The Venture Kamloops Business Development Society was established in September 2004 as the economic development office for the City of Kamloops. It is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors, which includes two City councillors, two City officials and Ex Officio Members. Members serve for a 5-year term and they are empowered to respond quickly to new opportunities which facilitate the undertaking of new initiatives and the attracting of financial involvement from other levels of government and/or the private sector.
Executive Committee
Mathew Dundas - President
Senior Commercial Banking Advisor, Valley First
Matt was born in Vancouver and moved to Kamloops in 2004 to be closer to his family. He has been in the finance industry in Kamloops for the past fourteen years working at a variety of positions in retail and commercial banking. For the past four years, Matt has worked at a senior level in Valley First’s Commercial Banking specializing in construction/development and hospitality financing. He has served on a number of local boards, most recently as the Past President of the Rotary Club of Kamloops and a Director of Western Canada Theatre (2014 – 2017). Matt enjoys giving back to his Kamloops community through local hands-on Rotary projects and work initiatives that target food insecurity and help our local Food Bank.
Brant Hasanen - Past President
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Brant has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments in Kamloops for 20 plus years. He has also served in and for the community with various organizations including the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, BC Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary, as well as various task forces for the city and TRU." Brant and his wife Shelley enjoy a lot of travel, camping, and spending time with their kids, and grandkids.
Maeghan Summers - Vice President
Operations Manager, Forno on 5th & Noble Pig Brewhouse
Maeghan Summers a graduate from TRU is celebrating 25 years in hospitality with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Restaurant Leadership. Maeghan is the Operations Manager of Forno On 5th and The Noble Pig Brewhouse located in the heart of downtown Kamloops. Both locations have multiple accolades and awards for quality food, beverage and service. “My goal as a leader in hospitality is to grow and encourage the next generations all while sharing a quality experience with guests that elevates the dining experience in Kamloops.”
Cecil Cheveldave CPA, CMA, CAFM, CMC, CIRP, LIT - Treasurer
Partner, Heron Advisory Ltd.
Cecil is a partner with Heron Advisory Ltd., a boutique financial restructuring and financial advisory firm. As a financial restructuring, insolvency and financial advisory professional, Cecil serves clients throughout BC, western Canada and the United States. In addition to his work in the financial restructuring and insolvency fields, Cecil has been a trusted financial advisor to Indigenous Governments throughout BC for the past 26 years. Services provided to Indigenous Government clients focus on fiscal components of treaty negotiations, economic development and general financial advisory services.
Directors
Shaun Minten
Tri City Contracting
Shaun Minten started his construction career as an Estimator/Junior Project manager for Tri City Contracting Ltd in 2006. This position developed into Project Management focusing on Bid Bond projects for several years. In 2009 Shaun left Tri City Contracting to start his own company, Tri City Contracting Kamloops Ltd. Tri City Contracting Kamloops Ltd began as a General Contractor focusing on smaller bonded projects. As the economy changed so did Tri City Contracting Kamloops Ltd, after a year renamed to Desert City Contracting Ltd with a primary focus on Commercial Concrete Formwork. For 8 years Desert City Contracting successfully completed concrete projects throughout BC, Alberta and the Northwest Territory. As the president of the company Shaun’s task were all inclusive; from project administration, estimating and scheduling to site layout and working on the tools. In 2016, Shaun with his business partner incorporated a second company Interior Concrete Finishing Ltd. With this new entity we were able to offer a complete concrete package from forming to finishing. In 2018 Shaun sold his shares of both companies to return to Tri City to take over construction operations. Currently, Shaun is the Vice President of Tri City Canada.
Steve Sucro
Client Executive, BFL CANADA
Steve is a VP and partner with BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc. He has been in the commercial insurance industry for over 20 years with helping clients in various sector industries from commercial real estate, manufacturing and construction just to name a few.
He along with his family have been in Kamloops since 2006 where he’s been involved with minor sports organizations throughout the years.
Murray Weeres
Partner, MJB Lawyers
Murray was a corporate commercial lawyer in Kamloops for 30 years until he retired at the end of 2023. He was most recently a partner at MJB Lawyers and was previously one of the firm's managing partners. He has prior experience as a small business owner and commercial landlord. His corporate governance experience includes having been a member of the board of directors of Pharmasave Drugs (Pacific) Ltd. from 2005 - 2012.
Jeff Glaicar
Wealth Advisor, RBC Dominion Securities
Jeff’s professional career in the financial industry spans over 40 years. Since 2021, he has worked as a senior portfolio manager and wealth advisor for RBC Dominion Securities. Jeff’s past community involvement includes Past President of Rotary Club Kamloops West, Past President Northshore Business Improvement Association, former Chairperson KAS 2024, former Director Kamloops Hospice Association, along with various committee work, including 2007 BC Winter Special Olympics, RBC Dominion Securities National Advisory Board, 2003 City of Kamloops Sports Capital Improvement Plan and the Thompson Rivers University Investment and Endowment Fund.
Jeff and his wife, Jane have lived in Kamloops since 1989 and enjoy “all things” outdoors and spending time with family and friends, including their precious 5 grandchildren.
City Officials
David Trawin
CAO, City of Kamloops
David holds a B.A. degree in Geography and Economics and a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning. He joined the City of Kamloops in 2003 as the Director of Development and Engineering Services and was appointed as the City’s Chief Administrative Officer in 2012. His philosophy of collaboration has become well known over his time working with the building and business industries.
Sarah Candido
Indigenous & External Relations Manager, City of Kamloops
Sarah Candido, External Relations Liaison with the City of Kamloops, is currently responsible for the City’s external relationships with Venture Kamloops, Kamloops Airport, Kamloops’ BIA’s, the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Kamloops, TNRD Film Commission, Kamloops Innovation, and other valued partners and businesses in the community. She has a BA in Economics and Management from TRU, as well as many post-secondary certifications. Sarah has over 20 years of experience in the public and private sector, most recently including over 9 years with Tk’emlups te Secwepemc in their Community Services department, and with the School of Business and Economics at TRU. She has many years of Board experience, most recently Community Futures Thompson Country and Secwepemc Child and Family Services, and is passionate about serving the community in a collaborative and transparent way.
Nancy Bepple
Coop Coordinator, TRU
Nancy grew up in Kamloops then left for school and work. During her time away, she worked for two of BC’s top technology companies. She returned to Kamloops in 2001. As a Coop Coordinator at Thompson Rivers University for 21 years, she supported 1000’s of students connect with 100’s of top companies. More recently, she started a career coaching business. Nancy is active in the community as a volunteer including PitStop, Refugees and Friends Together (RAFT), and TRIPS Canoe Club. Nancy has a Bachelor of Science in Computing Science/Math, a Masters in Atmospheric Science and a Doctorate in Educational Policy and Leadership. She loves the outdoors. In the summer, she whitewater canoes. In the winter, she outdoor ice skates.
Katie Neustaeter
Director of Communications, United Way B.C.
Katie Neustaeter grew up in Kamloops where she attended RLC, Valleyview Secondary, KSS (SKSS), and the College of the Cariboo (TRU). Watching the community ebb, flow, and change over time, Katie’s love for this city has only grown. With a combined professional background as a Community and School Support Worker, various roles in Media, and as an Executive Director within the charitable sector, Katie brings a unique blend of experience and perspective to the table. She is currently the Director of Communications for United Way British Columbia. Katie married her husband in 2002 and they have the 3 best teenagers on the planet. She has volunteered in a wide variety of capacities within the community including TRU Foundation events, Wildfire response, BC Winter Games, RibFest, the Kamloops and District SPCA, United Way (TNC), youth mentorship, Kamloops Alliance Church, Kamloops Youth Soccer Assoc., SD73, and more.