One of the advantages of working at one business journal for so long is the opportunity longevity affords to get to know entrepreneurs and others involved in the business community.

One of the disadvantages is the people you meet and with whom you develop professional relationships sometimes leave. They sell their ventures. They move away to take other jobs. They retire.

It’s a bit like riding a subway. You hop on at one stop and ride for a while with other passengers. If you’re fortunate, you get to know them and learn about their abilities, interests and goals. Eventually, though, they get off. It’s unlikely you’ll ever get on and off the subway with the same group. All you can do is enjoy their company while you can.

I’ll never forget them as individuals. But I long ago lost track of the collective number of business owners and managers, government officials and organizational leaders I’ve counted as news sources over the years and with whom I no longer work.

All this comes to mind as I report about the impending retirement of Diane Schwenke. The president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is among the sources it’s been my privilege to work with the longest.

I still remember interviewing Diane for one of the first stories I wrote for the Business Times. That was before I became editor and worked on a freelance basis. That was also 25 years ago. Doesn’t time fly by? In a blink it seems.

I’ve interviewed Diane countless times since then. I called upon her so frequently for several reasons. For one, she was always prompt in responding to my requests, mindful journalists face deadlines and sooner is always better than later. For another, she knew so much about Grand Valley businesses and the challenges local businesses face. If there ever was a go-to source who kept her finger on the proverbial pulse of the business community, it was Diane.

I talked with others who’ve worked with Diane over the years. They described her as aggressive and impatient — but in a good way because she wanted to tackle problems and find solutions as quickly as possible. Again, the sooner the better. Moreover, she was never afraid of the often raucous intersection of business and politics — or backed down from her fierce defense of businesses and business interests. That’s exactly the kind of leader businesses need in an advocacy group.

I’m not certain when Diane will get off the subway — although she expects a successor will be selected soon. Nor do I know where her retirement adventures will take her. Somewhere enjoyable and rewarding, I hope.

For now, though, I remain grateful for all those news sources with whom I’ve been blessed to enjoy our ride together. That includes Diane Schwenke.