FROMTHE THECEO GVCC CEO FROM
John McDonagh
GVCC, CEO/President
Stepping into Fall We’re all familiar with the glimpse of warm weather in the PNW, and rightly so it seems as if this Summer was a blink. While we are eager for family vacations, enjoying the warm evenings on the patio, the abundance of fresh fruits and veggies, and golfing (for those exclusively fair-weather players) - all of a sudden it’s September. As we grab our umbrellas and adjust our driving habits, it’s best to focus on topics and events to keep us busy during this long stretch of rain approaching. There’s plenty in store at the Chamber to keep you engaged during Fall, especially programs to Move your Business Forward. Check out the events listed on the back, or turn to Page 11 to learn more about our Fall Workshop Series: Fostering Growth in the Workplace.
Canvassing in Battle Ground For the first time in a few decades, the Chamber will gather staff and volunteers to participate in an old-fashioned canvassing in the City of Battle Ground. As we incorporated the former Battle Ground Chamber members into our membership, we are looking to talk with existing and Future Members in the “-604” to impress on them how important they are to the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce as are those located in the various cities and unincorporated areas across Clark County. Of those previous BG Chamber members became a part of the GVCC in the unification, nearly 75% of them have renewed, and we’re not counting those who were already members of GVCC. We’re looking forward to connecting with those who have continued to show interest, to better personalize Chamber services to fit the needs of their businesses. Additionally, we will be speaking with that 25% who chose not to renew as well as Future Members to discuss the value of the Chamber, hoping to kindle the enthusiasm of connectionmaking in our community. If you’re out and about in Battle Ground on Friday, September 13, be sure to look for our Ambassadors, members of the Battle Ground Chamber Council, as well as GVCC Staff making our way from business to business to say hello. If you’d like to join us, send me a note at jmcdonagh@VancouverUSA.com.
FROM THE EDITOR
Sarah Cooke
GVCC, Marketing & Communications Manager
Our Outgoing Chair, Amy O’Hara
has been of incredible value as a catalyst for Moving Business Forward within our community. As we introduce Kevin Getch as our 2020 Chairman of the Board (more on Page 12), it goes without saying Amy’s had an important impact on the Chamber’s success this year. On behalf of the GVCC team, we’d like to say thank you to Amy O’Hara for her contributions as the 2019 Chairman of the Board. And to Kevin, you have some big heels (rather, premium comfort shoes) to fill.
It’s widely known that our current Chairman (or should I say Chairwoman) is someone who prides herself in the connections she makes in our community, no matter the topic. When you initially meet Amy O’Hara, her kindness, sense of humor, and enthusiasm for others speak volumes. Admiring this, it’s made me wonder how she can successfully balance owning a thriving business, balance being a supportive mom of two, and the balance of her important role as the Chair of the GVCC Board of Directors, all with such ease. As John would say, “Amy is one of those leaders that leads quietly, often behind the scenes but always with a focus on where we need to go as she lends a hand to get there.” Her passion for the Chamber’s mission and the programs we provide our members has been a motivation for us to keep raising the bar. Still, as a member of the Chamber, she attends events without introducing herself as her role at the Chamber, but rather with “What’s your story?” to anyone she meets. Her innate ability to connect with others is an incredible asset to our Board and GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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