Vernon’s best under 40
Okanagan Edge Staff - Feb 05, 2019 - Biz Releases

Photos: Contributed
(L to R): Chippendale, Cunningham, Dersken, Heng and Payson

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and KPMG have found their first group of young superstars.

The chamber, along with the accounting firm, is conducting its “Top 20 Under 40,” and on Tuesday it announced the first five recipients. They come from a wide variety of industries, and four of the five are business owners or founders.

More than 60 nominations were received, and the first five to make the list are: Genny Chippendale (Iron Heart Gym owner); Jodi Cunningham (Medicine Shop Pharmacy owner), Mitchal Derksen (Numu Consulting founder and CEO), Linda Heng (The Beauty Bar owner) and Julia Payson (Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon executive director).

The top 20 will be fully revealed over the next several weeks, and they will all be honoured at a special recognition event on Tuesday, March 12, at Okanagan Spirits.

Genny Chippendale (Iron Heart Gym owner): The long-time Vernon resident started her gym after one of her sons experienced serious health struggles. She decided she wanted to help others develop strong bodies, and Iron Heart gym was born.

Jodi Cunningham (Medicine Shop Pharmacy owner): Owning an independent pharmacy allows Cunningham to create a more patient-centered approach and offer personalized, holistic care in a professional setting where patients can feel comfortable and welcomed.

Mitchal Derksen (Numu Consulting founder and CEO): He is a chartered professional accountant who has lived in Canada, Mexico, the U.S., Egypt and Qatar, and he feels it allows him to see the big picture and understand how to break it all down to ensure success.

Linda Heng (The Beauty Bar owner): The 14-year Vernon resident followed in the footsteps of her entrepreneurial parents and opened her own business through the hard work and perseverance they instilled in her.

Julia Payson (Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon executive director): The Vernon Secondary School graduate has spent her working life trying to help others. She has been involved with Community Action Initiative, John Howard Society of British Columbia, Community Living BC and Doctors Without Borders.


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