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Julie Matchett writer profile

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Julie Matchett is a writer and content coordinator for KPI Media. She ranks as a 7 on the Introversion vs. Extraversion scale out of 100, which might help to explain why she chose a career of quiet contemplation as opposed to public speaking.

She’s never without her trusty pair of headphones and enjoys grooving to loud 80’s rock, New Wave and electronic music while weaving words and stories together. She’s a self-professed geek and enjoys avid video gaming, flower gardening, sewing, historybounding, collecting LEGO and puttering. 

Most recent articles by Julie Matchett

Wade Jarvis (L) and Trevor Semchuck standing in front of distillery equipment.
East Kootenay, Kimberley, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business Kimberley’s newest distillery, Bootleg Spirits, proves that collaboration is key

Trevor Semchuck and Wade Jarvis are the business partners behind Kimberley’s newest distillery, Bootleg Spirits

Co-working space with wood floors, row of tall chairs along window, plant in background.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Golden, Fernie, Invermere, West Kootenay, Nelson, Revelstoke, Small Business, Technology Kootenay co-working spaces offer community and creative collaboration

They’re a growing trend across the Kootenays—check out this list of the region’s co-working spaces.

Couple sitting in Backroads Brewing Company.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business Thirsty for a cold brew? Check out this list of Kootenay craft-beer breweries

Find award-winning beers at these local Kootenay area breweries

Inside view of the washers and equipment at East Kootenay Regional Laundry.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business, Featured Stories Laundry list: Keeping Kootenay businesses clean and green

Outsourcing commercial laundry needs is made easy with East Kootenay Regional Laundry.

Close-up of two cups of cappuccino.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality These Kootenay coffee roasters help you get your buzz on for National Coffee Day

Read about local coffee roasters as you celebrate National Coffee Day and the beverage that’s an essential pick-me-up for many people

Melinda Nealis and Kayla Carley standing in front of their farmers market booth.
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Nelson, Rossland, Salmo, Slocan, Trail, Environment, Health & Wellness, Small Business Replenish, refill and recycle at this West Kootenay business

Based in Nelson, B.C., Melinda Nealis and Kayla Carley are the mother-and-daughter duo behind Replenish—The Kootenay Refill Store

Veronica Roberge stands in front of a partially open closet, smiling into camera.
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Small Business Mo’ Better Organized in Castlegar helps clients clear away clutter

Mo’ Better Organized assists clients by helping them organize their homes and lives

Whiskey-keg and bottle of Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery product.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business Raise your spirits (and a glass) at these Kootenay distilleries

Explore this list of distilleries from across the Kootenay region

Barrie Elliott is a successful Red Seal Chef and owner of the Fernie Catering Co.
East Kootenay, Fernie, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business The Fernie Catering Co.’s food philosophy is rooted in seasonal, sustainable ingredients

Red Seal Chef Barrie Elliott and her team bring delicious, seasonally-inspired dishes to their catered events

Marloes Van Lent, leaning against wooden wall. There's a sign on the wall that says
East Kootenay, Golden, Financial, Small Business Day2Day Books in Golden cultivates efficiently-run businesses with cloud-based accounting services

Based in Golden, B.C., Day2Day Books is a highly experienced bookkeeping company

Owners of Stone Meadows Gardens riding bikes and carrying flowers.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Agriculture Say it with flowers . . . sustainable local ones from flower farms in the Kootenays

The consumer trend towards buying locally-grown flowers is booming in the Kootenays as proven by this list of 10 flower farms

Lake and mountains in background.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Real Estate Rocky Mountain real estate: 10 waterfront acreages in the Kootenays

Waterfront and acreages are among the most desirable pieces of real estate. Check out our list of 10 prime Kootenay properties.

Lisa Ziebarth, manager of the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce.
East Kootenay, Creston One-on-one with Lisa Ziebarth, manager of the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce

Lisa Ziebarth, manager of the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce, loves how community-minded Creston is

(From L to R), Hannah Baker, Stacey Smith and Meagan Savaia are the faces behind Kettle Down, a niche clothing brand that celebrates the Kootenays.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Small Business, Tourism 12 small businesses that design and create unique Kootenay-inspired clothing

Find uniquely home-grown Kootenay clothing, wearables and gear from these 12 local businesses

Jeremiah Woods standing in front of row of VW vans.
East Kootenay, Golden, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business Gettin’ groovy at this Golden, B.C. campground outfitted with vintage VW vehicles

Jeremiah Woods is the owner of a large fleet of VW vehicles and now he’s created a campground in Golden, B.C., to share his love of the iconic brand

Interior of Frisky Whisky Tapas Lounge, showing bar area and three art-deco style lights above bar.
East Kootenay, Creston, Agriculture, Cuisine, Financial, Retail, Small Business Kudos to Creston’s 2021 Business Excellence Award winners

11 awards were handed out at this year’s virtual Creston Business Excellence Awards gala

Erin Robertson and Dennis Lavoie are the owners of Kootenay Microgreens, an urban farm in Cranbrook that specializes in growing and selling microgreens.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Small Business Cranbrook-based Kootenay Microgreens is sprouting roots in the region

Erin Robertson and Dennis Lavoie are the urban farmers behind this new startup superfood business

Michele Dupas standing in front of shelf full of arts and paintings.
West Kootenay, Kaslo, Nelson, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business, Tourism Fanciful fine ceramics and artisan offerings at Dupas Designs in Procter

Michele Dupas is the imaginative owner of Dupas Designs and Gallery 229, located in the old Procter, B.C., schoolhouse

Vendors at Revelstoke Food Initiative Market.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Agriculture, Entertainment and Hospitality, Environment, Tourism Gearing up for farmers market season across the Kootenays

Local farmers markets help to increase food security and create sustainable communities—check out our list of markets across the Kootenays.

Team at Elk Valley Precision & Cab Inc. in Sparwood, taken in industrial shop.
East Kootenay, Sparwood, Small Business Sparwood’s Elk Valley Precision & Cab Inc. are masters of fire and steel

A custom fabrication and welding shop, Elk Valley Precision & Cab provides services to Sparwood and area businesses

Dragons' Den stage with logo.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business These 9 Kootenay business entrepreneurs dared to take on the Dragons’ Den

Some had success, some didn’t, but these 9 brave Kootenay business people all faced down the Dragons’ Den

Group shot of employees at Tratech Mechanical Ltd. in Creston
East Kootenay, Creston, West Kootenay, Education, Small Business Creston business builds a solid foundation to stand on

Unprecedented growth is forcing businesses to rework their business models

Nicole Corbo standing with a plate of donuts.
East Kootenay, Invermere, Cuisine, Small Business Invermere’s Alpenglow Superfood Bakery creates donut deliciousness

Alpenglow Superfood Bakery uses ingredients that are organic, wholesome and nutrient-dense, yet still delicious

Nelson welcome sign and downtown Nelson.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, West Kootenay, Nelson Two Kootenay cities made the annual list of rankings compiled by BC Business

The annual BC Business “Most Resilient Cities in 2021” list includes Nelson and Cranbrook

Jackie Rhind.
West Kootenay, Revelstoke, Health & Wellness, Small Business Positive or negative: Revelstoke-based company Ovry aims to end pregnancy test stigma

Ovry is a brand of affordable, high-quality pregnancy and ovulation tests available for online purchase.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort views.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Tourism Pow! 12 ski resorts in the Kootenays and Canadian Rockies to find legendary powder

Itching to hit the slopes? Check out this list of 12 ski destinations in the Kootenays and Canadian Rockies region

Robin Dixon standing in her shop, The Grater Good.
East Kootenay, Kimberley, Animal Care, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Health & Wellness, Retail, Small Business, Tourism Say cheese! Smiles aplenty at Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards

14 Kimberley businesses and individuals garnered praise for their excellence this year

Aerial view of Dock N Duck pub.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Real Estate, Retail, Small Business Top 10 unique businesses for sale in British Columbia’s Kootenay region

Check out these 10 unique businesses currently for sale in the Kootenay market.

McDonald's crew in Golden
East Kootenay, Golden, Agriculture, Animal Care, Entertainment and Hospitality, Health & Wellness, Retail, Small Business Golden’s polished gem of a crooner emcees Kicking Horse Country Chamber Community Excellence Awards

The annual Golden Community Excellence Awards recognized greatness and good work.

Danielle Peet, owner of Wild Smile Events
West Kootenay, Trail, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Retail, Small Business, Tourism Celebrating a “Celebrate everything!” business at this year’s Trail Business Excellence Awards

It was an evening of online celebration and virtual toasts to the winners of the 2020 Trail Business Excellence Awards.

East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Health & Wellness, Featured Stories Relax and refresh at Blush MediSpa, Cranbrook’s premier medical salon and spa

Blush MediSpa in Cranbrook provides the newest naturopathic and medical treatments to its clientele.

Community members and 70th Anniversary EKC graphic.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Elkford, Fernie, Kimberley, Sparwood, Financial East Kootenay Community Credit Union celebrates 70th anniversary by giving back to community

Founded in 1950, the East Kootenay Community Credit Union is celebrating their 70th anniversary on December 14, 2020

Tom Poole holding Business Excellence award.
West Kootenay, Revelstoke, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business, Transportation Timber company with heart & top photographer score big at Revelstoke’s Business Excellence Awards

The Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Business Excellence Awards, virtual-style, on November 7th

Scenic picture of Creston valley, with logo of BC Achievement Foundation Community Awards.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay Recognizing greatness: Nominate a Kootenay resident for a BC Achievement Community Award

The BC Achievement Community Awards honour excellence and exceptional community service in communities across the province

Old Canadian Tire building in Cranbrook
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Developments, Real Estate Kanas Corporation brings new possibilities to Cranbrook’s former Canadian Tire location

The vacant Canadian Tire property in Cranbrook has been purchased by a Calgary-based development company

Klapp family standing outside with banner.
East Kootenay, Elkford, Retail, Small Business Raising spirits with homemade jam at Elkford’s Business Excellence Awards

The annual Elkford Business Excellence Awards were held on October 29, 2020 via Zoom

East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Nelson, Developments, Technology What’s new with KAST? Round one winner of the Kootenay Pitch Competition and a tech survey

Nelson-based KAST held round one of its virtual Kootenay Pitch Competition on November 12

The Fernie Fox Hotel scored two big wins at the recent Fernie Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, held on October 23
East Kootenay, Fernie, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business “Pauw’s up” for the Fernie Fox Hotel, among the winners at Fernie’s Business Excellence Awards

This year’s 2020 Fernie Business Excellence awards, held on October 23, was a virtual celebration.

Duane Nelson, Sparwood's 'Batman'.
East Kootenay, Sparwood, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business Holy smokes Batman! Sparwood’s superhero swoops in for the win at Chamber Business Excellence Awards

Winners of the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards were announced on October 22.

KEYSA sports facility.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook Cranbrook’s KEYSA multi-use sports facility almost ready for action

Located in Balment Park, the KEYSA sports facility will truly be a Cranbrook community venue

Owner and staff outside Moody Bee in Kimberley's Platzl.
East Kootenay, Kimberley, Small Business It’s awards time! Nominate a deserving Kimberley business for excellence

The Kimberley Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its annual Business Excellence Awards

New warehouse being built.
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Developments 7 of Castlegar’s continuing developments, including two courier centres and Millennium Park upgrades

Castlegar is focused on attracting new investment and supporting and growing existing businesses

Electric vehicle charging station.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Technology, Transportation Regional districts score sustainability award with Accelerate Kootenays project

Three Kootenay regional districts recognized for Accelerate Kootenays initiative

Meraki Mechanical staff in outdoor group photo.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business 13 distinctions via digital at Cranbrook Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards

The winners were celebrated a little differently this year at the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards.

Infographic showing funding from Columbia Basin Trust.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Financial Columbia Basin Trust annual report reveals positive community impacts

The Columbia Basin Trust 2019/20 Annual Report shows over $97 million provided for the Basin region

Kids crouched on ground examining something with magnifying glass.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Education First bilingual youth Science & Tech Program launched in Kootenays by KAST

Celebrating Kootenay biodiversity, the GLOWS program is part of Science Literary Week 2020

Jackie Miles, owner of CityScout
East Kootenay, Golden, West Kootenay, Small Business What is a “relocation concierge” and why did one just move to Golden, BC?

A relocation concierge, CityScout offers personalized service to help make a move easier

Jennifer Bouchard, new General Manager at the Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Entertainment and Hospitality Passionate Cranbrook influencer named general manager of local hotel

The Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre welcomes Jennifer Bouchard to the team

Welcome to Fernie sign.
East Kootenay, Fernie, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business Nominate a deserving Fernie business for this year’s Business Excellence Awards

Nominations for the 2020 Fernie Business Excellence Awards are open until September 7

Aerial view of Castlegar in autumn.
West Kootenay, Castlegar Castlegar’s Economic Development Strategy requires feedback from residents

A community survey is being conducted to help develop a vision of Castlegar’s future