2nd Annual Board Training Boot Camp

From governance to action

A Full-Day Leadership Experience for Non-Profit Boards

If you love living in Cranbrook, chances are that you benefit from the great work of our local non-profits. The services and products delivered by non-profit organizations are important pieces of the Economic Development puzzle; our Chamber has 40 NPOs as members.

These boards are powered by dedicated volunteers — but strong intention alone doesn’t create impact. Clear governance and confident leadership are what turn commitment into results.

We’re Training Our Own Board, and You’re Invited to Join Us

The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce is proud to present a full-day, in-person non-profit training designed to strengthen boards from the ground up. This interactive experience combines foundational governance training in the morning with leadership and implementation training in the afternoon, ensuring participants leave with clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward.

Whether you’re new to board service or looking to sharpen your effectiveness, this training is designed to meet you where you are — and help you move from discussion to action.

Why Attend

This training is designed to help non-profit leaders:

  • Understand core governance responsibilities without jargon or overwhelm
  • Clarify board, committee, and leadership roles
  • Strengthen decision-making and strategic focus
  • Develop leadership and creative thinking skills
  • Turn priorities into real, achievable outcomes

This is not theory-heavy governance. It’s practical, people-focused, and results-driven.

What You’ll Learn

Morning: Governance Foundations

Designed for board members with zero to introductory governance knowledge, the morning session will cover:

  • What governance is — and what it isn’t
  • The essential responsibilities of a non-profit board
  • Governance vs. management: where boards lead best
  • How structure, clarity, and focus support better outcomes

Afternoon: Leadership & Implementation

The afternoon session focuses on leadership skills that turn priorities into action, including:

  • Creative thinking and how leaders make better decisions
  • Strengthening leadership mindset and effectiveness
  • Goal setting that actually sticks
  • Translating board priorities into clear, actionable commitments

Participants will leave with two concrete goals and tools to support follow-through.

Who Should Attend

  • Non-profit board members (new or experienced)
  • Board chairs and committee leads
  • Executive directors and senior staff
  • Emerging non-profit leaders

No prior governance experience required.

What You’ll Walk Away With

  • Confidence in your role as a board leader
  • A shared understanding of governance best practices
  • Practical leadership and goal-setting tools
  • Clear priorities and actionable next steps
  • Renewed motivation to lead with purpose and impact

Why This Matters

Stronger boards create stronger organizations — and stronger organizations create stronger communities.

By investing in governance education and leadership development, we’re helping non-profits move beyond good intentions toward sustainable, measurable results.

A delicious lunch is included.

Space is limited. Get your tickets today!

REGISTER

Meet the Presenters

Rick Jensen

Rick Jensen is a visionary business and community leader whose decades of executive and governance experience have shaped organizations across the East Kootenay and beyond. As owner of New Dawn Developments — the largest construction company in the region — Rick has led sustained growth and strategic development since 1978, building not only homes, but stronger communities.

A three-term Mayor of the City of Cranbrook and former Director with the Regional District of East Kootenay, Rick brings firsthand knowledge of public-sector governance, board accountability, and strategic oversight. His board leadership includes serving as Chair of Columbia Basin Trust and as a Board Member of Columbia Power, where he contributed to high-level decision-making within multi-billion-dollar Crown corporations.

Through the Rick and Marg Jensen Family Foundation, Rick continues to invest significantly in charitable organizations each year, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to service. A founder of Big Brothers of Cranbrook and current President of the Cranbrook Rotary Club, Rick exemplifies purpose-driven leadership grounded in vision, accountability, and community impact.

 

Pete Bourke

Pete Bourke is a dynamic senior executive and nonprofit leader with more than 25 years of leadership experience in tourism, hospitality, economic development, and organizational culture. As Executive Director of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development and Owner of Decibel Coaching & Facilitation, Pete works at the intersection of strategy, leadership development, and community advancement.

Pete is widely recognized for his culture-first, coach-approach leadership style — equipping boards, executives, and managers with the clarity and tools needed to succeed. In addition to leading the Chamber’s work in community economic development, he serves as an Advisor with the Columbia Basin Trust Non-Profit Advisor Program, supporting organizations across the Basin in strengthening governance and organizational effectiveness.

Deeply committed to community service, Pete currently serves as President of the Columbia Valley Housing Society and Board Chair of Angel Flight East Kootenay, alongside several regional and provincial leadership roles. An alumnus of Royal Roads University with executive coaching credentials and Emotional Intelligence certification, Pete brings practical boardroom insight, strategic facilitation expertise, and a passion for helping organizations move confidently from governance to action.