We are delighted to feature Jerry Ericsson, a Forest Impact Recovery (FIR) Advisor hosted by the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce.

Arriving in Golden in 1979 and completing most of his elementary and secondary education there, Jerry has spent much of his life working in or adjacent to the forest industry, starting in forest fire fighting and forest surveying, and then moving into developing biofuel/biochar technologies and operating a wood pellet business.

As an FIR Advisor for Golden, Jerry drew on over 15 years of experience in the business sector, which included leading companies and projects to commercialize sustainable and low-carbon technologies as well as facilitating many aspects of corporate and product development from start-up, to financing, all the way to sales and listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange. “These experiences have given me a deep understanding of start-up and lean business practices, and business model innovation,” Jerry says.

In the past, Jerry has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars from grants and other programs to support business and technology development at multiple stages of growth.

“I plan to offer these skills and contacts within my network to those in the FIR program,” Jerry explains. “There are plenty of grants and other forms of financial and strategic support available to businesses in British Columbia, but many simply aren’t aware of them, and the money often ends up staying in the cities. It would be great to see some of these funds make it into the Kootenays and Columbia Valley.”

One of Jerry’s main priorities in this role centres around fostering connections. He aims to engage with employers within the forest industry to assess their current challenges and, more importantly, to link them with the critical resources and tools necessary for success. This includes offering guidance on development and training and providing access to grants and funding opportunities that support industry diversification and business resilience.

The most fulfilling aspect of Jerry’s work, he points out, is the privilege of connecting with remarkable people in the forest industry. He is deeply moved by the stories of grit and perseverance he encounters when meeting with individuals who have weathered the challenges of forestry downturns.

“I am looking forward to meeting as many people from the Golden and Invermere Timber Supply Area’s as possible and to learning more about how we can help grow or diversify their business. Even if I can only play a small part, it is incredibly fulfilling to be able to roll up my sleeves and do what I can,” Jerry adds.

Our thanks to Jerry and all the FIR Advisors for your tireless efforts on behalf of your communities. You are truly making a difference!