Thank You, Tom Welch, for your professional leadership and committment

A wonderful part of my position as Board Chair of GSDBA is the opportunity to thank people who volunteer to make important decisions.  They set aside their valuable time to help our Chamber create an environment where the LGBT community can develop and grow their dreams of owning a successful business or pursue their professional goals.   It is always an honor to work with these professional leaders in their passion to serve others, in their drive to help GSDBA members create opportunities for financial success while advocating for our values of diversity and opportunity.  These are values that benefit the LGBT Community and the Greater San Diego area.

Tom Welch served the GSDBA on the Board of Directors from Sept 2008 to Oct 2012.  During that time he served on the Inaugural Committee that celebrated the 30^th Anniversary Celebration of GSDBA and established the Annual Awards Event and continued to serve on the Awards Luncheon Committee through 2012.  He was elected to serve as the Vice Chair while Jon Borgeson served as Board Chair. 

Tom’s professional skill and appreciation for detail were key to GSDBA comprehensively reviewing and updating the extensive GSDBA Policies and Procedures.    Working with Tom Luhnow and others, he completed this undertaking to provide clearer direction, easier and more effective execution of policies, services and procedures while incorporating new policies guidelines to improve transparency and communication.  These enhancements allow the GSDBA to serve GSDBA Members while improving communication between the CEO, the Board of Directors, and GSDBA Members.  Tom served as GSDBA Board Chair for the last 18 months of his service.

Tom left the Board of Directors when the bank where he worked was acquired by Pacific Commerce Bank.   Tom Welch now serves as the Senior Vice President and SBA Department Manager at Pacific Commerce Bank. 

Tom Welch will not be able to attend this year’s GSDBA Business Awards Luncheon.   Rest assured that at a future GSDBA event, we will make present any of your e-mails and notes of appreciation to him, along with our famed “Crystal Gavel” Honor which we present to those individuals who serve as Board Chairs of GSDBA.

Tom wanted me to communicate how much he enjoyed meeting new members and new people as he served GSDBA.  He values the opportunity to serve and lead on the Board and has looks forward to watching the organization continue to grow and develop as it did while he served. 

His last words in our visit were that I would publically share his thanks with the Greater San Diego Business Association Board of Directors for their volunteer leadership, contributions, and dedication to working with him to make GSDBA a better organization.  He truly appreciates each of the Directors investment of their time, skills, and professional insight as they serve to make the decisions that continue to make GSDBA a valuable organization in San Diego and the LGBT Community.