CO EDC | About Us → EDC Staff

	Robert Fine (Manager, Economic Development) Robert was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. After completing a degree in Urban Economics from the University of Toronto and Masters work at York University, Robert brought innovative programming to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario including GASAMO, a $35 million public gas-purchasing program under deregulation. He moved to British Columbia in 1989 where he worked for the Sea to Sky Economic Development Corporation until 1996. His many accomplishments included assisting in the development of Whistler which was named the number one ski resort in North America. In 1998, Mr. Fine was awarded "Economic Developer of the Year" by the Economic Development Association of British Columbia and the Bank of Montreal. Mr. Fine is currently the Executive Director for the Economic Development Commission for the Central Okanagan Regional District located in Kelowna, British Columbia. He is Past President of the Economic Developers Association of Canada and sits as one of two Canadian representatives on the International Economic Development Council, based in Washington, DC. He is a member of the Provincial Small Business Roundtable and writes a twice monthly column in the Kelowna Daily Courier, The Fine Print.

	Corie Griffiths (Marketing and Research) Corie is a California native, who started her career in retail management. With top honours she earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration from California State University Sacramento. Before moving to the Okanagan in 2003, Corie was the Research Assistant in the Planning Division for California State Parks where she was a contributing researcher and author for the State of California Outdoor Recreation Plan detailing the social and health benefits of recreation. While in this role she also authored the article "Fun and Gains: Benefits of Recreation" published in the California Parks and Recreation magazine. On meeting her husband, a Vancouver resident, she emigrated to Canada in 2003. She moved to the Okanagan and became the Program Coordinator for Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs where she developed Volunteer programs, After School Programs, and recreational opportunities for the community of the Westside. From there she became the Education/Recreation Program Coordinator for Westside Parks and Recreation, developing community programs and facilitating partnerships with School District #23. Corie joined the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission in January, 2007 and works in a wide range of areas related to investment attraction and business enhancement. She represents the Central Okanagan on a number of professional committees and associations including Linx BC, the Okanagan Environmental Industry Alliance and the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Labour Market Committee, and is Vice Chair of the Okanagan Valley Economic Development Society. She is a key resource for Central Okanagan business owners, individuals and businesses looking to locate in the Valley and community stakeholders. An avid soccer player and water sports enthusiast, Corie looks forward to continuing her work in the world of economic development.

Michael Blonde' (Marketing and Research)

Michael returns to his hometown of Kelowna after spending a year with Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) in Toronto, ON. ACE is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to post secondary student leadership development by teaching and igniting young Canadians to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. As Manager of Program Development at ACE, Michael worked to pursue expansion opportunities for the SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) and the National Student Entrepreneur programs. Michael’s territory stretched from Vancouver Island, BC to Montreal, QC. His many accomplishments during this year with ACE included establishing SIFE programs at the University of Manitoba and the University of Western Ontario.

From April to November 2008 Michael designed and executed sales strategies, which included incorporating I.T. and Customer Service requirements, for AirSea Lines. AirSea Lines International S.A. provides commercial seaplane services in Greece. It offers sightseeing, charter, cargo, and scheduled services in the Ionian and Aegean regions as well as Brindisi, Italy.

In April 2009, Michael completed a co-conferred Bachelor of Business Degree from Okanagan College School of Business and University of British Columbia Okanagan. This degree provided Michael the opportunity to study abroad for two semesters, one of which was spent in Nice, France and the other in Melbourne, Australia. Michael was also the president of SIFE Okanagan, where he led the team to its first ever finalist position placing third in the country. He is thrilled for the opportunity to provide services to the COEDC and excited to return to many familiar faces and his supportive family.

Sandra Ballan-Brown (Administrative Assistant)

Sandra holds a degree in Business Administration and has extensive experience in customer support and administration. Sandra is a native of Brandon, Manitoba where she earned her degree at Assinaboine Community College. Upon graduation she worked for a local credit union for two years.

She moved to Greater Vancouver in 1989 and spent the next 15 years increasing her knowledge in customer service with TELUS. Sandra moved to Kelowna in 2005 with her husband and children. Her time at the City of Kelowna Finance Department and the Regional District of Central Okanagan Planning Department lead her discover the Economic Development Commission.