New Chamber director wants to broaden the base of leadership

By Gloria I. Wang

Janice Balfour is a person who can claim to have "been there, done that." The new executive director of the Los Gatos Chamber Commerce has a variety of interests and a diverse background.

Balfour, who was hired March 15, and started her position March 26, said that working in the Chamber is a "good fit" of what she likes to do. Balfour said that she loves Los Gatos, likes working with business owners and enjoys "building and growing an organization."

As executive director, Balfour is responsible for increasing and retaining membership of the Chamber, overseeing Chamber staff and finances, handling the town information center and promoting the community through various events. Balfour's experience as ambassador and member of the Portland Chamber of Commerce contributed to the skills she needs in her new position.

A recent arrival to Silicon Valley, Balfour and her husband moved to San Jose last April, after her husband received a job offer in the area. "I married a high-tech man," Balfour said, laughing. Moving to California brought Balfour closer to her daughter, a senior at UC-Santa Cruz, who is leaving for the Peace Corps in October.

Previously, Balfour lived in Vancouver, Wash., for 11 years and ran her own business. Balfour's company put together a directory of businesses in the Vancouver area, publishing a small, flat pamphlet that had contact information, as well as advertisements. Balfour said that the size of the directory was more attractive and useful than having a bulky booklet the size of the Yellow Pages.

In the years leading up to having her own business, Balfour worked in the marketing department of a bank for 10 years and as a resource coordinator for Habitat for Humanity. "When I found out that Habitat was building a house in Los Gatos, I was so excited," Balfour said. "They do what they say they're going to do."

In addition to helping people, Balfour enjoys traveling. She has been to Europe three times, Mexico, Canada (where she was born) and Japan twice--to visit a foreign exchange student who stayed in her home 15 years ago.

Balfour's other passions include reading an "eclectic" assortment of books for pleasure, camping and, most surprisingly, riding motorcycles. She is just beginning to ride her Honda motorcycle by herself, but dreams of owning a Harley one day. "I'm pretty adventurous," Balfour said.

Balfour spent most of her life living in Arizona, after moving there as a child for health reasons.

"But I got tired of the weather and moved up north," said Balfour. There, she earned a master's degree in business administration from City University in Portland.

The previous Chamber executive director, Sheri Lewis, retired at the end of January. As soon as Lewis announced her retirement, the Chamber's board of directors formed a search committee and recruited heavily. According to board member Diane McNutt, the Chamber received 30 applications. Out of the 30, eight or 10 applicants were interviewed, and the pool was eventually narrowed down.

"Janice seemed ideal because of what we needed. We needed someone who could understand business, who could understand the community," McNutt said. Balfour also fit the part of being someone who had sales and marketing experience, but could perform administrative duties.

Since she is so new at the job, Balfour said that she hasn't yet formed specific goals or plans. "I think that we can broaden the base of leadership," said Balfour, who wants to get members more actively involved in Chamber activities. Balfour also hopes to implement new programs and events in the future.

Chamber of Commerce director Janice Balfour hopes to increase member involvement

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