BY MARK WOLFE
CV CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
All organizations – especially ones almost a century old (or older) — naturally go through a variety of ups and downs. What worked even just months ago might not be effective today, and what is put into place today should be mindful of changes in the future. As the new president of your Chamber of Commerce, I’ve already been at work in assessing the Chamber’s existing strengths and weaknesses, but all with an eye to the future. And in a word, I can say without hesitation that the future is very “exciting.”
First, we have a brilliant manager at the helm. Vern Gorham has adone a yeoman’s service in cleaning up the books, reviewing contracts and agreements, and just building an overall culture of transparency and doing things by the book. This has not only reduced our liabilities but cut costs dramatically, with the Chamber now in a cash-positive position and with prospects growing for a strong ledger going forward. Vern is also a one-man idea generator, many of which the Chamber board is currently endorsing and helping drive forward.
Second, in agreeing to stand for election as president, my hope was to recruit to the executive get-‘er-done folks who could offset my fondness for strategy and big-picture thinking. I didn’t have to look far. First vice president Mark Saunders is a why-wait, straight shooter who has already changed the face of the Chamber — literally, as he’s already volunteered many hours doing Visitors’ Centre renovations (more on that below). Mark is also joining me by plugging into more and more of the important conversations under way in our community, with an eye always to finding ways we can help others while staying focused on our main job: representing and advancing the interests of the businesses in our community. I also tapped Tulip Leaves owner Andrea Lochan as our Second Vice President, as she brought deep experience in fundraising and brokering community connections. Unfortunately, Andrea had to step aside for personal reasons but again a solution was at hand: board member Megan McKendry now brings her strong attention to detail and unbounded energy to the 2nd vice president position.
Third, we’ve availed ourselves of the experience of Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce Exec. Director David Hull — something of a rock star among BC Chambers, having helped win Chamber of the year a couple of times, I believe. David has generously shared a wealth of guides and templates that will be key as we rewrite our outdated constitution and further ready ourselves for the future.
Things to watch for in the coming weeks and months:
1. A new website – with more, easy-to-find info for both members and visitors.
2. A heightened focus on open, timely and collaborative communication – with Chamber members and other key agencies and stakeholders in the community.
3. Some terrific new events that we plan to become annual events, starting this fall and continuing into the spring — stay tuned for details.
4. A new Chamber office in the Visitor’s Centre — with a service window and greater visibility from the main entrance.
5. Monthly President’s Posts — with updates and thoughts on how we can better serve members and the community.
So, welcome to the new Chamber. Our thanks, as well, to the Creston Valley Advance for offering to carry these columns, which start up on a regular basis this September.