Living the Boundary life

Dylan Zorn of Community Futures Boundary enjoys living and staying involved in Grand Forks

Dylan Zorn keeps busy with his life and family in Grand Forks. — Photo courtesy Dylan Zorn

Dylan Zorn doesn’t really slow down too often. A truly active member of his community of Grand Forks, B.C., he’s on the board of directors for the Phoenix Mountain Alpine Ski Society and works as a team leader for Community Futures Boundary. He also does marketing and sales for the family farm, North Fork Pork and Poultry, and is involved with the local BMX club.

“After going away to school and living in Abbotsford—probably for five and a half years—(I got a taste of) the big-city life and it just wasn’t for me,” said Zorn, explaining why he stays so involved in his hometown. “I’d rather be close to the mountains. In 15 minutes I can be hunting, fishing, ATVing, hiking, mountain biking—20 minutes I’m at the ski hill.”

Zorn showed true dedication in providing the Employment Program of British Columbia through Community Futures in 2012. Consequently, he received a community award for Commitment to Excellence in Learning. Today he enjoys working with a team of people who share the goal of helping unemployed individuals enter the workforce.

Effective hiring

According to Zorn, job seekers often overlook the power of networking. This is an especially important aspect in a smaller community. To too many people, networking means looking at what you can get out of a situation. Employers hire for skill and fire for fit, said Zorn, so simply considering, instead, what you can bring to the table can have a very positive impact.

Employers can also do things to help maximize the hiring process. One often-overlooked resource is wage incentives that can help companies receive compensation for training new employees. Local employment centres can also usually help publicize a job.

“I love sitting down with an employer and actually hashing out a really good job posting as opposed to one that has three lines,” said Zorn. “If you really actually think about it in a more conscientious way, you can really define what you want, which makes it a lot easier to interview people, knowing what that job entails. It also makes it easy for the job seeker because they have a way to cater their skill set and put it on paper, in a resume, (in a way) that really shows that they do have what it takes.”

An active community life

For Zorn, his involvement with the family farm has helped develop important skills such as effective communication over the years. His post-secondary education in recreational leadership and youth work applies to his position at Community Futures as well as his involvement in sports and recreation in Grand Forks. Volunteering with the Phoenix Mountain ski patrol helps Zorn promote something he believes to be a positive part of his community.

“I love the sport and I love the fact that we have a ski hill,” he said. “If people don’t volunteer and do ski patrol, or volunteer at all for any aspect, it isn’t going to be there. I have (sons ages) seven, five and two who all love to ski, so I want that to be there for them too, when they get older.”

When Zorn describes the Boundary lifestyle as plentiful, fun, full of adventure and wide open for choices, it’s because he lives it. With a true appreciation for calling the Kootenays home, he simply looks forwards to any opportunities that tomorrow might bring.