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.

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.