New Downtown Courtenay directors excited about the future

The Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association (DCBIA) elected three new board members at its recent AGM, and they all agree on one thing: the future looks bright for downtown Courtenay.

Just elected to the DCBIA’s 13-member board were Allison Bligh of Nootka Marine Adventures, Jacinta Philippson of MNP and Steve Stewart of Edible Island. Though they come from different business backgrounds, they’re united in their commitment to community involvement and continued growth of the downtown core.

“One of the reasons our business relocated to downtown is because of the vibe and the excellent business community,” says Bligh. “There’s always something going on, and I’m really looking forward to getting involved in planning and participating in the various downtown events.”

Stewart, too, is eager to be part of the continued invigoration of the area. “My vision includes growing downtown to be more inclusive of Fourth and Sixth streets, and making our downtown the envy of small towns across Canada.”

“I think downtown Courtenay is a pretty special place,” echoes Philippson. “I’m keen to explore what we can do to help create events and places that bring everyone together.”

Formed in 1995, the DCBIA strives to provide leadership within Downtown Courtenay and ensure the area and its businesses continue to be both vibrant and responsive to the association’s more than 240 members. Board members, all owners or employees of Downtown Courtenay businesses, commit to a two-year term, during which they meet for monthly board and committee meetings.

“As a board, our continued vision is to have a lively and vigorous downtown that’s economically successful, showcases the area’s history and celebrates the Comox Valley arts community,” says DCBIA president Jenny Deters, who also owns Design Therapy. “Having served on the board for six years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many different business owners and am always inspired by their contributions. I’m truly excited to see what our board accomplishes this year.”

Other DCBIA board members include Deana Simkin, High Tide Public House; Grant Powers, BMO; Jorden Marshal, Hot Chocolates and Uranus; Lorna Hughes, Cardero’s Café; Mackenzie Gartside, Select Mortgage; Margaret McKenzie, Hitec-Brazen Sportswear; Sandra Viney, Atlas Café; Tamara Carter, Coastal Community; and, Will Cole-Hamilton, Aldinger Law.

To learn more about the events, businesses and directors of Downtown Courtenay, visit www.downtowncourtenay.com.