AtBC Elects Board and Holds Successful Stakeholder Meeting
Press Release
November 25, 2014
(Quaaout Lodge, Chase, BC) – Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC) stakeholders attended the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Stakeholder Forum at the Quaaout Lodge near Chase, BC and on the Little Shuswap First Nation’s community.
Over seventy five (75) Aboriginal tourism stakeholders and partners attended from all areas of the province. A number of key industry topics where discussed including pricing your Aboriginal tourism product, understanding the Canadian Tourism Commission and Destination BC’s marketing plans and how Aboriginal culture is part of their overall strategies, managing online reputation, plus a number of key discussions.
AtBC used the forum to release the new Stakeholder Benefits Guide and consult on future marketing plans for 2015 and beyond. There was also consultation on business to business issues related to accommodations, food and beverage, accommodations, cultural performers, and artisans. One of the other key highlights was the election of six (6) new board members that will join a twelve (12) member industry board supporting the current AtBC Five Year Plan 2012-2017. The results of the elections were as follows:
- Northern BC – Leslie Brown (Haico)
- Thompson Okanagan – Sharon Bond (Kekuli Cafe in Westbank and Merritt)
- Vancouver Coast and Mountain – Lori Simcox (Takaya Tours, Takaya Golf Centre)
- Kootenay Rockies – Robin Louie (St. Eugene Resort)
- Two (2) at large:
– Inez Cook – Salmon n’ Bannock Restaurant
– Mike Willie – Sea Wolf Adventures
Following the election the Executive Committee was elected and the prior Executive Committee was re-elected as follows:
- Brenda Baptise – Chair
- Lillian Hunt – Co-Chair
- Sharon Bond – Secretary
- Lori Simcox – Treasurer
AtBC CEO Keith Henry stated; “This was our best Stakeholder Forum and AGM that I have been able to participate. Good business conversations, sharing of collective ideas and efforts to ensure our industry moves forward. The staff at Quaaout Resort did a great job and it is important for AtBC leadership to showcase an excellent experience as we work to promote business within in our own Aboriginal tourism industry. Thank you to Little Shuswap First Nation and Chief Oliver Arnouse for the protocol and warm welcome along with all of the staff.”
AtBC CEO Henry concluded; “We welcome the new board and the re-elected Executive Committee. Our governance and leadership is once again poised for continued growth and there has never been stronger support from within and outside of our industry and partners such as the Government of BC, Canadian Tourism Commission and Destination BC. Our industry remains committed to ensuring British Columbia provides the best world class unique, authentic Aboriginal cultural tourism in the world and I believe we are leaders today.”
About Aboriginal Tourism BC
The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC) is a non-profit, stakeholder-based organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Aboriginal tourism industry. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities and co-operative marketing programs, AtBC is a one-stop resource for Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities in British Columbia who are operating or looking to start a tourism business. AtBC works closely with tourism, business, education and government organizations to help BC’s Aboriginal tourism businesses offer quality experiences and actively promotes these experiences to visitors and local residents. www.AboriginalBC.com.
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Media Contact:
Keith Henry
Chief Executive Officer
Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia
KHenry@aboriginalbc.com
1-604-921-1070
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