Gwen Fisher owns Pure Elements Hair Design & Bodyworks Ltd. and in December 2008 was elected as president of the Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce for 2009. As a way to help out local residents in tougher economic times, in 2010 she has developed a 3-level price structure for her salon services at her Pure Elements Hair Design & Bodyworks in Sooke.

Here is the season's greetings message to the Sooke community that Gwen Fisher contributed to MapleLine Magazine's Holiday 2009 issue (released Nov.4, 2009):

My business vision for 2010 is for the Chamber, the tourism association, and possibly a festivals group to work together pooling resources in order to operate a more efficient, consistent, sustainable organization. This way the boards can advise and staff keeps things running smoothly. With strong representation and well trained staff the sky is the limit for our business community, especially since tourism is our main industry.

An additional hotel with conference center will be a great opportunity for Sooke. This can only help overall economic growth of our businesses and community by expanding the range of opportunities for product and service marketing. The new hotel will also provide an opportunity for local employment, which will in turn provide a chance for increased profit to other local businesses.

Our town is composed of distinct business groupings, such as marine, realty, construction, retail, arts and crafts, publishing, education, and repair. My business does not always directly benefit from event-based tourism, but when my fellow business owners benefit, they can afford to treat themselves in my spa or renovate their homes, as well as employ more people.

As business owners we sometimes feel overwhelmed by the constant requests for donations to fundraising efforts by various organizations. We are approached by the arts, sports, schools, service organizations and charities with requests for financial contributions. These organizations put on fantastic events that bring visitor dollars to our town. When we show our gratitude to volunteers for their unpaid efforts it makes a big difference in the possibilities of events going forward. We all know the time and effort it takes to put on a tournament, art show, or music festival. Imagine if these organizations had to manage entirely without some additional support. What would happen to the morale and tourism in our town if we did not have volunteers to add the spark and spice?

To all residents of Sooke, please “shop local”; it really benefits the town as a whole. Working together to keep our resources within Sooke is a sensible way to survive this challenging economy. Before we go afar to purchase something we should try to check it out locally. Shopping here at home may be additionally convenient in winter, as the roads leading from Sooke require extra-careful attention. The spinoff from shopping locally is huge; the more that is spent in our neighbourhood, the more jobs we are providing for ourselves and our children. When the businesses are profiting, it is also possible for us to make those much needed donations. If we all make an additional effort to shop locally, the community will work like magic and prosper. We may not have a lot happening downtown yet but what we do have really rocks. ~ Gwen Fisher, President, Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce

LEADERSHIP PROFILE ~ MM