September 1, 2005

Passing the baton at the COMPAC Barbecue

By Kymberli Brady
Staff Writer

Last Thursday, nearly 1,000 elected officials, community leaders, and chamber members gathered at History Park for what many of the valley’s movers and shakers consider the political networking event of the year—the COMPAC Barbecue.

Outgoing Chamber CEO Jim Cunneen passes the leadership role to his successor, Pat Dando.

The $150-per person event, which sells out every year, raises funds to support the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee [COMPAC], a bipartisan group organized in 1982 dedicated to raising support for pro-business issues and candidates running for local and statewide office. With an election around the corner, it was the perfect setting for candidates to flex their political muscle and network for votes.

It was also time for outgoing Chamber CEO Jim Cunneen to pass the Chamber baton to his successor, Pat Dando.

“I think the mark of any great leader is to leave behind an organization that has momentum and a life of its own, and is so good that it attracts a leader better than the previous one,” he said. “In Pat Dando, we have done just that.”

For more information on the Chamber, contact Jay Rosenthal at (408) 999-0222.

Pat Dando, center, returns to San Jose for the COMPAC Barbecue, the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends, including Insurance Commissioner Candidate Steve Poizner, left, and District Attorney, George Kennedy. She returns to San Jose for good later this month to run the chamber.	Dando takes a moment to visit with old friends, firefighters Mark Skeen, left, and Randy Sekani, both with their wives Kim, left, and Mariann. Photos by Kymberli Brady

Senator Joe Simitian stops for a photo op with Bill Wagner and County Supervisor Jim Beall.	Senators Abel Maldonado, right, and Elaine Alquist (D) chat with former Chamber president Jim Cunneen. Photos by Kymberli Brady