Board of Directors & Chamber Staff Team
Executive Committee
Chris Washington
Chris Washington
Chris Washington was born and raised in the Alberni Valley. She was previously a director on the Chamber of Commerce back in the late 90's. Chris has left town twice for other endeavors and continues to return. She now owns Flandangles Kitchen & Gifts, and Gibson's Fine Linens with her husband, Dan Washington. Flandangles has been in the community for over 40 years and they opened her sister store, Gibson's, in 2018. Chris is also in her second term as a School District Trustee. If Chris is not in her store, she can be found out in the community at one of our many schools.
Colin Minions
Colin Minions
Nicholas Metzger
Nicholas Metzger
Nicholas grew up in the Lower Mainland area. In 2020, he and his partner, Cassandra, moved to the Alberni Valley to enjoy the beautiful scenery and be closer to family. Nicholas enjoys cooking delicious food, exploring the community, playing the drums and studying the Law of Equity and Trust Law.
He brings years of diverse experience, from producing television series, marketing local businesses, and managing teams. As a result, he feels naturally drawn to leadership roles and is excited to be an integral part of the Alberni Valley's fantastic and thriving business community.
Dylan Ashwood
Dylan Ashwood
Allie Ashwood
Allie Ashwood
Terry Deakin
Terry Deakin
Terry Deakin is celebrating 20 years of service in the Alberni Valley. She began her journey as a social entrepreneur in 1998 with a pilot project in a rented room where the PEAK radio station is now. Continuing her education while growing the business, Terry completed a Diploma in Human Services, a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management and most recently a Master of Arts in Community Development. INEO currently employs a staff of 15 and provides employment and employment related services to those who are unemployed or precariously employed. In early 2021 Terry purchased Animal Ark in Port Alberni as a Social Enterprise where people can learn how to work in a retail environment. Terry believes the magic comes from the people who do the work – the staff who provide the support and those who take that support and turn it in to success stories.
Directors
Dave Heinrichs
Dave Heinrichs
Kate Smith
Kate Smith
Alaina Nadig
Alaina Nadig
George Gorton
George Gorton
Abu Jahangir
Abu Jahangir
Erin Williams
Erin Williams
Thomas Senecal
Thomas Senecal
Appointees (non-voting)
Cindy Solda
Cindy Solda
Pat Deakin
Pat Deakin
Sharie Minions
Sharie Minions
Natasha Marshall
Natasha Marshall
Serena Mayer
Serena Mayer
Chamber Staff
Jolleen Dick
Jolleen Dick
Elliot Drew
Elliot Drew
Emily Ratcliff
Emily Ratcliff
Richard Spencer
Richard Spencer
Bruce Patterson
Bruce Patterson
Christina Kuzma-Wells
Christina Kuzma-Wells
Elena Doucette
Elena Doucette
Member Spotlight
RLR Lawyers
VANCOUVER ISLAND LAWYERS
We serve clients throughout the mid to North Island including the Comox and Alberni Valleys.
We understand what it means to be Vancouver Islanders and our lawyers and staff are active participants in the communities we serve. We support local businesses and initiatives that drive the local economy, as well as our Island sports teams, the arts, and charitable organizations – all those things that make our communities unique and vibrant.
Commitment to community is a hallmark of our firm. In addition to an active sponsorship program for community organizations, many of our lawyers sit on boards, charities, and societies and work closely with community groups. The firm also has two members who have received the highest award given by the Canadian Bar Association BC Branch for community service which is unique in the province and demonstrates the depth of our commitment to the communities we serve.