In Focus | Lisa Murray

Meet Lisa. She lived with her husband in Calgary for 18 years and they moved to Kelowna five years ago!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Our son as he has such a zest for life.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Blendz because the dark hot chocolate wakes me up.

Describe yourself in one word.
Listener.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
South Africa to see the vastness and appreciate the sheer volume of animals.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Playing soccer with squash as a close second.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Got tackled in soccer and I had the largest bruise/hematoma on my leg and all the referees got a photo of it to remind them to be tougher with their calls.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I had the opportunity of playing soccer all over the world. I'm very thankful for a healthy body and meeting individuals from everywhere.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Snowmobiling with my friends on Boxing Day through all the back trails behind Salmon Valley. Feeling the snow brush against my face as we race down the trails.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Been on the board for the Rotary Centre for the Arts since I moved to Kelowna. Currently, President of the Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society (KVPACS). Just finished developing our strategic plan for the next five years. Enjoy the group and appreciate how many locals give back.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
More communication.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Harvest Golf Course.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
The development of the arts and cultural district so everyone can appreciate the arts on a regular basis and have better-rounded interests.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The lifestyle.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Get a back tattoo
2. Go skydiving
3. Go to an Imagine Dragons concert

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I've been motorbiking since 2003.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
LinkedIn.

What is the name of your business/organization?
BC Tree Fruits Cooperative.

Why did you get into/start this business?
The Human Resources team is pretty awesome!

What is the goal of your business?
Provide local fruit to customers.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Staying positive.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would have pursued a full-ride soccer scholarship in the U.S.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'Alright'

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all because you can never take it back.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Julie Payette, our current Governor General of Canada. She gave a speech at my convocation ceremony. An amazing lady who speaks a variety of languages, a great pianist, an astronaut and a voracious reader. I think we would have a great conversation.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To reduce our carbon footprint.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Our son.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Melanie Schierbeck. My colleague who is an empathetic listener and helps employees return back to work after injury!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Murray Bye.

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.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!