Name: Jim Mains
Current employer or place of business: Ed Lynch Estate and High Five Media
Organization(s) I volunteer with: Newly elected to Identity Clark County; Leadership Clark County; Vancouver Farmers Market Foundation; Consumer Voices are Born; Neighbors on Watch; Northwest Neighborhood Association; Friends of the Elder Justice Center; Hello Vancouver; “Between Two Friends” (WSUV radio show); Vancouver Side video blog.
How I got involved: I love this community. I was born and raised here in Vancouver and I have always felt a strong connection to our city. I worked in ministry for many years and never realized how I could duplicate what I did for others in the faith community to organizations that were in great need of support and volunteers outside the faith community.
Why I give back: For the last decade I have had the great honor of working with Ed and Dollie Lynch. That was an experience that taught me firsthand how the smallest action can leave a lasting impact on a family, organization or city. Sometimes you never know the difference you are making in other people’s lives.
Proudest moment as a volunteer: In 2011 I became president of the Vancouver Farmers Market and with the support of an amazing board we turned the organization around. That sense of accomplishment really inspired me to continue to get involved in our community. Over the years I’ve learned that anyone can make a difference – you just have to make time.
What local challenge or issue are you most passionate about? Creating future leaders. I believe we need to start cultivating our next generation to give back and get involved. The single most important way we can impact our community is to focus on leadership development. John Maxwell said it best: “There is also no limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders and continually develops them.”
Just for fun: What are your hidden talents? I’ve been told I can do a pretty good Michael Jackson impersonation, and my wife and I go all out when we decorate for the holidays.
“Paying it Forward: Volunteer Businessperson of the Week” is sponsored by Pacific Continental Bank.