Downtown Maple Ridge BIA

For the past five years Philip Hartwick has been the Business Manager of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Arts Council, operators of the Maple Ridge Arts Centre and Theatre (ACT). With over twenty years experience in the workforce, his history includes extensive work in the arts and non profit sectors, including positions in marketing, fundraising, event planning and financial management. He has contributed many hours of volunteer time to organizations that promote the arts and community living. Currently he is studying Business Management part time at Douglas College.

Denis Prasad has lived in Maple Ridge for the past 25 years. He was instrumental in building and developing the finest state of the art meat processing plant in Westwold BC which exported Organic and Natural meats into Europe and U.S. He opened Organic World six years ago and under his command Organic World has become the leading processor, distributor, wholesaler in the Organic and Natural meat business from Maple Ridge British Columbia. We currently have 45 employees in our wholesale division which sells to hundreds of grocery stores in BC. He owns Organic World meat and grocery store and restaurant in Maple Ridge. This year Denis received the Business Excellence award in Maple Ridge. I chose to serve on the BIA Board as a Vice Chair because Maple Ridge is our back yard, our children grew here and now our grand child is growing here. I believe with my business background I have a lot to offer to our community. We need the right aggressive changes, I am not just a talker but I know how to get the job done. I have a very good relationship with the District of Maple Ridge and I am very well known within the community as well as throughout BC and Alberta. Maple Ridge is growing at a phenomenal rate and I see the potential in this growth so the direction of this growth has to be steered by people with similar vision and interest.

Teresa Green moved to Maple Ridge in 2001 after accepting the position of Executive Director with Cythera Transition House Society. Cythera Transition House Society is a non-profit agency, with charitable status, incorporated under the Society Act since 1983. Cythera assists women and their families in becoming equipped to prevent and end the cycle of abuse, and offers options that may encourage women to end those relationships in which violence plays a predominant factor. In addition to a transition house (safe house) and counseling centre, the agency operates two social enterprises (Cythera Thrift Store & Cythera Unique Boutique). The agency currently owns two buildings in the downtown core of Maple Ridge.

Cindy-Lea Stephenson has lived, worked and shopped in Maple Ridge for over 32 years. She currently owns and operates the longest running cappuccino bar in Maple Ridge, located in Haney Place Mall. The anticipated growth potential in the downtown core led her to open T’s- Once Upon a Tea Leaf, a few years ago. She believes there is more to owning a business than the bottom line and focuses on giving back to the community by participating and donating to several local projects and charities. Cindy-Lea’s creative passion is to think outside of the box and she looks forward to the opportunity to help promote local independent businesses. She is thrilled to be a part of such a vibrant community!!

Mr. Geese moved to Maple Ridge in 1975. He opened Hagens Travel & Cruises in April of 1975 on 224th Street (formerly known as Alouette Travel). Deddy has served 5 years on the board of the Chamber of Commerce in the early 80s, was elected chairperson of the Mountain Festival for a 3 year term when it was a 10 day festival (80s), worked in the media relation office at the 1986 BC Summer Games and was the President of the Meadow Ridge Rotary Club in 1991. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club and cofounder and currently an active member of the Caribbean Festival Society.

Ms. Gregory has been a Downtown property owner since 1994. Between 2006 and fall 2008 Chrislana served on the DMRBIA Board of Directors, filling such positions as Treasurer, Vice President, and Chair of the Beautification & Revitalization Committee. Since leaving the Board, she has remained an active member of the Beautification & Revitalization and the Events & Marketing Committees. Chrislana has a BA (Psych), Bachelor of Laws Degree, completed a number of mediation courses and is currently obtaining her Masters in Counseling. Her work experience includes legal practice and lecturing at UBC. She has volunteered on Parent and District Advisory Councils and served on Municipal working committees.

Kristian was born and raised in Maple Ridge where he currently lives with his wife and daughter. Kristian is part owner of Manion and Associates Financial Services and has been assisting people and businesses in the community for the past nine years with their insurance needs. In his free time he's been involved with Ridge Meadows Hospice Society and currently coordinates recreation programs at an extended care facility in Maple Ridge. He also instructs minor baseball players in Ridge Meadows, where he too was fortunate to play as a youngster enabling him to play at the Collegiate level in Southern California. As a business owner in the downtown core, Kristian genuinely wants to help create a positive environment where businesses can succeed.

Born in Italy January 9th, 1947; Immigrated to Canada with Parents in 1951. Grew up in Kamloops, attended St Anne’s Academy Catholic High School and graduated in 1965. Started my long Banking career with Royal Bank on November 4th 1965 and recently retired on November 4th, 2010 after 45 years of Service. In 1980 I was transferred from Richmond to the Haney Branch as Branch Manager until 1984. I spent another 12 years as Branch Managers positions in North Delta and Surrey. I was fortunate enough to be transferred back to Haney Branch in 1995 again as Branch Manager until 2001 at which time I became a Mortgage Specialist with Royal Bank.

Teresa Green moved to Maple Ridge in 2001 after accepting the position of Executive Director with Cythera Transition House Society. Cythera Transition House Society is a non-profit agency, with charitable status, incorporated under the Society Act since 1983. Cythera assists women and their families in becoming equipped to prevent and end the cycle of abuse, and offers options that may encourage women to end those relationships in which violence plays a predominant factor. In addition to a transition house (safe house) and counseling centre, the agency operates two social enterprises (Cythera Thrift Store & Cythera Unique Boutique). The agency currently owns two buildings in the downtown core of Maple Ridge.

A resident of Maple Ridge since 2003, Michael has been an active volunteer in the community sitting on various boards and organizations. In his professional life Michael is the Manager of the Royal Bank on 224th street in Maple Ridge. An MBA graduate from Athabasca university, Michael has had previous experience in commercial and corporate banking in addition to looking after the clients in our community. In his spare time when he is not chasing after his two children, Michael is an active member of the Meadow Ridge Rotary club, sits on the board of the Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living, and the Downtown Revitalization Project Liaison Committee.

Shannon Gander is the co-owner of Monkey Business Kids Boutique in Downtown Maple Ridge. Prior to entering the world of retail ownership, Shannon worked with social service organizations as a Federal Government representative. Her passion for her business and supporting local shops and services made joining the Maple Ridge BIA as a board member a natural next step. Shannon is excited to work with the BIA to encourage everyone to shop local!

Karen Pukesh is the co-owner of Monkey Business Kid's Boutique on 224th Street. Prior to Karen's venture into self employed retail, she was a District Manager for one of Canada's largest fashion accessory retail chains overseeing multiple storefronts across Western Canada. Karen's passion for customer service and retail ultimately led her to opening their children's store in 2007. Having lived in Maple Ridge for over 13 years with her family, Karen is excited by the opportunity to work with the DMRBIA and help further the goal of creating a healthy and sustainable business environment in Maple Ridge