By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY

Staff Writer

The Crestline Chamber of Commerce held its first public meeting of the 2023 new year where they elected their new executive board from the board members after the election held last December.

Michele Hake is continuing as president from last year, along with Vice President Louis Boehle. Secretary Sara Gutierrez is also continuing from last year and Nathan Godwin is the newly elected treasurer. The newest elected member of the board of directors is Mike Ellison of Ellison Asphalt, who was introduced.

The board is seeking to hire a new bookkeeper to transfer the books from the old bookkeeping system to the new method for the new treasurer. The public meetings are the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the chamber office.

The winter edition of Crestline Magazine has been released and mailed to all local post office boxes. They are being placed in local tourism centers and chamber members’ stores and businesses, when requested. They hope that short-term rental owners also will have the magazine for their visitors to use in their units, as the magazine showcases things to do, places to go and shop and a listing of all chamber members and their services.

The Crestline Visitor Center, located at the Crestline Chamber of Commerce office at 24385 Lake Drive just before the dam, on the north shore of Lake Gregory, is undergoing a renovation creating a more efficient visitor center. It has already had the carpet replaced with wood flooring and the new blinds are installed. They are moving forward to create a visitor’s center that will impress community guests who walk in the door by representing the amazing things that are available in Crestline, in a professional and modern manner, including a video screen that will be presenting the video on the events and activities that occur in town all year long. That video is also available for screening at visitcrestline.org.

During the treasurer’s report, it was noted the budget for next year is still being finalized with the transfer of the volunteer treasurer’s job. The Transit Occupancy Tax funds that are collected by the county for those who rent vacation lodging in the community will be going to marketing and events that create tourism. The dates of the Corks & Hops event in town are set for the first Saturday of each month from June through October, except for July when it will be on July 8.

The first ever winter Corks & Hops will be a “Mardi Gras on the Mountain” themed party inside the San Moritz Lodge with tickets at $55 each, purchased in advance.  There will be beer and wine tastings and, as always, food will be available for purchase. There will be live bands, all within the Mardi Gras theme, with Sharon Bizzy coordinating the music, so this event will be unique for the area. Since it is inside, the number of attendees is limited. Costumes are encouraged for all attendees during this New Orleans-themed Mardi Gras Corks & Hops. Because of the theme, it is for adults only. Vicki Vargas is coordinating residents who want to volunteer, so those who want to be involved should call the chamber office at (909) 338-2706 and leave their contact information.

The family-friendly Duck Derby will be on the Saturday before Easter, with an egg hunt in the morning and the Duck Derby race in the afternoon. The work to make that happen begins with the counting of the ducks, which will occur on Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. at the chamber office. It must be verified that all numbered ducks exist before they are sold. Volunteers are encouraged to come help count the ducks; pizza will be served. Those who want to be involved in the event with booths, face painting and food should contact the chamber office at (909) 338-2706. The first planning committee meeting for the Duck Derby is Feb. 6 at 10 a.m.

Planning for the July 1 and 2, 2023, Jamboree Days weekend with the theme “Amazing Mountain Adventures” is already accepting sponsorships, and they already have two of the sponsoring spaces filled while planning is underway. If you want to be a part of the Jamboree Days committee, they meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. at the chamber office; beginning in June, the committee will be meeting weekly, finishing up the details for the holiday weekend. Dirk Rinker is the chairman of the event and will be assisted by Grayson Lopez. Gunnar Jorgensen is vice chair and is in charge of dignitaries. Vicki Vargas is coordinating the volunteers for the weekend.

The chamber is seeking members who wish to host the 2023 business mixers. They are often held in the late afternoon or evening, although it is up to the businesses to set the time and date. It is an excellent way to promote your business and what you do for the community. Some of last year’s businesses that sponsored the chamber mixers were Bizzyland, Designed by Faith, Leisure Shores Senior Center and Refresh on the Mountain. Contact Sherry at the chamber office at (909) 338-2706 to learn the details and dates available.

PHOTO: Crestline COC-Michelle Hake

(Photo by Rhea-Frances Tetley)
Crestline Chamber president Michelle Hake answers a question from the audience. Sitting to her right is the chamber’s new treasurer, Nathan Godwin.