Laurie Page has been appointed to a one-year position on the board of the Columbia Basin Trust, and she is really looking forward to it.
“CBT is a pretty amazing organization. I don’t think there’s anything else like it anywhere else in B.C.,” she told the Arrow Lakes News, “To have an endowment made from the proceeds from the resources in the area, I think that’s a pretty special thing.”
Page said she finds the level of transparency and accountability the CBT maintains in its organization and its dealings very impressive.
Becoming part of the board seemed like a natural pairing to Page, who sees what the CBT does as being very similar to what she has been doing for years on a smaller scale with local community groups. Now, she feels she has an opportunity to do more on a larger scale for a larger region as part of the CBT.
Page said she is also bringing a small town perspective to the board, the view of what it’s like to live in a small place and get things done.
“I think we have one of the most difficult situations in terms of finances,” she said, seeing her experience and perspective living and working at her own business as a volunteer in Nakusp as being a valuable asset she brings with her.
“It’s great to have balance on the board, and I bring those things,” she noted, “and reflect the difference in geography.”
Page’s one concern is that people in Nakusp may feel she is leaving them behind, which she said is not the case at all.
“I hope the people in this area don’t feel I’m abandoning them,” she said, “I know I have a moral obligation to carry on, I get that.” Page hopes that people don’t see her joining the board as no longer being involved in the community. She is very dedicated to the Nakusp and Area Development Board, for instance, and will continue to be part of it.
Page sees serving on the board as a great opportunity for her to use the skills she has learned in Nakusp in a bigger arena.
“I have high hopes I will be useful,” she said, “that I will have something to offer, and that I will learn something that will make me a better citizen here too.”
Learning how she will be contributing will take time, and Page realizes that she is facing a steep initial learning curve, one that she clearly sees as worth the effort.
“I have been a follower and a fan of the Columbia Basin Trust for a long, long time,” she said, “It’s all people who really want to do the best job and are interested in what residents have to say.”
Being on the board isn’t the only way to be part of the CBT, and Page invites everyone to take part.
“It’s our organization, and I would encourage anyone that’s interested to get involved,” she recommended.