The Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce honoured a long-time employee April 18 during the regular monthly luncheon, held for the first time ever at St. Eugene Resort.

Laura Kennedy was presented with flowers and gifts by chamber president Lana Kirk, fellow staff members and chamber members, honouring her for 30 years of service.

“It’s been a long work placement,” Kirk joked, noting that Laura began working with the chamber in 1982 as a summer work placement position.

In her time serving the chamber, she has watched the membership grow from 100 members to 500 and has been a central figure in many annual community events.

“It was Laura who literally organized Sam Steele Days,” Kirk said.

The chamber president read a host of quotes from current and past community leaders.

“She is one of the most capable, organized people I know,” stated former City of Cranbrook Councillor Liz Schatschneider.

Former chamber president and current city councillor Denise Pallesen noted, “Laura was efficient and could account for every penny.”

Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett, who served two years as chamber president, said Kennedy is “always poised, even eager one might say. Laura was the perfect alter ego for me.”

And former Cranbrook Mayor Ross Priest summed her up by noting, “your work has been outstanding.”

Kirk added she believes Kennedy is never “afraid of a challenge.”

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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