Julie Matchett writer profile

Photo of Julie Matchett

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

Owners of Rooftop Coffee Roasters next to a roaster, holding beans
East Kootenay, West Kootenay Kootenay coffee roasters help you get your buzz on

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

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

Cranbrook Farmers Market sign
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Agriculture, Entertainment and Hospitality, Environment, Tourism A love for local: Farmers market season across the Kootenays brings communities together

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

Group of volunteers with Elkford Trails Alliance.
East Kootenay, Elkford Excellence awarded at Elkford Chamber of Commerce’s annual event

A dedicated group of outdoor enthusiasts and a business that’s all about precision were among this year’s winners.

Row of Business Awards, with stained glass star-shaped tops and wooden bases.
East Kootenay, Invermere, Radium Hot Springs Star-studded awards at Columbia Valley Chamber’s Business Excellence gala

There were a total of 12 award winners at this year’s Business Excellence celebration.

Black and white photo of Edge of the World team.
East Kootenay, Fernie Fernie fantastic! Chamber’s annual Business Excellence awards celebrate success

The annual awards celebrate the successes of local businesses and the people who make a difference in the community.

Andras Lukacs, executive director at Tourism Rossland.
West Kootenay, Rossland Tourism Rossland’s recent AGM reveals a banner year in terms of revenue

Andras Lukacs, executive director at Tourism Rossland, shares some of the recent successes of the organization

Interior of 2nd Edition Coworking in Fernie, showing comfy set of chairs, small table and windows with mountain view outside.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Golden, West Kootenay, Kaslo, Nelson, New Denver, Revelstoke, Small Business, Technology These Kootenay coworking spaces offer community and creative collaboration

Shared workspaces in communities like Cranbrook, Golden, Fernie, Nelson and Trail provide flexibility and support in a communal environment.

Close-up of Kootenay West Distilling Vale Vodka bottle.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business Raise your spirits (and a glass) at these Kootenay craft distilleries

Explore this list of distilleries from across the Kootenay region in British Columbia.

Mount Fisher shown as captured by Indigenous photographer Blaine Burgoyn
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations Indigenous bands and businesses in the Kootenay region of British Columbia

Indigenous-owned businesses are an integral part of our local economy and contribute to the well-being of First Nation communities

Image of hand holding a lightbulb between thumb and forefinger, with clean energy icons surrounding it.
East Kootenay, Golden, Creston, West Kootenay, Castlegar, Kaslo, Nelson, New Denver, Rossland, Salmo, Slocan, Trail, Environment Making clean energy commitments in the Kootenays

Thirteen communities across the Kootenays have now made a commitment to 100 per cent clean energy by 2050.

Glass 2023 Business Excellence award, City of Nelson in background of photo.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Small Business Nelson’s 2023 Business Excellence awards warmly welcomed back

Forced to the sidelines for three years because of the global pandemic, the annual awards were a welcome return

Row of cows standing in sunny open field, distant mountains and blue sky in background.
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Nakusp, Nelson, Revelstoke, Rossland, Slocan, Agriculture Market gardens and farms in the West Kootenay: Bringing fresh produce, meat and more to local tables

Throughout the West Kootenay area, local farms and food producers sell directly to the public through roadside stands and farmgate sales

Assortment of fresh produce, wine in background.
East Kootenay, Canal Flats, Cranbrook, Creston, Fernie, Invermere, Kimberley, Agriculture, Entertainment and Hospitality Market gardens and farms in the East Kootenay: Bringing fresh produce, meat and more to local tables

Throughout the East Kootenay area, local farms and food producers sell directly to the public through roadside stands and farmgate sales.

Christmas photo of Rudy family.
East Kootenay, Grand Forks, West Kootenay, Agriculture, Animal Care Coming full circle at Boundary Hill Farm in Grand Forks

Michael and Courtenay Rudy are first-generation farmers helping to feed their community

Old buildings at 3 Valley Gap in Revelstoke.
Entertainment and Hospitality, Tourism Museums and heritage sites in the West Kootenay: Step back into history

History buffs are drawn to these popular heritage sites in the West Kootenay

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.

Wildflowers in bloom, with scenic backdrop of mountains.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Tourism Adventure awaits: A guide to tourism destinations in the Kootenay Rockies

Known as B.C.’s adventure playground, the Kootenay Rockies offers an endless supply of attractions and recreational pursuits

Melanie Myers, new executive director at Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce.
East Kootenay, Golden One-on-one with Melanie Myers, executive director of the Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce

Golden’s new executive director shares news and views about the community.

City of Nelson sign on Baker Street with mural painted on building in background.
East Kootenay, Grand Forks, West Kootenay, Castlegar, Kaslo, Nelson, Revelstoke, Salmo, Trail, Entertainment and Hospitality, Environment, Tourism West Kootenay festivals inspire fun and friendship

Uniting in a shared experience like a festival helps to forge community connections, fun and new friendships

A large group of people, tents and food trucks at the Round the Mountain Festival in Kimberley.
East Kootenay, Canal Flats, Cranbrook, Golden, Creston, Fernie, Invermere, Kimberley, Sparwood, Entertainment and Hospitality, Environment, Tourism Festivals in the East Kootenay bring fun, friendship and smiles

Uniting in a shared experience like a festival helps to forge community connections, fun and new friendships

Young restaurant owner leaning in doorway with arms crossed, smiling.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Small Business Entrepreneur 101: Successful Kootenay business owners share their best tips

KootenayBiz chatted with local business owners to find out what advice they would tell themselves in their first year of business

Exterior view of the Leland Hotel, showing timber-framed building painted white, expanse of lawn and tree in foreground.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay Milestones: a list of the oldest businesses in the Kootenays

Weathering the storms of business ownership over the long-term is commendable, especially when you’ve managed to survive for over 50 years

Kimberley Business Excellence award in foreground, tech working on bike in background.
East Kootenay, Kimberley Tied for tops at the 2022 Kimberley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards

Thirteen businesses were recognized at the annual awards ceremony

Artist's rendition of Shoreline development in Nelson.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Developments, Health & Wellness, Real Estate Nelson’s building boom brings record-breaking construction and developments

From a much-needed long-term care facility to new commercial and residential builds, Nelson is seeing record growth

Owner of Humble Bee Builds, Dennis Scott (middle) and his employees Clayton Champagne (left), and Blair Halifax (right).
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Developments, Environment, Real Estate, Small Business The humble bee is the inspiration behind this Cranbrook tiny home construction company

Owner Dennis Scott is the owner of Humble Bee Builds and is passionate about alternative living

Team from Papa Bear's Kitchen accepting award at gala.
East Kootenay, Golden Golden Chamber Business & Community Excellence awards handed out

The Business & Community Excellence awards are hosted annually by the Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce

White tiny home sitting on gravel road.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Developments, Real Estate Tiny houses in the Kootenays: Rent, buy or build

Interested in tiny homes? Explore our list of tiny house resources in the Kootenays

Ethan Dortman with walking stick display.
East Kootenay, Sparwood Walking into greatness at Sparwood’s Business Excellence awards

The annual Business Excellence Awards were held on October 20th, 2022

Top 100 Kootenay Employers graphic.
East Kootenay, Creston, West Kootenay Is your business one of 2023’s Top 100 Kootenay Employers?

Many diverse companies and businesses call the Kootenay area home. Fill out our form with your business information if you have over 40 employees

Outside of Popeye's Chicken franchise in Cranbrook showing drive-thru window and side of building.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Developments Cranbrook Business: Embracing new developments and revamping the old

Cranbrook is focused on revitalization and attracting new businesses and opportunities

Graphic showing pie chart.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay Top Instagram Brands in the Kootenays

Which brands in the Kootenays have the largest followers on Instagram? Find out on this list of top Instagram influencers in the Kootenays.

Business Excellence: A list of award-winning chambers text, with stylized golden star on dark background.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Small Business Business excellence: A list of Chamber award-winning businesses

Read our list of Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence award winners

Group photo of Business Excellence winners.
East Kootenay, Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Small Business Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce honours business excellence

The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards were held in late October.

Dylan Hardy, winner of the Citizen of the Year Award.
West Kootenay, Revelstoke Winners stoked at Revelstoke’s annual Business Excellence Awards

The 29th annual Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards were held in early November.

Group photo of Wapiti Music Fesitval Society members.
East Kootenay, Fernie Indie music, innovation and incredible food celebrated at Fernie’s Business Excellence Awards

12 deserving businesses and individuals were celebrated at the annual awards

Venessa Loubert and Perry Dzuris, owners of Arcane Coda in Salmo, B.C.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Retail, Small Business Local businesses promote Kootenay-inspired apparel

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

Female owners of Moonrise Boutique, The Roasted Chickpea and Tailout Brewing, sitting at table with awards and smiling into camera.
West Kootenay, Castlegar Castlegar Chamber of Commerce plays host at 2022 Business Excellence Awards

A total of 15 winners were recognized at the annual Business Excellence awards.

Letty Bartel, owner of Otter Books, stands in front of bookshelves holding a large stack of books.
West Kootenay, Nakusp, Nelson, Revelstoke, Rossland, Trail Read ’em and reap: A list of West Kootenay bookstores

If you’re a devoted bookworm, you’ll love the varied selection of new and used bookstores across the Kootenay region

Interior of Four Points Books in Invermere.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Golden, Creston, Fernie, Invermere Read ’em and reap: A list of East Kootenay bookstores

Can’t get enough reading material? Check out this list of bookstores in the East Kootenay.

Stone
East Kootenay, Elkford One-on-one with Ariadna Laris, executive director of the Elkford Chamber of Commerce

Elkford’s new executive director shares news about the community and what’s new on the horizon for the town.

Person snowboarding down hill at Panorama Mountain Resort, wind-swept snowy mountains in background.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Entertainment and Hospitality, Tourism Top ski resorts in the Kootenays and Canadian Rockies to find legendary powder

Check out this list of ski destinations in the Kootenays and Canadian Rockies region

Michelle Fairbanks, dressed in pink old-fashioned dress and floppy white hat, holding a selection of books.
West Kootenay, Rossland, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business Rossland’s Gold Rush Bookstore keeps the history pages turning

The Gold Rush Bookstore is a valued part of the downtown Rossland business landscape.

Interior of the Grist and Mash Brewery, showing tables, bar along one wall.
East Kootenay, Kimberley, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality Kimberley’s Grist & Mash Brewery hits all the right notes

It’s all about community at the Grist & Mash Brewery, where guest brews are regularly on tap and local musicians and artists are welcomed.

Porcupine Wood Products sawmill, with stacks of logs in foreground of photo.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Forestry Kootenay lumber mills have roots that run deep

From large forestry companies to smaller, independent, family-run operations, lumber mills are a vital part of our regional landscape