Chamber prez

Carmen Sparg of Silver Lining Management Consulting is ready to take over as the new president of the 1,350-member Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

Sparg, who was previously executive vice-president, will officially be sworn in at the President’s Dinner on April 12 at the Coast Capri Hotel.

However, in the meantime she’s president-elect and has effectively taken over from Tom Dyas of TD Benefits, who remains on the chamber board as past-president. “Following in Tom’s footsteps won’t be easy,” said Sparg.

“He was very active on a number of files, championing the needs of our members and the business community whenever he could. I am excited to work with the new board is made up of diverse backgrounds, plenty of experience and some new blood that will help shape the chamber’s future.”

The rest of the board is made up of: – Una Gabie, Touchstone Law – Stuart Grant, Norelco Cabinets

– Al Hildebrandt, Kelowna Foundation for Hope & Social Innovation

– Angela Nagy, Green Step Solutions

– Ron Cannan, Interior Savings Credit Union

– Domenic Rampone, West Manufacturing

– Marek Buryska, Valley First Credit Union

– Shelagh Turner, Canadian Mental Health Association – Nikki Csek, Csek Creative – Andrew Ingenhorst, Grant Thornton Accountants

– Dan Price, Dilworth Homes and Emil Anderson Construction

– Andrew Brunton, Pushor Mitchell Lawyers

– Jenelle Hynes, Pacific Coastal Airlines

– John Devitt, Kelowna airport

– City of Kelowna Coun. Tracy Gray

– Barry McGillivray, Okanagan School of Business

– Gene Bernier, Kelowna Junior Chamber of Commerce

– Jeff Robinson, Rush Ihas Hardwick Lawyers

Steve MacNaull is The Okanagan Weekend’s business and wine reporter and columnist. Reach him at steve.macnaull@ok.bc.ca.