"We're pleased to have a board of this calibre at CBT, ensuring effective and responsible governance," said Garry Merkel, CBT board chair. "Wendy, Am and Laurie each bring complementary strengths to the table, and we're fortunate to have them with us."

Wendy Booth has lived in the Columbia Valley for nearly 20 years, is a business owner and is currently the director of Area F of the Regional District of East Kootenay.

"I'm honoured to be part of the CBT team," said Booth. "I look forward to working with my fellow board members, CBT staff and communities for the benefit of the entire Basin."

Am Naqvi is a chartered accountant, in public practice for over 35 years, and is currently a partner in the firm of Berg Naqvi Lehmann, Chartered Accountants, in Nelson.

"What's impressed me most about CBT is that it's been so well governed and managed that it's been able to use the resources available in the Basin to deliver benefits to Basin residents," said Naqvi. "I'm honoured to serve as a director, and look forward to contributing to the goals of this organization."

Laurie Page has been a veterinarian in Nakusp since 1990, and has dedicated her time to community projects ranging from affordable housing, to youth empowerment, to enhancing the area's economic self-sufficiency.

"As a community volunteer, I am always looking for ways to make myself useful and do my part," said Page. "It is a privilege to serve on the board of CBT, and I am delighted to have this opportunity."

The five directors reappointed to the Board are:

* Garry Merkel (board chair) from Kimberley (one-year term);
* Greg Deck (board vice-chair) from Radium Hot Springs (one-year term);
* Kim Deane from Rossland (two-year term);
* Cindy Gal linger from Elkford (three-year term); and
* Paul Peterson from Burton (two-year term).

Existing directors include Denise Birdstone from Ktunaxa Nation Council, Ron Oszust from Golden, Bob Smith from Valemount and Bill Trewhella from Warfield.

CBT's 12-member board consists of an appointee from each regional government in the Basin (five regional districts and Ktunaxa Nation Council) and six recommended by the Province. All directors must be residents of the Basin.

The board meets six times a year in communities around the Basin. The public is invited to attend in order to meet CBT's board and ask questions about CBT's work in the Basin. The next meeting is:

Trail
* Friday, January 27, 2012, 4 p.m.
* Best Western Plus Columbia River Hotel, 1001 Rossland Avenue

For more information about the Board, and to read highlights and minutes from Board meetings, visit www.cbt.org/board.

With a full slate of six dynamic speakers and over 15 exhibitors, the annual event promises to offer health tips for all.

The 5th Annual Rocky Mountain Health, Wellness and Active Adult Living Expo will be held Saturday, January 28th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Prestige Inn in Cranbrook.  And best of all admission is absolutely free.

Again this year at the Wellness Expo is the senior showcase designed to encourage and promote active adult living. A number of exhibitors will be displaying services and products especially designed for active adults and retirees.

“This theme is especially appropriate as our Kootenay population ages. Our exhibitors are there to offer helpful suggestions so we can all stay healthy and active,” said Maureen Gordon, a representative of Kootenay Business, and an organizer of the event.

The 2012 Health, Wellness and Active Adult Living Expo will focus on active, healthy living.  For example, you won’t want to miss the inspiring and interactive presentation by CanFitPro Certified Personal Trainers John and Debbie Mandryk at 11:30 to 12 noon.

The Mandryks specialize in working with older adults. Both have a competitive sport background. Their focus is on healthy aging and developing fun programs to promote functionality. As well as working with clients on strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and balance, they explore other factors that influence our state of health and wellness, including nutrition and positive social relationships.

Join Debbie and John for an enjoyable interactive discussion about the components of health aging.

Also in attendance and speaking at the event will be Adele Engel of Panorama. She is the owner of Evolution Wellness in Panorama and the developer of the internationally acclaimed Essential Nutrition Mix.

As a holistic health and wellness coach Adele has much to share with those looking to feel and look better.

The Expo offers attendees a valuable opportunity to meet face-to-face with many health and wellness experts. These professional are ready to assist people to reach their wellness goals in 2012.

Make sure to start 2012 out on the right foot by talking one-to-one with over 15 wellness exhibitors who will be on hand to answer your questions. They will provide you with suggestions to ensure that your personal well-being and active lifestyle choices are achievable.

Rocky Mountain Health, Wellness and Active Adult Living Expo speakers schedule:

Hospice Brings Dignity
Don Davidson (Cranbrook Hospice Society)
Time: 10:10 - 10:30 a.m.

Aspire 2B Fit Program
Laurie Dickson
Personal Trainer
10:30 - 11 a.m.

Let's Get Moving...The Benefits of Older Adults Staying Active
John and Debbie Mandryk
11:30 a.m. -12 noon
CanFitPro Certified Trainers present an interactive session.

Better Breast Health & Cold Laser Pain Treatment
Dr. Trent Brereton, Naturopathic Physician
1 - 1:30 p.m.
Kootenay Health Centre

Live, Feel and Look Better...Naturally!
From the developer of the Internationally Acclaimed Essential Nutrition Mix
Adele Engel, Evolution Wellness, Panorama, B.C.
1:30 - 2 p.m.

Good Health Starts With Your Feet?
Dr. Kevin Roberge (Archway Foot Orthotics)
2 to 2:30 p.m.

Secure and Protect Your Personal Identity
Gerry Mackinnon
Legal Shield
2:30 to 3 p.m.

Participants:

Abundant Energy
Archway Orthotics
Aspire 2B Fit
Dr. Trent Brereton, Kootenay Health Centre
Cranbrook Hospice Society
Curves – Cranbrook
Evolution Wellness
Kootenay Business
Kootenay Seniors Care Network
Legal Shield
John and Debbie Mandryk – CanFitPro Certified Personal Trainers
Millennium Health and Wellness Centre
Neighbourhood Nursing
Nikken Independent Wellness Consultant
Philips Home Health Care Solutions
Peoples Pharmacy

The Elkford Chamber invites you to a presentation to learn more about the status and scope of the project and the economic and social benefits for the Elk Valley.

When and where:  January 24 at 10 a.m., Elkford Motor Inn, 808 Michel

Attending from Centermount:

Jack Austin, President

Ted Nunn, Vice President - Technical Service

Wei Kang - Vice President - Finance

Bryan Edgren - Field Superintendant

Dan Savage - Director Public Relations

Ico de Zwart - Environment

Honourable Jacob (Jack) Austin, P.C., Q.C.

Mr. Austin served as deputy minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Canada, and chief of staff to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. After his elevation to the Senate, he served in the Canadian Cabinets of Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Paul Martin.

From 1993 to 2000, Mr. Austin served as president of the Canada China Business Council and from 2000 to 2003 as deputy chairman. He assisted in the building of a close relationship for Canada and China in commercial development. He received his law degrees from the University of British Columbia and Harvard Law School and practiced law in Vancouver for over 20 years in trade and commercial law.

RSVP:

Cindy Gallinger, cindy.gallinger@gmail.com or 250-919-2432

The article was written by the Globe’s Tom Maloney and starts with this quote:

“A decade ago, an acquaintance described Fernie as the next Telluride.  It seemed a brazen prediction at the time; not so much today.”

Fernie has an, “economy (that) has diversified from mining to tourism and recreation, driven by the skiing and spiced now by an emerging entertainment and shopping scene.”

The article continues, “Aside from Albertans, the resort attracts skiers and riders from Britian and the American Midwest, and visionaries – led by eightysomething Heiko Socher (former owner of the resort)….Get this, though, Socher has proposed a development, Heaven’s Gate, to transport skiers from a downtown gondola to Coal Ridge south of town, as you might experience in Italy or France.”

Statistics Canada has just released the December employment figures for Canada. And it's good news for the Kootenays.

The unemployment rate has dropped from 8.7 per cent in December of 2010 to its current level of 6.8 per cent in December of 2011—1.9 per cent improvement.

This means that there are 75,400 people employed in the Kootenays in December, 2011 versus the 66,000 in December, 2010. This is an improvement of 12.5 per cent year-over-year.

Looking for good employees? Why not sign up for the College of the Rockies Career Expo on March 8th and meet the best and brightness of young minds—the students of the College of the Rockies. 

Call Kootenay Business 250-426-7253 for details.