Community Futures Central Kootenay recognizes Rob Schwieger as our 2016 Volunteer of the Year

Always community-minded, Rob joined the CF Central Kootenay Board of Directors in 1997.

by Keith Powell — July 25, 2017

Longtime Community Futures volunteer Rob Schwieger with Community Futures Self-Employment Program Manager, Wade Sather, Executive Director, Andrea Wilkey, and Board Director, Bob Wright. — Photo courtesy Community Futures Central Kootenay

A successful entrepreneur who owned and operated the Northern Woven Broom Company for 23 years, Rob Schwieger’s vast knowledge and experience have made him an incredible asset to the Community Futures (CF) Central Kootenay organization. Always community-minded, Rob joined the CF Central Kootenay Board of Directors in 1997. In 2007, he was appointed Vice Chair of the Board, a role he held for 18 years.

In 2015, Rob retired from the Board of Directors. He remains, however, on the Self-Employment Committee where he has served for the past 20 years. Over the years Rob has spent countless hours reviewing business proposals for prospective clients. His knowledge, community connections, and generous spirit have made him a sought-after mentor to fellow entrepreneurs in the Central Kootenay region.

“Rob is a true entrepreneur who understands the challenges our clients face and he recognizes that hard work can sometimes make up for weakness or challenges in a business plan,” said Pamela Clausen, Self-Employment Counsellor, CF Central Kootenay. “He’s very supportive of our staff and he shows appreciation for the hard work we do. We are privileged to have Rob Schwieger, an incredibly generous and knowledgeable person, contributing his time and expertise to our organization.”

Community Futures Central Kootenay is a not-for-profit community economic development organization with offices in Nelson, Nakusp, and Creston. Its services and tools are designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their goals through business planning advice and loans, as well as self-employment assistance.

For more information, visit futures.bc.ca.