Ambassadors
The Chamber Ambassadors are a highly visible influential group of volunteers who give their time to provide a crucial link between the chamber, its members, and the community. Our GPRC Ambassadors are passionate about the chamber and their involvement not only benefits our organization, but their participation within the committee helps their own business exposure as well.
Allison Eastop Cooley
Allison is honoured to serve as an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, as she is passionate about supporting local businesses and fostering meaningful connections within our community.
She believes deeply in the power of relationships, collaboration, and showing up for one another, and is grateful for the opportunity to celebrate local success while helping create opportunities for growth and shared impact.
As a writer and copywriter, she brings a love for storytelling and clear, intentional communication to everything she does, which is helping individuals and businesses share who they are and what they offer in a way that truly resonates.
Allison strives to lead with integrity, kindness, and a heart for service, and values the important role the Chamber plays in strengthening a lively, connected, and thriving community. She adds that it is a real privilege to contribute to something that uplifts and supports those around us.
Colby Hoflin
Colby is a commercial insurance broker specializing in small businesses and farms in our region. Through his experience in the industry, he’s developed a strong commitment to being genuine and maintaining open, honest communication with both clients and colleagues.
He’s always looking to grow his knowledge and better understand the dedication it takes to run a business in our community.
Born and raised in Stony Plain, Colby is proud to call this region his lifelong home. Giving back to the community that helped shape who he’s become is important to him, as he is always looking for ways to stay involved and contribute.
Colby believes in supporting our neighbours, lifting each other up, and stepping up when it matters most. Being part of the Chamber is a natural extension of those values, by building meaningful relationships and supporting the strength of our local economy.
He is excited about the future of our region and the role the Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce continues to play in its success.
David Bennett
David Bennett is a Financial Planner who helps individuals, families, and business owners build confidence in their financial future through personalized advice and thoughtful planning. He is passionate about helping people make informed decisions and believes that good financial guidance should be accessible, practical, and easy to understand.
David was born and raised in Spruce Grove and values the strong sense of community found throughout the Greater Parkland Region. Building relationships and supporting local businesses are important parts of both his professional and personal life.
Throughout his career, David has focused on helping people navigate important financial decisions with confidence. One of the ways he gives back to the community is by volunteering his time to meet with individuals and families who are looking for financial guidance, even when they may not be an ideal fit as long-term clients. He believes that a conversation, a plan, or a little direction can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.
As a Chamber Ambassador, David is proud to support local entrepreneurs, encourage connections within the business community, and contribute to the continued growth and success of the Greater Parkland Region.
Karen Carlton
Karen Carlton has deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to serving others. She has been married to her husband for over 30 years, and together they have raised five children. Today, she is also a proud grandmother of two. As the co-owner of a family business built on faith, integrity, and service, Karen understands the importance of hard work, accountability, and giving back.
Karen currently serves as Vice-President of the Parkland Pregnancy Support Centre and of Hope Beverley House, organizations dedicated to supporting women, children, and families facing difficult circumstances. Her leadership is guided by compassion, collaboration, and a desire to strengthen the community through practical support and lasting relationships.
Her professional background includes certifications as a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) and Certified Convention Management Specialist (CCMS). She is a graduate of Elisabeth Leslie College and has completed the Entrepreneurship Certificate Program at Okanagan University College, combining business knowledge with a lifelong passion for leadership and service.
As a Trustee with Parkland School Division, business owner, nonprofit leader, and community advocate, Karen is recognized for her creativity, strong work ethic, and ability to bring people together. She believes that listening, learning, and building meaningful partnerships are essential to creating stronger communities for current and future generations.
Kerry Parsons
Kerry Getson is proud to serve as an Ambassador with the Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce. Since making Spruce Grove her home, she has become actively involved in the community, by building strong relationships and supporting local businesses across the Tri-Region.
Originally from Texas, Kerry moved to Alberta as a child and now lives in Spruce Grove with her husband, their two rescue dogs, two cats, and two teenage stepdaughters.
With over 15 years of experience in Real Estate and 16 years as the owner of a successful Wedding & Event Planning company, Kerry has built her career on exceptional customer service, relationship building, and community engagement.
As Alberta Area Recruitment & Team Lead for the Neighbourhood Welcome Program, she oversees the Tri-Region Initiative, connecting new residents with local businesses, services, and community resources. Her goal is to make new residents feel welcome as they settle in.
A passionate community advocate, Kerry has served on several Boards of Directors and Volunteer committees, including the Alberta Cheerleading Association and the DIDAA. She is excited to work alongside the Chamber, strengthen business relationships, and help organizations discover the value of community. Kerry believes strong communities are built through collaboration, connection, and supporting each other.
Michelle Coates
Michelle is a trusted mortgage broker with Paragon Mortgage, known for delivering strategic, client-focused solutions that make the home financing process clear, smooth, and stress-free.
She works closely with clients to design mortgage plans tailored not only to their current needs, but to their long-term financial goals. With a strong commitment to service, Michelle acts as both an advocate and advisor, by guiding homebuyers, investors, and homeowners through every step of purchasing, refinancing, or restructuring their mortgage.
Her attention to detail, market knowledge, and negotiation skills ensure her clients feel confident and well-supported throughout the process.
Beyond her professional work, Michelle is an active member of the community. When she’s not working on mortgages, you’ll find her at the Spruce Grove Performance Training Centre. She also enjoys spending time with her four nieces, who keep her life fun, busy and full of energy.
Approachable, knowledgeable, and results-driven, Michelle is passionate about helping individuals and families make smart, informed decisions when it comes to real estate and financing.
Thea Williams
Thea is the owner of Wood Goods Corp, a custom wooden gift company that helps individuals and businesses celebrate moments through beautifully crafted, personalized pieces. Woodworking had been a hobby for over 20 years, and in 2022 it transformed into a business built on craftsmanship, community, and connection.
Thea and her husband grew up in British Columbia but traded the rain of Vancouver Island for the sunny skies of Alberta in 2006. After living in Spruce Grove for 18 years, they moved to an acreage in Parkland County to grow their business.
With a background as an LPN and subsequent work in Finance, the role of an entrepreneur is one she didn’t see coming, but one that has proven to be the perfect fit.
Being an Ambassador for the Chamber allows her to support the Greater Parkland Region and the local businesses that make up this Community.