People in Business


New chefs at Poplar Grove
Okanagan Edge Staff - Mar 13, 2023 - People in Business

One of the Naramata Bench’s prestigious wineries is welcoming a new pair of chefs to guide its food menu. The Restaurant at Poplar Grove is excited to welcome Stacy Johnston as executive chef and Minette Lotz as chef de cuisine. The two met working in a kitchen and share a love of deep-rooted, locally farmed […]

KSO boss bidding farewell
Kristen Holliday - Mar 10, 2023 - People in Business

Kamloops Symphony Orchestra will be saying farewell to its executive director later this spring. Daniel Mills took the job with the KSO in June 2019 and led the society through the COVID-19 pandemic, a particularly challenging time for arts organizations. In a news release, KSO said Mills will be leaving in mid-May, moving back to his […]

New COO at Pushor Mitchell
Okanagan Edge Staff - Mar 09, 2023 - People in Business

Kelowna’s Pushor Mitchell has hired an experienced accountant to be its new chief operating officer. Kara James is the new COO at the Interior’s largest law firm. She has more than 24 years of experience in budgeting and forecasting, internal controls, cash flow analysis and key performance indicator development. “I believe that success happens when […]

Tonit founder ready for final
Accelerate Okanagan - Mar 08, 2023 - People in Business

The 2023 OKGN Angel Summit began on Jan. 10, with a group of more than 45 applicants hoping to take home the $225,000 investment fund. Over the past two months, this year’s angel investors narrowed it down to the final six companies. These courageous founders have demonstrated their commitment to learning the capital raising process […]

URBA unveils 2023 board
Contributed - Mar 06, 2023 - People in Business

Uptown Rutland Business Association named its 2023 board of directors during its annual general meeting last week. Nancy Wells is back as president, and she will lead a board that consists of five returnees and four newcomers. The group of ex officio directors include Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas. “Rutland’s business community is full of heart […]

Naramata Inn chef returns home
Okanagan Edge Staff - Feb 27, 2023 - People in Business

A Naramata chef is proving you can go home again. Jacob Deacon-Evans, who started his culinary career in his hometown at the age of 16, has been named head chef at the prestigious Naramata Inn by Columbia Hospitality. “Naramata is a magical place, and I’m just buzzing to be part of the Naramata Inn,” Deacon-Evans […]

Faces of #OKGNtech
Accelerate Okanagan - Feb 16, 2023 - People in Business

A strong community can promote new ideas and ensure accountability. It can also act as motivation, support and even provide a little friendly competition. The power of community is undeniable, and the Okanagan tech community is no exception. Our community is strong and growing with record speed, and maintaining connections through a period of growth […]

New managing partner at Pushor
Okanagan Edge Staff - Feb 09, 2023 - People in Business

Pushor Mitchell LLP has a new managing partner. Joni Metherell, who started with the Kelowna law firm as an articling student in 1994, has agreed to a three-year term as managing partner. Her role will be to work closely with the other partners and associates to guide the firm’s strategic direction. Metherell is taking over […]

Paradigm hires Vernon leader
Jon Manchester - Feb 02, 2023 - People in Business

A Vernon business leader is taking the helm of a North Thompson manufacturing company. Philipp Gruner has been appointed as the new CEO of building panel maker Paradigm Building Solutions in Barriere. Gruner will also oversee Paradigm’s subsidiaries and the transition from owner-founder Stefan Maunz, who will continue as chairman of the company. “I’m pleased […]

Faces of #OKGNtech
Accelerate Okanagan - Jan 23, 2023 - People in Business

A strong community can promote new ideas and ensure accountability. It can also act as motivation, support and even provide a little friendly competition. The power of community is undeniable, and the Okanagan tech community is no exception. Our community is strong and growing with record speed, and maintaining connections through a period of growth […]