NORTH FRASER - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Mission, Business Owner, Director
Born in Vancouver and raised in Maple Ridge, Alex has lived in Mission since 2012 after making the investment in his first home at the age of 24. He first entered the entrepreneurial arena in 2007 by establishing his first venture, Future Music Inc. Following, Alex enjoyed success as a placement writer and producer for artist worldwide, while offering his services as sound engineer at his recording studio Project Indie Studios. In 2013 Alex decided to expand on his experience as a club and event DJ and launched mobile entertainment company iDJ Services. Since then, he has opened two new ventures in the wedding and event industry to further diversify the group's ability to provide for a variety of clients' needs. Alex is a forward thinker who is passionate about helping people take the next big step in their lives. As a member of the Community Futures board Alex is excited to be able to help aspiring entrepreneurs in our community to achieve their goals.
Amanda moved to the Fraser Valley at the age of 11 and currently resides in Abbotsford. In her former career she was an Administrator for a small business that served as Mission's waste collection service provider for over a decade so is familiar with Mission and is happy to be working back in the area. In 2021 she started her own small business helping people free themselves of pain (emotional, mental, and physical) and navigate changes with the help of the Self Employment program. While that business is growing, she is honoured to join the team at Community Futures part-time. Amanda is excited to help support businesses in the area to address their needs with all the great resources Community Future has to offer. Ask her about the My Community Futures program today!
Councillor Carol Hamilton is serving her second term on council, having previously served from 2014 - 2018. Prior to her work as Councillor, she spent 9 years as a School Trustee for Mission Public Schools, four of which she held the role of Board Chair. In her professional life, Hamilton led a fulfilling 34-year career in banking, which included 10 years of managerial roles. An engaged Mission resident for over 45 years, Hamilton is committed to this community and has worked on many initiatives to support Mission and its residents
Job Titles:
- Mission, Business Owner, Director
Dan is a lifelong Mission resident who is committed to seeing Mission succeed. As a former owner of a medium sized mechanical firm, he has gained the experience of moving up through a company as it grew. He has experience in growing businesses organically and through acquisition. Serving on the Economic Development Committee as well as the Parks and Recreation Committee, he has shown his dedication to his community. Involved in investing locally in commercial and residential real estate as well as development, his latest venture was opening a bike shop in 2020. This vast business experience makes him a perfect fit to be a Director on Community Futures North Fraser Board. As father of 4 young children and married since 2009 you will often find him on a family hike or biking in the mountains of Mission.
As the Executive Director of Community Futures North Fraser, Gwen's work not only aligns with her own values but also provides her with the opportunity to make a difference. With a passion for community partnership and collaboration, as well as extensive experience in finance and a certificate in Community Economic Development, Gwen brings unique skills and energy, adding an insightful viewpoint to establishing new foundations in rural development. She has proven herself as a community leader, contributing to the economic growth and development in Mission.
Growing up in Mission and having raised her own family there, Gwen has a deep-rooted appreciation and love for her community. In addition to fundraising for local charities, she gives back to her community as a Rotarian and by serving on various boards and organizations including Hope Central, Mission Skating Club, Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mission Downtown Business Association, Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Harrison River Valley, Economic Development Select Committee, Mission Tourism Committee, and the Government Affairs Committee.
Our Marketing Coordinator, Holly was raised in Mission, British Columbia. She began her work in Marketing in 2021, helping to run the social media and marketing campaigns for the Mission Interact Club. From here she found her passion for marketing and helping within her community. Holly is excited to be able to work in her community in a way that promotes economic development and the success of small businesses.
Our events coordinator, Jada has lived in the Fraser Valley her whole life. She has recently graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Psychology. She is excited to gain experience in the non-profit sector, helping support small businesses. She loves yoga, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Gino!
Job Titles:
- Mission, Business Services, Vice Chair
With a mix of great past employment opportunities and post-secondary studies in Public and Business Administration, Janessa joined the Mission business community in 2016 through business support services. Through the years Janessa has consistently worked on creating relationships with the Mission Business and Non-Profit community and being innovative in solution making to help local organizations. Through past years of volunteer work her commitment to the Mission has only grown. When she isn't working or volunteering you can find her on the trails in Mission's beautiful backyard.
As the Administration Director, Jeanette provides administrative support to the Community Futures North Fraser team and is responsible for day-to-day operations within the office. Her background is over twenty years at a local credit union in a variety of administrative roles. As a local, born and raised in Mission, Jeanette is excited to be supporting her hometown and helping to promote economic development in all the communities served by Community Futures North Fraser. She loves everything outdoors from hiking to paddle boarding.
Job Titles:
- Mission, Business Owner, Director
Josh is a Serial Entrepreneur with a passion for business development. Driven by his enthusiasm to optimize points of inefficiencies and help business owners achieve their vision, Josh is very excited to join the CF North Fraser board and work alongside local business owners. From an early age, Josh's inquisitive nature led to him constantly asking "why" and analyzing the motivations and incentives that drive individuals. This Curiosity led him to pursue a focus on psychology during his time at Trinity Western University, where he began to appreciate the significant value of understanding human behavior and motivation within the business world which brought about his passion for building companies. Josh has spent a large portion of his professional career in start-up companies and has experience working in a variety of different industries ranging from CPG Brands to Agricultural projects. Currently, Josh is working as a Marketing Consultant / Filmmaker and is excited to be going back to school for his MBA.
Job Titles:
- Mission, Business Owner, Director
Kevin was born and raised in Mission. He is a father of three children. He and his wife own and operate multiple retail businesses within the Fraser Valley. Kevin is currently the Vice Chair on the board of Mission Association for Community Living. As a lifelong entrepreneur, Kevin has a passion for mentoring new entrepreneurs looking to build their businesses. In his past time, Kevin enjoys working on their family hobby farm.
Throughout her life, Michie has demonstrated a history of community commitment leadership and organizational expertise. Her 25 year career as an Emergency Services 911 dispatcher provided extensive knowledge in local government structure and systems. Following retirement to the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, Michie continued her dedication to her community. She united local residents, businesses and all levels of government towards a common goal related to a significant environmental and economic concern. She is especially interested in promoting the principles of reconciliation with First Nations and is actively involved in achieving those goals. Michie is currently serving her second term as Councillor with the Village of Harrison Hot Springs and Second Vice President with the Lower Mainland Local Government Association.
Job Titles:
- Mission, Business Owner, Director
Nancy has enthusiastically offered her inspirational outlook and management savvy in a variety of volunteer roles including coaching the Mission Thunderstompers; a jump rope program for youth, for ten years. As well, Nancy brings significant experience as a fundraiser and event planner, whether it be hosting the beer gardens at the Agassiz Fall Fair, holding annual Motorcycle Show and Shine for 1100 participants that raise money for Zajac Ranch, or annual Jim Maclean Golf Tournament that to date has raised over $130,000.00 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC.
After nearly 25 years at the Sasquatch Inn, Nancy and her husband moved from Mission where they raised their two daughters, to Harrison Mills in 2020 and can be found sharing the beauty of the area with their grandchildren. Nancy welcomes the opportunity to share her knowledge of building business and community, articulacy in rural settings, which led her to Community Futures.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Officer
Sim, our dedicated Business Development Officer, brings extensive expertise in fostering business growth, securing financial solutions, driving local entrepreneurs, and providing personalized financial guidance. With a background in banking, Sim adds valuable insights to his role. Passionate about positively impacting the local community, Sim excels at identifying opportunities, developing strategic financial plans, building strong relationships, and empowering businesses. Committed to the success and prosperity of the Mission community, Sim utilizes his skills and experience to make a lasting impact.
Job Titles:
- Mission, Real Estate Agent, Director
Tom is a licensed Realtor with Lighthouse Realty Ltd. He specializes in helping clients navigate the buying and selling process in the Fraser Valley real estate market. Before obtaining his license in 2008, he worked in the finance industry for 6 years. Tom is always eager to learn and experience new things in life. When Tom is not with clients, you can find him volunteering in some capacity. Sitting on various boards such as the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce since 2017, Rotary Club of Mission Midday since 2012, Mission Minor Hockey since 2018, and he recently joined the Fraser Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation in 2022, Tom finds giving back to the community rewarding. He is always looking to contribute more to this wonderful community he calls home!