Karen Kornelsen writer profile

François and Dana Blouin brought their love of travel to Kaslo and opened a new and exciting experiential tourism company, Between a Lake and a High Place.

Here in the Kootenays, we were all affected by this year’s wildfire season in some way

Fertoz Limited acquired the Marten property on February 3, 2014.

BC Mining Week will take place from May 11 to 17 and will involve great events happening across the province.

Tracey Halladay, co-owner of NIghtcrawler 4x4, appreciates her customers and loves her job.

The Kootenay Lake Medical Clinic has undergone some renovations and has made the switch to electronic medical records.

In 2013, Shambhala Music Festival purchased the old Savoy Inn in Nelson to develop its own nightclub, restaurant and accommodations.

The Nelson Civic Theatre Society has hired an architectural team in the hopes of adding two more screens and much needed upgrades to the theatre.

The Kootenay Career Development Society supports employers and job seekers and helps people gain access to skills training.

The Nelson Commons development is the largest project in Nelson to occur in several decades.

Mike Matejka, chapter president of JCI Kootenay, discusses the role of networking and how it's supporting positive change within the community and the world.

Roger Smith, president of Olson Construction in Golden, speaks about the challenges and opportunities of the construction industry in the region.

BC has a target of a 50 per cent increase in the number of international students studying in the province by 2016.

At the UBCM conference in Vancouver in September, Wood Works! BC announced the winners of the 2013 Community Recognition Awards.

Railway Station Specialty Meats & Deli in Nelson, B.C., is a family-operated business that specializes in quality products.

After a six-month closure, renovations to the pool area at Nelson's community complex are being enjoyed by the community.

Kim Wasylowich of Riemann Painting, based in Cranbrook, B.C., appreciates his clients and staff and has become a great success serving the East Kootenay.

The two brothers who own Ram Creek Log Homes, based in Jaffray, love making people's dream homes come to life.

Maren Esch, owner of Barkside Pets, has a passion for animals and her business.

The Waneta Dam expansion project is on time and on budget and has reached its halfway mark.

The owner of Snowball Ventures has volunteered with the local fire department for over 33 years.

Owner Amber Esovoloff was lucky enough to have her hobby turn into a business.

Owners Roger and Donna Soviskov of Jogas Espresso Cafe always go the extra mile for their customers.

Style Trend Clothiers in Revelstoke is run by two people who have a passion for clothing and spending time with their two kids.

Paula Kiss, owner of The Building Tree in Nelson, has a unique world perspective and loves to give back to her community.

Dave McGuire, owner of No Shorts Electronics in Kimberley, B.C., loves passing on his knowledge to his customers.

Kaslo May Days and the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival—both held in the village of Kaslo, B.C.—are two of the top celebrations in Canada.

Cherry Creek Property Services in Kimberley, B.C., has doubled its business in the past year, said owners Chris and Laurie Weitzel.

Master timber framer Sigi Liebmann has built a reputation for quality work on jobs big or small, traditional or modern.

In summer 2013, work will be underway in Kootenay National Park to add wildlife fencing and underpasses in order to reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions.

Two new doctors, Mike Stuckey and Deena Case, arrived in Fernie, B.C., from Australia to help relieve the doctor shortage in the Elk Valley.

The new Elk Valley Safety Association was created to deal with common issues in the mining sector.

B.C. Mining Week 2013 involves mining events in communities across the province; these are designed to educate the public on the importance of the industry.

The District of Elkford has been recognized over the last few years for many accomplishments, and has set out some new major projects for 2013.

Fernie Brewing Company's head brewmaster, Gord Demaniuk, has a passion for brewing.

Ryan Johannesen—with his business, Glacier Raft Company—has found success by focusing on all aspects of the customer experience.

Kootenay Co-op's assistant front-end manager, Julia Hamilton, is passionate about local, organic and fairly traded food and products.

Event co-ordinator Meta Yee-Lim offers five tips on how to plan a great corporate business event.

The City of Castlegar has big plans for the community in 2013.

The City of Kimberley has made huge steps in improving its business climate and is working at becoming a leader in solar energy.

The online toy shop based out of Nelson, B.C., has a unique product with an engaging online presence.

Sparwood experienced great success in 2012 and looks forward to special projects in 2013.

East Kootenay News Online Weekly (e-KNOW) has a savvy online presence and utilizes Facebook and Twitter to reach out to its readers.

Co-owners Dennis Staples and Thomas Leggott use their tech knowledge and skills to serve customers.

In October 2012, the Golden RCMP moved into its new $5.3-million building, which will help them better serve their community.

Matt Mosteller, a resident of Fernie, B.C., just released his first book, "The Adventurer's Guide to Living a Happy Life."

With Canfor's sawmill reopening in the village of Radium Hot Springs, B.C., the community is celebrating new hope and perseverance through tough times.

The community of Radium Hot Springs is celebrating the return of a vital economic presence.

There are lots of new and exciting things for skiers and riders to look forward to at Kimberley Alpine Resort in Kimberley, B.C., this season.

The Canadian Rockies International Airport is recognized for its environmental, marketing and community outreach efforts.