Valley First's Commitment to Community and Disaster Preparedness

In the latest episode of Business Matters, presented by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, host Rob Cupello welcomes guest Aaron Bowyer, Branch Manager at Valley First in West Kelowna.

With over 2.5 years of experience in this role, Bowyer shares his insights into the crucial aspects of his work and how Valley First is involved in preparing the community for disaster situations.

As the Branch Manager at Valley First, Bowyer plays a pivotal role in overseeing a team of advisors. His responsibilities involve a wide range of tasks, including offering comprehensive financial guidance, forging strong connections with valued members, and ensuring daily operations run smoothly.

During Bowyer’s discussion, he reflects on the wildfires in Kelowna and extends his gratitude to the brave firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect the community.

He acknowledges the significant challenges posed by the wildfires and shares ways in which Valley First is helping those impacted.

For example, their "Back on Track" program provides support to individuals directly impacted by wildfires, allowing them to access the program without completing a full application. The accounting team at Valley First works closely with these individuals to create customized financial solutions to help their recovery journey.

To help people prepare for emergencies in the long term, Bowyer recommends building an emergency fund equivalent to 3 to 6 months of expenses.

“During an emergency, being prepared helps us respond better and restore faster,” says Bowyer.

He also suggests that staying well-informed allows individuals and communities to plan and respond effectively in the face of adversity.

To learn more about what Valley First is doing to support those impacted by the wildfires and ways you and your family can prepare for disasters, visit one of their branches and listen to the full episode.