Downtime with Lisa Farquharson


Courtesy of Lisa Farquharson

Relaxing with the president and CEO of The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce 

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What are you reading?

I’m reading Kate Wilhelm’s Barabara Holloway series and recently finished Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz. I love reading a good mystery.

What are you watching?

I am a crime-show junkie: CSI, NCIS, Cold Case and Criminal Minds. When I need just a feel-good, heartwarming type of movie to create heart smiles, I look to Disney and musicals.

What are you listening to?

You will always find music playing in my office, home and the car. You will hear Jonny Diaz and Christian music of all genres, a great mix of the ’80s, but at work it is either the Piano Guys or instrumental film scores so I don’t start singing out loud with the music while in my office.

What is your must-have gadget?

My smartphone is with me 24/7, and I rely on it for all things work, as my camera to capture the moment, and my connection to family, friends and our chamber members.

What are your hobbies/interests?

I have been a card maker and scrapbooker for quite a few years, and my favorite is being able to take time to create cards to give to others on their special days of celebration. My other hobby is fishing. My best fishing partner is my husband; we live just seven minutes from the boat dock and love being able to grab our gear and hit the water to fish. We fish for salmon, walleye, bass and, once in a while, steelhead. There is nothing like being on the Columbia River with the sun rising over the water, with hills and mountains on both sides of you.

What is your biggest extravagance?

Not sure it is extravagant, but I like to have a certain type of fishing gear and lures as I have a rule for myself for this activity: All my gear and lures have to have pink on them! I have been known to make sure I am ready for salmon season by making sure my nails are even pink! It is a little silly, but why do life if you can’t be silly at times?

What motivates you to come to work?

I have a deep passion to help our businesses to be successful, which helps create a healthy and vibrant community. My daily challenge is to make sure my team and I are doing all we can to help our businesses not only survive but thrive.

What ambitions do you still have?

My work ambition is to continue to find ways, tools or methods that will help our businesses and in turn enrich our local community and economy. My personal ambitions are to make sure I am the best wife, mama, and friend possible, but my very personal goal is to continue to work on my health journey so that I can be the best version of me for me.

Who is your professional role model?

I have had mentors along the way as a chamber director who have helped with leadership, skills, tools and talking me off the ledge of crazy decisions — but my husband has been my rock. His background and knowledge of economics, agricultural, small business and consulting has provided me the valuable ability to talk through processes and issues on all levels.