As you have probably noticed, there were major changes in staffing at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce in November/December.

Marie Birney and Heather Overy want to take this opportunity to publicly say farewell but not goodbye to the Columbia Valley businesses and communities that they worked and socialized with over the past 11 and six years, respectively.

Life has a way of changing routines and indeed 2010 turned out to be a year of change for both Marie and Heather.

Heather took an extended leave of absence from the Chamber when her husband suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in July – the loss of a family member is devastating and both Heather and the Chamber agreed that she needed time to work through the grieving process.

One of the most difficult decisions that had to be made during her absence was whether or not Heather could return to the Chamber and perform her duties to the maximum benefit of the board of directors and membership.

After much deliberation, she concluded that, at this particular time, she would be unable to provide the quality of service the board and membership were accustomed to, and an amicable arrangement with the Chamber was agreed to.

Marie, on the other hand, had planned her “retirement” for quite some time, but could never follow it through (the membership would not let her); however, after much soul-searching and 11 years of working with the members and local communities in her role as manager of the Columbia Valley Visitor Centre, Marie made the decision that November 30 would definitely be her last day.

The board of directors held a farewell luncheon for Marie and she was presented with a lovely gift in appreciation of her many years of service and commitment to the Chamber and Visitor Centre – as one can imagine, many tears fell during Marie’s words of acceptance to this recognition.

Marie and Heather are still residents of the Columbia Valley and look forward to seeing many of you as they go about their day-to-day activities.

We thank everyone for their support, confidence and guidance given over the years, acknowledging that it was an extremely rewarding experience to work with the membership and communities to actively endorse and promote the economic growth and development in the Columbia Valley.

AND YES, WE’LL STILL BE SHOPPING LOCALLY!!

Respectfully Submitted,

Heather Overy & Marie Birney