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Our employees are business experts with extensive knowledge of the local economy. They are experts in business planning, financial forecasting, and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, they are great business advisers and mentors dedicated to working one on one with clients to help them in the best way possible.

Gwen Schmidt
Executive Director

As the Executive Director of Community Futures North Fraser, Gwen’s work not only aligns with her own values, but also provides her with the opportunity to make a difference. With a passion for marketing and events, as well as extensive experience in retail sales and financials, Gwen’s skills and energy add a fresh perspective to establishing new foundations in rural development. She has defined herself as a community leader, contributing to the economic growth and development in Mission.

Growing up in Mission, as well as having raised her own family here, Gwen has a deep-rooted appreciation and love for her community. In addition to fundraising for local charities, she gives back to her community as a Rotarian and by serving on various boards and organizations: Mission Skating Club, Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mission Downtown Business Association, Harrison Agassiz Chamber, Mission Community Skills Ag Food Working Group, Economic Development Select Committee, Tourism Committee.

gschmidt@northfraser.org

Michele Blackwell
Business Analyst

Michele’s career in commercial lending started at a Credit Union where she worked in commercial lending and account management for many years. As the Business Analyst she provides loans to qualified applicants to help them get started or to expand their existing business. She enjoys the flexibility Community Futures offers clients and the potential to work with businesses that don’t fit the lending policies of chartered banks and credit unions, particularly if they have a great idea, a viable business plan, and the dedication to carry it out.

mblackwell@northfraser.org

Jeanette Calderone
Administration Director

As the Administration Director, Jeanette provides administrative support to the Community Futures North Fraser team and is responsible for day-to-day operations within the office. Her background is over twenty years at a local credit union in a variety of administrative roles. As a local, born and raised in Mission, Jeanette is excited to be supporting her hometown and helping to promote economic development in all the communities served by Community Futures North Fraser. She loves everything outdoors from hiking to paddle boarding.

jcalderone@northfraser.org

Priya Mangat
Marketing Coordinator 

Our Marketing Coordinator, Priya was born and raised in Abbotsford, British Columbia. She began her marketing career in the year 2020, starting with social media management for her own home-based business. From here she gained a great appreciation for small businesses. Her background allows her to feel right at home at Community Futures North Fraser. As a newcomer to Mission, she enjoys all the city has to offer. 

marketing@northfraser.org

Hours

Monday – Friday
8:30am – 4:30pm

The office is closed on weekends and on all statutory holidays

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Contact

33163, 2nd Ave, 
Mission BC V2V 6T8

604 826 6252