2024 Workforce Conference & Job Fair presented by Venture Kamloops

Panel Sponsor

Industry Sponsor

Image: Christian

Over twenty-five years, Christian Saint Cyr has established himself as a nationally recognized labour market expert. As publisher of the British Columbia and Ontario Labour Market Reports, Christian also serves as the National Director of the Canadian Job Development Network. In these roles he is advising thousands of career professionals throughout the country and regularly works with representatives of business, education and government. Christian studies the labour market with an employer’s perspective to help career professionals understand the challenges employers face, their goals and expectations. He believes understanding an employers’ perspective not only results in stronger employment outcomes but also ensures employees are able to thrive in their new work environment.

Image: Debra

Debra Sloat, CPHR, SCP, M.A. is an Organisation Effectiveness Consultant with over 30 years’ experience. Debra keeps an eye on the overall system while making an impact through understanding the interconnectedness of how all the little parts affect the larger organization system.

Debra’s experience in Human Resource Management, Systems Thinking, Leadership Development and understanding of organizations development have given Debra the ability to ask powerful questions that assist individuals and organizations in meeting their goals.

It is a passion of Debra’s to connect the values of an organization to every aspect of the organisation to achieve the mission of the organization.  When the employee is truly aligned with the values and the mission of the organization, Debra has witnessed the organisation thrive. Understanding how individuals learn and grow in relationship with others enhances the employee’s ability to connect and move towards the organisation’s common goals.

Debra brings strength to her profession having worked in or consulted in many types of industry and roles throughout her life.  She has consulted in a variety of areas such as but not limited to:

• Strategic Planning and Goal Alignment,
• Talent Management Strategy,
• Change Management,
• Culture Change and Development,
• Organizational Effectiveness,
• Business Process Analysis,
• Business Start-up and development,
• Policy Development and the related change management initiatives,
• Organizational Conflict/Mediation and investigations,
• Coaching, Training and Development
• Human Resource Management

Debra’s has undergraduate education is in Human Resources Management and a Master’s in Leadership in Training. She is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)and a past Senior Certified Professional with the Society of Human Resource Management. She is a Certified WE-I Practitioner and Certified in MBTI Personality Assessments.

Ankit – Kamloops Immigrant Services

Kamloops Immigrant Services (KIS) is a leading organization dedicated to supporting immigrants in Kamloops and surrounding areas. We facilitate newcomers’ successful integration through comprehensive settlement, language, and employment services. 

Our employment program offers personalized counselling to help individuals identify their skills, career goals, and job search strategies. We provide support with resume and cover letter preparation, interview skills, and connections to professional resources. We also host workshops and information sessions to enhance career development. 

In addition to supporting newcomers, KIS assists employers in their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) training and connects them with skilled newcomer talent, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce. We are committed to empowering individuals and promoting inclusive economic opportunities for all. 

Chris – Connective 

Connective is a community-based social services nonprofit dedicated to fostering safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all individuals. Throughout our evolution, we have developed a comprehensive array of person-centered programs tailored to address the diverse needs of the communities we serve.  We offer a diverse range of innovative service models designed to address the multifaceted needs of our communities. Our programs encompass support for individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental health challenges, problematic substance use, developmental disabilities, and those impacted by the criminal justice system. 

Jordann – Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwe̓pemc Nation

Jordann Hazelwood is a member of Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc and the HR, Employment & Training Manager for the Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwe̓pemc Nation (SSN), representing Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc and Skeetchestn Indian Band. She has spent the last 9 years breaking down barriers and advancing Indigenous People in Mining and Oil & Gas in the Kamloops region, and creating culturally safe, impactful and inclusive working environments. 

Jordann has dedicated her career to supporting Indigenous People in accessing opportunities that enhance essential and employability skills, as well as networking connections to some of the top employers in the Kamloops region. Reducing and removing a variety of barriers Indigenous People face is where her passion originates and is a direct result for her vision of working towards the increase of Indigenous employability, integral in building healthy and strong workplaces and communities. 

Jordann has a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, sits on Minerva BC’s Kamloops Committee and Community Futures Thompson Country Board of Directors. 

Adrian – Surerus Murphy

Adrian Wall is the Indigenous & Local Engagement Senior Advisor for Surerus Murphy Joint Venture. Adrian is a longtime Kamloops resident along with his wife, children and grandchildren who were all born here and enjoy the community in many ways. 

Adrian held various roles with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans over his 35-year career and held key portfolios in community capacity building, fisheries management, Indigenous Affairs. Since 2019, Adrian has been the Indigenous & Local Engagement Senior Advisor for Surerus Murphy Joint Venture. He has been passionate about implementing the Indigenous, Local, Regional, Employment & Training commitments of the client – Trans Mountain Expansion Project. He is proud of the positive Indigenous & local employment outcomes on the project as well as the community and economic benefits that have resulted from Surerus Murphy’s strategic objectives.

Darcy – IRCC  

The Dedicated Service Channel (DSC) is a unit within the federal department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which provides specialized immigration support to employers navigating the immigration system. Outreach officers provide complimentary specialized services to employers across Canada.

Contact us at promotion@cic.gc.ca to find out about Canada’s immigration advantage and pathways to attract, hire and retain international talent.  

George – Vivacity 

George Emery is the CEO and founder of Vivacity Technologies a Kamloops headquartered firm whose mission is to use technology ethically and equitably to build a better future for cities, organizations, and citizens. As an accomplished business operator with over 18 years experience, George has held VP and CEO roles in multiple industries. Prior to founding Vivacity Technologies, George was the CEO of a Canadian based data centre operator for almost 4 years, providing cloud and critical IT services. In addition, George has significant experience throughout his career working at startups and consultancy firms. George is a sessional teacher at Thompson Rivers University and earned a BSc. Computer Science and Economics in England, followed by an MBA in Montreal. 

Tunji – Open Door Group

Open Door Group is a CARF-accredited, not-for-profit organization and registered charity providing employment services to thousands of individuals a year across Canada. We work with all individuals who are interested in preparing for, finding, and keeping meaningful employment.

Alongside our employment services, we offer specialized programs designed to support individuals facing mental health challenges. At our core, Open Door Group remains an organization about people and relationships.

Within the communities we serve, you will find us connecting with clients, families, the business community, other service providers, and all levels of government. We are proud to have strong, collaborative partnerships with thousands of service organizations and businesses to connect job seekers with meaningful work and help hiring employers tap into untapped talent pools.

Tunji is the Employer and Community Engagement Manager at Open Door Group. A meticulous and diligent professional with over two decades’ experience in identifying opportunities, building high-performing teams, and implementing effective business development strategies. His expertise lies in building strategic partnerships and enhancing client experience. With strong analytical skills and research capabilities, he excels in capitalizing on opportunities and fostering long-term relationships to drive growth.

Tunji is renowned for leading and motivating cross-functional teams. He cultivates a collaborative, high-performance culture that consistently achieves objectives and exceeds expectations. As a goal-oriented project champion, he is proficient in monitoring trends, adapting strategies, and maintaining a competitive edge.

Tunji holds a Bachelors degree in Applied Physics and an MBA in Leadership and Business Sustainability.

Darrick – Avid Action Coach

A Coach Who Gets Results…. 

• Experience, discipline, and willpower are what sets Darrick apart from other business coaches. Darrick applies systems, rituals and leadership strategies that get practical proven results. He mentions often the reason for him dedicating himself to a career in business coaching was to help business owners bypass the mistakes all so often made in the business world. Darrick says, too many business owners want to try everything before asking for help. He has no doubt you will succeed, however he believes, that with his experience, and knowledge, and coaching, you will get there 10 years sooner….. 

An Accomplished Business Owner….. 

• Darrick, is an inspiration to many business owners, having started his first business adventure at 13 years of age. Having a clear understanding of leverage (more with less) he adopted the process of leveraging his time utilizing technology, systems, teams and education. Darrick understands also, having owned and operated dozens of businesses across various industries, you can’t manage what you do not measure. It’s nice having all the fancy technology but if you aren’t testing and measuring you are running your business on feelings vs facts. 

Good Enough Isn’t…. 

• Darrick is dedicated to excellence always and believes you must be your best to have the best business. He believes a business is the mirror image of its owner, and for the business to grow the business owners must grow with it. Darrick is accountable in all aspects including, his personal growth, and measures it daily. When working with Darrick, you will find he has high standards for himself and translates them to the entrepreneurs he works with. If good enough is your mentality, expect to be uncomfortable when being in the presence of Darrick. He believes in you and wants only excellence and abundance in your life. He will never give up on you, even if you do at times…. 

A Devoted Mentor and Speaker…. 

• Darrick has been mentoring business owners for over 2 decades. Having experience launching new businesses and having worked with companies generating hundreds of millions in revenue each year. Darrick offers a diverse background helping ignite business owners’ purpose to accomplish anything. Having spent over 10 years in marketing and sales building systems that guarantee consistent recurring sales and revenue. A celebrated speaker, and motivator, you will soon see him on the stages of the world. Darrick’s ideal life is to be bring 1000’s of business owners to abundance through business re-education. There is massive value in just one meeting with him. 

Jaimie – Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

Jamie Noakes, CPHR, MES, Chairperson of TRU Career and Experiential Learning (CEL), has been a dedicated advocate for Experiential Learning since 2009. With a strong commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, Jamie leverages her experience as a tenured faculty member to champion the development of Work-Integrated Learning opportunities. These initiatives empower university students to gain valuable real-world experience before graduation. 

CEL actively supports academic faculties across a wide range of disciplines, including Science, Arts – Communication, Psychology, Geography, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Tourism, and Business— spanning areas such as Accounting, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Human Resources, International Business and Entrepreneurship. By fostering collaboration between TRU and local employers, CEL enhances the quality and availability of work-integrated learning experiences for students in these fields. CEL’s mission is to cultivate meaningful connections across all industries and disciplines, ensuring that students have access to co-op positions, community-based volunteer projects, graduate job postings, and classroom-based projects. 

Recently, CEL has partnered with Riipen and Riipen Level Up, positioning itself as an access point to project-based funding that facilitates the hiring of TRU students. Jamie’s ongoing efforts are focused on expanding these opportunities, reinforcing CEL’s role as a key player in the development of early workforce talent.

Ashley – Tourism Kamloops

With over 10 years of experience, Ashley is a seasoned integrated marketing pro who loves crafting marketing plans that drive growth and optimize ROI. Whether it’s HTML coding, social media campaigns, content writing, or project management, she’s got it covered with a creative flair. Outside of the marketing world, you’ll find Ashley diving into a good book, hitting the local trails, or enjoying quality time with family. She’s always on the lookout for inspiration, especially when it involves laughter and a bit of fresh air. 

Tourism Kamloops leads strategic destination marketing, partners, and collaborates with interest holders, and supports development to promote Kamloops as a distinct and desirable tourism destination. Their goal is to increase tourism revenues through the delivery of innovative, results-based marketing strategies. 

Nicole – Venture Kamloops

As Economic Development Manager for Kamloops, Nicole is dedicated to driving business attraction, retention, and expansion within the City of Kamloops. With a strong focus on creating sustainable economic growth, she leads the development of innovative support programs that provide local businesses and new ventures with the tools and resources necessary for long-term success. Nicole takes pride in collaborating with key stakeholders to foster a thriving business ecosystem that strengthens the local economy and enhances Kamloops’ competitive advantage.

Robyn – Axis

Axis Forestry Inc. is the OEM of the Rebel brand of hydraulic tree processors and the Cypress Robotics Controller. Founded in 2010 in Kamloops, Axis Forestry proudly serves logging contractors throughout North and South America with high quality, innovative products.

Terri – Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc

Terri Mindel, is the Trades and Training Coordinator at Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc and handles all short term and accredited training for the band. She is part of a training and employment committee that works closely with industry, to help recruit and place band members into industry and helps support a culturally safe work environment. She believes in these partnerships with industry and is honored to share best practises. 

She lives in Chase with her husband and has 6 children and 6 grandchildren. Her interests include playing sports, riding horses and travelling. 

Shane – BC Lottery Corporation 

• More to come soon!

Calli Duncan – Far + Wide

Far + Wide is a home decor and gift shop in downtown Kamloops. Their carefully selected product mix features small brands and independent producers, alongside an imaginative lineup of unique in-store events, for a truly special shopping experience. Through a people-first approach, Far + Wide has built a strong, motivated, and loyal team, while avoiding the common retail pitfalls of staffing issues and high turnover. With a strong commitment to community, Far + Wide is recognized as a safe and welcoming space for all, a proud member of the downtown business community, and the 2022 Chamber of Commerce Inclusive Leadership Award recipient. 

Trish Hines – Petland 

Trish Hines has owned the Petland store with her wife DelRae for the past 10 years. 

Trish Started her journey with Petland 27 years ago, moving from part time employee to manager to ownership.  

Currently the Petland store operates with 12 employees, plus Trish and DelRae. 

Rob Wharf – Progressive Air  

Pro Aero Aviation Ltd. Is a certified Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO 15-82) specializing in the repair, overhaul, and maintenance of Lycoming and Continental piston engines and accessories. We serve clients globally, are committed to excellence, and provide comprehensive solutions for both individual aircraft owners and fleet operators. 

Pro Aero Aviation Ltd. Also has the distinct market advantage of access to a fully stocked parts warehouse, which is owned and operated by our sister company, Progressive Air Services Ltd. Our on-hand inventory is over $2.5 million in piston aircraft parts. We are able to fulfill the requirements of our clients quickly because of the large selection of parts on site. 

Aero Sport Power Ltd. is our experimental division of the business and specializes in building custom engines built around the customers specific requests. You want to add more horsepower, or to build an aerobatic engine? We can help you with that! Our International build school is where customers work hand in hand with one of our professional technicians to build their own engine. This program has been an outstanding success and the demand for this experience has never been better! Don’t let the notion of doing business outside of your home country dissuade you from your decision to partner with Aero Sport Power or Pro Aero Aviation. We ship engines back and forth from Kamloops, B.C, Canada all over the globe every day and will look after all these details for you after your initial call. 

We are also proud partners/distributors with Lycoming Engines, Continental Aerospace, Champion Aerospace, Aeroshell Lubricants as well as many other suppliers. 

The Progressive Air Group of Companies encompasses 32 employees in total including, Canadian General Standards Board  Non-Destructive Technicians, Shop Certified Engine Technicians, Procurement Specialists, Sales professionals, and support staff, all of which ensures proficiency across all aspects of our operations. The Progressive Air Group of Companies will be celebrating a big milestone of 50 years in business next year!  We have a proven track record and collectively we provide well over 200 years of knowledge and experience to our customers. We are truly “solutions specialists” in the field of General Aviation. 

Francesca Loehr – Acres Enterprises

Francesca is the Culture and Engagement Manager at Acres. She is responsible for developing and enhancing the company’s workplace culture, ensuring that Acres remains an inclusive environment for all employees.   

Having a news and marketing background, Francesca is always in tune with what’s going on within the company, the industry, and community. She is passionate about creating engaging employee and client experiences, fostering a sense of community, and driving initiatives that promote both personal and professional growth. 

Francesca is passionate about enhancing workplace engagement, knowing firsthand that an engaged team is a productive one. She champions the importance of a robust culture program, always striving to make every interaction meaningful and impactful. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in every initiative she leads. Francesca is an advocate for creating an equitable workplace where diverse voices are heard and celebrated. 

Acres Enterprises is a leading multi-disciplined contractor specializing in general, industrial, and civil contracting. With its headquarters in Kamloops, and established offices in Kelowna and Prince George, Acres’ work extends from the interior to the northern regions of the province.

It’s team of experienced professionals is dedicated to streamlining processes and accelerating schedules while delivering exceptional results and meeting budgets. Acres’ specialty is bringing visions to life, with over 80% of clients returning to collaborate on future projects.  

Acres offers extensive experience and insight on construction projects and can provide comprehensive solutions to meet the needs of clients. With extensive experience and commitment to excellence, Acres has successfully delivered numerous construction projects across various sectors. 

Mike Parker – Grant Thornton

As a Tax Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, Mike advises owners of small and medium-sized businesses on matters such as financial reporting, tax minimization, risk management, financing, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic planning.

Working with businesses in a wide range of industries—from professional services, real estate, financial services, contracting and automotive to hospitality, retail and technology—his primary aim is to provide practical, effective solutions that deliver lasting positive impacts for his clients.

He is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC and the Canadian Tax Foundation and has been heavily involved in the Kamloops community over the years as a member of the Drug Benefit Council of BC, past Vice-Chair of the Thompson Rivers University Board of Governors, past President of the Kamloops West Rotary Club and a high school basketball coach.