Letter from the President: Call for Board nominations

It’s my pleasure to announce that we are opening the call for nominations for the Whitby Chamber of Commerce (WCC) Board of Directors.

Get this, our CEO is only entering her third year at the Chamber. It may feel like Natalie has been the CEO for a lot longer than this and that is a testament to her success in sustaining and furthering the brand of the WCC. Natalie specializes in change management. Developing and executing on that takes time. In her first year, Natalie laid the groundwork of her vision. In this past year much effort was focused on strengthening the core – including connecting the team around core values, solidifying strength in advocacy, and engaging segments of future membership while re-building relationships with long-time Chamber Champions. This next year is often the most significant in a change management cycle. It is an exciting time to be a Board member.

As a Board, last year we started the process towards a Carver Governance Model. It is a stimulating transition that has seen considerable effort completed with still much to do. The work being completed today by the Policy & Governance Committee is legacy generating and will be utilized as a guide for future Board cycles. Our Audit & Finance Committee has also engaged in important work providing our CEO with guidance and support.

It is important for me to share that having the opportunity to serve our membership, while deeply rewarding, is a commitment. It is a commitment beyond the monthly 90-minute Board meeting. We are empowered with the responsibility to shepherd the Chamber on behalf of each and every member.

I believe that the individual contribution made by each and every Chamber member is what creates our collective Chamber experience. This is your opportunity to elevate your Chamber experience and the experience of the entire membership. You have that power.

In terms of the nomination process, this is what you can expect:

Today
Board nomination process begins. Nominate yourself or a fellow member by filling out the nomination form.

Thursday, January 10 at 5 p.m.
Deadline for nominations to be submitted to Brion Hendry, Chair of the Policy & Governance Committee. Please submit completed forms via email to bhendry@bdo.ca.

Tuesday, January 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mandatory candidate briefing in WCC boardroom, which will include an introduction to the WCC Board structure and process, overview of the role of Director at the organization and opportunity for candidates to ask questions. At the end of this meeting, candidates will be asked to sign a letter of commitment indicating they understand the role and can fulfill their obligations to serve if elected.

Monday, January 28 at 11 a.m.
The online voting opens listing the names, pictures and bios of all candidates who have signed the letters of commitment.

Monday, February 25 at 5 p.m.
Online voting closes.

Monday, February 25 to Friday, February 28
Successful and unsuccessful candidates are called and advised of the results.

Wednesday, March 19 from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Slate of candidates, as voted by the membership, invited to attend board meeting as observers.

Last week of March
AGM and candidate slate presented to membership.

The WCC recognizes and embraces the benefits of diversity in Board members. If you have the time and the passion to support the Chamber as a Director, I sincerely encourage you to seek a nomination. As well, if you know of a member who you think would be a great addition to the Board, please nominate them. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this team and would encourage you to take this opportunity and help steward the Chamber through 2019!

Best regards,

Kyle Paterson
President, WCC Board of Directors