ROLE & DUTIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
THE ROLE OF A BOARD MEMBER IS TO:
- Establish policies necessary to carry out the Chamber’s mission and purpose
- Engage in the Board strategic planning and set priorities from the strategic plan
- Determine the Chamber’s position as they relate to policy statements
- Allocate adequate resources for the successful execution of the strategic plan
- Actively promote the Chamber and encourage new members to join
THE DUTIES OF A BOARD MEMBER ARE TO:
- Attend all Board meetings. Review all materials distributed prior to the meeting and be prepared and ready to discuss and act on agenda items.
- Commit to serving on at least one committee or task force
- Participate in as many Chamber events as possible throughout the year
- At every opportunity promote the Chamber to businesses and the community
Current Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Cranbrook of Commerce is comprised of 12 members; Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and 9 Directors.
At each Annual General Meeting the Board President, Vice President, and Treasurer will be elected for one-year term. Four directors will be elected for a two-year term. The Immediate Past President is an automatic succession.
PRESIDENT | David Stypula
David is an investment advisor at BMO Nesbitt Burns, partnered with his brother (Dale) at the Stypula Financial Group wealth management team. Prior to this, David has experience in business development and commercial teams with a large international mining company. During that time, he worked on mergers and acquisitions, analysis of mining companies and projects, and geopolitical circumstances around the world. David was also responsible for supply and demand analysis of various base metals, price forecasting, budgeting, and analysis of global macro-economic conditions and end-use industry trends.
David has previously held the position of treasurer and vice president of the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce and is co-chair of the government affairs committee.
VICE PRESIDENT | Kerstin Renner
Throughout Renner’s career, she has been driven by interacting with people, helping them access the information they need to make the best choices for their own lives while working together on building a healthy and vibrant community.
Originally from Germany – Renner first came to Cranbrook as a foreign exchange student at MBSS. After furthering her education in Germany, she returned to Cranbrook in 2004.
Kerstin has worked various roles in the community, including Public Education Coordinator, Editor, Marketing Director, and her current role as Case Manager at Kootenay Employment Services.
These roles have given her the opportunity to enhance and broaden her skillset on an ongoing basis and develop a unique network throughout the community, tying in experiences in all sectors, from governmental to business and non-profit.
TREASURER | Alan Fillis
Alan is currently the Chief Financial Officer with East Kootenay Community Credit Union (EKC). Alan is also responsible for the Risk Management. Prior to EKC, Alan worked as a Controller many different Automotive Groups in Manitoba and B.C.
Besides his degree in Administrative Studies and CPA CMA designation, Alan recently completed his certificate in Strategic Leadership from Queen’s University and the Financial Executive Institute of Canada. He is also working towards his Digital Transformation Certificate through UBC’s Executive Education.
Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Alan moved to the Kootenay region almost 25 years ago where he has been able to enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
PAST PRESIDENT | Christine Hoechsmann
Christine Hoechsmann was President of the Chamber board from 2020 – 2021. She has made Cranbrook home for 20 years and has immersed herself in the Kootenay lifestyle. She and her partner own The Bedroom Furniture Galleries and The Ashley Furniture Homestore.
They are second-generation business owners and have grown the business to new heights. Christine’s passion for business has grown over the years as her formal training is in the Biological Sciences which has given her a unique, analytical perspective.
Her business experience has been a tremendous asset as an advocate for Cranbrook economic health and sustainability.
Directors
Tracey Whiting
BOARD DIRECTOR
03/31/2023
—
College of the Rockies
Aleitha Harvey
BOARD DIRECTOR
03/31/2023
—
Ella's Restaurant
Marlin Ratch
BOARD DIRECTOR
03/31/2023
—
ITA
Sebastiaan van der Horst
BOARD DIRECTOR
03/31/2024
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Kootenay Computer
Janice Alpine
BOARD DIRECTOR
03/31/2024
—
Kootenay Aboriginal
Business Development
Agency
Russ Sheppard
BOARD DIRECTOR
03/31/2024
—
Spruce Notary & Legal
Keri Sanderman
BOARD DIRECTOR
03/31/2024
—
Community Futures East Kootenay
Ferdy Belland
BOARD DIRECTOR
03/31/2024
—
Armond Theatre
John Hudak
CITY LIASION
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City of Cranbrook
RECRUITMENT OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Opportunity to Initiate New Ideas to Affect, Inform and Influence the Cranbrook Business Community
It is important for the Chamber to be effective, forward thinking and have the ability to provide worthwhile input to municipal, provincial and federal regulators on a variety of issues. This can only be accomplished with strong, diverse, dedicated leadership.
Involvement with the Board of the Chamber is an excellent way to gain experience and demonstrate commitment to the business community and to Cranbrook.
The Board is strongest and most effective what the following core competencies are represented on the Board, with each director contributing their unique combination of knowledge, experience, and skills.
- When nominated, and during their term on the Board, Directors much be either an Individual Member in standing or the Business Member Representative appointed by a Business Member, which in is good standing.
- Directors must agree to support the vision, mission and values of the Chamber
- Directors much have demonstrated high ethical standards and integrity in their personal and professional dealings, and must be willing to act on, and remain accountable for, their boardroom decisions
- Directors should be respected and influential in the community, and/or possess special knowledge, skills, or experience which would assist the work of the Board
- Directors shall provide wise, thoughtful counsel on a broad range of issues
- Directors much value the performance of the Board as a whole over individual performance and should demonstrate respect for others in executing their responsibilities
- A Director must put the overall interest of the Chamber ahead of their own business interests
- Directors must be self-motivated and demonstrate an ability to work independently when required and in a high functioning group environment
Directors should be financially literate and able to evaluate organizational performance
Directors should be aware of a modest financial commitment. Including expenses for regular attendance at Chamber functions and special events demonstrating a personal commitment and establishing credibility when called upon to ask other to give.
- Directors must be willing and able to commit approximately 5-7 hours per month to Chamber work in order to fully participate in the governance of the organization. This time is inclusive of events, meetings and preparation time.
- Directors are expected to attend one Board meeting per month, committee and inter agency meetings as required, and Chamber events. The meetings are monthly, save August.
Timing for Nominations and Annual General Meeting
- February 8th – Deadline for nominations to be submitted to the board for consideration
- Feb 22nd – Deadline for first notice of AGM to membership
- Feb 22nd – Deadline for notice of committee recommended nominees to the membership
- Feb 25th – Deadline for nominations without recommendation of nominating committee to be submitted to the committee
- March 1st – Deadline for 2nd Notice of AGM to membership
- March 16th – Annual General Meeting
NOTE: The newly elected board will be sworn in as part of the Annual General Meeting