Leaving after a job well Dunn

By roger knox Morning Star Staff Sep 23 2007

Downtown Vernon Association president leaves his mark. The chance to move back to his hometown was too much for Malcom Dunn to resist. Dunn has stepped down as president of the Downtown Vernon Association to take a position with G.E. Capital in Prince George, starting Monday. “I’ll be doing commercial equipment financing with them,” said Dunn, who moved to Vernon from Cranbrook 10 years ago, and worked at CIBC and Kal-Mor Mortgages. “My wife (Sara) and I both grew up there so we’re excited to be going home. Vernon has been very good to our family (including children Scott and Maddie). “We know we’re leaving one of the best places to live in the world. It’s been a lot of fun in this community.”

Dunn became involved in the business affairs in Vernon shortly after his arrival. He was on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce for five years, and served as chamber president for one year. He was on the DVA board for nearly three years, and was elected president in 2006, and re-elected in 2007. Dunn was also a director of the North Okanagan Employment Enhancement Society, and a treasurer of the St. John’s Ambulance.

As he leaves, Dunn feels he’s left his mark on the community. “I’d like to think the business community is a little more visible and vocal, and I think the chamber has become a very viable organization,” said Dunn. Earl Hansen, executive director of the DVA, said Dunn has always been a solid supporter of the downtown, investing considerable time and energy into his volunteer responsibilities. “Malcom actively and tirelessly worked towards a strong, vibrant downtown,” said Hansen. “When necessary, he was not shy about taking the DVA’s case to government bodies or the media on vital issues affecting the economic viability of downtown.”

One of Dunn’s biggest accomplishments was improving security downtown by helping to raise money to hire commissionaires. “Malcom put pressure on government bodies and law enforcement agencies to do their part to clean up downtown,” said Hansen. Dunn was honoured at a Business After 5 function with a picture of Prince George, while Sara received a bouquet of flowers. Dunn’s replacement as DVA president will be Nola Neilson of Creatabls Clothing.