The BC Centre for Social Enterprise acknowledges the value of the social economy, and recognizes the importance of connecting economic goals with environmental, cultural, and social impacts.

The Centre was founded in 2005 by two community-based organizations: Community Futures South Fraser and Mennonite Central Committee, Employment and Community Development.

Originated in Abbotsford, British Columbia, the concept for the Fraser Valley Centre for Social Enterprise was supported and seed funded by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

The Centre’s name changed to the BC Centre for Social Enterprise in 2008, to more adequately reflect its broader geographical focus. In 2010, responsibility for maintaining the Centre migrated to two entities (a charity plus a non-profit organization) under the Resilient Communities Canada umbrella.

Operating as a virtual organization since 2010 (i.e. with no ‘bricks and mortar’ building), The Centre currently offers social enterprise information and technical assistance to community-based social enterprises across Canada.

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board was hand-picked to represent the three elements of robust social enterprise: economic, social, and environmental.

DAN COLLINS

PRESIDENT

Daniel Collins is the Executive Director of the Langley Association for Community Living, and has been actively supporting inclusion since he started his community living career in 1978.

Dan is also an active community volunteer, and serves as the Chair of the advisory board for the UBC Centre for Inclusion and Citizenship, Vice Chair of Theatrix Youth Theatre Society in Coquitlam, and Director with Inclusion BC.

A lifelong learner and teacher, Dan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Organizational Development.

ALVIN EPP

VICE PRESIDENT

Alvin Epp lives in North Vancouver, and as an outspoken advocate for better building standards, he has held leadership roles with numerous community groups that seek better, longer lasting, and more livable homes and structures. Alvin is also a recognized leader in the business community, and has held Directorships with both the Abbotsford and BC Chambers of Commerce, plus the CASH Society, and the Greater Vancouver Homebuilders Association and Renovation Council. He recently served as Project Manager of Skwachays Lodge Aboriginal Hotel and Gallery in Vancouver.

JOHN VISSERS

SECRETARY / TREASURER

John Vissers lives in Abbotsford, and owns a construction sub-contracting business. He is currently an appointed member of the City of Abbotsford’s Development Advisory Committee. John volunteers for many not-for-profit groups, and serves as President of the Fraser Valley Conservancy and the Mission Folk Festival Society. He also holds the Order of Abbotsford distinction, in recognition of his dedication to conservation and the local environment; and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, which is presented to Canadian citizens who have provided significant contributions to their communities.

STACEY CORRIVEAU

FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Stacey has served as lead on many social enterprise feasibility and business planning projects for Centre clients, and is a skilled developer and presenter of curricula for adult learners. A subject-matter expert in the area of charitable compliance and legal structures for Canadian social enterprises, she is a sought after public speaker and workshop presenter.

Before being ‘bitten’ by the social enterprise bug, Stacey was dedicated to community economic and small business development in the southern Fraser Valley. Her most well-known local projects from that time are the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market, and Inside Art Cooperative.

Stacey holds a Master’s degree in English (Queens), and is an APEC-IBIZ Certified Small Business Counselor, with a background in bookkeeping and accounting. Stacey also holds two professional certificates from Simon Fraser University: Community Economic Development and Sustainable Community Development.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Stacey is on the front line of the social enterprise sector. She was able to provide our organization with information that we were unable to find anywhere else over the past few months of doing our own research. Stacey’s knowledge and insight are based on real case examples from her abundant experience and wide network.
ASHLEY KIM, Tree Nest Community Network Society
Stacey was great to work with. [Our organization has] high professional standards, striving always to “get it just right” when it comes to any work associated with the choir. There was a lot of back-and-forth discussion between Stacey and myself, which I very much appreciated. We were extremely lucky to find Stacey. Having her as a resource is like having someone on the inside, truly.
CHRISTINE JACKSON SPENCER, Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir
I am sending you this unsolicited letter to express my appreciation for the excellent work you did in shepherding us through the complicated process of applying for charitable status with the CRA. I can’t count the number of times you pointed out pitfalls I would have stepped right into.
SY SILVERBERG, M.D., Society for Kids At Tennis
The presenters showed exceptional subject matter expertise and answered everyone’s questions in a thorough manner. A fantastic use of my time.
PARTICIPANT, CRA Charity Compliance and Social Enterprise Workshop

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