THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY

Tammy Morin Nakashima

Lifelong Friendships in a Nascar Race

As my Presidency comes to a close, I reflect that the past 2 years have felt as if I were fronting a mountain to climb—while being propelled in a Nascar event.

The cross-training for the mountain—serving on committees, participating at stakeholder functions, representing BC Notaries, and sitting on the Executive—was an invaluable education. Not only did I have the opportunity to forge lifetime friendships, I enjoyed contributing to the strength and integrity of BC Notaries, an organization I love so dearly.

The Nascar race? Pedal-to-themetal to get the job done while still running a full-time Notary office.

I just can’t believe how quickly the time has passed! There were so many events, challenges, accomplishments, and goals on the journey. Despite that, I am crossing my finish line and there are more races to enter. We must continue to be ready—tune the car, fill the tank, and be poised to manage balance and power as we propel forward.

So where are we now and what has happened this past year?

In our Strategic Plan, we identified priorities and we stayed the target. We promoted our objective to remain visible to the BC Government— supporting their vision of Access to Justice and the federal vision, too, and understanding the desire of all British Columbians who want broader access to legal services. I emphasize that BC Notaries are poised to fill that void.

Notaries have participated in Make-a-Will Week, the Property Transfer Tax, and First-time Home Buyer Mortgage programs launched by the Government. We are keen to prioritize matters to support the public’s easy access to legal services including concerns relevant to our purpose and to the purpose of many stakeholders in our province, in Canada, and around the world.

Being part of all that BC Notaries are accomplishing has made an exciting Presidency.

I’ve steered with confidence because of a well-oiled machine— a Board of intelligent, committed professionals who are devoted to BC Notaries.

Being part of all that BC Notaries are accomplishing has made an exciting Presidency. I thank BC Notaries for the privilege of serving you and I thank my clients for their understanding and patience during my 2-year tenure.

I conclude by saying that as of this year, we are forever changed. We meet our future . . . poised, strong, and capable because we had a Fearless Leader—one man-in-a-million— relentlessly dedicated to BC Notaries.

Wayne Braid was ambitious enough to dream for all of us; hardworking enough to implement measures for those dreams to be realized—skilled to handle all that came his way. A man of character and integrity who represented BC Notaries well . . . a personable leader who took the time to know people’s names.

Without his passion and commitment to BC Notaries, we would not have realized the successes we have to date. I know I am not alone when I say I am going to immensely miss you as our Chief, Mr. Wayne Braid, and feel forever grateful that you have touched our lives—not just for the professional work you’ve done but for the man you are.

Thank you for serving BC Notaries for 17 years!

We welcome our new CEO Jacqui Mendes and Executive Director John Mayr who are equipped, enthusiastic, and ready to lead us into our future.

I look forward to serving in an ex-officio position behind my colleague, the capable and qualified new President Rhoda Witherly!

Be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart, and strong enough to live the life you’ve always imagined. - Author unknown s