The strength and effectiveness of any organization or nonprofit can usually be traced back to the individuals who occupy its board. When you have the best of the best offering their time, talents and expertise, that’s when your organization can make positive change happen in the community. And when it comes to arts organizations, having individuals with a business background on your board is an invaluable asset.
But what do these individuals gain from volunteering their time? What are they interested in contributing, and why do they support their chosen organizations? We decided to first turn to our own board members to gain some insight.
Caron Hawco is a board member with Business & Arts NL and President of Caron Hawco Group Inc., a consulting company that specializes in Atlantic Canada’s oil and gas and natural resources industries. We spoke with Caron about her support of the province’s arts and cultural industries.
Business & Arts NL: What arts organization(s) do you volunteer for and how long have you been involved? What motivated you to join the board of this particular organization?
Caron Hawco: Since inception. It’s the right thing to do. I have been a supporter of the arts for over 20 years, supporting organizations primarily in the music industry, i.e. Juno Awards, ECMAs. I have also advised clients and corporations on the importance and value of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural industries, advancing sponsorships and business/arts collaborations.
Business & Arts NL: Why do you choose to join the board, rather than volunteering in some other capacity?
CH: It covers the two areas where I am most passionate: arts and culture, and the province’s economic growth and prosperity. By supporting this organization, I am supporting the advancement of our community.
Business & Arts NL: Why do you support the arts? Why is art important?
CH: My pride in our province’s arts and culture goes deep. So often a performance will take my breath away, reminding me of my sense of place and commitment to this extraordinary community. My early involvement as a student in music has helped shape who I am today. Plus I am married to a musician and into a family of extraordinary talent.
Business & Arts NL: What is a recent achievement of the organization you serve that you feel proud of?
CH: Our growth and influence on the community make me feel proud. I enjoy how we collaborate as we develop our narrative and engage in the community.
Bio: Caron is an award-winning communications consultant, public/regulatory affairs strategist, negotiator and facilitator who advises corporate and business leaders, government and industry associations in a variety of sectors including oil and gas and mining. She is also the former Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industry Association (NOIA). From 2008-2015, Caron worked in a variety of management roles for Statoil Canada, serving as a member of its Newfoundland leadership team and contributing to global corporate initiatives. She is currently working as a policy consultant with NLOWE on issues relating to gender and supplier diversity in the petroleum and mining industries.
