International tourism organization victim of alleged fraud
September 13, 2011
Even non-profits can’t escape being taken advantage of as a trusted former employee of the International Selkirk Loop (ISL) is alleged to have been embezzling from the organization. Suspicion of missing funds was brought to light during a recent tax preparation, and later verified by an independent CPA firm.

“The Board of Directors and I were shocked and saddened by confirmation of the missing funds, and our first thoughts were about our member businesses, the organization and how this event would affect our overall operation,” stated Carol Graham, Executive Director for the ISL. "This person was a coworker, a valued associate and in a position of trust, and that trust has clearly been violated”, stated Ms. Graham.

The award winning International Selkirk Loop was founded over 10 years ago, and is North America’s only International driving loop. It is comprised of a series of spectacular roadways and over 350 member businesses in 65 vibrant communities, which encircle the Selkirk Mountain range in Idaho, Washington, Montana and south-eastern British Columbia.

“We would like to assure all member businesses and associates that the Loop is on firm financial ground, and that this alleged incident will in no way impact the current or future health of the organization” stated John Reed, Chair of the ISL. “A thorough review of all financial practices is underway, and new policies will be put into effect in order to ensure that anything of this nature never happens again” stated Reed.

As the situation unfolds the organization is committed to business as usual. New marketing initiatives are in the works, which include a recently released travel guide, ISL touring map, and a spectacular Map of Day Hikes in and around the East and West Kootenay region of British Columbia.

This information and more can be found online at http://www.selkirkloop.org.

The case is currently under investigation, the prosecuting attorney has verified information and three felony charges of grand theft were leveled.