CAMRA BC

The CAMRA BC election for the Provincial Executive has been completed.  As there were only single nominations for each of the four positions, a run-off ballot was not required.

So, drumroll please, here is the CAMRA BC executive (plus a brief bio on each) for 2014.

President: Maureen Blaseckie

I have been a member of CAMRA BC – Victoria branch since 1993 and served on the Victoria branch Executive as Secretary from 1994 to 2007. Since 2010 I’ve served on the Provincial Executive of CAMRA BC as Secretary and then Vice President.

I’ve also participated in the Great Canadian Beer Festival as a volunteer since 1993–still have the purple and white volunteer shirt to prove it!–back in the days of the Victoria Convention center.

Government, brewers and retailers may have control over beer before it reaches the taps but it’s you and me that ultimately pays for the pint. That’s why I joined CAMRA 21 years ago and that’s why I’m still a member: there is no one else in the wide, wonderful world of beer who speaks for the person who picks up the tab

Vice President: Ron McLaren     

I’m a home grown British Columbian, who began my interest in craft beers in the mid 1980’s, with the opening of the first craft Brew Pubs in Victoria and Vancouver. I am from the “consumer” side of the spectrum, rather than the “brewing” side.

I joined CAMRA BC in 1998 and have volunteered at the Great Canadian Beer Festival almost every year, from the early days at the Victoria Convention Centre to the current location at Royal Athletic Park, and I have the Tee Shirts to prove it!

I support the work CAMRA BC and the Regional Branches have done over the years,  and the variety and quality of craft beers we now have available in British Columbia is a testament to the hard work of everyone who has volunteered their  time in support of CAMRA BC.

 I look forward to working with you all over the next year.

Secretary: Jenn Ordze 

I’m a craft beer enthusiast and CAMRA BC member since 2004, offering my services this year as Secretary to the Society. I have been a beer recruit since first volunteering for The Great Canadian Beer Fest and I like trying as many different beers as I can. I am very interested to see where the industry goes and how it can be improved and brought into the public and hope I can help CAMRA BC achieve some of its goals in this regard.

Treasurer: Mark Blaseckie 

I’ve been an enthusiastic supporter and member of CAMRA BC since my wife bought me a membership in 1992. As my job has taken me around the world, I have enjoyed learning about the international flavours of good beer and the bonds between craft beer enthusiasts of all languages.

Over the years I’ve worn many hats. I started volunteering for CAMRABC Victoria Branch as the Web/Email guy, the Membership Chairman for all of the CAMRABC, then for the Victoria Branch when the Vancouver Branch was organized.

Since 2012 I’ve served on the executive of CAMRA BC as Treasurer and look forward to being part of the positive change for craft beer consumers of BC in the upcoming year.