Top 20 Under 40 Is Back

Feb 4, 2019 | 10:44 AM

Business owner Genny Chippendale is one recipient of the Top 20 Under 40

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is once again recognizing young and talented achievers in the community.

The business group has released the first five recipients of the Top 20 under 40, sponsored by KPMG, Community Futures and City of Vernon-Economic Development, showcasing the next generation of leaders in the North Okanagan.

The annual program highlights people under the age of 40 who are making their mark through business success and community involvement.

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The first recipients were selected among more than 60 nominations, and include:

Genny Chippendale – Owner of Iron Heart gym.

Genny says, “It’s a gift to get to do what I do as a job,” as she helps individuals transform their health, their hearts and their minds. Along with growing Iron Heart’s member base since opening, Genny supports the community through local initiatives including promoting other Vernon businesses and entrepreneurs.

Julia Payson- Executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association (Vernon branch).

Julia is a “hopeless optimist,” who believes more can be done to support communities through more housing, improved programs and strong relationships. Beyond CMHA, Julia is involved with the District Parent Advisory Council, the B.C. Non-Profit Housing Association and the B.C. SPCA.

Mitchal Derkson – Founder and CEO of Numu Consulting.

Mitchal has an ability to take complexinformation and translate it into meaningful results, and that has allowed him to assist businesses modernize their finance and information systems. He currently serves on the board of the Food Action Society and has been involved with Eagle Bay Camp and Habitat for Humanities.

Linda Heng – Owner of the Beauty Bar.

Linda’s passion and hard work have led to her receiving the Young Entrepreneur Award in 2018 from the Greater Vernon Chamber while she was a finalist for New Business
of the Year at the Thompson Okanagan Business Excellence Awards. Along with her staff, Linda has supported the community through Vernon Women’s Transition house, NONA, teen junction, Star Fish Pack program and Hospice.

Jodi Cunningham- Pharmacist and owner of Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy.

Jodi has strived to increase communication and collaboration between patients and health care providers, while embracing staff who share her vision of compassionate, relationship driven care. She is active in the community, including with HOPE Outreach, which assists marginalized women.

The next five recipients will be announced next Monday.

All recipients will be featured on the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce website and they will also be honoured at a special recognition event on March 12, at Okanagan Spirits

“There’s no question that the entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in Greater Vernon as we received more than 60 nominees. The judges had their work cut out for them as they considered the nominees and selected the Top 20 Under 40,” said Dione Chambers, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce general manager.

“As in previous years, this is an outstanding opportunity to recognize individuals who have pursued their dreams and are contributing to the community.”

For more info on the recipients, visit: www.vernonchamber.ca

by Corey Fischer