LET’SEMO:T “One Heart, One Mind”
LET’SEMO:T “One Heart, One Mind” brings together Community Futures staff, leaders, and economic development experts to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate. As the premiere opportunity for positive change, Community Futures is helping build a sustainable and resilient future for all.
Our annual event presents an opportunity to engage with various stakeholders with aligned values. Whether you want to network with potential clients or partners, exchange best practices, or better understand economic development trends, LET’SEMO:T “One Heart, One Mind” is the place to be.
Early Bird Registration
March 11, 2024–June 30, 2024
Price with tax: $450.00
General Registration
July 1, 2024–September 6, 2024
Price with tax: $500.00
Deadline to Register
September 6, 2024
Friday, September 20th
Venue: Coast Hotel
45920 First Ave, Chilliwack, BC V2P 7K1
| 11:00am–4:30pm | REGISTRATION – Chilliwack Coast Hotel Lobby |
| 12:00pm–4:00pm | Fraser Valley Tours (click to learn more) |
| 4:30pm–5:00pm | Annual General Meeting |
5:30-7:00pm
Opening Reception
Venue: The Grand Hall
#201 – 45939 Thunderbird Ln, Chilliwack, BC V2P 0J6
Saturday, September 21st
Venue: Coast Hotel
45920 First Ave, Chilliwack, BC V2P 7K1
| 7:00am–8:00am | Buffet Breakfast |
| 8:00am–10:00am | REGISTRATION AVAILABLE |
| 8:00am–8:45am | WELCOME AND OPENING CEREMONIES |
| 8:45am–9:45am | The Future and Sustainable Development. Presented by: Jasmine Palardy |
| 9:45am–10:00am | NUTRITION BREAK |
| 10:00am–11:15am | Community and Collaboration. Presented by: Dave Algra, Chief Derek Epp and City of Chilliwack Councillor Jason Lum |
| 11:15am–12:00pm | Sustainable Farming and Eco Tourism. Presented by: Bill Vanderkooi |
| 12:00pm-1:00pm | BUFFET LUNCH |
| 1:00pm–2:00pm | Building Organizational Collaboration. Presented by: Troy Dungate |
| 2:00pm–3:00pm | How to make AI your unfair advantage. Presented by: Peter Pilarski |
| 3:00pm–3:15pm | NUTRITION BREAK |
| 3:15pm–4:15pm | Breaking Barriers: The Resilience of Queer, Disabled Entrepreneurs. Presented by: Lauren Semple |
Saturday Evening
Venue: Coast Hotel
45920 First Ave, Chilliwack, BC V2P 7K1
| 5:30pm | RECEPTION BEGINS |
| 6:15pm | Opening remarks |
| 6:30pm | DINNER |
| 7:30pm–8:00pm | Awards ceremony |
| 8:00pm | 70s theme – Bring your best dance moves and costume to win prizes and dance the night away. |
Sunday, September 22nd
Venue: Coast Hotel
| 8:00am–9:00am | Buffet Breakfast |
| 9:00am–9:45am | Economist Dr. Kevin Wainwright |
| 9:45am–10:00am | NUTRITION BREAK |
| 10:00am–12:00pm | Roundtables: General Managers, Board Members, Business Analyst, Self Employment Program |
| 12:00pm–12:30pm | Boxed LUNCH |
| 1:00pm–2:30pm | Downtown Chilliwack Walking Tour (click to learn more) |
Dave Algra Bio
Troy Dungate Bio
Troy Dungate has been the Chair/President of the Community Futures Network of Canada since 2021.
He also serves as the Chair of Community Futures Pan West, representing the four Western Provinces, as well as the Chair of Community Futures British Columbia (CFBC) and Community Futures Fraser Fort George, based in Prince George.
Mr. Dungate has been Chair of Fraser Fort George since 2012 and joined the CFBC Board in 2017, eventually becoming Chair in 2020. In addition to his leadership roles within Community Futures, he practices law with his family at their law firm in Prince George.
Prior to his legal career, Mr. Dungate managed business development offices for TD Waterhouse in Prince George, Langley, Victoria, and Vancouver. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan.
Chief Derek Epp Bio
Ey Swayel, Chief Derek Epp is a proud descendant of the Wealick family and is honoured to walk with the Xwelmexw name Weli’leq while serving his community as Chief.
Derek has been fortunate enough to live on Tzeachten First Nation since he was two years old which has given him the ability to understand the importance of the sense of community and family while balancing the need for progressive governance to move our communities forward through self-determination.
During his educational journey he was able to achieve his Diploma in Social Services while specializing in First Nations studies. Derek used that diploma to further his education and complete a Bachelor’s in Social Work.
Councillor Jason Lum Bio
Jason brings nearly two decades of experience in senior level community development, local and regional governance, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
As a founding partner of Myriad Corporation, Jason helped grow a small technology consulting firm from its inception in 2004 until its successful acquisition in 2020. Jason also has a diverse history of volunteerism having been a board member of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce (President) Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, Downtown BIA, Chilliwack Museum, Chairman of the Lower Mainland Economic Sustainability Panel, the Stó:lō Development Corporation, as well as Vice Chairman of the Fraser Valley Healthcare Foundation.
Jasmine Palardy Bio
As founding partner of The Good Future Co., Jasmine combines strategic foresight, human-centric design, storytelling and memorable moment-making to create programs that build capacity for community transformation. She has helped get the shovel in the ground for numerous city-shaping projects including Calgary’s Platform Innovation Centre, created LobbyFest – a downtown futuring festival, and served as the director of WRLDCTY Global Urban Innovation Forum in New York City.
Peter Pilarski Bio
Lauren Semple Bio
Bill Vanderkooi Bio
Dr. Kevin Wainwright Bio
Dr. Kevin Wainwright is the appointed Associate Dean at the Faculty of Business and Computing.
Dr. Wainwright brings with him a wealth of experience and a remarkable track record in academia, teaching, and leadership.
Throughout his career, Dr. Wainwright has been dedicated to reducing barriers to education and retraining for diverse groups in our society. His research has focused on supporting military veterans, first responders, displaced workers, refugees, and new Canadians in their educational journeys.
Beyond his accomplishments in education, Dr. Wainwright holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Simon Fraser University and has focused his academic pursuits on environmental economics, economic theory, and game theory. He is a co-author of the widely acclaimed textbook “Fundamental Methods in Mathematical Economics” (Palgrave McMillan Editions), currently in its fourth edition and published in seven languages.
Ts’elxwéyexw Tribe Tour: $70.00
The Ts’elxwéyexw Tribe tour will be a three-hour bus ride through the municipality of Chilliwack, Chilliwack Mountain, Cultus Lake and Tamihi Creek where you will see and learn about the Stó:lō Peoples traditions, connections and significant points of interest including Halq’eméylem place names of the Stó:lō Territory. Join Dr. Sonny McHalsie for this amazing cultural experience!
→ Please click here to register for this activity … password SouthFraser123!
Seats are limited to 20 – so book early to avoid disappointment!
Explore the Harvest: $80.00
Come along for an agricultural adventure! First stop is the beautiful Rainbow Greenhouse to learn about their innovative edge, expert care and commitment to quality are the foundations in which they grow every plant. Followed a delicious pizza lunch and a beer at Farm House Brewing Co..
We will than take the adventure to the Eco Dairy to take a guided tour to learn about sustainable farming, eco tourism and to sample ice cream! The tour will end at Ripples Winery and New Wave Distilling, a family owned and operated winery/distillery that creates wines and spirits with local ingredients using sustainable practices. You will try one of the unique beautiful cocktails using their own ingredients!
→ Please click here to register for this activity … password SouthFraser123!
Seats are limited to 50 – so book early to avoid disappointment!
Downtown Chilliwack Walking Tour: $25.00
Come and join a local expert on a guided walking tour around Chilliwack.
We will cover some of the history of Chilliwack along with some of the murals in District 1881 and public art in the downtown area.
We promise to engage, educate, and entertain!
→ Please click here to register for this activity … password SouthFraser123!
Conference & Accommodation Information
Coast Hotel Chilliwack by APA
45920 First Ave
Chilliwack, BC V2P 7K1
Hotel Accommodation
Coast Hotel
45920 First Ave
Chilliwack, BC V2P 7K1
Guests can book through the Community Futures BC Conference Booking Link to be directed to the website where the discount is pre-loaded.
Hampton Inn
8050 Lickman Road
Guests can utilize this Community Futures BC Conference Booking Link to be directed to the website where the discount is pre-loaded. Or they can call the hotel at 604-392-4667 and reference the “Community Futures BC Conference” to the Front Desk Agent.
If a group code is requested, the code is CFC.
Holiday Inn
8114 Young Rd, Chilliwack
Guess can use this Community Futures BC Conference Booking Link to be directed to the website where the discount is pre-loaded. Guests are welcome to call the Holiday Inn directly and quote “Community Futures BC” to receive the rate up to the release date.
Do you have questions about the conference, registration, or sponsorship opportunities? Please reach out anytime.
Contact: Daisy Melnyk, Project Development Manager
E: daisy@communityfutures.ca
T: 604.402.9382
Community Futures South Fraser
46167 Yale Rd #303
Chilliwack, BC
V2P 2P2