Time for thanks, appreciation | Guest op

By Andrea Keikkala
For the Kent Reporter

As 2012 draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the new leadership team for the Kent Chamber of Commerce and encourage everyone to make a New Year’s resolution to get involved.

We are stronger as a community when we all work together. Everyone has a passion and talent they can share.

I would like to thank our outgoing president, Ken Sharp of Minuteman Press. He has been instrumental in the last year with his “Think Big” theme and has guided this organization in substantial membership growth in 2012 and in government advocacy.

Some of the highlights of 2012 include: Educate the Educator, Speed Candidating, work regarding the B&O tax, budget, homeless task force, CEO Roundtable, as well as the countless events and advocacy provided by the chamber throughout the year. Ken will continue to serve as an executive committee member in the past-president seat.

The incoming president for 2013 is Jim Berrios, owner of Golden Steer Steak & Rib House. Jim is a pillar in this community. He is a past board member of the Kent School District, a Kiwanian, volunteer track and wrestling coach and has spent countless hours serving his community. Jim has been active in the growth of the Kent Chamber, sharing his passion in governmental affairs, education and as chairman of the East Hill Partnership. His theme for 2013 is “Growth by Design.”

Working double-duty is Dennis Manes of Allied Waste Services who is the 2014 president-elect and co-chair of Government Affairs. Dennis is a new board member and has brought a fresh perspective, dedication and passion for local government affairs.

Our co-chair of Government Affairs is also on double-duty. Shelly Cook of Kelley Services will co-chair Government Affairs, focusing on state and federal issues. She also is the vice president of the chamber, which is the president-elect position for 2015. Not only is Shelley involved on the chamber board, she also represents the chamber on the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition and is serving as that organization’s president.

We are very thankful that Greg Haffner, attorney with Curran Law Firm, will continue to serve as the treasurer. He has been responsible in managing the funds of the organization, dealing with the challenges that a nonprofit organization can face in these economically-daunting times. Greg also brings a wealth of knowledge to the executive committee in regards to the law.

This slate of five officers rounds out the executive committee. We are looking forward to continuing to “think big” as we “grow by design.”

The chamber relies on many dedicated committee chairs who have led this organization in our fundamental strategic plan. Rob Cannon from New York Life, who is the membership/ambassador chair, has served on the Kent Chamber Board of Directors for more than 21 years and is a past-president. Even with his long tenure on the board, he continues to find innovative and fresh ideas to showcase our membership and grow our organization.

Suzanne Cameron of Around the Clock, Inc., will continue as our business services and event committee chair. It is under her leadership that we have doubled this committee in size, continue to bring original, informative and fun events to our membership and are fiscally sound.

John Schneider of Edward Jones has stepped forward to chair the East Hill Partnership. A dedicated volunteer, John is a board member and also an ambassador for the Kent Chamber.

Retiring from the executive committee is Mike Miller of Valley Bank. Mike stepped forward to fill an opening of past-president on the executive committee in 2012. Mike will continue to serve on the board of directors. He has served this organization for 23 years. Board members are allowed to serve two consecutive three-year terms and one presidential appointment before they are required to take a year off.

New to the board of directors is Jim Phillips, the mobility, surveillance and engagement chief financial officer, a division of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. Jim recently moved to Kent from Philadelphia. He has been with The Boeing Company for 35 years. He is a member of the board of trustees for the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a member of the Financial Executives International of Philadelphia. He is a member of Boeing’s Leadership Association of Philadelphia and Boeing’s Aerospace Leadership Chapter of the National Management Association. He also is an active member of ALPHA (Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting) and a strong advocate for the Diversity programs in Boeing.

Also new to the board is Chad Gleason, principal at Gleason & Co., a commercial real estate and investment broker located in downtown Kent. Chad recently served as president of the Kent Downtown Partnership. He also has experience on the board for Certified Commercial Investment, Washington State Chapter. Originally from Canada, Chad is an avid hockey fan and supporter of the Seattle Thunderbirds. Chad has integrated himself into the Kent community as a past Rotarian and member of the Commercial Brokers Association and National Association of Realtors.

Continuing to serve on the board of directors are: Dennis Shanlian, of Hanis Irvine Prothero, Attorneys at Law; Deborah Nelons, of State Farm; Christina Palstring, of Pegasus Northwest; Gwen Allen Carston, of C&G Hair Beauty; Maria Dankan, of UW/Valley Medical Center; and David Kwok, of the Hampton Inn & Suites.

As you can see, the board is incredibly diverse with representation throughout our membership in manufacturing, service, retail, restaurants, medical, hotel and small sole proprietor to large business.

The Kent Chamber of Commerce enjoys a wide range of business members and dedicated community volunteers. As we look to the future, we want to say thank you to everyone who was involved with us this year and we look forward to working with the Kent community in 2013.

Andrea Keikkala is executive director for the Kent Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at 253-854-1770, ext. 140, or andreak@kentchamber.com.