The Squamish Chamber of Commerce is losing many of its familiar figureheads this year as its current president and manager both step down.
Chamber manger Denise Imbeau announced her resignation on Wednesday Nov. 7. She will be moving on to work with Coun. Greg Gardner, who is speculated to be a contender for the November 2008 mayoral race.
"I have such tremendous respect for the organization, its board, purpose, leadership and accomplishments that making the decision to leave was very difficult for me," Imbeau said.
"However, I've accomplished the goals that I set for myself at the Chamber two years agowhich has allowed me to be open to new opportunities."
Some of Imbeau's accomplishments since joining in December 2005 include boosting chamber membership from 313 to 549 members. She also helped develop the customer service program Community One Development.Gardner and Imbeau worked together on the volunteer project the Squamish Olympic Task Force. Here, Gardner said he noticed her work ethic and enthusiasm.
"She showed tremendous community spirit," he said. "I find her very professional."
Chamber president Ron Anderson, who is stepping down this year (see related story this page), stressed many of these same qualities when acknowledging her resignation.
"Denise has been a tremendous asset to the Chamber of Commerce, her dedication and tireless efforts for the business community will be greatly missed by the chamber board," he said.
Gardner said Imbeau would work alongside him on his business endeavors as well as his community work. He owns Greg Gardner Motors along with several real estate investments and development projects underway outside of town.
"I'm expecting her to be a huge benefit to my companies," he said.
When asked if Imbeau would be helping him with a campaign for mayor, Gardner was noncommittal.
"That's what lawyers call a compound question, it's based on a hypothetical situation," he said, adding: "That is not a decision that has been made at this point."
