As a successful small business owner, Dawn and her husband, Bob, have owned the H&R Block tax preparation franchise in Sechelt since 1996.  Since 1985, Dawn has also operated a successful company that provides training and consulting services to businesses and organizations throughout BC. Dawn’s community service includes being: -          Director and Vice-Chair with Community Futures Development Corporation of the Sunshine Coast -          A reviewer for the Aspire Self-Employment program -          Past Board Chair of Gibsons United Church -          Vice-President Education of the Beachcombers Advanced Toastmasters Club and -          Former co-host of Clearly Coastal, a three-hour weekly public radio program. Provincially, Dawn served as the first Chair of the Women’s Enterprise Society of BC, the first Chair of the BC Regional Science and Technology Network and was a founding member of both organizations.  Dawn has been recognized for her many contributions, including: -          Business Woman of the Year in Prince George -          One of the finalists for the Citizen of the Year, and -          Women and Leadership Award – BC North and Yukon sponsored by UNBC and the Minerva Foundation We can make a difference on the Sunshine by:   Working together towards sustainable communities ·         Diversification - Expanded work opportunities for families and individuals. ·         Sector development – tourism, forestry, marine and aviation businesses. ·         Education & skills training – expanded post-secondary and trades offerings. Enhancing our quality of life ·         A cleaner environment – saving energy, water and fuel to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions ·         Affordable housing - Increasing access to affordable housing for families and individuals ·         Seniors’ services – housing, access to care, transportation ·         Child care – increased access to meet changing needs ·         Supporting local food producers in the economically viable production and marketing of safe, locally produced agricultural products Improving transportation systems ·         Transit – improving access to service ·         Highway safety – alternate routing and increased safety ·         Ferries