Board of Directors & Chamber Staff Team

Chris Washington was born and raised in the Alberni Valley. She was previously a director on the Chamber of Commerce back in the late 90's. Chris has left town twice for other endeavors and continues to return. She now owns Flandangles Kitchen & Gifts, and Gibson's Fine Linens with her husband, Dan Washington. Flandangles has been in the community for over 40 years and they opened her sister store, Gibson's, in 2018. Chris is also in her second term as a School District Trustee. If Chris is not in her store, she can be found out in the community at one of our many schools.

Nicholas grew up in the Lower Mainland area. In 2020, he and his partner, Cassandra, moved to the Alberni Valley to enjoy the beautiful scenery and be closer to family. Nicholas enjoys cooking delicious food, exploring the community, playing the drums and studying the Law of Equity and Trust Law.

He brings years of diverse experience, from producing television series, marketing local businesses, and managing teams. As a result, he feels naturally drawn to leadership roles and is excited to be an integral part of the Alberni Valley's fantastic and thriving business community.

I am the owner and head chef of Wildflower Cafe. I was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, and have called Canada and Vancouver Island my home for 15 years, and moved to Port Alberni in 2019 to open our business. I have over two decades of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry as a chef, and look forward to contributing to the Chamber of Commerce and the city of Port Alberni.

I am the owner and general manager of Wildflower Cafe. I was born and raised on Vancouver Island and have called Sproat Lake my second home for 25 years, and moved here permanently in 2019 to open our business. I have close to two decades of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry and look forward to contributing to the Chamber of Commerce and the city of Port Alberni.

Terry Deakin is celebrating 20 years of service in the Alberni Valley. She began her journey as a social entrepreneur in 1998 with a pilot project in a rented room where the PEAK radio station is now. Continuing her education while growing the business, Terry completed a Diploma in Human Services, a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management and most recently a Master of Arts in Community Development. INEO currently employs a staff of 15 and provides employment and employment related services to those who are unemployed or precariously employed. In early 2021 Terry purchased Animal Ark in Port Alberni as a Social Enterprise where people can learn how to work in a retail environment. Terry believes the magic comes from the people who do the work – the staff who provide the support and those who take that support and turn it in to success stories.

Abu Jahangir has over three decades of experience managing Bangladeshi businesses in trading and manufacturing. After completing his MBA from the University of Dhaka, he moved to Canada at the end of 2018. Abu is a global trade expert and founded Pacific Fraser Bay Sourcing Inc. (PFBSI) in April 2019, his first Canadian business. PFBSI supports Canadian apparel brands and retailers with efficient and ethical product sourcing. Additionally, PFBSI owns the Canadian fashion brand "BLAZE".

In 2022, Abu incorporated Agrohope Farms & Product Inc., focusing on developing a seafood supply network from Port Alberni. Agrohope Farms also assists community farms and businesses in selling their products online and aims to showcase Alberni Valley farm products in a physical store on 4th Avenue.

Abu is also investing in two other Canadian start-ups: Has Muh Vehicle Services Corporation, which provides vehicle maintenance services, and Pacific Fraser Agro Products Inc., which focuses on commodity trade. He continues to operate textile manufacturing plants in Bangladesh.

Beyond his business ventures, Abu is a dedicated social worker and community volunteer. He is a Rotarian and serves on the boards of various social enterprises, public institutions, and trade associations in Port Alberni and the Lower Mainland. Passionate about community economic development, Abu actively volunteers to build an inclusive society that values diversity. 

Thomas is a solicitor with RLR Lawyers in Port Alberni who specializes in business law, real estate law, and wills and estates. He has been working in the Alberni Valley for over 8 years and enjoys assisting local businesses in solving their legal issues and achieving their business goals.

Outside the office, Thomas enjoys spending time with his young family and exploring Vancouver Island and all the wonderful things it offers.