The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has finalized its Top 40 honourees. Over the next few months, biographies and photos of the honourees will be announced.
Be sure to follow 香蕉视频直播 for updates on who香蕉视频直播檚 who in the Top 40.
KYLA ASHMAN
Kyla Ashman is a dedicated educator, advocate, and leader in accessible education. She currently serves as the Department Chair and instructor in Accessible Education and Training (AET) at Okanagan College. With a Bachelor of Education and a Post-Baccalaureate in Special Education from the University of Manitoba, Kyla has spent her career promoting inclusion and empowering individuals with diverse abilities.
Her journey spans roles as a classroom teacher, ESL instructor, enrichment teacher, and resource teacher, where she supported students with diverse needs. She also worked at the Child Development Center (now Starbright) in the autism program and provided private ASD consulting.
At Okanagan College, Kyla has spearheaded impactful programs like BEST (Building Employment Skills and Training), which prepares students for meaningful employment through business tours, job-shadowing, and hands-on work experience. She also leads the SAME (Supported Access to Modified Education) program, which enables students with diverse abilities to access and succeed in college courses with tailored support.
Kyla香蕉视频直播檚 leadership style is built on respect, collaboration, and fostering autonomy among educators. She believes that every student deserves a sense of belonging and the opportunity to contribute to society.
Beyond her professional role, Kyla volunteers her time supporting family members, donating plasma monthly, and contributing to charities such as the Salvation Army, Children香蕉视频直播檚 Hospital, Food Bank, and Mamas for Mamas.
Her guiding belief: 香蕉视频直播淒iversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice heard.香蕉视频直播� 香蕉视频直播� Liz Fosslien
CHRIS BINGHAM
Chris Bingham is a dynamic Brand Identity Designer and the Owner of Cyan Bold Design, where he blends creativity with strategic problem-solving to deliver impactful visual identities. With a Diploma in Graphic Design, a Bachelor of Science, and a Bachelor of Education, Chris brings a rare combination of artistic flair, analytical thinking, and clear communication to his work. His Certified Design Professional designation from the Design Professionals of Canada reflects his commitment to excellence.
Chris is passionate about using design as a force for good. He founded Design Day for GOOD, an annual event in Kelowna that helps local nonprofits elevate their visual voices, strengthening their presence and connection with the community. His collaboration with PLAN Okanagan supports sustainable futures for people with disabilities, enhancing their outreach through refined branding.
A highlight of Chris香蕉视频直播檚 career was developing a cohesive design system for UBC香蕉视频直播檚 Masters of Design Program, creating a professional and flexible visual identity that effectively communicates the program's innovative vision.
His leadership style is bold and thoughtful, characterized by creativity, empathy, and a commitment to collaboration. Through public talks and workshops, he empowers local entrepreneurs by teaching them how to leverage branding for growth and success.
Chris香蕉视频直播檚 work embodies his belief that impactful design not only elevates businesses but also drives meaningful change, making him a powerful advocate for creativity with purpose.
MARK BURLEIGH
Mark Burleigh is a dynamic business leader and President of Northside Industries Inc. With over 30 years of management experience, including 20 years in C-suite roles, he specializes in driving business transformation and growth. Mark holds an MBA with distinction and serves on the Central Okanagan Economic Development Committee (COEDC), contributing his expertise to foster local economic sustainability.
At Northside Industries, Mark successfully led a significant business turnaround, transforming the company into the highest-performing subsidiary in its portfolio. Under his leadership, NSI achieved record-breaking EBITDA, expanded operations with a new West Kelowna facility, and introduced robotic manufacturing, creating 15 new jobs. His leadership helped the company earn Large Business of the Year awards from both the Kelowna Chamber and the Greater Westside Board of Trade.
Mark香蕉视频直播檚 leadership style is purpose-driven, blending transformational and coaching approaches. He empowers his team through clear communication, strategic vision, and a focus on continuous improvement. His ability to navigate challenges, including guiding NSI through a facility fire with zero injuries and rapid recovery, highlights his resilience and commitment to his people.
Beyond business, Mark is dedicated to community involvement through his COEDC role, where he supports local business growth and economic development. His guiding philosophy, inspired by Robert Burns, is: 香蕉视频直播淒are to be honest and fear no labour香蕉视频直播�香蕉视频直播攁 testament to his values of integrity, hard work, and unwavering dedication.
SUMAN CHAKRABORTY
Suman Chakraborty is an accomplished architect with over 30 years of experience, specializing in complex building types across business, industrial, commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors. As an Associate Partner at Berry Architecture + Associates, Suman brings a transformational and coaching leadership style, empowering his team to deliver innovative, energy-efficient, and net-zero-compliant designs.
Throughout his career, Suman has contributed to world-class projects in Singapore, Bahrain, Muscat, and London, UK, before establishing himself in Canada. His portfolio includes impactful developments such as the 199-unit Step Code 4 multifamily project in Comox, BC, and the mixed-use Mosaic development in Parksville, BC. Passionate about sustainability, Suman integrates eco-conscious principles into his designs, shaping communities through efficient, functional, and environmentally responsible architecture.
Beyond his professional work, Suman actively gives back to his field and the arts. He volunteers with the Alberta Association of Architects香蕉视频直播� Registration Committee, mentoring and guiding aspiring architects. As an accomplished artist, his creative talents earned him recognition in the 2020 Luxembourg Art Prize, and he frequently donates his artwork to fundraising events.
Suman香蕉视频直播檚 most memorable achievement is witnessing his designs come to life, positively impacting the Okanagan and Vancouver Island communities. His unwavering dedication to architectural excellence and sustainability continues to shape the built environment, leaving a lasting legacy.
TODD CHAPMAN
Todd Chapman is the CEO of CMIT Solutions, where he leads with a passion for integrating information technology to drive business growth, efficiency, and job satisfaction. With over 30 years of experience, Todd holds a PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)庐 certification, an information technology degree, and is a Red Seal Occupational Chef certified by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA). His professional development also includes Dale Carnegie and Stephen R. Covey courses, as well as numerous technical certifications.
Throughout his career, Todd has spearheaded major IT projects, including the amalgamation of multiple $100 million data centers globally. His mentoring and guiding leadership style empowers his team to exceed their goals and add value in all aspects of life.
Beyond his business success, Todd is deeply committed to his community. He volunteers with the Rotary Club of Kelowna (Downtown) and serves as a Kelowna Chamber Ambassador, regularly donating his time to various initiatives. He also supports and organizes social groups such as Guys Talks, which provides a space for men to support one another.
A dedicated family man, Todd香蕉视频直播檚 most cherished achievement is being a father to his daughter, Arielle, whom he describes as the most special person in his life, alongside his wife.
With a forward-thinking mindset, Todd is excited for the transformative role technology will play in the coming years, aiming to continue making a meaningful impact on businesses and the local community.
SAUL GOMEZ
Saul Gomez is a dynamic entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for Latino voices in Kelowna. As the Founder & Director of the Latin Voices Society, he has made a profound impact by fostering cultural awareness, empowering immigrant entrepreneurs, and creating spaces for connection and celebration. Through initiatives such as the Latino Entrepreneur Network, Saul provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources that support the growth and success of small business owners.
His dedication to the community is evident in his volunteerism. Saul organized Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 first Latino men香蕉视频直播檚 soccer team, leading them to a league championship in 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he spearheaded volunteer efforts to provide essential support to vulnerable families. His cultural events, including the widely celebrated Day of the Dead festival, have become cornerstones of inclusivity and cultural appreciation in Kelowna.
Saul香蕉视频直播檚 entrepreneurial and community leadership earned him recognition as a finalist for the Small Business BC Awards 香蕉视频直播� Best Immigrant Entrepreneur (2021). His work continues to break barriers and create opportunities for Latino voices to be heard.
Beyond his nonprofit and entrepreneurial pursuits, Saul is a skilled IT professional and Product Care Specialist at Telus Mobile Klinik. His expertise in event management, business mentorship, and technology enables him to blend creativity with strategic execution, making a lasting impact.
Passionate about representation, Saul believes in building bridges and lifting others as he rises香蕉视频直播攃reating opportunities that empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders.
SHANNON JOHNSTON
Shannon Johnston is the Owner of Pickadilly香蕉视频直播檚 Event Styling, a luxury event decor company specializing in high-end, sustainable faux floral design. With a background in vessel and flight planning, Shannon brings exceptional logistical expertise and strategic precision to her creative work, ensuring flawless execution of large-scale events, galas, and corporate installations.
Her innovative approach to event styling focuses on combining aesthetics with sustainability. Committed to reducing waste in the industry, Shannon has pioneered the use of Real Touch faux florals香蕉视频直播攐ffering a luxurious, reusable alternative to fresh flowers. Her dedication to eco-conscious practices includes eliminating single-use plastics, such as balloons, and promoting sustainable decor solutions that maintain visual impact without compromising environmental values.
Beyond her creative talents, Shannon is an advocate for collaboration and mentorship. She is an active participant in the WEBC Mentorship Program, where she shares her entrepreneurial insights with peers while benefiting from guidance from community leaders. Her business has made a significant impact on the local economy, supporting Okanagan vendors, creating job opportunities, and influencing industry practices with sustainable alternatives.
Shannon香蕉视频直播檚 most memorable achievement is successfully expanding Pickadilly香蕉视频直播檚 from a wedding-focused business to a recognized leader in luxury faux floral design, serving clients across Canada and the USA through her e-commerce store. Her nomination for the Platinum Service Provider Award by the Greater Westside Board of Trade highlights her dedication to customer service, quality, and innovation.
Passionate about creativity, sustainability, and exceptional experiences, Shannon continues to redefine event styling with elegance and purpose.
SCOTT MILLARD
Scott Millard is a dedicated financial planner, mentor, and community advocate. As a Senior Financial Advisor at Millard Wealth Management, he holds certifications as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Registered Retirement Consultant (RRC), with additional credentials from the Canadian Securities Course and Conduct Practices. Committed to financial literacy, Scott offers free financial planning services to individuals who might not otherwise have access to a CFP.
Beyond his financial expertise, Scott is deeply involved in youth mentorship and community service. As a long-time board member and volunteer with Elevation Outdoors, he teaches financial literacy and career planning to underprivileged and at-risk youth, helping them build confidence and job-readiness. His efforts with the Leaders in Action program have empowered many participants to secure meaningful employment.
Scott香蕉视频直播檚 community leadership extends to coaching with Kelowna Minor Hockey, where he teaches young athletes about responsibility and citizenship. Each year, he leads his players in organizing fundraisers for local charities, including the Food Bank and the Gospel Mission.
A co-founder of 100 Men Who Give a Damn (now 100 Heroes), Scott helped build and run the organization for eight years, driving impactful local giving. He also serves on the Okanagan College Foundation board and is a proud donor to the college香蕉视频直播檚 Health Sciences Center.
Scott香蕉视频直播檚 guiding philosophy: 香蕉视频直播淗ard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.香蕉视频直播� His unwavering commitment to service and mentorship continues to make a lasting impact on his community.
