Thanks to the 2024 opening of The Confluence, the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce was able to hold its AGM at their own building this year. The building's completion marked a huge milestone for the chamber after more than 10 years of work on the project.
CDCOC's annual meeting was well attended at the organization went through the usual financial reports and election of officers expected at a non-profit organization's AGM.
The CDCOC 2025 Board of Directors is:
• Jo-Ann Bursey – President, realtor at Coldwell Banker Executives Realty
• Hedin Nelson-Chorney – First Vice President, owner at Tailout Brewery
• Stewart Doney – Second Vice President, account manager at Innov8
• Jane Charest – Treasurer, general manager at Sandman Hotel
• Marc Conacher – Director, owner at Windborne B&B
• Kassie Morrison – Director, owner and GM at Little Bear Golf Course
• Kathleen Elias – Director, executive director at Kootenay Society for Community Living
• Joanna Swanson-Kutasewich – Director, senior manager at WorkBC
• Rajni Sharma – Director, manager of finance at Mercer Celgar
• Lareena Rilkoff – Director, VP college services at Selkirk College
• Lindsey Neill – Director, archaeologist at Nupqu Resources
• Chirag Moudgil – Director, franchise owner at Panago Pizza
• Belinda Field – Director, owner of West Koots Notary
• Margeaux Bauman Directer, owner Kootenay Valley water and Spa
The chamber also recognized two long-term board members who are retiring from the board. Marcella Chernoff served for an incredible 20 years, and Stuart Addy served for 14 years, many of them as president of the board.
"Their guidance and commitment have helped shape the chamber into what it is today, and their efforts have left a lasting positive impact on our community," said the CDCOC. "We are truly grateful for the time and energy they’ve given to help move our initiatives forward."
The chamber also employs:
• Tammy Verigin-Burk – Executive Director
• Ashley Costa – Membership Manager and Confluence Booking Coordinator
• Andrea Miller – Destination Marketing Coordinator
• Christina Allen – Business Recovery Advisor
• Cym Lamont – Bookkeeper
• Diana Quisobony – Visitor Centre Manager and Office Assistant
The next big event on the Chamber of Commerce's agenda is their annual trade show April 25-27. Display spaces at the West Kootenay Trade Show are already 85 per cent sold out so the event promises to offer a good opportunity to showcase the region's businesses.
