Chamber director reflects on past

And looks to the future …

By OLIVIA KOERNIG

For the Pilot

Whether burning the midnight oil at one of the Whitefish City Council's marathon meetings or rubbing elbows at Taste of Whitefish, Sheila Bowen has become a permanent fixture on the scene in Whitefish.

As director of the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce for going-on six years, Bowen says it's all part of the job description.

"A chamber job in Whitefish — or anywhere — it becomes your life," Bowen said. "It just goes hand-in-hand. A nine-to-five person wouldn't want to head a chamber."

She should know. During her tenure, she's attended hundreds, if not thousands, of city events.

In 2007 alone, 271 events were held in Whitefish. Acting as a liaison between chamber members and the greater community, Bowen believes the only way to really know what's going on is to physically attend what's going on.

"My job is to promote communication and collaboration," Bowen said. "The reason you'll see me at so many meetings and events is because the only way to promote communication or collaboration of efforts is to be involved and have information. I attend meetings so I have a better understanding of all the facets of our community."

But in spite of being in the thick of such contentious issues as the critical areas ordinance or the downtown master plan, Bowen seems removed from the emotional turmoil that has surrounded them.

"I love hearing the other side. I thrive on hearing other people's opinions," Bowen said. "In this job, I can't take an opinion. I work for a board of directors, so opinions that come forth aren't mine personally. Of course, I have an opinion, but as long as I'm in this position, it doesn't count."

It's this type of integrity that has made Bowen not only well known but also well liked in Whitefish. Since taking the job with the chamber, she's watched member numbers swell from just about 300 to more than 550. What's more, Bowen claims to know more than half of them by name.

"I personally meet all of our chamber members when they join, and I do know most of them within their business setting," Bowen said. "It's when I run into them at the grocery store, in a different environment, that's tough. Still, I know half by face and 25 percent more by name. There's still another 25 percent I need to do a better job getting to know."

So for the rest of 2009, that's what Bowen will do. She'll retire Jan. 1 of next year. Until then, she'll continue her prominence in the community and work to ensure a seamless transition.

"After you put this much heart and soul into something, it's hard. And for me to retire will never be a good time," Bowen said. "I want to see my successor be as visible as I've been so there's not a gap. But fresh ideas are always a wonderful thing."

Bowen, who was born in Polson and grew up in Great Falls, plans to spend her retirement sailing along the west coast of the U.S. and Canada with her husband Curt. The so-called "queen of cruising" 'she's been on about 30 cruises' sees more cruise ship adventures in her future.

She'll also spend as much time as possible with her three-year-old granddaughter. Other than that, the future is wide open, and Bowen's legacy will live on.

"Who knows," Bowen said. "I may even come back."