Business Buzz: Catch Up on the Latest
Veteran local journalist and Nelson Star columnist Darren Davidson breaks down happenings in our region’s business community each month in the pages of the local weekly newspaper. The Business Buzz is an entertaining and informative read that helps keep you in-the-know.
Here’s an excerpt from the February offering. You can read the entire Business Buzz that includes a closer look at a group approach to cannabis production, a painting company on the rise, a change of guard for RDCK recreation and the recent tourism summit, at the Nelson Star website.
Next Gen Arrives to Foundational Downtown Outdoor Retailer
There’s a new generation adding to the long history of one of Nelson’s oldest outdoor stores.
Maia Thibault and Sydney Parnell have joined Lori Comishin as business partners at Snowpack, along with Kaleb and Connor Comishin, as new part-owners.
Lori Comishin and long-time partner Jill Winters bought Snowpack in 2006. Winters has since moved on and returned to the teaching profession.
Both L.V. Rogers grads, Thibault and Parnell say they’re grateful for the opportunity to learn the outdoor business ropes at a venue that’s as well established as Snowpack, especially under Comishin’s guidance.
“Lori’s a veteran in the business and we’re looking forward to learning from her,” says Parnell, age 25.
“We’re really grateful for the opportunity,” adds Thibault. “Hopefully we’ll be able to maintain the store’s success for many years to come.”
The 24-year-old trained in architectural interior design at Victoria’s Pacific Design Academy, and most recently worked with Lasca Construction and Design. Parnell has a Bachelor in Management degree from UBC Okanagan and most recently worked in finance with the Circle of Indigenous Nations Society.
“We’re super excited to have them aboard. They’re young and they’re bringing new energy,” says Comishin, who along with Winters purchased Snowpack from Nelson businessman and former Mayor Dave Elliott and his wife Cheryl.
The Elliott’s had owned the store since 1982. It was founded by Danny and Sandy Babin, in the location now home to El Taco Restaurant.
A telling stat: Snowpack has sponsored the local showing of the Banff Mountain Film Fest for most of the world-travelled events’ 5o years. According to Film Fest reps, the Nelson stop is the only one anywhere in the world able to fill three consecutive nights. In fact, this year, the fest added a fourth matinee showing.
