Kimberley movers and shakers

Business, culture and philanthropy are important components of a healthy community

Eric and Michelle Forbes own and operate Kimberley City Bakery in Kimberley, B.C. — Photo courtesy Michelle Forbes

Citizens of Kimberley, B.C., are loyal to their community and go out of their way to support it. This list is just a sampling of the many generous people who are currently bringing benefits to Kimberley through their work, creativity and volunteerism. 

1. Jody Wilcock and Noah Wesche brought manufacturing to downtown Kimberley when they opened Berley Manufacturing Inc. in November 2014.
2. Nicole and Cam Dodd and Pierre Garsonnin  have a deep investment in the community with their two restaurants, the Pedal & Tap and The Shed. Their ventures have helped to refresh and revitalize the dining scene in the heart of Kimberley.
3. Emily Smith and Carol Fergus of the Kimberley Arts Council started the First Saturdays Arts & Culture Series where weaving, ironwork and other crafts and activities take place. This is also an opportunity for small businesses to market their goods and services, and crowds are attracted to the downtown to observe, participate and shop.
4. Eric and Michelle Forbes own and operate Kimberley City Bakery, and they spearheaded a successful, enthusiastically received medieval festival in Kimberley in summer 2015. The community is hoping for a second annual next year. Kimberley City Bakery received Kimberley’s 2015 Business of the Year Award for business excellence.
5. Erna Jensen of Wildsight is the organizer of the very successful Thursday Night Markets. The quality of the vendors that Jensen has attracted has resulted in a market that’s popular and busy.
6. Brenda and Todd Bannister have invested in two businesses: Rustic Hutch Consignment and Timber Hitch Coffee Shop. Rustic Hutch received Kimberley’s 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Brenda is also a volunteer member of the board of the Kimberley chamber of commerce.
7. Grant Sharam and Mita Yee-Lim provide a superlative experience for the groups that use the Kimberley Conference & Athlete Training Centre, ensuring that they are happy to stay, play and spend in Kimberley, and perhaps come back.
8. Lloyd Steves and Donna Briggs are the volunteer leadership behind the growing number of ski events in Kimberley for disabled skiers. Their efforts are making a huge economic and inspirational  impact on the community.
9. Kieran Hickey is a founding member of the Kimberley Trails Society, whose members build trails, raise funds and provide financial administrative structure for smaller trails groups in Kimberley. The society also promotes Kimberley as a venue for trail events. The Kimberley Trails Society received the 2015 Tourism Excellence Award from the Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce.
10. Janet “JJ” Johanson moved to Kimberley five years ago from Calgary and immediately became involved in community support. She owns and operates Bear’s Eatery with her partner, Barry; she is active in the Rotary club and is a member of the chamber of commerce board of directors.