The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce board of directors increased by four at the Annual General Meeting held March 6.

The board, which will serve from 2012 to 2014, is comprised of seven returning and six new members.

The following business leaders now serve on the board of directors: Rose-Marie Regitnig (president), Paul Christy (vice president), Kirsha Campbell (treasurer), Alita Bentley, Allen Miller, Craig Knapp, Dave McGrath, Grant Costello, Justin Atterbury, Rob Dunn, Tiffany Gulbe, Todd Mitchell, Richard Haworth (past president).

When asked to comment about the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and their purpose for being on the board, the consensus was that CVCC’s new board members are all committed to the well being of the local economy and keeping our business community vibrant and engaged.

“I believe in the chamber to be an organization that is able to effectively advocate, support and promote business on behalf of its members. We are able to do so with active and dedicated member involvement,” new president Regitnig said. “Our priorities for the next 12 months are the key areas identified in our strategy meetings we held in the fall of 2011. Those are: funding, communication/marketing, education, regional shift and member involvement.

“I joined the CVCC board because I care about the future of Columbia Valley and believe that by working together we can make a difference.”

Past president, Al Miller, who put his name forward again to sit as a director on the board, is willing to re-commit to the organized because of the important role that the chamber plays in the community.

“The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce is the conduit for business networking in our valley,” Miller said. “It’s important to me that we have a strong board to meet the challenges economically and socially.”

Craig Knapp, a new community member and owner of the new Canadian Tire said, “The Columbia Valley is a very special place, becoming a director on the board gives me an opportunity to contribute.”

“There is strength in numbers, so the efforts and voices of many are of more effect than one,” said Invermere business owner Alita Bentley.

“I am excited to be a part of the new  board of directors and working with so many brilliant and skilled people who all have the desire to collaborate and focus on ways to improve business with in the Columbia Valley.”

Valley Peak owner Rob Dunn, stated that he ” would like to help our valley communities achieve economic and environmental stability and I believe the Chamber of Commerce is a good avenue to reach that goal”.

Todd Mitchell added, “The CVCC is an important part of our business community. Under the leadership of our new president, the new and larger board will be able to accomplish many new goals.”

This board is one of the largest in recent years.