Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Orange.
Dawn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Most people who work for a Chamber of Commerce do not grow up saying….that’s what I want to do when I get older. I am no different. I had been laid off from the computer world when I saw an ad in the paper to run the Salado Chamber of Commerce. In looking at the job description, I thought to myself, I think I can do that. That position started me on a path of wanting to be an advocate for not only business owners but people in general. I stepped away from the Chamber for awhile but found myself back at home to stay with the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce. My time away allowed me to gain skills that help me gain my current roll of COO.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life throws you curveballs along your journey, but if you take those lessons, good or bad, and do not let them define you, you will continue down the path you were meant to be on. Working for a Chamber means having a new Board Chair every year. Each one has their own style and opinions. I struggled with one in particular who liked to micromanage, change things, and thought we could all read their mind and knew what they wanted when they wanted. The incoming Chair saw me struggling and said to me….”Remember, you can only control what you can control.” That has stayed with me ever since and I try to remember it when needed.
I spent over 10 years working in City Government in multiple positions, including Human Resources. While in HR, I handled workers’ compensation. Based on my report, someone’s claim was denied. That person was a co-worker of my husband’s, and ultimately, that person lost their job. I had to learn not to take to the harsh words and things along that nature personally. I have had to learn to show compassion yet still do what is necessary for the good of whatever scope of work is attached.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce’s chief operating officer (COO), I help manage the Chamber’s daily operations, ensuring that the organization runs efficiently and fulfills its mission to support local businesses and the community. I also help with multiple aspects of organizing our Annual 4th of July Celebration. I am privileged to work with our Leadership Belton group each year, helping them connect with community leaders and learn more about our community. Our community is filled with non-profits, and we get to help tell their stories so that they can further impact the lives around us.
How do you think about happiness?
Giving back makes me happy. I was taught it is better to give than receive. So often today, we take so many things for granted when in truth, somewhere, someone has it worse than you. Whether it’s giving of your time or talents, it makes me happy if I can make someone’s day a little better.
Spending time with my family makes me happy as well. I am fortunate to be a part of a large family so whenever we are able to get together, I feel blessed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beltonchamber.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beltonchamber/
