Former treasurer Allan McNeely is taking the helm of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce.
“Our prime role is to help foster sustainable economic growth on the West Shore and to help sustain a healthy community,” said the new chamber president. “And we are still the voice of the businesses.”
The Langford resident and business owner was honoured to be offered the position and is excited to be the voice of the chamber.
McNeely owns Innovated Access Solutions, which builds and modifies homes for seniors and people with disabilities.
He sat on the chamber board last year as the treasurer. Kyara Kahakauwila, chamber president from 2010-2012, will fill the role of past president to help mentor McNeely.
“He brings a very strong personality and an inclusive personality to the board,” said Kahakauwila. “He has a very distinct idea of how he would like see his meeting run and he is careful not to stifle other board members’ ideas. He knows how to discuss ideas calmly and he is very patient.”
Chamber CEO Dan Spinner is also very excited to see McNeely step up to the plate.
“Our board members believe strongly about our charter. They really believe in it, and you need a leader to really believe in it too. Allan really does,” said Spinner. “I think he’ll make a good president.”
The 600-member chamber has a 14-member board.
“Allan runs a small business, he is a very typical member,” Spinner added.
charla@goldstreamgazette.com