In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Alex Miller
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up in Mississauga. It will be 11 years this August.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My kids, because they are hilarious.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Barcelona - I love Spain, but have never been to Barcelona. People have had nothing but amazing things to tell me about it.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
It's not really one store, but the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market. So much good food there!
What is your favourite activity?
Cooking.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
Soul de Cuba Cafe. Amazing food and drinks and the owner is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I'm pretty hard to embarrass.... nothing really comes to mind. My wife, my mother, or my sister could probably come up with something though.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Just today a complete stranger donated $50 to the Motionball fundraising campaign I am running in support of the Special Olympics. I was absolutely blown away that someone I have never met would do that. Just shows you we've got some amazing people in our community.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Summer days with the Maxwell Boys and Dave Barclay. Swimming in the morning and early afternoon, NHL 94 in my mom's basement during the hottest hours of the day, and then back out in the evening playing tennis. That was my routine every day, all summer.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I was a Kelowna Jaycee for 10 years and I used to run our Movember fundraising team that raised over $30,000 for the cause over the course of a few years. Now I volunteer for the YMCA and do fundraising for Motionball.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Everyone would act in the interests of the greater good.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking with my friends and family.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Bean Scene on Bernard Ave.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I don't know what the solution is, but it would be amazing to somehow solve the homelessness issue we have here and ensure that everyone has access to a safe place to sleep.
If you could be granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
More wishes! Obviously....
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I once got my foot wedged between some rocks while I was spelunking and ever since I've been claustrophobic.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Visland Media
What does your business do?
We develop, produce, and distribute television shows (and the occasional movie).
How to people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
We're not very active on social media, but you can find our Facebook page here.
Where can people find your business online?
www.VislandMedia.com
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was a shareholder in the business and was asked by other shareholders to step in when the previous CEO stepped down from his role.
What is the goal of your business?
To create compelling television.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balancing the demands of a young family (one-year-old and four-year-old) with the demands of running a startup (long hours, travel, etc...).
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I believe in living life with no regrets, only lessons. I've learned A LOT of lessons, so I would absolutely do things differently.
Why do you think it is important to shop local?
With everyone in a community supporting each other we are all able to accomplish far more than we could on our own.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I want to give a shout out to our Mayor C-Bas and our city council. I may not always agree with the choices they make, but I do know that they are always working hard doing the best they can for our community. When you compare the amount of time and energy they put into their jobs with the money they make, the media microscope they are under, and the amount of criticism they put up with; it is clear to me that they are doing their jobs for our community, not for personal gain.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Cesar at Soul de Cuba Cafe
Other information you would like to share:
We are always looking for new and innovative television ideas and would encourage people to contact us if they have one.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!
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