Message from the Board Chair

Maeghan Summers
President, Board of Directors
Venture Kamloops

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Venture Kamloops, I’m pleased to share the Venture Kamloops  2025 Annual Report and reflect on a year marked by strong collaboration and a continued commitment to building a resilient local economy.

Economic development is never the work of one organization alone. It depends on alignment, trust, and a shared understanding of what our community needs to thrive. In 2025, Venture Kamloops strengthened relationships across the community and worked closely with the City of Kamloops and Council to advance priorities that support business growth, investment attraction, and long-term competitiveness. A key step forward this year was the establishment of the Communications and Awareness Sub-Committee of the Board, created to work closely with Council and support clear, consistent communication on the purpose, value, and results of economic development work. We see this as an important tool for strengthening alignment and ensuring that the community understands the outcomes being delivered.

The results of 2025 speak to both focus and execution. Venture Kamloops completed 19 of 21 Strategic Action Items—an impressive level of delivery that reflects strong planning, disciplined implementation, and a clear commitment to follow-through. Equally important is the direct support provided to the business community: the team welcomed 317 new clients this year. Behind that number are entrepreneurs and employers who received guidance, connections, and practical support—often at pivotal moments in their growth journey. This is the day-to-day work of economic development: listening, problem-solving, opening doors, and helping businesses navigate opportunity and change.

As a Board, we are proud of the professionalism, responsiveness, and community-minded approach demonstrated by the Venture Kamloops team. Their work requires not only technical expertise and market knowledge, but also strong relationships and a deep understanding of Kamloops’ unique strengths and ambitions. We remain focused on governance that supports high performance, accountability, and strategic clarity—ensuring Venture Kamloops is equipped to deliver results and adapt as conditions evolve.

This Annual Report also provides an opportunity to recognize service and leadership. In 2025, we marked the retirement from the Board of Brant Hasanen and Cecil Cheveldave. Both Brant and Cecil brought dedication, thoughtful oversight, and a strong commitment to the community. We are grateful for their contributions and the time they invested in supporting Venture Kamloops’ mission.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Venture Kamloops, I’m pleased to share the Venture Kamloops 2025 Annual Report and reflect on a year marked by strong collaboration and a continued commitment to building a resilient local economy.

Economic development is never the work of one organization alone. It depends on alignment, trust, and a shared understanding of what our community needs to thrive. In 2025, Venture Kamloops strengthened relationships across the community and worked closely with the City of Kamloops and Council to advance priorities that support business growth, investment attraction, and long-term competitiveness. We were particularly appreciative of the opportunity for Venture Kamloops and City Council to meet together this last year, creating valuable space for discussion and helping ensure our priorities and goals remain aligned in supporting the long-term prosperity of our community.

A key step forward this year was the establishment of the Communications and Awareness Sub-Committee of the Board, created to work closely with Council and support clear, consistent communication on the purpose, value, and results of economic development work. We see this as an important tool for strengthening alignment and ensuring that the community understands the outcomes being delivered.

The results of 2025 speak to both focus and execution. Venture Kamloops completed 19 of 21 Strategic Action Items—an impressive level of delivery that reflects strong planning, disciplined implementation, and a clear commitment to follow-through. Equally important is the direct support provided to the business community: the team welcomed 317 new clients this year. Behind that number are entrepreneurs and employers who received guidance, connections, and practical support—often at pivotal moments in their growth journey. This is the day-to-day work of economic development: listening, problem-solving, opening doors, and helping businesses navigate opportunity and change.

As a Board, we are proud of the professionalism, responsiveness, and community-minded approach demonstrated by the Venture Kamloops team. Their work requires not only technical expertise and market knowledge, but also strong relationships and a deep understanding of Kamloops’ unique strengths and ambitions. We remain focused on governance that supports high performance, accountability, and strategic clarity—ensuring Venture Kamloops is equipped to deliver results and adapt as conditions evolve.

This Annual Report also provides an opportunity to recognize service and leadership. In 2025, we marked the retirement from the Board of Brant Hasanen and Cecil Cheveldave. Both Brant and Cecil brought dedication, thoughtful oversight, and a strong commitment to the community. We are grateful for their contributions and the time they invested in supporting Venture Kamloops’ mission.

Kamloops continues to benefit from significant strengths—our location, infrastructure, quality of life, entrepreneurial spirit, and the people who choose to build their lives and businesses here. With ongoing collaboration, we will continue to support sustainable growth, diversification, and opportunity for businesses and residents alike.

Thank you for your continued support of Venture Kamloops. I invite you to explore this report and join us in shaping the future of Kamloops.

Sincerely,

Maeghan Summers
President, Board of Directors
Venture Kamloops