They worked hard to carve their own paths as entrepreneurs and professionals, and their toil didn’t go unnoticed.
The first ten recipients in the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Top 20 under 40 include a dynamic group of entrepreneurs and professionals.
“The caliber of nominees this year was significant. With over 60 nominees, the judges had a formidable task picking the Top 20 Under 40,” said Dione Chambers, Chamber general manager. “It is a great opportunity for recognizing those individuals who are working hard, taking risks and dreaming big.”
The first recipients were selected among close to 60 nominations and include Brett Kelly, Elliot Lysyk, Ryan Irving, Sarah Gregory, Nick Matovich, Harpreet Nahal, Pam Taylor, Jason Keis, Ryan Doherty and Riminder Gakhal.
Kelly is a third generation Vernonite and a co-owner of The Gentleman’s Shop and Shave Parlour.
Lysyk is the owner of Arise Chiropractic & Wellness, a real estate investor and a chiropractor doctor with a passion for the community.
Irving is local Lawyer from Nixon Wenger, a director on the Okanagan Science Centre board and a father to two young children.
Gregory is senior HR manager at KingFisher Boats, has a passion for finding the right people to do the job, heads up numerous workshops and is an avid community volunteer.
Born and raised in Vernon, Matovich is the owner of Five Fathoms Tattoo, located in the heart of downtown. Matovich is an artist with an eye for detail and philanthropist that has helped raise over $70,000 for the BC Children’s Hospital foundation.
A lawyer and developer, Nahal is active as the founder of Lake City Law Corporation, partnership with Saath Development Corporation and founder of Modtrend Exteriors Ltd. He is involved with many charities, speaks multiple languages and is an investor within the community.
Owner of Pink Spotted Goat, Taylor is 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 promotor of shop local and a community ambassador.
Keis is marketing and sales manager for Armstrong Co-op, an active member and president of JCI and a musician. Keis is out and about at many community events as a big community supporter.
General Manager at Lake City Casinos, avid fundraiser and volunteer, Doherty most recently helped raise over $200,000 for North Okanagan Hospice Society through dancing with the Stars.
Born and raised in Vernon, Gakhal is a lawyer with Davidson Pringle LLP who graduated with honors from law school. She volunteers on numerous boards and is a committee member of Violence against Women in relationships.
The third Annual Top 20 Under 40, in partnership with KPMG, Community Futures and City of Vernon-Economic Development, recognizes the next generation of leaders in the North Okanagan, those under the age of 40 years of age who are making their mark through business success and community involvement. The next 10 recipients will be announced on next Friday. All recipients will be featured on the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce website and they will also be honoured at a special recognition event Thursday, Nov. 23 at Marten Brewpub.
For more info on the recipients, visit www.vernonchamber.ca.
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