Two running for chamber prez
For the first time in recent memory there will be an election for the president of the Osoyoos Chamber of Commerce.
With the organization's Annual General Meeting on Feb. 19, two people have put their names forward for the position of president.
Marlene Lipps and Kevin Walls have both let their names stand for the job.
However, there won't be an election for the director's positions. Being acclaimed into those positions are Phil Elliott – Treasurer, Lory LaRoche, Peyman Sanai, John Cole, Wyatt Thompson, Mark Pellow, Lynn Sutton and Robert Schuster.
CJ Rhodes will sit on the executive as the past president.
The AGM is being held at the Owl Pub beginning at 6 p.m. Dinner will be at 7 p.m. followed by AGM/Installation at 8 p.m. Diane Ball is the entertainment for the event.
There will also be a Silent Auction as well as raffles. Snowbirds in attendance will receive a special gift. Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at the Osoyoos Chamber of Commerce.
According to the chamber's bylaws, every member in good standing represented at the meeting will be entitled to one vote.
Included here are the bios of the two people running for the position of president:rnMarlene Lipps
My name is Marlene Lipps. I have been a permanent resident of this community since 1990. Prior to this my family and I had been summer residents for 26 year as tourists camping for 6 weeks to 2 months. I was a resident and worked as a clerk 3 position for the Municipality of Surrey. I have held the position as Assistant Executive Director of the Surrey Resource Centre in charge of programs for seniors, and handicapped persons. This involved much communication and co-ordination with all community services and groups.
As a resident here I have been one of the persons responsible for campaigning to have the Mammography Van visit Osoyoos and Oliver. I have served on many boards in this community as a member or Director, some in an executive role. Provincially I have been the Regional Director of the Senior Citizens Association of B.C. Currently I am a Director of the Osoyoos Chamber of Commerce, President of the South Okanagan Transit Society, and I have been invited to represent this Community on a Federal level at a Regional Seniors' Workshop on Research for Aging.
This Community, the people and Businesses, are important to me and I am proud to be able to contribute to making and keeping our Community the best it can be.
Kevin Walls
My name is Kevin Walls and I came to this wonderful town of Osoyoos 15 months ago from West Vancouver. I operate Eagles Nest Bed & Breakfast as well as an internet based business. My business background includes growing up in the hospitality industry in Banff as well as management of several restaurant projects. I spent 15 years in Real estate with 12 of those in management. I have also owned a construction company building commercial and residential projects.
My volunteer background includes 10 years working with a young boys association in positions of regional, provincial and national levels. I also sat on the Board of Directors as Vice President of a 1000 member co-op employing 30 and a budget of $1 million.
As President of our chamber I will strive to utilize my business and volunteer background to fulfill the chambers mission making a difference in Osoyoos.
