For Immediate Release
Grand Forks: Community Futures Boundary (CF Boundary) is the proud recipient of two Community Futures British Columbia (CFBC) awards for the 2020/21 year. “We are incredibly proud of our staff and volunteers. During what was a particularly challenging year, they were able to continue to provide much-needed programs and services which helped Boundary Region businesses sustain themselves. These awards are much-deserved, and very much appreciated” says Board Chair, David Turner.
L-R: Don McMillan Award Recipient Joan Thomas, CFBC Executive Director, Wendy McCulloch
Long time CF Boundary Board Member and Past Chair, Joan Thomas, was presented with the Don McMillan Award which is presented to an individual or group (staff or volunteer) in recognition of an outstanding contribution to community development.
Due to term limit restrictions, Joan is no longer with the Board of CF Boundary, but when she joined in 2012 she had an immediate, and overwhelmingly positive impact. With extensive experience in the forest and agriculture sector, Joan, during her tenure, was Chair, Vice Chair, Past Chair and played a very active role in the Loans Committee. Joan has always been an active and willing participant and learner. In her nine years of service, she never missed a Board meeting, and was always fully prepared. Her attention to detail, penchant for communication and astute ability to ask just the right questions at just the right time was top notch, very much appreciated and, quite frankly, unparalleled.
In addition, CF Boundary received the Feature Loan Award, which is presented to a Community Futures organization in recognition of an innovative loan.
L-R: Feature Loan Award Recipient Susan Green, CF Boundary, Wendy McCulloch, CFBC Executive Director, CFBC, Jennifer Wetmore, CF Boundary
The award was received in recognition of the work done with the Christina Lake Motel and RV Park. Abandoned for three years, the longtime tourism asset located on Highway frontage had fallen into disrepair, even sustaining a fire in late 2019. New to the area, Randy and Christina Gilbert had a dream of purchasing the Motel and RV Park and bring it back to its former glory; however, they experienced challenges securing financing from more traditional lenders. They were referred to CF Boundary by the West Kootenay Boundary Community Investment Co Op and a partnership between the two entities was brokered. CF Boundary was very proud to provide a loan to the Gilberts which allowed them to start renovating and rejuvenating this important tourism asset.
For more information on Program and Services that CF Boundary offers, please go to www.boundarycf.com or contact Jennifer Wetmore at 250 442 2722 ext 225.