VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce recently partnered with KPMG to stage the area’s first ever Top 20 under 40 program and to say the initiative was an overwhelming success might be a bit of an understatement.
“When we launched the program we didn’t have a good sense of the response we might get but it was awe-inspiring,” says Tracy Cobb-Reeves, president of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. “We received close to 100 nominations and while we only recognized the top twenty, all those nominated have already accomplishments great things and are making a big impact in the north Okanagan.”
The final five recipients to be recognized in KPMG’s Top 20 under 40 Vernon were announced during Small Business Week and included three business owners, a golf professional, and a lawyer. Steve Brandner began his career in finance but switched to law and is now at partner at Nixon Wenger LLP. He joins colleague Elise Allen from Nixon Wenger who was also selected among the top twenty. She is the firm’s first female partner. Anna Jane (AJ) Eathorne who is head of Instruction at Predator Ridge Resort also made the cut as did Jeffery Holomis who is the owner and President of Simolo Customs Ltd., a firm that customizes golf carts.
Kim Nasipayko who owns and manages Caufields Engraving was named to the top twenty. Aside from her success in building her company Kim is extremely active with the local rotary club’s international exchange program. Braden Nixon, who is the managing partner at Postill Nixon Earthworks rounded out the final five. Braden who was born and raised in Vernon joined his company partner, Linsey Johannson who was also recognized among the top twenty.
The twenty recipients for 2015 were officially recognized at a community celebration event held during Small Business Week. The event drew dignitaries from the region including Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund who paid tribute to the young leaders for inspiring others and helping to shape a prosperous future for the north Okanagan.
Other recipients included Josh Brazier who is the owner of TND Naturals & 13th Floor Entertainment; vice-president of DCT Chambers Trucking Ltd., Ryan Chambers; owner and president of Everton Ridge Homes Jacob Kuiken; owner of Soul Studio and purchasing director at City Furniture Vernon Sareena Nickoli; Ricardo Smith, owner and president of Sun Country Cycle Ltd.; Mark Zaino, vice-president finance and partner, Westwood Electric; Sue Solymosi, mortgage broker & licensed assistant at White House Mortgages; Dr. Laura McPherson, B.Sc., D.C. chiropractor and co-owner, Bluebird Sport & Spine; Dr. Karl Langer,
MD FRCS – general surgeon at Vernon Jubilee Hospital; Mellissa Dobernigg, owner of the BX Press Cidery & Orchard; Justin Jackson who is the owner and founder of Nerd North Inc. & founder of Startup Vernon.; On Ouchs, owner of the Rice Box restaurant and Social Lead Marketing; and Brett VanderHoek who is the corporate services supervisor at Tolko.
“After completing this year’s selection process, I couldn’t be more optimistic about the future of the Greater Vernon area,” says Cobb-Reeves. “We are thrilled with the great response to this new and important initiative and the panel of judges had a very difficult time getting the recipient list down to just twenty.”
“Our young business leaders are paving the way for the future success of our community,” says Dave Adams, managing partner at KPMG Vernon. “We congratulate each recipient and look forward to recognizing more of our young business and community leaders next year.”
Just as the top 20 under 40 comes to a close, the Chamber is set to officially launch the countdown to the 2016 Business Excellence Awards. Nominations open in November in all categories and will be taken for six weeks before the judges step in to determine the three finalists which will be announced at the nominee’s luncheon in February. The Annual Awards Gala is the largest single business event of the year in the north Okanagan is scheduled for Friday March 4th. Lots of excitement and a few surprises are expected for the gala which is themed this year with the slogan “the sky’s the limit.”
The Greater Vernon Chamber is approaching its 120th birthday and it recently paid tribute to one of its longest members, Watkin Motors. The Ford auto dealer is celebrating its 100th birthday this year and as a long standing business in the north Okanagan, Chamber President Tracy Cobb-Reeves provided Watkins General Manager Ross Blankley with a special business excellence award to mark the occasion. Well done to Ross and his talented team at Watkin Motors!
– Dan Rogers is the General Manager at the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at manager@vernonchamber.ca.