Bob Carter, Chair

Bob is the founding chair of the not-for-profit East Shore Internet Society, and has been involved with the effort to bring broadband connectivity to unserved communities of the central Kootenay Lake area for the last two years. A member of the Kootenay Lake Chamber of Commerce and several other community and regional organizations, Bob has a strong interest in rural sustainability and quality of life, and is an advocate for regional identity and cooperation among communities and organizations. A long-time resident of the Kootenays, Bob runs his own graphic design and computer services company in Crawford Bay, where he lives with his wife and daughter.

Arvo Koppel, Vice Chair

Arvo is the Systems Administrator for the Peace River Internet Society. Arvo received his Bachelor of Engineering from McGill University, and began his MBA before moving on to take a position with United Aircraft of Canada. After a stint with the Canadian Arctic Gas Consortium, Arvo moved to Dawson Creek to raise hay, grain, 400 sheep, and a family. During this period, he served as Chairman of the BC Sheep and Wool Commission, as an advisor to the National Tripartite Stabilization Program, and as a director of the Canada Sheep Federation.

In 1994 Arvo helped found the Peace Region Internet Society (PRIS), a not-for-profit Society dedicated to the provision, promotion, and education of its members in the use of the Internet and other forms of electronic communication.

Today PRIS has 7000 members with gross receipts exceeding $1.2 Million dollars per year and provides service and computers to schools, libraries, and community service organizations free of charge.

Kevin Battersby, Treasurer

Kevin Battersby has been an ISP owner, implementer and manager since 1994. He has designed, created and managed networks ranging in size from the very small to those serving 40,000 plus customers. In addition to the technical side of running an ISP he has been very involved with the business aspects. He has been involved with Community Networking from the early days of Comox Valley Links as a board member and has also served on the board of the British Columbia Internet Association. Prior to venturing into the business world he was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for 18 years.

For information on his latest project please download the following document:

http://battersby.net/recn/RECN_Report_20060930.pdf

Matthew Asham, Secretary

Matthew Asham is a System Administrator by trade, having worked in the ISP and E-Business industry since 1994.

Matthew is also the president of the British Columbia Wireless Network Society, director of the Internet Telephony User's Association, the British Columbia Community Connectivity Co-Operative, and sits on the First Nations Technology Council.

Matthew's primary objective is to deploy neutral broadband services to facilitate Community Network growth and civic participation to help people learn, and explore new opportunities to fuel their passions.

Tyler Dobie, Director

Kaslo InfoNet Society has enjoyed some revitalization under the leadership of Tyler Dobie. Over the past year, he has created a business plan for connecting un-served communities around Kaslo and Meadow Creek. This proposal was approved to participate in the CCA. The network build consisting of a wireless solution will commence this spring and summer.

Tyler's background is mainly in PC and network technologies; he has had a variety of professional experiences including wireless and satellite installer, ISP technical support, Youth@BC summer intern, computer technician, store manager, and game tester/editor.

He is chair of the board for Kaslo infoNet. Kaslo infoNet will be serving North Kootenay Lake with broadband by the end of 2006, bringing many benefits to area residents and businesses.

Penny AP Anderson, Director

Penny is an Artist, Community Collaborator and Yahktivist. She has the capacity to build environments conceptually as well as physically. Penny.s experience includes visual & media art. She am also part of a performance Art Group .Bridge Party. that performs multi media exhibitions, including spoken word, video and audio, interactions with audience. Penny also currently sits as a board member of Emmedia (Gallery & Production Society), committee member for Area B communications in the Central Kootenay.s, Committee chair for YK Communications, and CCA Community Champion for Yahk, BC.