Prince George, BC – For the second year in a row, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce has selected a top 40 list of the best and brightest up-and-coming professionals, under the age of 40, in our city…

Chamber CEO, Christie Ray, says the initiative began last year as a way to showcase the successful and resourceful people who choose to live and work in Prince George.  She says the response to the call for nominees this year was overwhelming, with the names of close to 100 candidates being put forward.  "To see a 54-percent increase in the number of nominees this year is both encouraging and inspiring," says Ray.

"This kind of public enthusiasm indicates to us that the youthful energy of our city is one of our biggest assets."

Chamber President, Derek Dougherty, says, "When you look over the list of Top 40 Finalists, you don't necessarily see the future leaders of tomorrow; many of them are the leaders of today."

The nomination process occurred over a four week period in September, with the finalists being selected by a panel of local business people according to their professional achievements, experience, innovative actions, responsibilities, successes, and community involvement.  A magazine publication listing the bios of all finalists will go to print in January, with 5000 copies to be distributed.

The finalists are:  Alex Castley, Allison Fedorkiw, Andrew Kurjata, Arvinder Billing, Bryan Paice, Candice Manahan Coyne, Catherine McCarthy, Chris Kinch, Cindy Thomson, Cory Klein, David Mothus, Dustin Robin, Gaurav Parmar, Jacki Collyer, Jennifer Brandle-McCall, Jeremy Stewart, Jessica Quinn, Jillian Masson, Jodyne Green, Joel McKay, John Kason, K. Travis Morgan, Kaleena Ross, Kyle Wightman, Lauren Phillips, Marnie Hamagami, Mike Ray, Miranda Paterson, Reza Akbari, Roberta Stewart, Sabrina Mowbray-Angus, Scott McWalter, Seth Tobin, Shiloh Carlson, Sufey Chen, Taylor Grafton, Tiina Watt, Travis Holyk, Tyler Burbee.