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Invermere resident earns Order of B.C.
Twelve individuals who exemplify excellence have been appointed to the Order of British Columbia in this special anniversary year, including Invermere entrepreneur and conservationist Elana Rosenfeld.
Created in 1989, the province’s highest honour celebrates people who have distinguished themselves and excelled in their field of endeavour bringing great prestige to the province and beyond.
A special investiture ceremony for invited guests to celebrate the 35th anniversary will be held at Government House in Victoria on Sept. 4, bringing the total membership to 515.
Appointed to the Order of British Columbia are:
* Elana Rosenfeld, Invermere, for her business acumen leading Canada’s largest organic coffee company (Kicking Horse Coffee), unwavering commitment to sustainability and championing of conservation efforts.
* John Anderson, West Vancouver, for transforming global farming with sustainable practices and championing community causes.
* Brenda Crabtree (Xyolholemo:t), Vancouver, for being an enduring champion for Indigenous artists and developing groundbreaking Indigenous art programs.
* Karimah Es Sabar, West Vancouver, for being a pioneering force in B.C.’s health care and life sciences sectors.
* qiyəplenəxʷ Howard Grant, Vancouver, for bridging cultures and advancing Indigenous rights with over 26 years of leadership and dedication.
* Lily Lee, West Vancouver, for her contributions in education, health care and housing.
* Don Mattrick, Victoria, for transforming B.C.’s tech landscape from a basement startup to global leadership.
* William P.J. McCarthy, Burnaby, for his historic and transformative support of health care and community as one of B.C.’s most impactful philanthropists.
* Colin James Munn, North Vancouver, for shaping Canadian music with his guitar mastery, electrifying performances and unwavering dedication to his community.
* Imant Raminsh, C.M., Coldstream, for enriching B.C.’s cultural life with his profound contributions as a composer, conductor, teacher and mentor.
* Gary Segal, C.M., Vancouver, for his philanthropic contributions to health care, transforming lives across borders and cultures.
* Catherine Ulrich, Prince George, for her legacy of leadership and innovation in Northern Health care.
“This year’s recipients are impressive, not simply because of their outstanding contributions to their communities but also because of the diversity of their achievements. The recipients have made advances in sustainability, reconciliation, health care, technology, arts and business. I am amazed by their dedication and innovation, and I look forward to celebrating their installation into the Order at Government House,” stated Janet Austin, B.C. Lieutenant Governor and chancellor of the Order of British Columbia.
Premier David Eby added: “On behalf of the people of British Columbia, congratulations to those being appointed to the Order of B.C. for 2024. You’ve made it your life’s work – through your leadership, art and generosity – to make life better for British Columbians. You represent the best of the best in our province and serve as an example to us all. Thanks for all that you’ve done and all that you will go on to do.”
Elana Rosenfeld
Elana Rosenfeld’s visionary leadership and dedication to ethical values evolved Kicking Horse Coffee into Canada’s largest organic coffee company and most trusted coffee brand. 32 years ago Elana moved from Toronto to the small community of Invermere, British Columbia and co-founded Kicking Horse Coffee. As CEO from 1996 to 2023, she grew her business into a major North American company.
Elana’s commitment to sustainability and community prosperity has made her a respected local leader, and created economic diversification and employment in B.C.’s Interior. A role model in social enterprises, she introduced Fairtrade and certified organic partnerships, and championed gender diversity and female leadership. Elana’s love for nature led her to chair the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) from 2019-2021, where she spearheaded significant conservation efforts and advancements in diversity and inclusion.
As a philanthropist, she has donated millions to conservation causes, becoming one of Canada’s leading advocates for nature. Her remarkable achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including B.C. Business Entrepreneur of the Year and recognition for Kicking Horse Coffee as the Best Place to Work in Canada.
Elana’s journey epitomizes resilience, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to making a meaningful impact, and setting a high standard for ethical business leadership and community engagement across B.C.
BC Government photos
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