DIANNE HAWKINS
COMOX VALLEY – Not goodbye, just changing hats… not clear on the hat yet but am anticipating some wonderful opportunities in the near future. First priority – California, and for those who know me well, know why.
First of all, I would like to thank the team at Business Examiner for the tremendous opportunity to host a column for 18 years. What an honour and a privilege to tell our Chamber’s story to Vancouver Island readers. It’s been a great story! The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce has accomplished many things of which to be extremely proud!
Some of my favourite memories (business and fun!) being at the helm of the Chamber are my very first Chamber leaders conference in Missoula, Montana with the North West Chamber Leaders, I was not only initiated into Chamber conferences but all things cowboy! I quickly found out business dress code in Missoula was cowboy boots, jeans and a belt, gala attire was a rhinestone belt buckle, rhinestone jeans and a fancy cowboy hat. I was compelled to get my own cowboy boots and join the fun! Seriously, I learned so much at that conference, met some very inspiring people and made some Chamber connections. That’s what I have enjoyed most about Chamber life, the Chamber network, mentors, friends and acquaintances I have made along the way. The strategic alignments and moving agendas forward, having a solid voice as a province and nationally for the betterment of business.
Highlights have been:
Winning 2010 Chamber of the Year in BC due to the Chamber’s bagless initiative and “Grab your Bag” campaign! I many Comox Valley citizens still have their reusable bags – I do!
Being nominated twice for Canadian Chamber Executive of the Year award; in 2019 by the Chamber board and staff, and in 2010 by Chamber peers.
2010 Comox Valley Olympic Spriit Committee – working to promote and support the 2010 Olympics in the Comox Valley and the grand finale! Attending the 2010 Olympic closing ceremonies with an Olympic team.
Favourite things the Chamber has spearheaded over the years which have had a great response from our community. Updating our Chamber Awards to reflect an “Academy Awards” style production, initiating a Top 40 under 40 awards program showcasing up and coming business people, artists and entrepreneurs in the Valley. This proved to be an excellent recruitment tool for the board and Chamber membership. Our yearly Economic Forecasting event which grew from a “Crystal Ball” event in 2003 to an economic panel which created partnerships and opportunities for collaboration. The annual Community Leaders roundtable, bringing together municipal, corporate and community leaders to share, brainstorm and support initiatives in the Comox Valley. I have to recognize our largest mixers, the Holiday Partners Mixer which is sponsored by local community organizations with proceeds going to the food bank and our annual Mega Mixer held in collaboration with our BIA’s, this year 4VI (Tourism Vancouver Island) was joined the mix.
Every event, roundtable discussion, business walks has evolved from a demonstrated need in our community. From showcasing award winners well, to creating strategic collaborations , to advocating for local business the Chamber has been response to the current needs of our businesses and community.
The most important aspect to me over the past18 years of my career at the Chamber has been to choose collaboration. To first seek to understand, listen, evaluate and make connections. The Chamber is a pillar in the community, we lead by example. A Chamber’s role is to provide economic development, business resources and advocate for better business. During the pandemic, this became more apparent than ever. The pandemic impacted all of us in many ways. Individually and collectively. While this was a challenging time, it was also exhilarating in the sense that we were compelled to literally throw ourselves into what we knew best, to pull our members together to know their needs and to respond quickly. We called all 500 members! Things were happening at a rapid pace and it was proving hard for small (all) businesses to keep up. The Chamber responded, we led the charge in pivoting and providing support within a week of the pandemic and we didn’t stop. I am proud of the team, grateful to the “experts” who stayed with us, on the calls, and on email, providing advice and resources. It was hard but it was apparent we were all in it together.
As this chapter comes to a close, I wish the thank the 18 boards I have served, the members I have represented and the community leaders and members I have had the honour to work with. Leading a Chamber of Commerce is a privilege, one I will always be forever grateful for. Thanks for the memories.
Quote I aspire to live by: “People don’t remember your accomplishments; they remember how you made them feel”.