Meet the COEDC – Pamela Pearso

Meet the COEDC November 14, 2022

Editors intro: 

For those who may not know, the COEDC Advisory Council is a conduit of information between business, community leaders and government. The council meets monthly to share information and work together towards sustainable economic growth. It is made up of 45 influential members consisting of industry leaders, community shapers and elected officials. One of these such members being Pamela Pearson!

Pamela Pearson, Director of Operations, has worked for Sentes Automotive for the past 14+ years with a focus on HR/team culture, event planning, IT management, facilities, and overall dealership operations. She is also the President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts & Education in 2007 and teaching for a year, Pamela realized that the education system was not for her.  After a self-described failed attempt at car sales lasting only 6 weeks in her new industry, she began to assist COO Adam Rich with operational tasks.  She now helps to oversee 4 dealerships and 220+ employees.  Pamela takes pride in creating a great work environment for the dealership teams, in creating and supporting structure and processes, and being the go-to person for the staff.

In the past several years, Pamela has become more involved with our community as the chair of the BC Cancer Foundation’s Discovery Luncheon (chair & committee member 2012-2020) and President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce (President 2022/23 & director since 2019).  In the past year few years, she has been nominated as a Kelowna Chamber ‘Top 40 under 40’ and the City of Kelowna’s ‘Citizen of the Year’, was a finalist for Kelowna Women In Business ‘Woman of the Year’ award, and won the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award from the Chamber of Commerce.  Pamela looks forward to helping her company become a highly desired employer in 2023 and beyond, educating our young professionals on the value of the Chamber, continuing to be engaged in our local community, and inspiring those around her to get involved and be the best they can be.

The aim of the Meet the COEDC campaign is to share with our community who the Economic Development Commission is and showcase the COEDC Advisory Council members who play a critical role guiding the regional economic development service.

Continue reading to learn more about Pamela’s outlook on industry specific trends and forecast for the Central Okanagan! Check in each Monday to meet a new member of the Advisory Council, and to learn why they love to live and work in the Central Okanagan!

What organization are you from and what is your role?

President, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and Director of Operations, Sentes Automotive.

What excites you about the future of your respective sector?

Not for profit – the future of not for profit in the Okanagan is bright.  We have so many engaged and invested members in this community who are passionate about giving their time to help in some way.  After volunteering for BC Cancer for 9 years, and now nearly 4 at the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, I’m inspired daily by those around me selflessly giving back to the community they love.

Automotive is ever changing and is an incredible place to build your career.  This sector contributes significant tax revenues to the economy as well as a stable and reliable career to the members of the community.

Why is participating in the Advisory Council important to you?

Being involved in our community is important to me, especially in this city, one of the fastest growing cities in the country.  We should all be invested in making business better in our community.

Why do you love living and working in the Okanagan?

There is so much to love, and we are very lucky to call the Okanagan home.  The community, the weather, the wine & vineyards, the lake(s), the diverse industry, the history.  When given the option to live anywhere in the world, I choose the Okanagan.

 

Learn more about the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce here!