Invermere’s Elana Rosenfeld was inducted into the Order of British Columbia for her business acumen in creating Canada’s largest organic coffee company.
The award honours distinguished citizens who have excelled in their field and brought recognition and prestige to the province.
Rosenfeld co-founded Kicking Horse Coffee and operated as the company’s CEO until last year.
“After co-founding the company in Invermere 32 years ago, Elana served as CEO from 1996 to 2023, expanding it into a major North American brand,” said Jerymy Brownridge, Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
The B.C. government said Rosenfeld founded the company with a strong commitment to environmentalism.
“Her dedication to sustainability and community has driven economic and job growth in B.C.’s interior,” said Brownridge.
“As a pioneer in social enterprise, she embraced fair trade and organic certifications, championed gender diversity and led the Nature Conservancy of Canada as Chair from 2019 to 2021.”
B.C. officials said Rosenfeld has donated millions of dollars to conservation causes and earned B.C. Business Entrepreneur of the Year, and recognition for Kicking Horse Coffee as the Best Place to Work in Canada.
“Her career embodies resilience, innovation and a deep commitment to ethical leadership and deep impact,” said Brownridge.
Rosenfeld was among 12 people who were appointed to the Order of B.C. at an award ceremony on Sept. 4.
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