New Executive Director At Circle Craft

Betty Hasker, whose career includes a roster of companies such as Roots, the Gap, Joel Berman Glass, and spud.ca, has joined BC’s Circle Craft Co-operative Association as its Executive Director.

In making the announcement Caetllonn Seadjwyc, president of Circle Craft Co-operative Association’s Board of Directors, said: “Betty's expertise in both retail sales and e-commerce, coupled with her enthusiasm for fine craft, will be a tremendous asset as we strive to seek out exciting and innovative opportunities for our members.

“We are delighted to have Betty join us as we embark on a new era at Circle Craft!”

Betty is known for her strategic thinking, analytical skills, and understanding of financial metrics. When combined with her extensive management experience in both retail sales and artistic environments, she brings with her a unique skill set that is a great fit for Circle Craft’s business management.

In 2008, after working with Joel Berman for 11 years as his VP of sales and director of development, Betty returned to Vancouver and joined Vancouver-based spud.ca as its director of operations. She quickly immersed herself in the business and was responsible for developing practices and tools which assisted its seven US and Canadian locations in maximizing revenues and reducing overhead expenses.

Growing up in northern Manitoba, Betty was exposed to many types of crafts, and has often made attempts at hobby craftwork herself.

She says (laughing), “These attempts gave me a tremendous appreciation and respect for the skill, talent, and time required to produce work of the quality of Circle Craft’s membership. I’m honoured to be working with some of BC’s finest artists and craftspeople.”

Betty is excited to join the Circle Craft team, whose rich heritage includes support of BC crafts for over 35 years, and utilize her business skills to support their mission: “to promote the development, recognition, and success of members and their work.”

The creation of this new position will allow Paul Yard to focus his attentions on the annual Circle Craft Christmas Market, Vancouver’s largest craft market and a tradition for many since its beginning in the Vancouver East Cultural Center in 1973.