Board Members
The Bulkley Valley Economic Development Association consists of a Board of Directors. The board members are:
Sean Rowell (Chair) is a partner at Perry & Company Barristers and Solicitors. Sean works primarily in advising and assisting small businesses and deals with diverse legal issues in that role. He was called to the Bar in British Columbia in 2006. He obtained a BA (Economics) from the University of Northern British Columbia in 2002 and graduated from the University of British Columbia with an LLB in 2005. He is a past president of the Smithers Volunteer Fire Fighters Association and is currently sitting on the Executive Committee of Canadian Bar Association B.C. Branch.
Dana Gorbahn (Vice Chair) is the Executive Director of High Road Service Society, an organization that works with adults with developmental disabilities to help them achieve their full potential. Dana is an expert in the sector of social enterprise as HRSS operates several revenue generating ventures that employ clients of High Road.
Al McCreary (Treasurer) is the co-owner of Hudson Bay Lodge in Smithers, a member of Edmison Mehr Chartered Accountants, president of ABLE, the liquor association of B.C., vice president of the BC Hotel Association, treasurer of Smithers Men’s Old-timers Hockey Association and president of the Prairie Cabin Owners Association. He has lived in the Smithers since 1976, and enjoys being part of the wonderful community here.
Cameron Groves is the sales manager at Coast Mountain GM. He brings an extensive network and sales experience to the BVEDA board. Cam enjoys playing rec hockey and fishing with his wife and family
Megan D'Arcy is the proprietor of D'Arcy Consulting Services specializing in wildlife ecology and agriculture, with a focus on research and extension. Recent work has included Environmental Farm Planning. Megan is also heavily involved in the agriculture sector in the Bulkley Valley. She owns and operates a small farm. We sell chicken, eggs and lamb from the farmgate and at the Bulkley Valley Farmers' Market.
Staff
Allan Stroet is the first Economic Development Officer for the Bulkley Valley Economic Development Association. He graduated from the University of Northern British Columbia with a degree in Marketing and Business Administration. He gained economic development experience in Prince George before returning back to his hometown of Smithers. Allan is looking forward to the challenges ahead of him with the new position and to resettling here with his wife. He is an avid hockey fan and golfer.
Gladys Atrill is the Tourism Director at the Town of Smithers as well as a Master Instructor with the Recreational Canoeing Association of B.C. She is a skilled communicator and educator as well as an accomplished technical and artistic paddler.
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