CLEARLAKE — The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce met for its first dinner meeting of the New Year on Tuesday at Howard”s Grotto in Clearlake. The event welcomed an enthusiastic crowd that saw the installation of the chamber”s new officers and directors elected to serve posts in 2011.
Retired Judge Richard Freeborn delivered the oaths of office.
Outgoing President Bob Rider said there are many exciting changes ahead for the chamber. He said the future of the organization will be highlighted by its new leaders at next month”s dinner meeting, to be held, buffet style, at the Moose Lodge in Clearlake Oaks. “We”ve got new staff on board and great sense of what we want to be as a chamber,” Rider said. One effort that Rider said is pending is the chamber”s intent to move toward establishing its own operation location separate from city involvement.
Michael Horner, of Bi-Coastal Media, will serve as chamber president in the coming year. The position of president-elect will be served by Lamont Kucer, of Foods, Etc.
“Things are changing at the chamber. These are transitional times not only for the chamber but for the community as well,” Horner said. “We are looking for ways to be a better value for our business members. We need to get excited about this chamber again and that”s what we”re doing.”
Filling board director positions this year will be Mike Boyle, of Artisan Handiworks; Coleen Lee, of Clearlake Walmart; and Carolyn Shipley, of The Penny Slaver. “I think there are a lot fresh new ideas among our membership,” Shipley said. “I”m really excited about this what this year will bring to our businesses and our community.”
In addition to the new leaders elected to serve the chamber, a new receptionist has been welcomed aboard. Jen Jenson introduced herself to the membership during the meeting and said she looks forward to building new relationships and serving the needs of the chamber.
The evening”s agenda included community announcements and a presentation by Lee on behalf of Clearlake Walmart. Lee presented Highlands Senior Center Executive Director Linda Burton with a check for $500. Checks ranging from $250 to $500 will also be presented to Habitat for Humanity, Southlake Fire Safe Council and Lake Family Resource Center on behalf of Clearlake Walmart, Lee said.
For more information regarding the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce call 994-3600.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
