CHBA Central Interior Announces New Board of Directors and 3 Major Contributions to TRU at Annual General Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2024

Kamloops, BC – The Canadian Home Builders' Association Central Interior held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Colombo Lodge, where the 2024-2025 Board of Directors was announced. 

Newly Elected Board of Directors:

• President: Chris Crowell, TRUE Consulting
• 1st Vice President: Ryan Kurzac, Kamloops Home Hardware
• 2nd Vice President: Drew Atkinson, Wrabel Brothers Construction

Directors with 2-Year Terms:

• Brandon Lolli, A&T Project Developments Inc.
• Jerry Gill, Jerry Gill Personal Real Estate Corp.
• Wayne Wittal, DW Builders

Director with 1-Year Term:

• Paul Douglas, Malcolm Homes

Presidential Appointee:

• Shaun Minten, Tri-City Canada

They will join the existing board members:

• Treasurer: Mario Piroddi, BDO Canada LLP
• Secretary: Steve DuMont, Gillespie and Company LLP
• Past President: Tom Calne, Fulcrum Development
• Director: Rikki Paquette, Kamloops Truss Ltd.
• Kootenay Region Director: Josh Lowden, New Dawn Developments Ltd.

Appointees:

• Jason Dixon, City of Kamloops
• Tony Bolton, TNRD
• Tim Kasten, TRU Trades and Technology

For more details about our Board of Directors, click here.

Thank you, Tom! 

As Tom Calne steps down as President of the Canadian Home Builders Association Central Interior, we reflect on his unwavering commitment, strong leadership, and lasting impact on our industry. From advocating for builders to driving provincial initiatives, Tom has been an integral part of our community. This video is a tribute to his contributions, humor, and the legacy he leaves behind. Thank you, Tom, for your dedication and passion!

Major Contributions to Support Trades Education at TRU

The 2025 Training House project marks 35 years of partnership between CHBA Central Interior and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Trades and Technology. This collaboration has provided students with invaluable hands-on experience through real-world residential construction projects. 

At the AGM, CHBA Central Interior announced three significant contributions to further support TRU’s trades education programs: 

• $17,000 to purchase tools for 17 Foundation program students working on the 2025 Training House, providing them with essential equipment for practical experience in construction.
• $17,600 to support TRU’s Trades and Technology Apprentice Programs.
• A $50,000 endowment with the TRU Foundation to establish long-term scholarships for trades students, helping future students access the education and training they need to enter the trades sector.

In photo (left to right): TRU Trades and Technology Dean Baldev Pooni, TRU Instructor Tim Kasten, CHBA CI President Chris Crowell, 
and CHBA CI Past President Tom Calne.

In photo (left to right): CHBA CI President Chris Crowell, CHBA CI Past President Tom Calne, CHBA CI Treasurer Mario Piroddi 
and TRU Trades and Technology Dean Baldev Pooni.

“Our 35-year partnership with TRU has been instrumental in shaping the future of trades education in our region,” said Chris Crowell, CHBA Central Interior President. “By investing in tools, apprenticeship programs, and scholarships, we are ensuring that the next generation of trades professionals has every opportunity to thrive. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and continue our commitment to supporting skilled trades education.”

For more information, please contact:
Rose Choy
Executive Officer, CHBA Central Interior
Phone: 250-828-1844
Email: info@chbaci.ca