A Financial Institution that Invests in Community Wellness
Whistler Question
June 18, 2016
By: Michelle Ratcliffe
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BlueShore Financial has been a fixture in the community since 1984 when they became the first financial institution to open full-time in Whistler. From these early foundations, supporting a healthy community has been an integral part of their culture and values.
“We have been committed to contributing to the overall wellness of the Sea to Sky community, and all the communities in which we live, work and play,” said Nick Papoutsis, who has been community manager at BlueShore Financial in Whistler for 12 years, after trading a post with a national bank to reinvigorate his career in a more personalized setting.
“I love working for a local, West Coast organization that truly treats its clients, employees and communities as its most important assets, said Papoutsis. “Of course, getting to do so in one of the world’s most beautiful places just makes it even better.”
For Papoutsis, a sense of balance applies to more than just a budget sheet — investing in community wellness is essential for a healthy local economy. BlueShore Financial’s community support comes in many forms, from sponsoring events and making charitable donations to volunteering as a team, but there is always one constant — a view to wellness.
Financing the physical
Investing in events and programs that inspire an active lifestyle, the team sees how physical wellness can yield high returns for the health of the place they
call home.
“BlueShore Financial believes in encouraging a healthy, West Coast lifestyle,” said Papoutsis.
These values have led BlueShore Financial to sponsor the Whistler Half Marathon for four years. Their contribution stretches beyond simply donating dollars. Lending a hand runs right along with lending dollars as a large contingent of their team supports the event as race volunteers and many lace up their runners to join the race.
Cultivating culture
Local foodies and oenophiles benefit from BlueShore Financial’s support of cultural wellness as the presenting sponsor of the annual Cornucopia Festival since 2012.
With the festival attracting international culinary attention and offering a full spectrum of epicurean experiences, Papoutsis enjoys the opportunity to support local businesses that participate while supporting an exceptional wine and culinary scene in the community.
With the addition of Whistler’s new Audain Art Museum, BlueShore Financial’s cultural investments also include supporting the museum’s upcoming opening celebration.
“We are thrilled to be part of the grand opening of the Audain Art Museum and an ongoing supporter of this esteemed facility as part of our commitment to arts and culture,” said Papoutsis.
Caring for community
Making meaningful deposits into the wellness of their community at large sees BlueShore backing mainstay community events year after year.
For eight years they have been organizer and co-sponsor of the Sea to Sky Charity Golf Tournament driving, pitching and putting their way to $90,000 in proceeds directly donated back to local charities.
They’re also the presenting partner of the chamber’s Whistler Excellence Awards, where before coming on board as presenting partner, they supported the business and community awards night as the sponsor of the Service Excellence Award.
“Having experienced firsthand how well the Whistler Excellence Awards have been received by our community it was an easy decision to jump on board as the presenting sponsor when the opportunity presented itself,” said Papoutsis.
Papoutsis and the team at BlueShore Financial are proof that bankers can have big hearts and that paying it forward in their community delivers a rewarding return on investment every time.
Papoutsis on investing in community
“Investing in your community goes beyond simply writing a cheque. It involves a true partnership that not only enhances the financial and economic well-being of your community, but cultural and physical well-being as well.”
Link to Whistler Question article: http://ow.ly/Xkidb