Sixty-five local tourism industry stakeholders attended the Tourism Kelowna Annual General Meeting held on December 4 at the Coast Capri Hotel. The event provided attendees with a wrap-up of Kelowna’s tourism picture for 2009 as well as announcing the Board of Directors for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
An Executive Committee of the Tourism Kelowna Board of Directors was struck following the AGM as follows:
- Roger Sellick - Chairman of the Board
- Bill Eager - Past Chair
- Brad Sieben - Vice Chair
- Stan Martindale - Treasurer
- Steve Stinson - Secretary.
The Board of Directors consists of representatives of the tourism industry in Kelowna. This year, new Directors elected include Tracie Ward (Rotary Centre for the Arts) and Kelly Watt (Sandman Hotel & Suites). The remainder of the Board consists of returning Directors. The 2009/2010 Board of Directors is as follows:
Accommodation:
- Rosemary Paterson, President -Kelowna Hotel Motel Association
- Brad Sieben, Hotel Eldorado (Vice Chair)
- Stan Martindale, Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre (Treasurer)
- Gail James, Fairfield by Marriott
- Kelly Watt, Sandman Hotels and Suites
- Mike Greenhalgh, Accent Inns
- Daniel Bibby, Delta Grand Okanagan Resort and Conference Centre
- Bill Eager, Manteo Resort (Past Chair)
Wine:
- Blair Baldwin, Okanagan Wine Festivals Society
Golf:
- Roger Sellick, Golf Representative (Chairman of the Tourism Kelowna Board)
Ski:
- Michael J. Ballingall, Big White Ski Resort (Vice President)
Attractions/Restaurants:
- Steve Stinson, The Keg Restaurant (Secretary)
Transportation:
- Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport
Agri-Tourism:
- Alan Gatzke, Gatzke Farm Market
Arts & Culture:
- Tracie Ward, Rotary Centre for the Arts
City of Kelowna:
- André Blanleil, City Council
Appointee:
- Markus Schrott, BDO Dunwoody
At the AGM, Tourism Kelowna thanked Bill Eager for his years of dedication and volunteer service to Tourism Kelowna (1999-2009). Bill will remain with the Board as Past Chair for the coming fiscal year.
As a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Tourism Kelowna invests in advertising, promotion, and sales strategies that build consumer demand for the destination resulting in increased visitation and spending. It also operates the Visitor Centres of Harvey Avenue at Ellis Street and of the Kelowna International Airport. The primary funding source for Tourism Kelowna continues to be the Additional Hotel Room Tax that is collected by local accommodators.
