Heron Developments.
As a former community newspaper publisher and Vancouver Board of Trade employee, Tereza brings experience in building and strengthening business to business relationships. Tereza’s community service includes: member of the marketing committee for the Best Western Hotels of British Columbia; former director for the Rotary Club of Coquitlam Sunrise; volunteer host parent for Rotary International Youth Exchange program; former director of the British Columbia and Yukon Newspaper Association; recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award, Rotary Foundation for Rotary International; member of the Rotary Club of Coquitlam Sunrise; past committee member for the Vancouver Board of Trade; member of the City of Coquitlam’s Transportation Public Advisory committee; former senior member of the Association of Tourism Professionals; former member of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence nomination committee
Tereza and her husband Bill, together with their Rotary Exchange student from Denmark, Henriette, reside in Coquitlam.
Tereza welcomes to the opportunity to serve the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and local business community.
Contact Information
T. 604.931.9011
E. tmcdermid@bestwesterncoquitlam.com
Kristie Nyrose
Director, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
Express Employment Professionals
Kristie is a Sales Manager for local recruitment firm Express Employment Professionals located in Coquitlam. Prior to Express she had over 10 years of experience as a Western Regional Manager for a large distribution company.
There, she hired, trained, and coached a high performance sales support team for a $30 million territory as well as managed 3rd party logistics for Western Canada and thePacific Northwest. In 2009, Kristie joined the Express team as Business Developer. In that role, Kristie was responsible for building great relationships with client companies and representing Express in the community.
In 2012, she was promoted to Sales Manager and is now responsible for the day to day operations of the business as well as the sales side of the company. A resident of Coquitlam, Kristie enjoys being part of the business community and has been a big supporter of past Chamber Events. She also volunteers with local non-profit agencies such as SHARE Family & Community Services, the Tri-City Oscar Fundraising event and Kidsport annual Operation Red Nose campaign. "I enjoy working with companies in the Tri-Cities area and helping them grow their business by understanding their company and culture and in turn finding them great people to add to their teams."
Contact Information
T: 604.944.8530
E: Kristie.Nyrose@ExpressPros.com
Martin Wyant
Director, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
SHARE Family & Community Services Society
Martin Wyant is the Chief Executive Officer of SHARE Family & Community Services. SHARE delivers a broad range of services to help vulnerable individuals and families in the Tri-cities.
Martin’s career has included private and public sector leadership roles in economic development, employment services, telecommunications, manufacturing and community services.
Martin has also been self-employed as a business consultant. In this role, he produced numerous studies and plans for private and public sector clients, including the “Northern Ontario Trade Strategy” and the “Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District Export Potential Study” for the federal government.
In addition to his career experience, Martin has also been an active volunteer with many organizations, including: Board of Governors, Algoma University; Board of Directors, United Way of Sault Ste. Marie; Export Development Committee, RAPIDS Community Investment; Board of Directors, Community Information and Career Centre; Board of Directors, Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Association.
Martin sees significant opportunities to develop new programs and services that can help our local business community thrive, including the development and implementation of a Tri-cities community planning project that will help us identify our top priorities for economic development, business development, health, education and social services.
Contact Information
T. 604.540.9161
E. info@sharesociety.ca
2012 Board of Directors
Back row, left to right: Velvet Cates, Tereza McDermid, Trevor Sutherland, Rick Pasin, Curt Allison, Brad Alden, Desiree Dupuis, Martin Wyant
Front row, left to right: Mark Pettie, Peggy Hunt, Richard Rainey, Davide Fantillo, Janine Davies, Jimmy Ho
