A new 200-acre business park is taking shape in the District of Lake Country. The development will create space for new types of businesses, attract investment, support local jobs, and provide housing options close to where people work. With support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), the project is helping one of BC’s fastest-growing communities prepare for the future.
ETSI-BC Welcomes Krista Mallory as Regional Project and Strategic Initiatives Manager
The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC)) is pleased to announce that Krista Mallory will be joining the organization as its new Regional Project and Strategic Initiatives Manager effective October 1, 2026.
Krista will be working alongside Project Consultants, Paul Wiest and Renata King, and the CEO, Laurel Douglas, to help the ETSI-BC team as it prepares to launch its new 3-Year Strategic Plan for 2027-2030. Krista will be interfacing with project partners, First Nations and economic development practitioners, as well as spearheading key internal initiatives to streamline and strengthen ETSI-BC’s operations.
Krista brings more than 15 years of experience in economic development, business advisory services, and community engagement. She is currently the Manager of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC), where she has led strategic initiatives focused on workforce development, business retention and expansion, innovation, and investment attraction for that region since 2016.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Krista has built strong partnerships across industry, government, and post-secondary institutions throughout British Columbia. Her experience connecting businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations has helped drive economic growth and strengthen regional resilience.
Prior to joining the COEDC, Krista supported entrepreneurs across British Columbia as a loans analyst and business advisor, with a particular focus on advancing women-led enterprises. She has also served on several regional boards and advisory committees focused on innovation, education, business support and economic development.
“We are excited to welcome Krista to the ETSI-BC team,” said CEO, Laurel Douglas, “Her proven leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to building strong communities make her an excellent fit as we continue advancing economic development opportunities across the Southern Interior.”
Please join us in congratulating Krista on her new role.
More News & Stories
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ETSI-BC in the Spotlight
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ETSI-BC Fall Funding Intake Draws Impressive Regional Interest
October 8, 2026 – The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) received an impressive response to its 2026 Fall Funding Intake from communities and organizations across the region. The intake closed on October 8, 2026, with 43 applications requesting nearly $1.9 million in funding for projects with a combined project value of over $3.8 million.
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Sicamous Tourism Strategy Builds a Path for Sustainable Growth
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Forestry Strategy Positions ?aq’am First Nation for New Opportunities
Increased timber harvest allocations for BC’s First Nations are opening the door to new business opportunities for enterprising First Nations communities such as ?aq’am in the East Kootenays. With funding support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), ?aq’am developed a forestry business scan, a strategy to build capacity for projects made possible by the expanded forest tenure. The scan is guiding ?aq’am to increase its role in forestry as it pursues a resilient and sustainable future.
Wayfinding in Barriere for Economic Resilience and Growth
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Five-Year Plan Strengthens ?aq’am Community Enterprises
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