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One week ago Mike Carter penned his “Last Column” confirming to all that he is retiring from his position as Executive Director of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce. What Mike didn’t mention was that he has led the Chamber for the last 8 years during which time he was involved in most of the events and happenings within the valley. Mike is a humble man so he has not ‘boasted’ of his successes, however; there are some obvious accolades due to this man. First, this building that houses us is a fantastic achievement that has much to do with Mike’s relentless pursuit of funding through grant applications and a commitment to the end result. Today we have a most welcoming structure that greets our guests as they approach this little paradise that we know as Port Alberni. Mike Carter deserves our thanks!
Reading through his organized files I can see that Mike was and always has been involved in committees and associations be they for sports, arts, tourism or whatever other request crossed his desk. As example, Mike left me a note that referenced some event that happened a couple of years ago right here at our office location. Reading on I discovered that the Board of Directors at the time suggested that a Mini- Golf would be an excellent addition to the event. So, Mike built one. Fortunately for me that skill is not listed as part of the overall job description. 
And today as Mike prepares for his next chapter in what no doubt is an eventful if not somewhat mysterious book, he is out there working hard ensuring that the Russian hockey tournament coming to Port Alberni in just a few weeks goes off without a hitch. He tells me in passing this morning that he needs to feed 100 people, but has no budget. While I don’t know this humble man very well, I am willing to wager that those 100 people; they’ll be well fed that evening; cause Mike Carter is looking after it.  
As a concluding statement about Mike I’d like to remark on a comment received quite recently where a well-known community business person suggested to me that “Bill, you have big shoes to fill.”
 My comment. He’s right.
 Moving forward: Let’s bring our full support to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs as they embark on their playoff journey starting Friday night in Nanaimo and returning here on Monday, March 18th and 19th.
 As well, on a slightly different topic my thanks to Pat Deakin at City Hall for inviting many community members to a recent webinar with the subject of the ‘Art of Branding a Community.’ The presentation was excellent and is one that I encourage you to take a look at. Feel free to contact our office and we’ll provide the link for you. Available only until March 22. [email protected] or [email protected]
Bill Collette
 
"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey