Back in 2006, shortly after opening my doors for business, I was invited to attend a networking event sponsored by the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) Westmorland Albert, located in Shediac, NB. The hostess of that event was their Executive Director, a vibrant lady by the name of Karen Robinson. I, being the shy and retiring type of gal I am (NOT!) struck up a conversation with her where she asked me tons of questions about what a “Virtual Assistant” was and the type of services I had to offer to the public.
I was still fine-tuning my offerings as it were, and happened to mention to her that I loved to help other entrepreneurs promote their businesses by writing articles for them to include in their newsletters/ezines, or for publication on the web. Before she walked away, she told me that she’d give me a ring in a couple of weeks as she had an idea in mind of how she’d like to promote the CBDC and thought I might be able to help her out.
Sure enough. Shortly after our first meeting, Karen called me and invited me to come out to the CBDCs office to get together with her and some of her staff to brainstorm some ideas.
And so began an almost ten year work relationship between myself, Karen, and the team of wonderful people at CBDC Westmorland Albert.
Over the years, that initial meeting between Karen and me has morphed into a combination of part business and part friendship, with healthy doses of laughter always included in our conversations and dealings. I’ve watched this dynamo of a lady work tirelessly championing causes for rural entrepreneurs, always believing in that every business owner is capable of success if they have the right tools and training.
Today, July 29th, 2016, at 4:30 pm, Karen is “hanging up her hat” as the saying goes and retiring from her position at the CBDC. I hesitated typing that word “retiring” as that is not a word anyone would associate with this lady.
I’d like to tell her to relax, read some good books at the beach, and enjoy an occasional glass of wine, but something tells me she’s not quite finished with her desire to help others. I highly doubt she’s going to quietly fade into the sunset, never to be heard from again as that’s just not her style.
I do, however, know I’m going to miss her ongoing presence in my life, as will so many others.
So….
“And here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson,
Jesus loves you more than you will know.
God bless you, please Mrs. Robinson.
Heaven holds a place for those who pray,
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey.”*
Enjoy your “time off” Mrs. Karen. You deserve it!
*Lyrics from the song, Mrs. Robinson, copyright 1967, “Bookends” by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.
This is such a beautiful write up. I want to wish you a Happy and Healthy retirement Karen. But you will not be really retiring, there is so much to see and do yet.
Enjoy and wishing you the very best always Karen,
from your friend since early school days, ” Heather (Spence) Black.
Thanks so much Heather! If I am as busy as you are, I know I won’t be bored. Yes, we do go back a long way….all our lives really!
So very happy for you Karen. Now do enjoy your change of space. Retirement, once you get the hang of it is pretty good.
Thanks Lynn – another one of my childhood friends and schoolmates! I love your quilts but I am quite sure I will choose another hobby as I don’t have your aptitude!
I first met Karen when our sons played soccer together. Throughout the years a number of brief contacts through work. Karen , for me , represents a courteous, friendly, positive , professional and smiling individual. Congratulations on your retirement your friend,
Jeannine Burton
Thanks Jeannine and so great to hear from you! Our boys are now all grown up….how time flies….seems like yesterday my friend!