Meet Our Team

Lori Camire

Director and General Manager
Lori Camire is a Founding Director and the General Manager of Venture Connect. She is also the Executive Director of Community Futures Alberni Clayoquot (CFAC); a position she has held since 1997. As Executive Director, Lori has been instrumental in the creation of Venture Connect Inc.; a subsidiary of CFAC, and the purchase of Coombs Country Candy, a for-profit business operated as a social enterprise; also a subsidiary of CFAC. Lori has also held the position of Island Coastal Community Futures Manager Representative for 5 years and Director with Community Futures BC (CFBC) for 3 years. Lori continues to consult with CFBC.

Before CFAC, Lori held supervisory and management positions with the Federal Government for close to 20 years. In addition, Lori has also been involved in a number of family business operations and has an intimate knowledge of what goes into the planning and execution of a business transition plan.

Geoff Lindsay

Director
Experienced in marine and nearshore operations, development, and interactions Mr. Lindsay is a retired marine biologist and engineer. He ran a consulting business specializing in aquaculture development and stock assessment for 30 years, operated a shellfish farm and nursery, and was an engineering officer with the Canadian Coast Guard. Geoff has many years of experience working with industry, government, and First Nations on marine-related issues.

Ashley Van Vliet

Executive Assistant

Darrell Goertzen

Business Advisor
After 25 years as an entrepreneur, business owner, and corporate manager, Darrell joined the Venture Connect team in 2012. Since then he has worked with hundreds of business owners throughout Western Canada, helping them buy and sell businesses.

As a Business Advisor, Darrell provides guidance, market understanding, peace of mind, and better outcomes to business sellers and buyers. In addition to his work with Venture Connect, Darrell is the Business Advisor for the BC Business Match.