Directors & Staff

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.

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.

I was born and spent my early years on the Manitoulin Island which is in the Great Lakes region of Ontario. Manitoulin means spirit island in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe)

The island is considered sacred by the Native Anishinaabe people and is inhabited by approximately half First Nations and half European-Canadian people.

I have lived in various towns and cities on Ontario including Niagara Falls, Toronto and Burlington and have been involved in the retail automotive business for over 40 years.

We moved out to Vancouver Island in 2020 to enjoy the west coast way of life and take full advantage of its beautiful and natural surroundings.

In the spring of April 202, I accepted the position of General Manager of The Alberni Auto Group which includes Alberni Toyota, Alberni Chrysler, CAP-it Truck Accessories and the Alberni Auto Spa.

I forward to working with all the board members and businesses in the area as we make the Alberni Valley and even better place to enjoy and live in.

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.

Tiana recently moved to Port Alberni in 2021 and is always looking for various ways to be involved with the community. Connection to others and her community is very important to her. She enjoys participating in various leagues for summer soccer and is a part of the new travelling women's league. Tiana loves being in town, as most of her family lives here and she loves spending time with them. 🙂 She is the manager at Animal Ark, the pet store on 3^rd Ave, so she understands the needs of small businesses. She takes pride in being a voice that can help any local or small businesses with their needs and wants. This will be Tiana's second year on the board at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce!

David Michaud has been president of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs since July 2019. Michaud is also the president of Keycorp Sports & Entertainment Ltd, the Bulldogs majority owner. During his time in the BCHL, Michaud has represented the Bulldogs on the BCHL Board of Governors, as well as being a member of the BCHL’s Executive Committee for the past 3 years. Locally, David also serves on the Alberni Valley Tourism board.