Although current records state that the (former) Lakeport Chamber of Commerce (now the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, originated in November 1946, a photograph brought into me about 15 years ago by a lifelong resident of Lakeport says something different. That photograph is from the early 1900s on Main Street in Lakeport, when the streets were still dirt; it depicts a sign hanging in front of an office stating ‘Lakeport Chamber of Commerce’.
The Lake County Chamber of Commerce name was adopted about eight years ago as we have so many members from all areas of the county, which has been the case for over 30 years. We are the largest business organization in Lake County, currently fluctuating between 450 to 470 members. We support all the Lake County business organizations and encourage businesses to join us but, to be sure to support their local community business organizations.
In this first column from the CEO I wish to introduce our 2019 Board Members:
President, Joe Casteel, North Bay Merchant Services: Joe lives in the Rivieras and his business is located in Lakeport
Vice President, Lisa Wilson, Clear Lake Campground: Lisa lives and has her business in Clearlake; she currently serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Clearlake.
Finance Officer, Diane Plante: Diane Plante, Tomkins Tax Consultants in Lucerne and Lakeport, she lives in Lucerne
Lance Butcher, Lakeport Disposal, Lakeport Recycle and Perkins Septic: headquartered in Lakeport and Lance lives in Lakeport
Gary Riesen, G&G Printing; Gary lives in Lakeport where his business is located.
Jill Jensen, Lincoln-Leavitt Insurance: Jill lives in Lakeport and her business is in Lakeport
Chuck Sberna, SERVPRO of Lake, Mendocino and Sonoma Counties: Chuck lives in Lakeport and serves the entire Lake County area as well as several customers in the other two counties.
Stephanie Simon, Twin Pine Casino: Stephanie lives and works in Middletown, is a Tribal Member of the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians.
Jeremy Zabel, Park Place Restaurant: Jeremy lives and works in Lakeport
Jim Magliulo, Country Air Commercial: Jim lives in Lakeport and serves commercial properties around the County
Marcus Mahling, Farmers Insurance: Marcus lives in Clearlake and his office is in Clearlake Oaks.
David Santos, Adventist Health Clear Lake: David lives in Hidden Valley Lake, with primary office in Clearlake.
Ariel Carmona, Lake County Record-Bee: Ariel Carmona lives in Nice and his office is in Lakeport.
Danielle Matthews Seperas, Calpine: lives in Hidden Valley Lake and her local office is in Middletown
Helena Welsh, Lake County Winery Association: Helena lives in Cobb and her office is in Lakeport.
To support the economic health of our members as well as the broader business community of Lake County, this Chamber strives to bring new customers into the County. In January we partnered with Konocti Vista Casino to have a booth at the very popular International Sportsmen’s Exposition at CalExpo in Sacramento. Our booth location was three spaces away from the very popular Bass Tank featuring several speakers demonstrating fishing techniques over the four days of the event. This show draws many thousands of outdoor sports enthusiasts each January. We line up volunteers from around the County to staff the booth and talk about all that we have to offer to visitors, fishing enthusiasts and families seeking to find vacation opportunities.
We just produced the 32nd Clear Lake Team Bass Tournament (initially known as the Record-Bee/Bruno’s Tournament). We have partnered with Konocti Vista Casino Resort & Marina for the past few years and additional sponsors this year were Valley Oaks/Ken Porter, The Getaway – Views from Over the Lake and Country Air Properties. Hobby Dave Noland made an outstanding video that you will be able to view on www.lakecochamber.com soon. This year the Tournament launched 130 boats (260 participants), 25 boats from Lake County, the balance from out of County with 13 boats from out of California! The out of area participants typically spend $1000 during their stay which can include several days pre-fishing.
