Jane Sharpe leaving chamber
Summerside Chamber of Commerce looking for new executive director
Jane Sharpe will soon be retiring from the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce.
Sharpe has served as the organization’s executive director since March 2013.
She informed the chamber’s board several weeks ago that she would be departing this month
It’s sad to leave behind a job she loves, but exciting to be moving on to other things, said Sharpe.
“I’ve really enjoyed the time. It’s been a really interesting experience,” she said.
“I’m a small town girl, but I worked in downtown Toronto for almost 30 years. So I’ve loved the experience of living and working in a place where I can get to know so many people.”
During her tenure, Sharpe helped the chamber navigate some turbulent years as its long-time fundraiser and community trade show, the Showcase, came to an end.
She’s particularly proud of the efforts that followed in holding two economic conferences that discussed moving Summerside forward economically. This year also saw the launch of Choose Summerside, which is a campaign to highlight the community’s strengths.
As for what comes next for Sharpe – she has some big plans.
“I’m going to sit on my front porch, look at the water and pet my dogs. That’s my plan,” she said.
But she will still be involved with the chamber on a volunteer basis, at least for this year. She will be helping with the Choose Summerside initiative and with the annual business excellence awards.
Chamber president, Dan Kutcher, said he is sorry to see Sharpe go, but happy for her that she is able to start this new chapter in her life.
“Jane has left the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce in a much better position than when she found us,” said Kutcher.
He also said that organization will start the process of hiring a new executive director. A job posting will be going out soon and a new person should in place by September.
The Chamber is also organizing a retirement party for Sharpe. It is being held Aug. 9 at the Silver Fox, starting at 6 p.m.