Laurel Douglas has always been about helping entrepreneurs, helping themselves and growing the economy.

“When I first arrived in Kelowna 23 years ago, I wanted to use my business background to help entrepreneurs access capital, knowledge and markets,” said Douglas.

“And to create the conditions for promoting economic development in our region. (We) are working very hard during this difficult time to support the resilience and recovery of businesses and communities.”

She did such an incredible job that the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards recognized Douglas as Business Leader of the Year 2020.

</who>Laurel Douglas, CEO of the Southern Interior Development Trust, was named Business Leader of the Year 2020 by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards. “Class =” img-responsive “src =” https://www.kelownanow.com/files/ files / images / _DSC1462b-h.jpg “style =” margin: 5px; “/></p> <p>“Laurel has enriched our city and our region,” said Chamber President Jeffrey Robinson.</p> <p>“She has stood up for entrepreneurs and has provided valuable leadership roles in economic development and post-secondary. She continues to leave a legacy of strategic thinking, impact and collaboration in her roles.”</p> <p>The Chamber is announcing the Business Leader of the Year ahead of its annual Business Excellence Awards in order to uniquely recognize the winner and create hype around the upcoming ceremony, which will award trophies in 13 categories.</p> <p>Since COVID prevents large gatherings and thus the regular banquet of prizes, the 33rd annual edition of the event will practically take place on November 26th from 5pm to 6.30pm.</p> <p>Registration and tickets at KelownaChamber.org.</p> <p>When Douglas first moved to Kelowna in 1997 after working in telecommunications and financial services in France, Germany, the UK and Ontario, she became the founding director of the technology industry support organization now known as Accelerate Okanagan.</p> <p>She then worked for the National Research Council’s long tenure at the Women’s Enterprise Center in Kelowna, which provides funding, training, mentoring, and resources to women entrepreneurs across BC.</p> <p>During her 15 years at the center, she provided direct and leveraged funding of $ 67 million to hundreds of women-run businesses, creating and maintaining 3,650 jobs in the province.</p> <p>Douglas became CEO of the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust earlier this year.</p> <p>Since its inception in 2006, the Trust has funded $ 250 million in projects that have created 3,650 jobs in the southern interior.</p> <p>“In her new role, we are confident that her steady hand and clear planning will bring great results for this important regional economic development organization,” said Robinson.</p> <p>Douglas is in good company as Kelowna Business Leader of the Year.</p> <p>Past winners include KF Aerospace (formerly Kelowna Flightcraft) founder, Barry LaPointe, Jeff Stibbard of JDS Mining & Energy, Tony Stewart of Quails’ Gate Winery, Brad Bennett of McIntosh Properties, and Pushor Mitchell’s attorney Theresa Arsenault .</p> <p></p> <p style=

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