Dean Dave’s term as Chair of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce ends with a flourish
Posted on Thursday, January 24th, 2013
On Tuesday January 22, Dave Donaldson, Dean of the School of Business at Algonquin College, was honored as the outgoing Chair of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. City officials and industry leaders gathered at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier to bear witness as he passed the torch to Mark Sutcliffe, broadcaster, author, and member of the Algonquin College Board of Governors.
In an article published in the Ottawa Business Journal last week, Dave reflected on his experience as Chair.
“My time at the Chamber has given me a unique perspective on the dynamic and diverse business community in Ottawa. I hope that what I have learned will assist us in developing even better and more integrated programs in the School of Business and that the Ottawa business community has a better perspective of Algonquin College and its place in the Ottawa community.”
The article went on to highlight one of the main differences the Chamber experienced under Dave’s leadership – its relationship with City Hall.
“We made a lot of progress there, where we were trying to get away from reacting to what city hall was doing and more influencing city hall and I think Dave was very, very effective in that,” said Erin Kelly, the former executive director who was with the chamber during much of Mr. Donaldson’s time in the position. She cited his willingness to take a stand on contentious matters of public policy – rather than talking until a consensus was reached within the business community – as one of the main factors.
To cap off the event, Dave was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by Mayor Jim Watson. Dave was nominated by Deputy Mayor Steve Desroches for his outstanding contributions to both the Chamber and the city.
Congratulations Dave! Thank you for your continued and tireless efforts for the Algonquin College community and the City of Ottawa.
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