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Take advantage of our guides and free marketing… and always check program eligibility

As much as our Alliance team loves answering members’ questions and finding other ways to help, (most of us) embrace the December holiday break as a fantastic time to kick back with family, friends, and food.

One member of our Alliance support team is obsessed with LEGO. Another is huge on innovative baking, specifically holiday cookie creations with kids. And who do you think has a Master’s degree in medieval history?

Here’s a little bit about each member of our team, including those who work behind the scenes, along with what we do day-to-day and what each of us feel Alliance members should not miss out on.

Pavin Sidhu

My Alliance role: "I manage the Alliance. I’m just happy to assist the team and also to take feedback from members for changes and improvements. I’m always open to feedback."
One thing about me: "A lot of people are surprised that I’ve been at BC Hydro for over 21 years and worked in a lot of parts of the organization. My early years were spent in Indigenous Relations, the beginning of our reconciliation work. I think it’s taught me to be more mindful and respectful every day."
Favourite holiday thing: "I like to slow down a bit and connect with people that I haven't connected with over the years, enjoy good conversations and catch up with great food. I also do an annual Christmas cookie baking party, where the kids get to be creative. We get new creations each year and it’s fantastic."
Alliance tip: "Go to the Guides training platform. There’s training there, at your fingertips, with information updated weekly. We have 500 members on it, but it’s always worth checking before you email us to see if the information you need is already there."

Christie So

My Alliance role: "I process and upload e.Catalog lighting product/configuration submissions so they’re made available online for customers in BESI (our Business Energy Saving Incentive program). I’m also responsible for referral requests and for the rebate-eligible heat pump product list."
One thing about me: "I build and collect many LEGO sets, and really like to do it with friends and family. I recently completed a Nike Dunk LEGO set, and my favourite in my collection so far is the Winnie the Pooh Treehouse set."
Favourite holiday thing: "I make ornaments every year for close friends and family. They usually include a photo of us inside the ornament or something small that reminds me of them."
Alliance tip: “Expand your business geographic location or service areas to get a better chance of receiving an Alliance referral. Just email us to let us know which additional locations you can serve."

Zahna Rowe

My Alliance role: “I manage the new membership application process and also the renewal process for members.”
One thing about me: "Near the beginning of my career, I worked for a construction association, and I worked for a small businesses association. So I understand the environment that small businesses work in."
Favourite holiday thing: "Catching up with family and friends. I think everyone finds the time to go out of their way and meet up."
Alliance tip: "Please let us know if your contact information has changed. We can’t let you know about the latest information, including program changes, if we don’t have that contact info."

Danita McGiveron

My Alliance role: "I support the EV charger program, both for EV chargers and power management devices. I maintain the eligibility lists, review site visits, and remediate any outstanding issues."
One thing about me: "I enjoy the outdoors, scuba diving, and hiking. I like to stay active."
Favourite holiday thing: "Getting together with family. Everyone’s so busy, so just having the opportunity to reconnect and appreciate one another is great."
Alliance tip: "Use the marketing tools and guides.  There’s free money there for advertising, so use it like it's a member benefit. Promote your business through a member story."

Lisa Doucette

My Alliance role: "I work on the home renovation rebate program for the residential sector, so I don’t usually work with Alliance members. I work with site inspection reports and help ensure contractors are following best practice guidelines with their installations."
One thing about me: "I’m a DIY person, everything from refinishing furniture to redecorating and updating fixtures. Right now I’m redoing my railings."
Favourite holiday thing: "Each year I do a Christmas light drive with the kids, where we drive around and find the best Christmas lights."
Alliance tip: "Use the marketing tools that are available. I’m not sure that members are aware that there’s everything there from logos to advertising funding."

Jonathan To

My Alliance role: "I work closely with Tanya (Perewernycky), primarily on three programs: BESI, SIP (self-serve incentive program) and the multi-unit residential building program."
One thing about me: “I'm pretty big on community involvement, specifically with animals. I like to donate time and money to the SPCA and for the training of seeing-eye dogs for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. I also volunteer time with minor hockey associations."
Favourite holiday thing: "Chinese New Year. A lot of my family doesn't really get together for Christmas per se, because not everyone celebrates. But everyone comes home for Chinese New Year. I like to spend the holidays with them and I’m a big foodie. I get some red pockets, too, which is always nice."
Alliance tip: "Don’t miss the Alliance member guide, which is a great online resource. If you don’t know where to find it, reach out to us and we’ll send you a link."

Tanya Perewernycky

My Alliance role: "I work on commercial and small industrial programs, along with multi-unit residential buildings and social housing. I support members and help drive projects forward."
One thing about me: "I have a Master’s degree in medieval history. It just shows that the degree you get doesn't always lead you to the job you end up in. This is not the usual path to working for an electricity company."
Favourite holiday thing: "I don’t really have one. I usually use the time to catch up on work, and work through the holiday season."
Alliance tip: "With so many offers currently in market, reach out to us to confirm eligibility before you start a project."

Steve Quon

My Alliance role: "I am the senior program manager for industrial sector energy engineering consultants."
One thing about me: "I believe that little things count; if you say you'll do something, do it. If you realize you can’t, say so as soon as possible. The devil is in the details."
Favourite holiday thing: "Feasting with family."
Alliance tip: "My lines of communication are always open."

Tony Ceh

My Alliance role: "Working with residential contractors to deliver energy efficiency and solar rebate programs to homeowners."
One thing about me: "I enjoy homemade and DIY activities… gardening, canning, smoking meats, making wine… it’s my connection to my family’s Italian and Croatian roots."
Favourite holiday thing: "Decorating the house with my 4-year old son, who's in awe of Santa, reindeer, elves… and yetis for some reason!"
Alliance tip: "There’s always a way to fit energy efficiency into your everyday business. Customers will see you as not just a contractor, but someone who cares about their long-term profitability and success."