06/17/2024
A message from Ideas Inc Executive Director Depesh Parmar and Board Chair Joseph Gill.
---------------------------------------------------------
Dear community members, colleagues, and friends:
After 10 incredible years as the Executive Director of Ideas Inc, the time has come for me to transition into a new challenge and chapter. My last day with Ideas Inc and Gather Local Market will be Sunday, June 30th, 2024.
Supporting entrepreneurs is my life’s work and one of my greatest passions. The connections I’ve made and the growth and innovation I’ve been fortunate to play a part in during my time with Ideas Inc are things I’ll carry with me forever.
When I look back on the last ten years, I’m filled with pride at all we’ve accomplished and excitement at all that’s still to come. Ideas Inc’s mandate is to provide a platform for talented, ambitious entrepreneurs to launch and scale their businesses. I truly believe we fulfill that mandate each and every day. Last month’s grand opening of Gather Local Market is a dream five years in the making; to see the Farmer’s Market building totally revitalized and buzzing with activity is the greatest parting gift I could ask for. Trust me when I say it’s only up from here.
I will miss the excitement and energy of Ideas Inc and Gather, but I’m confident both will continue to thrive thanks to the support of our visionary Board of Directors, our hard-working team, and a community who celebrates all things local.
It has been a privilege to work for and alongside all of you.
With sincere gratitude,
Depesh Parmar
Executive Director
---------------------------------------------------------
Ten years ago, a bright new face joined Ideas Inc—a man of integrity, of compassion, and, most of all, of immense respect and admiration for entrepreneurs. That man, Depesh Parmar, would go on to make an undeniable and significant impact on the trajectory of Ideas Inc.
Throughout his time as Executive Director, Depesh has mentored and supported hundreds of local entrepreneurs. He has led the organization to great success and is an exemplar of community building and being ready, willing, and able to lend a hand. His care for entrepreneurs is immediately evident to anyone who knows or has interacted with him.
Depesh’s vision and ambition has not only led Ideas Inc to thrive in its core mandate and services but has also extended to Gather Local Market. He has been instrumental in pursuing this opportunity and will forever be known as the driving force behind such a welcome addition to our city. For that, this organization owes him a debt of gratitude. We are extremely excited for the future of Ideas Inc and Gather, and much of that can be credited to Depesh’s herculean efforts.
On behalf of the Ideas Inc Board of Directors, I want to congratulate Depesh on an exceptional 10 years leading this organization. He will be dearly missed, but his contributions will undoubtedly live on for years to come. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors and know he will continue to make a significant mark on this beautiful city we call home.
With a new chapter unfolding for Ideas Inc, we are pleased to announce a search for a new Executive Director to fill these big shoes. Ideas Inc’s next Executive Director will build on the groundwork Depesh has laid and will continue to oversee the success of both Ideas Inc and Gather Local Market. This is the perfect opportunity for individuals with a true entrepreneurial spirit and a love of community building. Keep an eye out for a job posting in the coming days.
Joseph Gill
Board Chair
A platform to launch + scale a startup by providing access to space, business coaching and mentorship
