Ever wonder who the folks are behind the screen and phone? We've really missed meeting with our members at events this past year. So, here is a behind-the-scenes look at the Delta Chamber to get to know our team a little better!
What's your favourite book?
Garry Shearer (Executive Director): The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
Lydia Elder (Manager of Policy Development, Government & Stakeholder Relations): Good to Great by Jim Collins
David Trotter (Marketing Coordinator): Dangling Man by Saul Bellow & J M Coetzee
Lesley Raymond (Manager of Business Development & Member Engagement): The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern
What's your favourite movie?
Garry: Shawshank Redemption
Lydia: My Neigbour Totoro and John Wick
David: Titanic and/or Inside Llewyn Davis
Lesley: A League of Their Own
What's your favourite thing about working at the Chamber?
Garry: "Connecting with so many different people in our community."
Lydia: "The thing I enjoy most about working for the Chamber is the opportunity to be a cheerleader and advocate for our business community here in Delta. I love finding the “aha!” moments of both strengths and issues across businesses, sectors and commercial districts in Delta and then being able to see the recommendations and changes we’ve been advocating for come to reality; knowing it makes a real world impact on those businesses we serve. "
David: "The collaborative atmosphere of the team—facilitated by the open office space. Also, having a unique opportunity to meet many different people and hear their stories within Delta."
Lesley: "Getting to connect with and support business owners with the mix of skills from my days as a business owner, marketer, and teacher."
What's your favourite thing to do in Delta during the pandemic?
Garry: "Read books and go for long walks."
Lydia: "Our family has been exploring more of the walks & trails in Delta that we’ve never been to before. Our favourites are Burns Bog in North Delta and the Spirit Trails in Ladner."
David: "Delta's great for peaceful walks, the beaches namely. There's also plenty of unique houses to see in each little neighborhood."
Lesley: "Getting outdoors has been great for battling pandemic fatigue - kayaking and walks are good for the brain."
Ladner sunset captured by Lesley
What did you do before working at the Chamber?
Garry: "After 25 years in hi-tech sales and marketing helping to grow start-up tech companies, I retired in 2008 to volunteer full-time taking on leadership roles with Rotary International. I ran for council in 2018 to help business in Delta and ended up joining the Chamber in 2018."
Lydia: "For the five years prior to joining the Chamber, I served as the Executive Director for the Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association and before that as the Human Resources Director and Privacy Officer for a national charity. My career has included a combination of leadership and knowledge specialist roles in the business and nonprofit sectors, and I especially appreciate being able to apply that experience to serving own community."
David: "Shortly before joining the Chamber, I graduated from Capilano University for film. I'm still writing and working on my own projects."
Lesley: "I've had a lot of very different roles: co-owner of a boutique marketing agency, co-founder of a business retreat company, founder of a virtual assistance and social media management company, animal shelter volunteer coordinator, recreation coordinator with Easter Seals, server, jr floral designer, high school teacher."
When you're not working, what do you like to do?
Garry: "Play golf."
Lydia: "I usually love to spend time with friends and family, and to explore both new and favourite places while camping. During COVID I’ve been honing my video game skills playing Minecraft with our two teenage sons, and binge-watching a lot of TV shows on Netflix. 
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David: "I enjoy reading, watching films and writing. Again, mostly with regard to creating my own short films."
Lesley: "Reading (anything WWII-related - memoirs, historical fiction...), hanging out with ponies at Tiny Tales Pony Rescue, binge watching feel-good TV shows like Schitt's Creek and RuPaul's Drag Race."