Don Burrus
DirectorCommittees: Education (Business Expo and Seminars), Philanthropy (Scholarship and Community Giving)
Profession: Business Development Facilitator
Years in business: 5
City of Residence: San Jose
How Long: 4 years
Goals in my business: Earlier in this area of my work, my goal was to build a reputation and client base to be a resource to me in my long-term aspiration: to eventually develop and manage my own small hotel. Currently, I work with the San Jose Redevelopment Agency to facilitate growth for the City of San Jose.
Accomplishments: As an engineer, I was approached by the United Nations to join a corps of engineers going to Russia as a manufacturing/engineer exchange program to teach them our methods and learn theirs. I graduated top of my graduate school program with a Masters Degree in Hospitality Management from Purdue University. Currently, I serve as the President of the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce.
Skills: Project management skills; excellent facilitator in respect to contract negotiations and conflict resolution. Very strong management skills - from managing technical engineers to running the front desk of hospitality venues. Strong written and oral communication skills.
Hobbies/Activities of Interest: Acting, music (instrumental and vocal), playing games (board and head - just kidding), avid cook, active conversationalist.
My Key to Success: My gregarious personality coupled with a ravenous appetite for learning. I love learning.
Why I choose to serve on the Board: One, because I love being involved in business development and I'm an entrepreneur at heart. Two, I wanted an opportunity to be constructively involved in the LGBT community. Lastly, because of working with people like Kate Frias, Michael LoMonaco and Mark Gillard, I've come to know some exceptional people.
My vision for the chamber: To develop core business services that help our members' businesses flourish.