Mike Coleman - Black Tie Lifetime Achievement Award 2014
The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that Mike Coleman is the 2014 recipient of the Black Tie Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Coleman is a former Alderman and multi-term Mayor of the City of Duncan. Well known for his work in civic government Mr. Coleman was also honoured with the Queen’s Counsel designation in 2010. Mr. Coleman has been practicing law for more than four decades and founded Coleman Fraser Whittome Lehan in 1971.
“There is only one Mike Coleman,” says Chamber President George Gates. “Few have done more to shape our community. Mike participated in the founding of Family Life, Big Brothers, Cowichan United Way, Hiiye Yu Lelum (House of Friendship), Community Futures, Legal Aid, the Cowichan Foundation, the Cowichan Valley Bar Association and the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation. He accomplished so much for the community, all while running, and continuing to run, a successful law firm.”
Duncan’s longest serving Mayor, Mr. Coleman was recognized as a Freeman of the City in 2011. During his time in civic government he helped develop VIU’s Cowichan campus, revamped City Square, boosted relations with Cowichan Tribes, bring the 2008 North American Indigenous Games to Duncan and forged links with Duncan’s sister cities Meru, Kenya and Montmagny, Quebec. He and his wife Barbara are avid travelers but always call Duncan home. They have three adult sons – Charlie and Jamie live in the area, while Ted is in the Lower Mainland. At work, Mike represents clients in criminal cases and in matters of wills and estates.
Mr. Coleman’s extensive contribution is based on a deep commitment to community, “I think the more you serve the public directly or indirectly, by election or otherwise, the more the community benefits and the more you benefit,” says Mr. Coleman. “It’s about being involved in life.”
Presented annually, the Black Tie Lifetime Achievement Award honours individuals who make significant, lasting contributions that benefit citizens now, and in the generations to come. Recipients are selected by the Chamber President in consultation with the Board and the previous year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. The Award will be formally presented to Mr. Coleman at the Black Tie Awards Banquet and Auction on April 5, 2014. Awards in all other categories will also be announced and presented that evening.