FINLEY >> With a testament to the past and an eye on the future, the Lake County Chamber of Commerce installed their board of directors for the year of 2025 on January 22.
New director Amanda Martin noted she would specifically like to thank board member Don Smith, director of well-being and engagement for Adventist Health, as well as recognizing other board members including Robert Boccabella, Alex Nunez Dianne Plante-Tomkins, Kendall Fults, Greg Folsom and Weston Seifert.
She then transitioned to a recognition of Georgett Eggel, who served the Chamber six years, yet recently passed away following a struggle with her health. Martin read a dedication to Eggel written by Laura McAndrews Sammel, former executive director. It stated: Georgett began her journey with the Chamber on Nov. 5, 2018, dedicating nearly six years to the organization. “Georgett embraced her position with enthusiasm, curiosity, using the Destination Magazine as her guide,” MacAndrews Sammel said. “She quickly became an indispensable perk of the Lake County Chamber, Incorporated. In her multifaced role, she was the voice of the organization, and also the point-of-contact for phone calls.
Georgett and her husband would embark on weekend adventures exploring every corner of Lake County, McAndrews Sammel went on. “Tis was more than personal; enjoyment, it was her way of immersing herself in a local community, to better serve residents and visitors,” McAndrews Sammel stressed. And Eggel’s commitment was evident in in her determination to learn, connect and celebrate Lake County. “Geogett quickly became an indispensable perk of Lake County Chamber, Incorporated, she was the very spokes of the wheel;” McAndrews Sammel praised.
In addition, Eggel was a Certified Ambassador Tourism program manager, created and contributed to their newsletter, supported social media efforts and organized mixers and events. “Her dedication and creativity touched every aspect of the Chamber’s work,” added McAndrews Sammel. Eggel had relocated to Lake County to be near her daughter and grandchildren “As a colleague and friend, Georgett was deeply respected,” McAndrews Sammel noted. “She will be remembered with a smile and the testament she brought to every service. Her legacy with the community will be fondly remembered.”
Also singled out, was Coleen Lee, a Tourism Ambassador and a volunteer for Lakeshore Lioness, 100 Strong, and the Lower Lake Community Action Group. “We need to recognize Coleen here,” said Martin. “When volunteering in the Chamber and when Georgett went out on medical leave, Coleen was asked to fill in. So, we have this beautiful gift, (a house plant), to recognize everything Coleen does. She’s been holding down for the Chamber through many transitions, and she commits to Lake County with a great sense of humor.”
Melissa Fulton, former Chamber executive director, also addressed the gathering. Fulton poignantly remarked, if one worked at the Chamber as a job, your tenure is not likely to last. But if Chamber work is a passion, one’s position can be assured a long duration. “Strong leaders, guide and perpetuate a team and work for an effective organization,” said Fulton, who added the Chamber also functions to assist businesses to grow and can offer value to the community. They must keep up with legislation to assure their issues receive attention and their businesses thrive in the community. “For the people who step up to take these offices (on the Chamber Board), know their commitment, is not an insignificant matter … and we ow them a great debt of gratitude.
Proceedings closed with a proclamation to Kenny and Deanna Parlet, owners of the Lakeview Supermarket & Deli. The proclamation was read by Greg Folsom, which read in part:
Whereas, Lakeview Market & Deli has nourished the heart and soul of the Lake County residents…
Whereas, Kenny and Deana’s contributions have uplifted local causes, let be known that January 22 …Is Kenny and Deanna Parlet Appreciation Day.
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