By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
The tri-chamber mixer, held by the mountain area chambers of commerce each year, gives the members of all three chambers an opportunity to learn what the other chambers are doing and what the other businesses on the mountain are doing and networking together.
The three chambers who participated in the Oct. 17 event were the Running Springs Area Chamber, the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber and the Crestline Chamber of Commerce. The general purpose of the chamber of commerce is to promote the growth of businesses within a community. Since these mountain areas are unincorporated, the chambers do more, including attracting vacationers and tourists to the area to bring up outside customers for the businesses as well as encourage the growth of business services for residents.
The members of the three chambers mixing together at the tri-chamber mixer on Oct. 17.
This year, the Crestline Chamber of Commerce was the host chamber, so they held it inside at the San Moritz Lodge on the shore of Lake Gregory. About 150 business owners, executives and chamber members from Green Valley Lake to Cedarpines Park attended – mixing, sharing business cards and learning about each other’s businesses and what each could do to support their individual communities, the greater mountain area and their customers.
As each person checked in, they were given a free “welcome” glass of wine, sponsored by the Crestline chamber.
After all three chamber presidents arrived – Louis Boehle from the Crestline chamber, Cecilia Ponce de Leon from Lake Arrowhead and Kevin Somes from Running Springs – awards were presented to three local charitable nonprofit organizations, as chosen by the chambers themselves. Armando Martinez, representing Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh’s office also brought specialized certificates from the California State Senate for each honored organization.
The first organization recognized was Soroptimist International of Rim of the World, (SIROW). Senator Ochoa Bogh recognized SIROW for its “unwavering dedication to empowering women and its commitment to promoting social and economic equality through its local and impactful projects…. You have my most sincere appreciation.” SIROW has many programs that improve the status and economic abilities of women and girls in this community, through their awards programs and improving self-esteem through its “Every Girl Counts” program at MPH Intermediate School. SIROW President Virgie Witte accepted the certificate, with a smile.
Second to be recognized was the Rim of the World Educational Foundation, which raises funds to support numerous programs in Rim schools from the elementary through high school levels. Rim of the World High School has two significant programs that teach students new skills for their lifetime success. The AVID program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) gives students academic successful organizational skills for those intending to continue their education beyond high school. The ROP/CTE (Regional Occupational Program/Career Technical Education) classes impact and change lives by giving real world experiences that enable them to get employment beyond just the entry level. Senator Ochoa Bogh’s certificate recognized Rim Ed’s “dedication to enriching students’ lives and supporting quality educational programs and enhancing student achievement. You have made a lasting impact on the community by empowering youth towards building a brighter future.” Rim Ed President JoBonita Rains was very appreciative of the honor and the $300 check for Rim Ed.
The third group recognized was Golden Oaks Senior Citizens Club, which operates the club for the seniors, plus a thrift store which helps by “enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens in the Running Springs and surrounding area, through accessible facilities, programs and community resources… You have enriched the community and fostered a vibrant and inclusive environment,” was the wording on Senator Ochoa Bogh’s certificate.
There was much cheering, clapping and congratulations for each group and several chicken dancing demonstrations occurred. The mood in the room was warm, friendly and gregarious between the members of the three chambers. Many spent their time networking to see how they could work together to improve all of their businesses.
Little Bear Valley Blues band rocked the San Moritz Lodge.
Afterwards, many of the chamber members went into the lodge’s large dining room, set up with tables and chairs and the dance floor. Just outside was the Chicken Republic food truck offering food for purchase as the chamber members listened to and had an additional two hours to dance to music by the Little Bear Valley Blues band, which offered up a wide variety of wonderful toe-tapping music.
The Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce and visitors center office is located in Lake Arrowhead Village on the second floor of the lower level in Suite 01-270 and is open weekends. Its phone number is (909) 336-1547.
The Crestline Chamber of Commerce and visitors center has almost completed its interior remodel and new ADA-accessible steps (since their deck was destroyed in the snow) and is located on the north shore of Lake Gregory at 24385 Lake Drive in Crestline. Its phone is (909) 338-2706. After the current remodel, they will be open weekdays and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Running Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is located inside the Hootman Center at 2929 Running Springs School Road in Running Springs and hours are by appointment. Its phone number is (909) 867-2411.
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