Directors, staff and members of the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce celebrated executive director Karin Penner’s 30th anniversary with the chamber during a heartfelt December 11 luncheon.

“Her dedication to the chamber, her love of Cranbrook and her willingness to get involved to make our community a better place to live has been apparent through all of these years,” said the chamber’s Laura Kennedy.

“She has been involved in so many community projects including the BC Summer and Senior Games, Rick Hansen Man in Motion Tour and the 25th Anniversary, Olympic Torch Run, coordinator of the Sweetheart Youth Ambassador Program for 49 years,” she said, skimming the surface of Penner’s involvement in the community.

“She is well known and respected throughout the BC Chamber world. She has been the president of the BC Chamber Executives, we have been named BC Chamber of the Year, Our newsletter has won awards and many people look to Karin for her words of wisdom.”

The packed Heritage Inn conference room was treated to a slide show marking Karin’s career, followed by a standing ovation.

Along with annual awards for attendance, recognizing special guests and the luncheon sponsor, and honouring Karin Penner, a year-in-review is provided.

Traditionally, of late, this came courtesy thespian Tanya Laing-Gahr who could leave people laughing until they snorted bits of turkey and then wiping sentimental tears away.

Unfortunately, in another example of Cranbrook and area’s loss with the departure of Tanya and husband Rusty Gahr to Vernon recently, the Christmas luncheon was down a talented and diverse speaker.

Handed the unenviable task of replacing said speaker was Cranbrook Daily Townsman editor Barry Coulter, who lightly pulled luncheon guests down the road 2013, providing Laing-Gahr-like laughs. Kudos Barry – big shoes to fill.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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