SPEAKERS

 Susan Mowbray is a Partner in MNP’s consulting practice and leads the firm’s Economics and Research practice.. With more than two decades of experience in economic modelling, applying economic analysis and project management, Susan helps clients achieve their business goals and enhance their success.

Andrew provides strategic management advice and analysis for leading real estate developers, investors, and retailers as well as many of Canada’s most rapidly changing municipalities, crown corporation and public agencies. With a focus on the dimensions of change — demographic, societal and economic — his research and presentations provide the background knowledge for strategies to address the challenges and opportunities that organizations and individuals will face in the years to come.

  Stephen is a key member of the Canadian Chamber’s executive leadership team, responsible for the operations of the new Business Data Lab as well as all economic analysis and research. His current focus is on developing the Chamber’s data and analytics capabilities to provide real-time, forward-looking insights for Canadian businesses of all sizes, in all sectors and regions of the country.

Ellen worked with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association over the past 13 years, in various areas until taking on the lead position in the spring of 2021. She is passionate about setting the Thompson Okanagan apart as a responsible, sustainable tourism destination and is part of the team that saw the Thompson Okanagan Region achieve Biopshere Gold Certification from the Responsible Tourism Institute in 2017 and each year since. 

Paula  is of Hesquiaht and Squamish Nation descent, born and raised in the Nuu-chah-nulth Territory on Vancouver Island. She has worked in several positions with Indigenous Tourism BC for almost 20 years and has been working with Indigenous communities for 25 years, bridging the opportunities between the Indigenous tourism industry and mainstream tourism. 

Richard joined the corporation’s research department in 1999, and moved to progressively more senior roles within the BC Provincial Government, and with Destination BC. As Vice President of Corporate Development, Richard provided strategic leadership for Destination BC’s corporate communications, research and analytics, human resources, and corporate services departments. Before joining Destination BC, Richard taught in the Economics, MBA and MPA programs at the University of Victoria, and was a consultant for several government and non-profit organizations.

Nicole is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, located in Kelowna, BC. She originally received her master’s degree in Dutch notarial law in 1993 from Leiden University in the Netherlands, where Nicole spent the next 9 years working as a (senior) prospective civil-law notary in small and mid-sized practices. In 2002, Nicole and her husband Robert moved their young family ‘back’ to Kelowna, where Robert was born and raised. 

From 2002 to 2012, Nicole supported her husband in his translation agency, mostly editing legal documents.

In 2012 Nicole went back to school to become a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, founding Red Moose Immigration Services the following year. Nicole works with both employers and employees, finding tailored solutions. 

For 20 years, Leigha has been involved with supporting business and economic development in the North Okanagan region. In her role as Executive Director of Community Futures North Okanagan, Leigha works as part of a dynamic team who supports business retention and expansion, workforce development and economic development planning. Leigha is active in the community through various groups, committees and organizations in the region. 

An economics educator at the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at UBC Okanagan, Julien did his doctoral studies at HEC Montreal and is currently teaching various economics courses including Industrial Organization, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and Women in the Economy. His research interests are in Economics Pedagogy, Labour Economics and, Industrial Organization. 

Tanja provides consulting services to various local businesses through her consulting company Potentia Human Resources Inc. and is also an Adjunct Professorwith the Faculty of Management at UBC Okanagan. Tanja draws on her 30 plus years of progressive management, operations, and strategic Human Resource experience as well as her Master’s degree in Leadership and executive coaching training to support businesses in developing exceptional People, Culture and Leadership practices. Potentia HR has been recognized as a finalist for Small Business of the Year in 2021 from the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and most recently being awarded the 2022 Professional business of the Year by the Business Examiner. 

Joel McKay is the CEO of Northern Development, a regional development corporation focused on stimulating economic growth in Northern British Columbia. 

Joel is an award-winning public relations professional and journalist and a proud British Columbian with family roots in the Robson Valley. He currently serves on Destination BC’s  board of directors, the University of Northern B.C.’s Board of Governors and is a published author. Joel, his wife Debra and their two daughters call Prince George home.