The Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce latest Business after Business mixer, geared toward providing members of the local commercial community a chance to get to know one another, was held at Windborne Bed and Breakfast in Robson on Thursday, Aug. 15.
Windborne's "chief cook and bottle washer" is Marc Conacher, who welcomed a sizeable group of chamber members to the custom-built, 4,200 square foot home he and wife Mirja Vahala have created for the travelling public.
"When we decided to do this, we went high end," said Conacher. "The beds are top of the line and even our sheets are 900 thread count."
The home has a total of three guest rooms, all with private decks and ensuite bathrooms that feature decadent body-jet showers. Located on over seven acres of riverfront property, the relaxing grounds are also carefully tended by Conacher. A hot tub is available as is the refreshing lure of the river, just steps away.
The tasteful furnishings and exemplary service recently earned Windborne the 2013 Tripadvisor® Travellers' Choice Award as one of the top 25 B&B's in Canada.
"In the winter, we have a lot of business clientele," said Conacher. "In summer, it's more tourists. I would say our number ones [for total guests] are Russia, Australia, Switzerland, Germany and England."
Vahala, meanwhile, has almost the entire lower floor of the home converted into an expansive art studio where she not only creates the vibrant paintings that adorn their home but also teaches.
Her medium is primarily acrylics but some are done using soft pastels, watercolours or oils.
"Our home was purpose built," said Vahala, who added that Marc looks after the bed and breakfast side of things, including the cooking while she tends to her art and students.
On the topic of cooking, Kim's Creations (www.kimscreations.ca) was on hand with a tempting selection of appetizers for those who attended.
"We have mini sliders, Yucatan prawns, melon wrapped with prosciutto, risotto, ginger cookies and chocolate brownies," said owner Kim Clark.
In between making important business connections, guests also enjoyed a little game of identifying and pairing wine courtesy of Fay Willick of Wine Kitz. Using "wine equivalents" from the liquor store, guests enjoyed sampling Riesling's, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio during the course of the evening.
Tammy Verigin-Burk, executive director of the Chamber, said the business meet and greets are all about local businesses supporting each other.