New chamber leader brings an agricultural background to the job
SUMMERLAND — Nick Ibuki brings an international agriculture perspective to his new duties as president of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce.
Ibuki was elected president this spring after serving one year on the chamber board as a director.
Last fall, he was appointed business development manager for the Summerland Varieties Corporation, having previously served as operations manager for several years.
The SVC is involved in the economic development of new tree fruit varieties for Canadian growers.
“SVC varieties are in close to 40 countries around the world,” Ibuki said.
Ibuki’s duties include networking with international and domestic groups in the commercialization of tree fruit varieties, managing the international testing program and overseeing plant breeders’ rights and patents.
“I have the opportunity to travel around the world and bring back ideas to the Okanagan,” he said.
Previously, Ibuki was manager of the budwood orchard operated by the Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation.
As chamber president, Ibuki is excited about the Okanagan Agricultural Innovation Centre, which promises to foster and advance innovation, technology, job growth and development within agriculture.
The OAIC is the culmination of an agri-tech portfolio the chamber started work on in 2013.
“We’re working with the District of Summerland, Ministry of Agriculture and other groups on finalizing a business plan,” Ibuki said.
The chamber is also involved in and sponsors many activities, including The Festival of Lights, the annual kick-off to the Christmas season which has proven to be a resounding success.
This coming November, Ibuki anticipates a festival attendance of close to 10,000 comprised of local residents and visitors primarily from Kelowna to Osoyoos.
“We’re hiring a consultant this year to help us further develop the festival,” he added.
His short-term goal is hiring a strong new executive director from among “the exciting applicants.”
Longer term, Ibuki wants to strengthen the chamber’s tourism activities and become acquainted with more business owners.
Raised on a tree fruit and ground crop operation in Vernon, Ibuki holds a bachelor of science degree with a specialty in plants and soils.