Member Masterclass

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Member Masterclass event on Thursday, September 12, 2024, featuring a lineup of expert speakers, with local keynote Mark DeVolder.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional aiming to refine your expertise or new to the Vernon business community and eager to build your skills, this masterclass is your opportunity to unlock your full potential. Each session is thoughtfully designed to equip you with actionable insights, from mastering advanced techniques to gaining insider perspectives on industry trends, that you can put to use right away.

Speakers:
Dr. Mark DeVolder
Rocky Ozaki, NoW of Work
Dawn Kern, Greenhouse Creative
Lochaven Consulting
Ginger Brunner, go2HR


Speaker Presentations:

Perpetual Pivot with Dr. Mark DeVolder
Dr. Mark DeVolder is a renowned change management expert and motivational speaker known for helping organizations navigate the complexities of transformation and disruption. His presentations are dynamic and packed with actionable insights, focusing on equipping leaders and teams with the tools to embrace change confidently.

As an award-winning Top Change Management speaker and recipient of the Top 10 Speaker Award in Change Management, Mark is known for his highly engaging presentations: contagious energy, engaging audience interaction, on-target customization and practical take-away tools.

As a researcher, consultant and author, Mark has written the multi-disciplinary book on managing change, Perpetual Pivot: How the Best Leaders Adapt to Exponential Change, as well as books on Diversity/Inclusion and Employee Engagement: Unity in Diversity Through Synergy and Get Engaged!

How and Why Companies must Coexist with AI with Rocky Ozaki
Rocky Ozaki is a dynamic speaker known for his expertise in the future of work, innovation, and business transformation. As the Founder & CEO of the NoW of Work, he focuses on preparing organizations for the exponential changes shaping today's business landscape. In this series, he address how companies can future-proof themselves by embracing innovation, agility, and a people-centric culture​ (Speakers Bureau of Canada)​ (Spoken Artists).

Rocky explores how organizations can navigate disruptive trends, such as digital transformation, AI integration, and evolving workplace cultures - emphasizing the importance of cultivating innovative teams that are resilient and adaptable to constant change. 


The Power of Story in Marketing with Dawn Kern
In this 30-minute session, Dawn Kern, a Certified StoryBrand Guide, will share how to craft clear and effective brand messaging using the StoryBrand framework. Drawing from years of experience, she’ll guide you through the key elements of storytelling that resonate with clients and drive business growth. This session is perfect for anyone looking to refine their marketing message and connect with their audience on a deeper level, leaving you with practical tools to implement immediately.

Working ‘ON’ vs. Working ‘IN’ Your Business – Ensuring HR Compliance & Maximizing Employee Productivity. HR Tips & Best Practices for Busy Employers - with Ginger Brunner 
For many small business owners, once the business is established the primary focus quickly turns to developing and delivering products and/or services for your customers (working ‘in’ the business). As the business grows and evolves, so too does the way in which your business operates. But how often do you take time to review, update and document the practices, policies and procedures used within your business, to ensure that they are as effective as possible (working ‘on’ the business)?
While this may seem like a daunting task, particularly for busy employers, it doesn’t have to be and can have many positive impacts on your employees and the bottom line of your business.
Join Ginger Brunner, Manager Industry Human Resources and Mental Health at go2HR for a practical session to help you work ‘on’ the employment-related, HR practices, policies and procedures within your business. Gain insights into the value of maintaining and communicating up-to-date documentation, tips to ensure compliance with BC’s employment legislation, and access to tools, templates and resources you can use to help ease the process.


Building from a Solid Foundation
Wayne is committed to helping businesses achieve sustainable growth. With over 25 years of management consulting experience, he has guided organizations in building strong foundations both domestically and internationally. His approach focuses on a genuine desire to see others succeed, offering practical strategies tailored to unique business challenges. In his masterclass, "Building From a Solid Foundation," Wayne will provide essential insights for lasting success. Whether you want to strengthen your business or scale new heights, his talk offers valuable guidance and knowledge to help you grow confidently.

His deep understanding of economic development, combined with his hands-on experience, enables him to bridge the gap between theory and practice. His talk will cover the critical components of building a resilient business foundation, from strategic planning and financial management to fostering a strong company culture and adapting to market changes. Attendees will walk away with a clear roadmap for strengthening their business infrastructure, positioning themselves not just to survive but to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.