NVICA President’s Letter – September 2025
Great Alginment
Dear Members and friends,
As summer comes to a close and we welcome the fall season, I’m pleased to share some highlights from September and give you a sense of the exciting months ahead for NVICA.
This past month we launched our Young Chef Sponsorship program, offering 10 complimentary memberships to support apprentices and students at the start of their careers. We also introduced our new NVICA postcard brochure, a simple but effective way to share who we are with colleagues, partners, and the broader community.
September was a month of connection and growth. At Food Fest in Cumberland, we had a fantastic turnout and celebrated the bounty of our local farmers and producers. Several members also travelled to CooksCamp in Pemberton, where we joined chefs from across the province for workshops, demos, and conversations about the future of our industry. Out of these experiences came something especially encouraging: a sense of great alignment with other culinary associations, and a growing spirit of collaboration. Together, we are beginning to break down silos, strengthen professional development, and work toward shared initiatives that will benefit chefs across B.C.
We wrapped up the month with a memorable tour of Shamrock Farm, where members had the opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices and enjoy tastings fresh from the land. These kinds of experiences remind us why we do what we do: connecting food, people, and place.
Looking ahead, October is filled with opportunities to come together. We begin with our Community Outreach Lunch in Comox, led by Chef Kevin Moore, where we’ll prepare and serve meals for more than 75 guests. On October 9, we celebrate the grand opening of the Culinary Commons in Vancouver, a new hub for B.C.’s culinary community. Mid-month, members can join a foraging tour in Qualicum Beach, attend our Executive Meeting on October 15, and take part in the Vines & Tides Harvest Dinner at 40 Knots Winery on October 18. We’ll also gather for Chefs Night Out on October 20, and finish the month with an Industry Night with Chef Mark Hart at VIU Nanaimo on October 29.
As we move into November, NVICA is proud to host Culinary Team Canada for two evenings: November 1 at 40 Knots Winery in the Comox Valley, and November 3 at Naturally Pacific Resort in Campbell River. We will also be opening award nominations, hosting more member workshops, and starting our holiday programming with seasonal activities and raffle sales.
Finally, NVICA is proud to support the CVCDA Children’s Telethon with the donation of a private chef dinner experience. Community outreach, professional development, and industry partnerships remain at the heart of our mission.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Together, we are building not only a stronger NVICA, but also a more united culinary community across our region and beyond.
Warm regards,
Jonathan Frazier
President, North Vancouver Island Culinary Association
