Chamber elects new board

There are some new faces joining the Prince George Chamber of Commerce Board.

At last night’s annual general meeting, members elected the new board of directors for 2015-16. Forty-six business members participated in the voting.

Cindi Pohl, account manager at Waste Management Inc., was acclaimed as president, after serving as vice-president for the past two years.

“This is a significant year for our city as we continue to celebrate Prince George’s 100th anniversary and UNBC’s 25th anniversary,” Pohl said in a press release. “I am excited for the year ahead, and am looking forward to working with the chamber board and staff to deliver a full slate of great events for our members and community. Through working closely with our members and partners in the community, the chamber will continue to be the leading voice for business and a force for positive change in Prince George.”

Joining Pohl on the executive are vice-president of finance Corey Naphtali (KPMG), vice-president Bill Quinn (NuStride Executive Coaching), and Lorna Wendling (Deloitte and Touche LLP). All three were elected by acclamation. Past-president Ranjit Gill will round out the executive for the chamber.

“As president, Ranjit has done an amazing job of connecting the chamber with other organizations she is involved with in the community We are very glad she will remain involved with the board and continue to help the chamber build strong relationships,” said Christie Ray, Chamber CEO. “Cindi has an incredible business network in Prince George, and we are excited about the dedication, energy and connections she brings as President. She has demonstrated commitment to the Chamber through her role on the past executive, and as chair for several committees.”

An election was necessary, however, to fill out the remaining six vacancies on the board as 12 people had put their names forward. When the voting was completed the new directors elected were: Alex McIntosh (Prince George Free Press), John Reid (CNC), Roberta Stewart (Heather Sadler Jenkins LLP), Russ Peterson (Finning Canada), Tracey McCall (MC3 Marketing Communications), and Kara Biles (Canfor).

They will join existing directors with one year left on their term Clint Dahl (Royal LePage), Dan Ryan (UNBC), Todd Bugge (Vista Radio), and Vincent Prince (Aboriginal Business and Community Development Centre).

The Chamber will officially welcome and celebrate the new board at the President’s Gala on April 18 at the University of Northern British Columbia’s Bentley Centre. This year’s Jeopardy-themed event will feature games that will test guests’ knowledge of the Prince George business scene. At the gala, the chamber will also recognize members who have reached significant milestones with the chamber in 2015.