Reviving the franchise lands Warriors president a BCHL marketing award
West Kelowna Warriors President Chris Laurie has been named the BC Hockey League’s Marketer of the Year.
The award was determined by a poll of marketers from across the league.
“Chris’s vast experience in marketing is paying off in West Kelowna. He has led the path to re-energizing Warriors hockey in a major market in our league” said Barry Douglas, vice president of business operations and governor for the Chilliwack Chiefs as well as the chairman of the BCHL’s Marketing Committee.
“I am honoured and proud of our organization for this recognition. Our accomplishments are a group effort. The players and staff supported each and every marketing initiative we executed”, said Laurie in a statement. “I’d specifically like to recognize Chase Johnston and Amy Kruger for their strong contributions and belief in the vision of how a community-first franchise should operate. We are pleased with the progress we’ve made and are grateful for the strong support from the residents of West Kelowna.”
After buying the team in 2019, owners John Murphy and Rod Hume hired Laurie as president.
Laurie, with the help of his marketing team, worked on relationships with corporate partners and non profits.
Their accomplishments included: doubling the corporate partnership base; increased season ticket sales, selling out multiple home games after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, winning the Greater Westside Board of Trade Community and Public Service Award; raising over $80,000 for local non-profit organizations over the last two years