Skip to content

Mill Bay’s Ilka Bene honoured for her professional skills

Business notes
web1_170519-CCI-M-HR-Professional-of-the-Year-Ilka-Bene-B
Ilka Bene, right, with Gina Sandulo, of Deloitte Canada. A former employee of First West Credit Union, Sandulo was responsible for initiating Bene’s nomination for HR Professional of the year. (Submitted photo)

Mill Bay’s Ilka Bene has been acknowledged as one of the top human-resource talents in B.C.

Bene won the prestigious Award of Excellence-HR Professional of the Year from the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of BC and Yukon at its annual conference on May 3.

She was recognized for her contributions in bridging the culture of Island Savings Credit Union into the larger First West Credit Union organization during the recent merger.

“It means a great deal to be recognized by my peers as a strong contributor in the HR profession,” says Bene, who is currently assistant vice president of human resources at First West.

“I’ve dedicated more than 30 years to HR, the last 15 with Island Savings, now a division of First West Credit Union. Through this time I’ve seen the impact of thoughtful, strategic HR practices and believe it makes all the difference to the success of any organization and the people who work there.”

Castle Cove Inn sold, former owner headed to California

The seaside Castle Cove Inn in Chemainus has been sold.

In a social media message, owner Dawn Snell said she plans to retire in southern California where she grew up.

Snell said the business will no longer be in operation, but offers no idea as to what will happen to the inn with her retirement.

“We will look back often, remembering all the amazing years and memories,” Snell said.

“We are so glad we got to share this little castle, on such a beautiful beach.”

Chef Duncan Johnston makes move to March Meadows kitchen

Lake Cowichan’s March Meadows Golf Club has a new cook.

Laura Chanasyk, who owns the 124 acre nine-hole golf course at Honeymoon Bay along with her husband Jason, said Red Seal chef Duncan Johnston has recently taken up his duties in March Meadows’ restaurant.

She said Johnston had worked at Merridale Cidery & Distillery, but cooking at March Meadows, the former home course of the famous Dawn Coe Jones allows him to be closer to his home in Lake Cowichan.

“About 95 per cent of Duncan’s sauces, breads and other foods are made in house,” Chanasyk said.

“We have all kinds of specials coming up in our dining room. We encourage people to watch for them on our website.”

Robert.Barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com



Robert Barron

About the Author: Robert Barron

Since 2016, I've had had the pleasure of working with our dedicated staff and community in the Cowichan Valley.
Read more