Kootenay Employment Services has hired Recovery Advisors for the Creston Valley‐ Kootenay Lake region, Cranbrook‐Kimberley and surrounding areas.

Amy Hotchkiss and Kris Dickeson are ready to hit the pavement and assist businesses in connecting to existing supports under the ETSI‐BC Rural Business and Community Recovery Program.

Hotchkiss is based out of the Creston Valley‐Kootenay Lake and brings a background in international economic development.

“I am looking forward to meeting local business owners and hearing firsthand the challenges they are facing,” she said. “The Creston Valley is overflowing with potential to be a place where people can afford to live and work. We hope to help the business community and help them grow.”

Dickeson brings 20‐years of media and marketing to the table and will cover Cranbrook, Kimberley and surrounding communities.

“I am pleased to have this opportunity to connect with the diverse variety of employers and business owners in this area,” she said. “For over a year they have been forced to deal with unimaginable obstacles that have changed how businesses operate. Cranbrook‐Kimberley area business owners are strong, determined and want to succeed. Our goal is to help them achieve this.”

Hotchkiss and Dickeson will join Theresa Wood from the Columbia Valley and Melanie Rowland from Golden in helping guide businesses through accessing support, delivering one‐on‐one coaching, virtual workshops and will work closely with local community organizations to bring much‐needed economic recovery support to our area.

The Rural Business and Community Recovery Program is funded by Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI‐BC), and the Province of British Columbia as it delivers on its StrongerBC Plan. It is delivered locally through a partnership between Kootenay Employment Services, Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce, Kimberley Chamber of Commerce, Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and Golden Community Coop.

Photos submitted

Kootenay Employment Services

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