A well-known business owner and community leader from the Columbia Valley will be awarded with the Order of BC next month.
Invermere’s Elana Rosenfeld was one of 12 recipients named by the Province Monday for, what it terms, exemplifying excellence.
“[Her] visionary leadership and dedication to ethical values evolved Kicking Horse Coffee into Canada’s largest organic coffee company and most trusted coffee brand,” read a biographical write-up of Rosenfeld.
“Elana’s commitment to sustainability and community prosperity has made her a respected local leader, and created economic diversification and employment in B.C.’s Interior.”
Rosenfeld moved to the valley some 32 years ago and, as CEO of Kicking Horse Coffee from 1996 to 2023, a company she helped co-found, grew the business to a North American company.
In receiving the honour, she’s also being recognized for her commitment to the environment.
“Elana’s love for nature led her to chair the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) from 2019-2021, where she spearheaded significant conservation efforts and advancements in diversity and inclusion.”
Rosenfeld is also a former B.C. Business Entrepreneur of the Year, while her company, Kicking Horse Coffee, has also been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Canada.
A special investiture ceremony is set for Government House in Victoria on Sept. 4.
Rosenfeld is one of two residents from Invermere to be recognized (BC Day) Monday for their love of community – Janice Dallaire is receiving the Medal of Good Citizenship for pioneering fire rescue.
“British Columbia recognizes outstanding citizens with the Medal of Good Citizenship for their contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life,” says a statement on a dedicated web page recognizing medal winners.
No information, though, was posted on the provincial government website Monday morning on the latest 18 receiving medals.
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