Page 6 - Helena Chamber B2B Spring22

CATHY BURWELL – 23 YEARS AT THE HELM OF THE HELENA CHAMBER
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By Cathy Burwell
Cathy Burwell’s first Helena Area Chamber professional photo, 2000
Photo Credit: Helena Photography
In reflecting on my time in Helena and as a Chamber executive, the first thing that comes to mind that might be unusual is that in 31 years of leading chambers (23 in Helena, 8 in Dillon), I’ve had 31 bosses! The CEO reports directly to the Board Chair and that position changes every year. I will say that all of them have been awesome, and they all had their differences in leadership style. Adapting every year was a little challenging, however sometimes I think it just made my job more interesting!
As I look back at some of the things I’m most proud of during my tenure, I would like to first mention that these accomplishments were not mine alone.The great team of staff members that I’ve been blessed to work with helped me to accomplish my goals.
Being one of the first Chambers across the U.S. to move to a tiered dues structure was huge for our Chamber. The first year alone, it increased our dues income by $90,000. We found that members wanted to choose the level of investment and benefits instead of having this dictated by the number of employ- ees as done prior to this.
Creating the Helena WINS program and mak- ing it a full-time focus of the Chamber helped
members to appreciate that their number one issue – workforce – was being addressed through programs and other efforts that make a huge difference. Hiring the right person to be our full-time director took this program to a high-level of performance.
Having a full-time lobbyist, Ronda Wiggers, for every legislative session was huge for the Helena Chamber to really stand up for business and make a difference in the outcomes of bills that would either help
or hinder businesses. For example, some important legislative changes we worked on have saved businesses up to 20% on their workers compensation premiums. Our weekly reports during each session, along with reports of every city commission meeting, keeps our membership informed. This is a valuable benefit for membership.
In recent years, I became so very proud of the Chamber’s efforts during the heavily impacted COVID-19 years of 2020 and 2021. Under my leadership, we became the go-to source of information for ALL businesses
and we promoted ALL businesses during shutdowns (no matter if they were Chamber members). We worked hard to keep the restrictions business friendly and to help businesses overcome restrictions that hit their bottom line.
Over the last decade, we have strived to ensure that the Chamber was relevant and essential to our members; especially the younger leaders who will soon be the core of this organization. Our HLN (Helena Leaders Network) has a new mentorship program and provides many learning and social opportu- nities.
For the Community of Helena, during my time at the helm, we helped pass the mill levies for the new schools and the jail.
The Chamber worked tirelessly to support the build of the Custer interchange which involved the south interchange and upgrad-
ing the Cedar St. interchange. Our tourism efforts increased visitation to the Capital City greatly as a we marketed Helena as the half- way point between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Our SWISH tournament im- pacted the economy by 3⁄4 to 1 million dollars per year. We also hosted a successful Blue Angels airshow and the State High School Rodeo for 3 years.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of serving on a national board of directors for chambers (ACCE) and also served as their Treasurer and Audit Chair. I’ve served on many local boards and some regional and statewide boards, as well. The Chamber has always invested in training for the CEO and staff which has served the membership and community well over the 23 years I was CEO.
And now, it is time to “ride off into the sunset” and begin life after Chamber! I am so grateful for the huge honor of serving as President/ CEO of the Helena Chamber and know that my successor will take the Chamber to new heights of success!
Thanks for the memories! :)
Cathy Burwell’s last Helena Area Chamber professional photo, 2022
Photo Credit: Mark LaRowe
6 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION
VISION: Catalyst for growth; Convener of leaders and influencers; Champion for a thriving community. MISSION: Engaging and supporting businesses to facilitate economic growth and community prosperity.