‘Dynamic’ group of winners
Okanagan Edge Staff - Nov 14, 2017 - Biz Releases

Image: Contributed

A “dynamic group of entrepreneurs and professionals” make up the first 10 recipients of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s Top 20 under 40 awards.

The third annual awards recognize community members younger than 40 who are making a mark on the community through their businesses and community involvement.

Dione Chambers, the general manager of the Vernon chamber, says the recipients will be “the next generation of leaders in the North Okanagan.”

“The caliber of nominees this year was significant. With over 60 nominees, the judges had a formidable task picking the Top 20 Under 40,”Chambers says. “It is a great opportunity for recognizing those individuals who are working hard, taking risks and dreaming big.”

The first 10 recipients of the award are:

  • Brett Kelly, a third generation Vernonite and co-owner of The Gentleman’s Shop and Shave Parlour;
  • Dr. Elliot Lysyk, the owner of Arise Chiropractic and Wellness, a real estate Investor and a chiropractor doctor with a passion for the community;
  • Ryan Irving, a local Lawyer from Nixon Wenger, a director on the Okanagan Science Centre board and a father to two young children;
  • Sarah Gregory, the senior HR manager at Kingfisher boats who heads up numerous workshops and an avid community volunteer;
  • Nick Matovich, a born-and-raised Vernonite who owns Five Fathoms Tattoo. He’s an artist with an eye for detail and philanthropist that has helped raise over $70,000 for the BC Children’s Hospital foundation;
  • Harpreet Nahal, a lawyer and developer who is active as the founder of Lake City Law Corporation, and the founder of Modtrend Exteriors Ltd. He is involved with many charities, speaks multiple languages and is an investor within the community;
  • Pam Taylor, the owner of the Pink Spotted Goat, and an entrepreneur who has set up a business for local artisans featuring over 100 vendors in her downtown location. She is community minded, a strong promoter of shop local and a community ambassador;
  • Jason Keis, the marketing and sales manager for Armstrong Co-op, an active member and president of JCI, and a musician. Jason is out and about at many community events as a big community supporter;
  • Ryan Doherty, the general manager at Lake City Casinos. An avid fund raiser and volunteer, he most recently helped raise more than $200,000 for the North Okanagan Hospice Society through Dancing with the Stars;
  • Riminder Gakhal, who was born and raised in Vernon, and works as a lawyer with Davidson Pringle LLP. She graduated with honors from law school, and volunteers on numerous boards and is a committee member of Violence Against Women in Relationships.

The next 10 Top 20 recipients will be announced Nov. 17. All recipients will be featured on the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce website and they will also be honoured at a special recognition event Nov. 23 at Marten Brewpub.


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