Our board

My most interesting and rewarding job was managing the Canada Employment Centre in Nanaimo. This was in the days when the focus of the Federal Government’s employment policy was on results rather than bean counting and decision making was delegated to the local level. I was able to involve the community in the decision making process, build great relationships and make a difference. Management of a large unionized staff and significant budget was also a great learning experience.

I’m a firm believer in giving back through volunteering – in addition to Community Futures,  I’m currently serving as Treasurer of North Nanaimo Rotary Club and as the President of the Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools Foundation,  which provides scholarships and bursaries to Nanaimo/Ladysmith students as well as a broad range of support services and assistance to students in need.

One of my first bosses gave me great advice about avoiding unproductive conflict when he said “Never get in a peeing contest with a skunk – even if you win you end up smelling bad”. Over the years I have learned that relationships are everything! Take the time to build relationships – listen – be respectful – pay attention to what drives and matters to the folks you deal with. Once you have established a solid relationship with someone you can often achieve in 5 minutes what could otherwise take forever.

When asked for a favourite book my response is, ”One Book?? Come on – I’m a reader.” Lord of the Rings – Anything by Arturo Perez Reverte, Michael Chabon or Guy Gabriel Kay – the Maj Siojwal / Per Wahloo series of Martin Beck books – and on and on – not a fair question! An immediate short term goal for me is to get another boat and get back on the water – I was never happier than the 10 years we were sailing on the BC coast.

I’m a creative thinker who works well with others and my varied background gives me a broad understanding and balanced perspective. I believe that these things together with my management and organizational experience enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the Board.

I took over the positions of Director of Communications  – Nanaimo Port Authority in 2014. My most Interesting occupation to date is my current one. I am learning that one never stops learning when working in in Communications

What Have I learned over the years about being in business?

• Good Business Models are affected by Politics; Politics are part of Business.
• Many people ask you for information to confirm what they already believe…and then tell you that you’re wrong.
• People with autonomy and ownership will perform at higher levels than people who are continually scrutinized, provided that the goals and timelines are clear, and results are acknowledged by someone they respect.
• Respect is earned and seldom achieved by title. A sincere “Thank You” can be a subtle but powerful motivator.. 
• Information is incomplete without context.
• Emotion produces results but on occasion, can erode credibility.

Regarding advice for business people. First, do not consider yourself as an established business until you operate for 5 years; you must survive various cycles. Secondly, most business fail due to under capitalization, inflexibility and understanding their position in the market place.

There are so many books out there worth a read but my favourites are Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett) and The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton.  A foundation of regular consistent habits establishes confidence and leads to achievements that otherwise wouldn’t be considered possible.  Saying “what if” creates possibilities.  Passion is a core ingredient for achieving success and happiness.

I worked in business and in Government at the Provincial level, with a Federal authority (agent of) and for non-profit Organizations as staff and at the Board level, in two provinces.  I am currently the Chair of the BC Ocean Boating Tourism Association and a board member with the Nanaimo Tourism Leadership Committee. My understanding of these agencies along with my expertise in Organizational Development, Management, Marketing & Sales, Training and communication are what I bring to Community Futures.

I’m an old retired financial guy. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs.  My father and grandfather were merchants in Nanaimo

I have a Commerce degree from UBC and I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1973. I entered the business world at a time when corporate business was still done face to face. I was fortunate to travel extensively in North America, Europe, Asia and India.My years spent in the coffee and chocolate industry in Zurich and London UK were the most entrepreneurial, challenging and fascinating years of my career.

Business lessons I learned the hard way:

• Don’t ignore the financial numbers—simplify them, understand them and use them.
• Be bold, stay focused, and keep it as simple as possible.
• Develop robust plans but allow for missteps—fail fast to learn fast.
• Celebrate success and recognize those who have done a good job.

In 2008, I retired and returned to Nanaimo.  I believe it is important to give back to your community, and I have been privileged to sit on the Board of Directors of United Way, John Howard Society, Habitat for Humanities, and Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation Inc. and to serve on the City of Nanaimo Grants Advisory Committee, and City of Nanaimo Social Planning Advisory Committee.

My most unique business story—during my first grocery shopping trip in Zurich, I was confused with the labels for canned tuna.  I bought the most expensive label and went home to have a great tuna sandwich.  The next day at work, my colleagues explained the different labels--tuna cat food vs human food.  Quickly after their explanation, I started to learn German.

I have been in the banking industry for 30+ years.  My current role is also my favorite role as a Banker.  I have the privilege of working with and getting to know entrepreneurs all over North Vancouver Island.  As a Sales Manager who works with 10 dedicated business account managers on North Vancouver Island it is inspiring to see the diversity and the passion of business owners in all of our communities.

One of the most important things I have learned over the years that I feel is essential to every business is the need to  have a business plan, and that business plan needs to be a fluid document.  You should be reviewing your business plan quarterly and making course adjustments as you go.

The expertise I bring to the CF Board role is my understanding of business plans, financial statements and the challenges SB owners face with access to capital.  I recognize that it can take more than one partner to get a business up and running and that collaboration within the community partners can be hugely important to the success of a business and of a community.

I look forward to working more closely with Community Futures Nanaimo, looking for ways to help our community thrive and our entrepreneurs proper. 

I understood the importance of a succession plan early on and, at the age of 53, was able to sell my business. Now I am working on my passions instead of for a paycheque. I see the value in organizations like Venture Connect in how they are able to assist business owners towards retirement. 
Over my many years in business and as part of many organizations, I recognized that excelling in people management is the key. Keeping your staff and volunteers motivated and happy in the work they do improves business success.

I studied to be a paralegal but eventually went into banking. Then I opened my business, watched it grow and be sold.  I wish I knew about Community Futures when I started out. I grew the business from 3 employees to 23 employees; along the way, I understood that capital (as well as mentorship) was important to its success. While there are many wise people inspiring business owners, my favourite quote is, “Show me someone who doesn’t mind losing and I’ll show you someone who loses a lot!” If I had to offer one piece of advice to business owners - be honest with your financing institution. They are there to help you and can only make good decisions with the correct information.

The year I spent as General Manager for a professional Theatre company was one of my most interesting professions. It led to my current life passion to improve access to live theater by finding a permanent home for Theatre One.

Mark Fenwick is the General Manager of Woodgrove Centre.  He has 22 years of operations and marketing experience with shopping centre owner and developer Ivanhoe Cambridge, a leading Canadian company in the real estate industry.  He previously worked in the financial services sector for several years after earning a Bachelor Commerce degree from UBC.  As a believer in supporting the local community, he has prior involvement with Community Futures and the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce in volunteer roles.

Mark moved backed to Nanaimo in July 2018 from Delta, BC where he oversaw the successful opening of Tsawwassen Mills, the largest enclosed mall with outlet stores in Metro Vancouver, as the General Manager.  Mark embraces the challenging and dynamic role of leading a management team in the successful operation and marketing of a large destination shopping centre.

When not in the role of shopping centre manager, he enjoys spending time with his son, staying active, reading and traveling.

A born cultural entrepreneur, Patricia Huntman’s talent is finding the place where communications and culture can meet and flourish. She is an experienced communications and cultural development professional.  Prior to making Vancouver Island her home, Patricia worked nationally and internationally in senior roles in the creative industry and has a background in not-for-profit management and fundraising.

Her British Columbia based consultancy offers a roster of management, planning, and communication services tailored to building communities through culture. Patricia’s clients include local, provincial, and federal governments, arts organizations (from community-based to professional), creative workers, museums, developers and foundations.

She holds a Diploma in French Studies (Literature and Art History) from Sorbonne University in Paris, France, and an MBA from North America’s oldest public university – the University of New Brunswick, where she also earned a BA in psychology (visual perception concentration). She is a member of the professional association of Arts Consultants Canada, the Creative City Network, the Canadian Museums Association, and the British Columbia Museums Association.

At present, I help people locating funding for mortgage financing as a Mortgage Expert at DLC Canadian Mortgage Experts. One of my most interesting occupations was as Service Manager at The Keg Steakhouse & Bar Even more surprising is the fact that I’ve been bitten by black widow spiders on two separate occasions.

What I have learned over the years about being in business is to be authentic in what you do. Authenticity goes a long way in today’s business environment.  I would tell business people what I practice every day -remember to take every possible occasion to get to know people and to create relationships with others in the community.

A favourite book is The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. And my passion at the moment is to plan to continue to stay fit and active. I wouldn’t want a lack of personal fitness to be the reason that holds me back from doing anything and everything.

My years of self-employment mean I have “been there”; I understand what business owners are dealing with today. I feel my involvement with the Young Professionals of Nanaimo allows me to bring to the table the perspective from the young entrepreneurs. As well, I bring to Community Futures a high level of customer service expertise through varying levels.

Related occupations, education, achievements related to “business expertise”: Mortgage Expert at DLC Canadian Mortgage Experts; President of the Young Professionals of Nanaimo (2013); Graduate of VIU with a BBA in Management; Chaired “Connect VI” Conference  (2012); Nominated as “Top 20 Under 40” (2013)

Andrea Rosato-Taylor is the publisher of The Chronicle serving Ladysmith and Chemainus area.  Andrea has been working in media for 25 years. In her various roles with newspapers in San Francisco, Vancouver and Vancouver Island - she has created and implemented many multi-media products ----- that vary from event marketing, airport signage, creating new digital products for the recruitment category, specialty features, magazines etc. Her “Why” is, "you get the community you want by participating in it”.

She is not only passionate about newspapers and multi-media but is passionate about community. She has been the Chair of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Director on the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival Society, Board of Trustee of the NCID Water Board, “Woman of Note” and Chairperson for fundraising for the Vancouver Island Symphony, President of the Downtown Ladysmith Business Association, and is a director on the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce.

I have worked for Coastal Community Credit Union for the past 26 years and I am currently the Branch Manager of the Bowen Road CCCU Branch. During that time I have help many members and businesses achieve their financial goals.

Working within our community and with local entrepreneurs is a passion for me.  I have been fortunate to have the support of CCCU and my family which allows me to volunteer in our community.  I have worked for, and  continue to work with, many Boards such as the Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society, the Parksville/Qualicum Community Foundation, Milner Gardens and Woodlands, Nanoose Community Services and The Nanaimo Hospice Society, to name a few.     

Volunteerism is part of my genetics; it is who I am and allows me to share what I know for the benefit of others.  Being a Board member for Community Futures Central Island is a wonderful opportunity for me to continue to help develop community sustainability and connect with others who believe that we can all make a difference by sharing our expertise and experiences. 

So this is me…my life…born and raised in a small town that could be otherwise referred to as the edge of the earth.  As far west in Canada as you can get before you fall into the ocean.  Born in Tofino on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.  

Raised in rugged Ucluelet, a small town at that time submerged in both forestry and fishing.  Growing up embracing life on the coast, the simplicity of nature and the call of the ocean.  Growing up in a family that embraced the value of community, I learned that it takes a “village”. “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” ~ Helen Keller.  Following in my father’s footsteps, I started a career in forestry…leaving my home on Vancouver Island and going on to own and manage two very successful companies over the next several years.  

After the birth of my three children and later the sale of my business, I relocated back to Vancouver Island, where the ocean still called to me. As a single father for many years during that period of my life, I pursued a career in real estate and made commitment to my family, my community and the area that my children and I call home a priority. It is here that I found the value of community.  

I have been actively involved in our community in my support of local organizations like the Oceanside Minor Hockey Association, as an active board member with the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce and Parksville Qualicum Tourism Association and have remained an active participant and volunteer in local community functions and committees.i an also a graduate of the leadership Vancouver Island Program. 

I continue to strive to be a dedicated REALTOR® that is passionate about helping people achieve their dreams and goals. I pride myself on always putting the best interests of my clients FIRST and offers pecialized and complimentary value-added services to my Oceanside and Nanaimo clients. I am one of a small number of accredited Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES®) and Accredited Buyer's Representatives (ABR®) in our region. I work for Royal LePage Parksville Qualicum Beach Realty in Parksville - Qualicum Beach.

We all choose what we value in life and it is our responsibility to not only find it, but to help others find it as well.  It takes a community. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples” ~ Mother Teresa

“I come to the Community Futures Central Island Board with an unwavering need to help build small businesses in the central Vancouver Island region, which in turn builds strong rural communities.”

Community Futures Central Island provided 17 business loans in the region for a total of $1,745,218 in 2017/18 and created/maintained 55 jobs. In 2016/2017, the 267 Community Futures offices nationwide assisted  6,135 entrepreneurs,  invested over $315, 265,919  and leveraged $517,406,525 directly into the rural economy. Overall 41,712 jobs were created.

Performance Reporting - 2017-2018

Performance Reporting   2016-2017       

Island Coastal Community Futures Group Annual Report 2017

Performance Reporting   2015-2016

Performance Reporting   2014-2015

Performance Reporting  2013- 2014

Financial Statements 2017-2018

Financial Statements Mar 2017

Financial Statements 2015-2016

Financial Statements Mar 2014

Financial Statements Mar 2013

Committee Members 2017/2018

Committee Members 2016/2017

Committee Members 2015/2016

Committee Members 2014/2015

Committee Members 2013/2014

Appeals Process 

Redress and Appeals Policy

Redress and Appeals Form

Board Member Recruitment

Nominating Committee