Leadership

A professional history of leadership experience is vital for the Kelowna-Mission riding during these uncertain economic times. Steve Thomson has been a leader for most of his professional life. He has been selected to provide many leadership roles and advisory positions dedicated to the continuous improvement of our province. Steve brings to his office extensive leadership expertise, experience in economic development, and a clear understanding of how to get things done in government.

Leadership Expertise

• Provincial Leadership - As Chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce, BC's leading business organization, Steve implemented new committee structures that enhanced the effectiveness of the organization. Steve was also a Director for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, bringing BC business interests to the national level. Steve continues to serve as Chair of the BC Chamber Board of Governors.
• Representative Leadership – As Executive Director of the BC Agriculture Council for 11 years, Steve represented the interests of a constituency of BC farmers and ranchers, negotiating policy and establishing programs with local, provincial and national levels of government.
• Local Leadership - As President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Steve strengthened the effectiveness of the Chamber's initiativesand led a continued growth in membership.
• Business Leadership - As co-owner of Greenaway Thomson Communications, Steve and his partners developed a company that served the communications and public relations needs of Kelowna businesses and provincial organizations.
• Enterprise Development - Steve led the process to establish the BC Agriculture Council, providing strategic advice and leadership resulting in the BCAC becoming the recognized organization for the shared interests of BC's farmers and ranchers.
• Solutions Development - Steve initiated the development of a Research and Development subsidiary company, the BC Agriculture Research and Development Corporation (ARDCORP) that provides services and program delivery for the benefit of BC agriculture and agrifood producers.

Government Advisory/Economic Development Experience

• BC Bio-Energy Network - Steve is a founding Director of this network, it manages a $25 million fund to enhance the adoption of bio-energy and alternate energy in support of the Provincial Bio-Energy Strategy.
• Okanagan Innovation Fund - One of the original Board of Directors, Steve helped establish the OIF- the first private equity fund of its kind designed to support emerging Okanagan businesses.
• Provincial Government Task Force on Redtape and Regulation Reduction - Steve was part of the design team whose plan successfully reduced the costs of governmental regulation and 'red tape' by 30%.
• BC Fiscal Review Panel - As a contributing member to this Premier's panel, Steve reviewed provincial finances and contributed to the fiscal analysis leading to the first provincial government budget for the BC Liberal Party.
• BC Business Council Panel: 'Securing our Future' - Steve was part of this business community panel who toured the province and provided a report with key recommendations for economic policy implemented by the Campbell government.
• Summer Program in Cooperative Economic Development - University of Bologna, Emilia Romagna, Italy 2007 - Steve completed a Summer Study Program analyzing a successful model of cooperative economic development in Italy.