Who Are We?
Led by a volunteer Board of Directors and a dedicated staff, Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK) helps to foster strong, resilient local economies. Engaging in Community Economic Development along with local, provincial and federal government partners, businesses, community organizations and other stakeholders, we champion economic growth and sustainability throughout our vibrant service area. CFEK also promotes economic development and the creation of jobs and wealth in our region by providing small-business loans for start-up, expansion or the purchase of existing businesses. In addition to financial support, CFEK offers a variety of business-related services, including knowledgeable, professional business consultation and access to training for entrepreneurs and their employees.
Our Service Area
- Athalmer
- Brisco
- Canal Flats
- Cranbrook
- Donald
- Edgewater
- Elkford
- Elko
- Fairmont Hot Springs
- Fernie
- Field
- Fort Steele
- Galloway
- Golden
- Grasmere
- Harrogate
- Hosmer
- Invermere
- Jaffray
- Kimberley
- Marysville
- Moyie
- Newgate
- Nicholson
- Panorama
- Parson
- Radium Hot Springs
- Roosville
- Skookumchuck
- Sparwood
- Spillimacheen
- Ta Ta Creek
- Wardner
- Wasa
- Windermere
- Wycliffe
- Yahk
Our Board
The board of Directors is comprised of entrepreneurs and other professionals dedicated to furthering CFEK’s Community Economic Development goals. CFEK’s Board is representative of the region, and this regional diversity enables us to effectively respond to the needs of our clients and communities. To contact a specific Director, please send an email to info@cfek.ca with the name of the Director in the subject line and it will be forwarded to them.
Carrie Schafer
Chair – Cranbrook
Media & Communications
Wendy Booth
Director – Columbia Valley
Business Consulting
Pete Bourke
Director – Columbia Valley
Community Economic Development
Tracey Whiting
Vice Chair – Cranbrook
Post Secondary Education
Rick Thompson
Director – Columbia Valley
Property Development
Vicky Roy
Director – Farimont
Post Secondary Education
Verna O’Neill
Treasurer – Kimberley
Business Consulting
Steve Thomson
Director – Elk Valley
Business Consulting
Tyler Donaldson
Director – Cranbrook
Entrepreneurship
Travis Martin
Director – Kimberley
Insurance
Nicolas Greenfield
Director – Cranbrook
Social Finance
A world of possibilities
Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK) is inviting engaged and entrepreneurial-minded individuals to join our governance team as a volunteer on our Board of Directors.
While we encourage anyone within our service area to send in applications, in order to continue to have balanced representation across our service area, preference will currently be given to residents of:
- Golden
- Columbia Valley
Community Futures organizations across Canada are committed to Community Economic Development and to supporting our local businesses and entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, training and advisory services.
Our Core Values
Honesty – We will be genuine, fair, truthful and sincere in all our dealings.
Respect – We will show consideration and deference for the contribution of others.
Openness – We will share information in a timely fashion, respecting the need for prudence and confidentiality.
Trust – We will behave responsibly and honourable, we will allow ourselves to be open, approachable and create an atmosphere that encourages candor.
Results– we will create positive community outcomes through innovation, entrepreneurial leadership, excellent client care and strong partnerships.
Our Quality Standards
Governenance – Community Futures operates using a governance model based on written policies/procedures that encompass our operational needs. These policies are regularly reviewed and renewed.
Professionalism – Community Futures volunteers and staff adopt the core values, strive for excellence and seek out opportunities for continuous improvement.
Communications – Community Futures communicates both internally and externally reflecting our core values in a timely, responsive and effective manner.
Accountability – Community Futures are accountable to our communities, founders and each other to meet or exceed expectations, while reflecting our core values.