Erik Kalacis (he/him)
Executive Director
Erik oversees all CFSK projects, staff, and operations. He is an avid outdoor activity enthusiast with extensive experience in leadership roles spanning tourism, hospitality, sporting goods, mountain travel, ski resort, and experimental industries. Erik attended Concordia University in Montreal studying business and commerce (marketing) and completed a Bachelor of Education from McGill University. Formerly an entrepreneur and a licensed realtor in Vancouver, Erik excels in sales, marketing and business development. Erik is the person to see to discuss operations, organizational partnerships, and initiatives for the betterment of the communities we serve.
Phone: 250 364 2595 ext 22
Tamara Rotach (she/her)
Loans Manager
Tamara administers the Community Futures loan portfolio. She was born and raised in the area and understands local needs. Tamara has many years of financial institution lending experience and plays an active role in community economic development. About the only thing Tamara enjoys more than money is sharing it with new and expanding businesses. Tamara is the person to see for help with business financing.
Phone: 250 364 2595 ext 26
Ron Perepolkin (he/him)
Community Economic Development Coordinator
Ron initiates and participates in economic development projects that benefit the region. He has a strong background in information technology and building partnerships that increase capacity of the region to do business. Recent projects include: the MIDAS Fab Lab, Fibre optic broadband, KBRH Heliport, Waneta Industrial Park water system, Trail Airport improvements, the South Kootenay Businenss Centre business incubator, the South Kootenay Data Centre, and many others. Ron is the person to see when you want to discuss economic development projects and initiatives.
Phone: 250 364 2595 ext 30
Nicole Pipes (she/her)
Office Manager
Nicole keeps the office running smoothly and keeps the rest of the staff sane. Nicole is our bookkeeper, business analyst, financial planner, business consultant, and babysitter. We have a saying in our office that goes: “ask Nicole “. As Nicole manages our office to ensure we are fiducially responsible you will only see her when her special expertise is required.
Phone: 250 364 2595 ext 23
Jessica Piccinin (she/her)
Self Employment Program Business Counsellor
Jess leads the WorkBC Self Employment (SE) Program for CFSK. Being a graduate of the SE program and a successful entrepreneur, she understands the joys and challenges of starting a business. Jess has a passion to coach clients to develop successful business plans and launch their start-ups.
Phone: (250) 402-8475
Loro Seymour (she/her)
Administrative Assistant
Loro is our receptionist and is the first person you will meet when visiting our offices. She is our office event planner, call centre, booking agent, and traffic controller. With experience as a real estate investor and small business owner Loro understands business needs and can provide guidance to the services we offer as well as referrals to other resources. Loro is the person to see when you are looking for assistance and are not sure where to start.
Phone: 250 364 2595 ext 21