SME-Victoria is pleased to present Nicholas Economou.

Why it is the larger corporate world has always benefited from economies of scale allowing for: Training, Coaching, Mentoring, and the significant competitive advantage of a Board of Directors? Small and Medium Enterprises typically survived and grew primarily on sweat equity.

Times have changed to the benefit of Small and Medium Enterprise through the commitment and dedication of Nicholas Economou and The Alternative Board. For the past five plus years Nicholas has been instrumental in assisting Vancouver Island CEO’s of Small and Medium Enterprises benefit by providing the same support infrastructure enjoyed by the larger corporate world, in a cost effective manner, with outstanding results.

Nicholas Economou, a brief synopsis:

 Nicholas Economou is the president of Chronos Trainings, Inc.  For the past 30 years Nicholas has specialized in the design and facilitation of training programs that produce cultural change within organizations.  His programs include managing change, strategic planning, personal organization (designer of the Time on my side planner), team building, and resolving conflict in the workplace.  He has been a coach to many executives and managers, helping them build personal leadership practices that aid their work.  Since the company’s inception in 1982, Nicholas has actively assisted more than 30,000 people in over 500 organizations.  He has worked with diverse organizations such as:

 Pepsi Cola USA, Southwestern Bell, RBC, Canadian Tire, Labatt Breweries, The Body Shop BC, Oracle, Bell Canada, BMG Music, the CBC, CIBC, Delta Suites Hotels, Harley Davidson Canada, Harper Collins Publishers, Astra Pharma, Taco Bell, Women’s College Hospital, Imperial Oil, ICBC, London Board of Education, the BC Ministries of Health, Human Resources, the Environment, the BC Pension Corp. and many First Nation Communities throughout Canada.

 Six 6 years ago he brought The Alternative Board to Victoria.  The Alternative Board, or TAB’s, objective is to help owners of small & medium sized businesses to grow through the support of peer advisory boards.  He currently facilitates four TAB boards with 32 Victoria companies as members.  Some of these companies include Steve Drane Harley-Davidson, Durwest Construction Management, Island Energy, Van Isle Water Services, Mac’s Heating, Prestige Joinery, Redbird Communication, Out of the Blue Designs and Comtech Systems.

 His experience of growing up and working in a family business and successfully starting and managing his own company for 28 years has given him a unique understanding of the trials and tribulations of being an entrepreneur.  Coupled with the experience he has garnered while working with large public companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations, he brings a wealth of insight to each engagement.  Nicholas has completed his Master of Arts Degree in Leadership and Training at Royal Roads University in Victoria.

The November meeting will also be SME - Victoria's Annual General Meeting. Election for board positions will be held at this meeting. Current SME members interested in running for a board position should notify current President, Rob Shemilt at rob.shemilt@islandblue.com if they would like to be nominated.