Chamber to install officers via Zoom Thursday

BY Ariana Shah

Historically, The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce installation dinner is a gala event, with all in attendance dressed to the nines and the officers standing at the conclusion of the evening for the swearing in of officers and the passing of the gavel to the new president.

Like so many other Canyon Lake events, COVID-19 has wiped out the installation event this year. The installation dinners have been occurring regularly since the first Chamber of Commerce board was installed on Feb. 10, 1992 and Colleen Bishop was named as its first president..

Instead, members of the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will be officially sworn in by Canyon Lake Mayor Kasey Castillo on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in a virtual Zoom city hall ceremony. After the installation, the celebration continues with an opening of a bottle of wine and Canyon Lakers will be able to virtually meet and chat with the new directors.

“We have been putting so much energy and love into the Chamber,” Kristina Rasband, the Chamber’s marketing and communications director, said. “Last year was a blessing in disguise because we have been able to transform the Chamber into something really special. We are so excited to start hosting events for our members and the community. What better way to start than with our virtual installation and a virtual happy hour! Everyone loves wine and the comfort of their own home.”

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce’s goal, Kristina said, is to serve as a bond between businesses and the community. The Chamber supports and encourages businesses to network with each other at monthly Chamber networking events, advertise through social media platforms, and hold meetings designed to inform successful business culture. The Chamber also advocates for pro-business policies to ensure a flourishing local economy.

“I am excited to be a part of the newly re-energized and revamped Chamber of Commerce,” Sonja Kent Garibay, the organization’s new director of community events, said. “I look forward to the many fun and exciting events we have planned that our community can do to help support our local businesses during these times. Canyon Lake has shown we have the grit and grace to overcome the impact of the pandemic. I am so proud to be a resident and give back by serving on this board.”

To join in on the Zoom broadcast, access the link at https://business.canyonlakechamber.org/events.