Our Team
CHARLIE JAMES
(President & Integrated Marketing Specialist)
Charlie brings more than twenty years of experience in travel and tourism marketing, sales, business management and operations. An effective strategist with a passion for website marketing, she applies comprehensive marketing ideas with a practical down-to-earth approach.She provides a variety of marketing services designed specifically for the travel and tourism industry, weaving the power of the web into increased awareness and bookings. From strategic planning to website design, search engine optimization to social media campaigns, she brings an insightful understanding of today’s travel and tourism marketing needs.
With the need to reduce carbon emissions and to better protect the environment, sustainability has become a significant element of business strategies for the 21st century. A graduate of UBC’s Institute in Sustainability, Charlie helps tourism companies integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of their business. She sits on the Board of Directors of The Icarus Foundation, a not-for-profit environmental, policy, research and education organization focused on sustaining a climate friendly tourism industry.
Charlie has a Certificate in Internet Marketing & Business Strategy (CIMBS) from the University of British Columbia (UBC), and is Past President of the International Internet Marketing Association (IIMA). She is also a current member of the Advisory Committee for the UBC Certificate in Integrated Marketing Strategy.
ALEX DUFFIELD
(Web designer, developer)
Since 1995 Alex has always strived to stay on the leading edge of Internet technology. Developing custom Content Management systems (CMS) for clients from its inception, he was quick to focus on the consistency of features requested by clients and soon developed a base of code to be reused on future projects.One thing led to another and after becoming frustrated by the limitations of existing content management systems (CMS) Alex started on the foundation of his own system in early 2000. The goal was to look backwards at all the previous systems he had developed and to tap into the common elements of each and to build one system, that could replace them all. It is here that his proprietary CMS began. Based on the feedback of early users, new features were added, and soon the issue of Search Engine Placement became a primary focus.
Since that time, this CMS has evolved into a powerful system that is extremely simple to use and produces websites that perform exceptionally well in search engine results.
CHRISTINE THOMPSON
(Copywriter)
As a freelancer, Christine has completed writing projects of every nature: from advertorials, brochures and websites, to posters, taglines, radio ads, audiovisual scripts and more. She has the experience and adaptability to write for virtually any medium.
Clients from the tourism industry for whom Christine has written include: Tourism BC, Tourism Richmond, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Downtown Vancouver BIA, Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Fairmont Orchid (Hawaii), Fairmont Pierre Marques, Tourism Penticton, Forbes International Travel, the Inn at Laurel Point and Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.
Christine prides herself on being a highly approachable, dedicated and knowledgeable writing source. And much to the advantage of her clients, her style delivers a clear, warm voice customers can relate to.
AMBER HAYES
(Online Booking Engine Specialist)
An 18-year entrepreneur, Amber was a successful tour operator for 5 years (2 time staff pick in National Geographic Adventure Magazine and featured on OLN and TSN) before recognizing the need for a system like Adventure Engine. The
Their clients include WestJet Airlines, Tourism Squamish, World Expeditions, Gap Adventures, The International EcoTourism society, and many other tourism businesses.
BILL CHALMERS
(Strategic Planning and Business Consultant)
With common-sense practicality, infectious enthusiasm and his trademark sense of humor, Bill draws on a wealth of entrepreneurial business experience, to deliver down-to-earth, timely, valuable information and coaching, as he:- helps you look for more than one solution
- challenges you to exceed even your expectations
- teaches you how to lighten up, to laugh at yourself and enjoy life while being committed to a "Whatever it takes" attitude that embraces your corporate and personal objectives, goals and outcomes.
- how to deal with people
- how people deal with change
Success in business...and in life...is determined by the quality of our relationships. Bill provides the key to unlocking what moves and motivates people, and how the dynamics of individuals in a group, team, company or organization, can produce magic.
If you are looking for bottom line results through fully-realized human potential, call Bill. His roll-up-your-sleeves practicality, expertise and knack for understanding human dynamics brings out the very best in people and organizations.
DAVID HUSHION
Graphic & Multimedia Designer
A graphic and multimedia designer for over 16 years, David has witnessed and participated in the birth of desktop publishing and the evolution of the web. His years of experience and the variety of projects he has worked on allows him to bring a broad understanding of communication design, user experience, client needs and client relations to virtually any task.His areas of expertise include web design, print work, illustration and photography using Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and most other design and desktop publishing programs. He was the lead producer and senior artist on the eWorld 2000 award-winning www.careersconstruction.com website promoting careers in the construction industry to a youth audience.
He was lead producer and designer for the Careers in Culture CD-ROM (in French and English) for the Canadian government. He was also responsible for producing large-scale print graphics for the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan and graphics for the Port of Vancouver Interpretive Centre. In 2006 he was the graphic designer/webmaster/photographer for the Forum International des Peuples autochtones Unis (International Forum for United Indigenous Peoples).
Today David is responsible for the design and implementation of websites using the WebmasterCMS (Content Management System).
ERIN ANDERSON
(Graphic Designer)
Erin has been designing books for Echo Memoirs (www.echomemoirs.com) and freelancing for the past five years. A talented designer with a passion for people and their stories, she has a flair for capturing the essence of a client's personality and making it come alive on a page. In a world where people are inundated by various media, Erin loves the challenge of working outside the box to create designs that are simple, colourful and visually striking.ESTHER SARLO
(Copywriter)
Esther is a writer who demonstrates consistent ability to capture the essence of ideas and translate them into crisp and accessible language. She has a unique and diplomatic flair for honing in on what’s important and presenting material with precision and eloquence. Her attention to detail and appreciation for subject matter are among the tools Esther employs to deliver quality work on time to meet your deadlines.With a B.A. in Psychology and a diverse background in Music, Event Management and Youth Counseling, she brings a fresh perspective and a clear eye to your writing needs. Esther’s positive attitude, sense of humour and confident flexibility enable difficult tasks to be accomplished with ease. Her innovative and creative approach to writing is steeped in an enthusiasm for life. Her motto, “I write until it’s right!,” establishes her work ethic and willingness to stand behind her results so your expectations are exceeded.
PAULA SKAPER
(Email Marketing Specialist)
President and General Manager of Kinetix Media Communications, Paula Skaper is an ebusiness expert with over 15 years of ebusiness marketing and media experience. She is an instructor of e-Commerce at BCIT, current President of the IIMA (International Internet Marketing Association), an active member of both the BCAIM and the Vancouver Board of Trade, and regularly writes and speaks on issues surrounding every aspect of eMarketing. Paula is also the editor of Digital Conversations.Prior to starting Kinetix in January 2000, Paula held senior management positions with various media and consulting firms, implementing successful ecommerce, emarketing and web analytics strategies for a diverse array of clients including HSBC Bank USA, London Drugs, ACCPAC International and MDSI Mobile Data Solutions.
ANDREW KLAVER
(Photographer & Video Specialist)
Andrew is a commercial photographer based in Vancouver, British Columbia. For over twenty years Andrew has shot local, national and international assignments. Andrew's work has been featured in magazines, several books and national marketing campaigns. He specializes in taking stunning images for the travel and tourism industry.CHRISTINE UNDERTHINER
(Branding, Image & Logo Designer)
Christine Underthiner has an extensive background in communications and marketing, magazine publishing and graphic design. Her career began on the job with a small oil and gas journal in Calgary: Landman’s Petroleum Gazette. It was there she learned the printing and publishing industry from the ground up. Using these skills, she moved on to help a start-up printing company become viable.Heading west, she joined the communications and marketing team at Douglas College and, always up for a challenge, won the position of Alumni Officer three years later where all her skills came together: design, editing, production management, event planning. Here she successfully faced the unique challenge of raising funds to cover her annual salary. During her tenure, annual Career Fair participation doubled.
In 1996 she began private occupation as a graphic designer, opening herself to new possibilities. Well-liked and trusted by all her clients, she has a tremendous capacity for listening to their needs and responding quickly.
LEA CARPENTER
(Specialist in Media Buying, Media Relations, Public Relations, Tradeshow Marketing & Support)
Lea Carpenter began her career over 20 years ago working in radio in Vancouver, BC. Since then she has worked for a broad range of companies and organizations developing and implementing marketing and communications programs.Today, Lea shares her expertise with a wide range of clients in both the private and public sector. Companies and organizations such as the B.C. Lions Society for Children with Disabilities, CN IMAX Theatre at Canada Place, i2i Advertising, DDB Canada, BC Rail, Marketpulse, Chard Development and the Canada Export Centre are just a few that Lea has either worked with in the past or continues to do work with.
Lea’s extensive experience allows her to provide your company with a full complement of services including creation and implementation of a strategic communications plan, development of corporate newsletters and reports, planning and implementation of media and marketing campaigns, management and production of annual events, products launches and media and public relations campaigns. She uses a comprehensive process of consultation, analysis and planning which results in delivering outstanding results for her clients.
Lea Carpenter will work with you to clearly define your company’s needs, goals and objectives. Then deliver a comprehensive strategic and actionable plan to meet all defined objectives and maximize opportunities.
Large or small, every event, program or production needs a plan. Know where you are going, why you are going there and how you are going to get there. Experience the benefits of a knowledgeable event and communication veteran working for you.
JAYNE LLOYD JONES
(Public & Trade Relations Expert)
Jayne’s introduction into the Public Relations industry took place in a London-based PR agency, now publicly quoted, where she moved from graduate trainee to senior Account Director over seven years. (Her previous career as a language teacher took her to Kenya, UK and France.)After two years as an independent Public Relations contractor in the UK, she immigrated to Canada, where she was appointed the first PR Director at Fairmont Hotels’ Chateau Whistler Resort. Here she developed the position over three years, drawing worldwide media attention to this new four-season resort.
In 1996 she started her own company and, in partnership with Peter, set up Spectacular Ink. The last ten years have seen the company grow steadily, propelling clients into the limelight and garnering international acclaim through outstanding media coverage
KARYN ZUIDINGA
(Senior Information Architect/Usability Experience Analyst)
With nearly 10 years building web sites and communications experience under her belt, 5 years as a bone-fide information architect, and a Master's in Publishing, Karyn has a solid foundation of experience and education. Her expertise also includes requirements gathering and writing, interaction design for complex web applications, usability analysis and testing, developing site strategy and content structure, as well as teaching information architecture at Capilano College.WILLIAM KOTY
(Internet & Technology Strategist)
William has developed several award-winning programs at UBC including the UBC Certificate in E-Business, UBC Certificate in Internet Marketing, the UBC Certificate in E-Business, and the UBC Certificate in Internet Publishing. In addition he developed the UBC Certificates in Internet Systems Administration and Internet Programming, plus other technology-oriented educational programs and conferences.Since 1994 William has been teaching Internet Marketing Concepts and Strategies for UBC Continuing Studies and is an instructor in the UBC Certificate in International Business, UBC Certificate in E-Business and the UBC Certificate in Internet Marketing.
He also teaches E-commerce & E-business Concepts & Technologies and has previously taught Getting Started with Electronic Commerce, Implementing Web Stores and Electronic Commerce, Internet Publishing Planning and Promotion and Interactive Distance Education on the Internet.
William is also a lecturer for the UBC Commerce Executive Education where he has taught Internet marketing for various programs including the Strategic Marketing, Hudson Bay Company, Hanjung, Korea Telecom and Lucky Goldstar.
Prior to joining UBC in 1994, William worked for 12 years in software marketing for several high-technology companies including Digital Research in Monterey California and XIOS and Virtual Prototypes in Montreal.
His other roles:
- Premier's Technology Council: 2001 - 2005 Appointed a member by the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of BC
- International Internet Marketing Association: Founder and member of the Board of Governors (www.IIMAonline.org)
- Canadian Centre for Information Technology Security (defunct): Founding member and member of the Management Committee