Change is inevitable

A farewell message from the 2022-2023 Chair of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

FATEN ALSHAZLY PRINCIPAL & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER WEUSTHEM

This is my last message to you as Chair, everyone. It has been a whirlwind ride and an absolute privilege to be able to meet and connect with all our members, diverse businesses, non-profits and individuals that make up our beautiful city.

In my first remarks to the Chamber membership and audience, I noted I was the first immigrant woman to be Chair of this Chamber. I want to emphasize that I will not be the last. We continue to evolve and change as a Chamber, and we need to be representative of all our communities in Halifax. The only way we see progress is we put our hand up and volunteer to be on this Board, get our voices heard, and make identifiable change that reflects the best interests of our membership.

I want to thank all of you who have approached me not just with your concerns, but also those who have wanted me to continue on. Your thoughts and well wishes have not gone unheard, and I have done my best to impact how we deliver for you this past year and moving forward.

My thanks to all the elected officials from all levels of government, including all those in the administrative ranks that serve our city, province, and country. You have been kind enough to take the time to hear what our membership needs in this tough time to get past two-and-a-half years of COVID and a recovery that is burdened by inflation. Our membership needs you now more than ever, and I appreciate your collective efforts in helping us make this transition out of one of the darkest economic periods in recent history.

To my dear friends and leaders in this community, my sincere thanks to you as well. You have provided counsel when I have needed it and have been a sounding board for what is needed to have the Chamber positioned for success for its membership moving forward.

In April, as part of the transition, I will be moving to the position of Past Chair of the Board for a year, which will then see me move to becoming a Governor in 2024. All that to say, I haven’t left the building yet. Although I may not be Chair, I will still have a voice around this table and I will do my best to represent all our members and the broader community to continue to make our beautiful city of Halifax a haven for all who want to live, work, and play here.

Do know that although the Chamber has been one of my community commitments, it has never been the only one. If there is anything I can help with, know that I am here to help. If I cannot, I have come to know some dear friends and community leaders over my years as an entrepreneur and a leader who can provide unique insights and thought leadership second to none.

Longfellow once said, “Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” I resonate with this continued notion of change. With that, I sign off one last time and thank you for taking the time to read my scribbles.

Connect with me at: weusthem.com