The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Office Manager Laura Kennedy for 40 years (and counting) of hard work with the chamber.

Laura has been a point of strength and consistency for the chamber for decades and continues to grow with the organization. Kennedy tried to retire in 2019, but it was short-lived as she was asked to return soon after to help with a leadership transition. She then chose to stay and support her team and the business community through the pandemic and beyond.

The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce would also like to thank Kennedy for her unyielding devotion to the community and acknowledge the role she has played in building the chamber to its current capacity, growing the membership from 60 members to a membership that currently includes over one third of Cranbrook Business Licenses.

Kennedy also plays a key role in volunteering with and supporting many other organizations in the community including the Sam Steele Society and Rotary Clubs of Cranbrook.

Laura Kennedy has accomplished too many incredible things to list, but one of her many noteworthy accomplishments includes being one of only four individuals recruited by the Ministry of Tourism in the early years of its visitor services program to develop the original training manual for Visitor Information Centres in B.C.

Karin Penner, former Executive Director of the Cranbrook Chamber said, “Congratulations and thank you Laura for your 40 years of service. Forty years is a long time for an employee to be with one organization. I know it is because you believe so strongly in the chamber movement, have the greatest respect for the members, and a passion and love for this community. We experienced a lot throughout the years – know that the experience is the highlight of my life.”

According to Helen Barron, current Executive Director of the Cranbrook Chamber, “Laura Kennedy is an inspiring woman who does so much for the community every day. She has worked tirelessly and with deep integrity to build this chamber. I feel truly fortunate to work along-side someone of her calibre, with the vast experience she has, as we move through recovery from the pandemic and into a new era for the chamber.”

Laura is known for kindness, dedication, spirit, and a heartfelt laugh, bringing strength, experience, and a sincere appreciation and understanding of our business community. She continues to enthusiastically encourage the evolution of the chamber as it moves towards new and exciting opportunities; the Cranbrook Chamber considers itself extremely fortunate to have her.

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