Discover Kalispell CEO Guided by Integrity, Gives All Credit to Others for Successes

Lorraine Clarno
Lorraine Clarno, ACE
President and CEO, Discover Kalispell (MT) Chamber of Commerce
2023 Chair of the Board of W.A.C.E.

Background

Personal: Born in Sarnia, Ontario, raised in Hong Kong, Korea and Australia. Married 35 years, two grown children.

Education: B.S. in business and economics from Simon Fraser University, British Columbia.

Chamber Experience:

• 1988–1995: Served on the Puyallup (WA) and Lacey (WA) Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Ambassador, Education committees.

• 1995: Hillsboro (OR) Chamber of Commerce: Committee/Program Director, School to Work Director for Washington County.

• 2000–2020: President/CEO Beaverton Area (OR) Chamber of Commerce.

• 2020–Current: President/CEO, Discover Kalispell (MT) Chamber of Commerce.

Business Philosophy

Guiding Principles: Integrity and service to others in all facets of life.

Yardstick of Success: Tenure and success of my staff and leadership.

Advice to Others: Give all the credit for success to others and take all the blame for missteps.

Judgment Calls

Best Business Decision: Sunsetting the Taste of Beaverton and moving the chamber away from an event-driven organization.

Worst Business Decision: Rushing a hire decision.

One-Word Description of You: Disrupter.

True Confessions

Like Best about Current Job: Endless opportunities for change and supportive resources.

Interests/Hobbies: Cooking, snow shoeing, hiking, DOGS!

Pet Peeve: Oh, so many . . . people who do not respond within 24 hours.

Your No. 1 Strength: Determined.

Things You Need to Work on: Patience and focus.

First Choice for a New Career: Winery/dog rescue owner.

Predilections

Favorite Book: Currently — If You Want Something Done by Nikki Haley; learned so much about amazing women leaders.

Favorite Movie: “Top Gun Maverick.”

Favorite Quote: “Don’t know the secret to success, but the secret to failure is trying to please everyone.”

Favorite Song: Depends on the mood I’m in. To get pumped up — Alicia Keys, “This Girl Is on Fire.”

Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere camping in the mountains, lakes, and rivers.

Favorite Way to Spend Free Time: With family!