Knowing who to ask to get results

Getting things done. It’s what we all hope will happen once we wrap up our meetings, finalize our strategic planning and sharpen our pitches.
For Darlene Hollstein, The Bay Centre’s General Manager, there’s never a better time than now when it comes to negotiating new business. A former board chair with The Chamber, Hollstein understands just how powerful social networking can be for getting things done.
“Darlene just came up to me at a mixer and we started talking about business right away,” recalls Shaun Cerisano, Manager of Philanthropy for the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation. “She said I need to meet you and this is what we need to do.”
The meeting led to The Bay Centre fully embracing the BCCHF’s annual Festival of Trees. Last year, a record 83 decorated trees helped light up The Bay Centre over the holidays and raised more than $170,000.
“The Festival of Trees is something our consumers value so the relationship is highly beneficial. The festival doesn’t feel like a commercial experience. It is a genuine family experience.”
Hollstein and Cerisano actually shared a Chamber connection before they met. Though they didn’t realize it until later, Cerisano chairs the Chamber’s Prodigy Group while Darlene is on the Board of Governors as a past chair of the Board of Directors.
For Darlene Hollstein, The Bay Centre’s General Manager, there’s never a better time than now when it comes to negotiating new business. A former board chair with The Chamber, Hollstein understands just how powerful social networking can be for getting things done.
“Darlene just came up to me at a mixer and we started talking about business right away,” recalls Shaun Cerisano, Manager of Philanthropy for the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation. “She said I need to meet you and this is what we need to do.”
The meeting led to The Bay Centre fully embracing the BCCHF’s annual Festival of Trees. Last year, a record 83 decorated trees helped light up The Bay Centre over the holidays and raised more than $170,000.
“The Festival of Trees is something our consumers value so the relationship is highly beneficial. The festival doesn’t feel like a commercial experience. It is a genuine family experience.”
Hollstein and Cerisano actually shared a Chamber connection before they met. Though they didn’t realize it until later, Cerisano chairs the Chamber’s Prodigy Group while Darlene is on the Board of Governors as a past chair of the Board of Directors.
Read the stories about how these Chamber members met
![]() Getting results often means knowing who can help you get things done. READ DARLENE AND SHAUN'S STORY HERE ![]() How did the Chamber help develop the boardroom skills of two prominent business people? READ JOHN AND RAHIM'S STORY HERE ![]() A new generation of leaders sharing innovation and energy to inspire positive change. READ JARED AND BRIANNA'S STORY HERE ![]() |
![]() Find out how certain business truths connected two members of the Chamber. READ FRANK AND STEPHEN'S STORY HERE ![]() Neighbours with a long history and strong cultures learn how they can better help each other READ CHRISTINA AND JASON'S STORY HERE |